A place to yap

wishful thinking

2009-08-29T15:28:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday night I thought I had gotten my wish... my cousin Kelly said she'd loan me some of the money I needed as long as I met her "conditions". I said "sure, what are they?"

Condition #1... she said "See if you can get someone to come up with part of the $$ and I will cover the other part." Done!!

Condition #2... she said "I want to talk to your MIL because I want to verify what you have said to me" Did it!! I had her call on Thursday.

Condition #3... she said "I want to go with you to pay for your truck, bcuz I'm not just going to hand you the $$." I told her no problem, we'll go together to send it to them.

Then on Friday, I get a text that says, "I want you to call me, my number is ###-####." I tried calling twice. She was busy. So I texted her and explained that I tried calling her, I was going to be going on lunch in about 15 mins. During my lunch I would be contacting GMAC about the payoff as long as she was still in for it. Because I had met and agreed to her conditions I didn't see any reason to be apprehensive.

She texted me back after the 15 mins and asked if I was on lunch, I said "yes, if you want to call me, call my cell". About 5 mins passed, then my phone rang. It was Kelly, she informed me that she changed her mind. I went into panic mode. I asked why - she said that since my MIL had no "guarantee" that she could go back to FL where she lives and definitely get a loan to pay her back immediately, then she didn't feel "comfortable" enough to help me out. She also told me that I would have the truck paid off, the title clear, and then would stiff her on the payments. I was so dumbfounded and panicked!!

I know I started babbling on and on about how I KNOW that I wouldn't do that to family or anybody else...she had given me a whole family speech on Wednesday anyways. She then went into this really long spiel - it came down to the pot calling the kettle black. We've both done things in our life that we're not proud of, but we've survived and learned.

I was so hurt and outraged that I couldn't take listening to her BS anymore without saying something that would be so hurtful to her that we'd never recover - I just hung up on her. My brain was kicking out some really nasty things and I knew if I listened to one more word I'd lose the little bit of self-control I had and blow. Not to mention that I was at work and I want to keep my new job.

She has since deleted me as her friend on facebook and has probably even deleted me out of her phone and email account.

I know it's her money. I understand inside my brain that you can't force people to do something they don't want to, but I'm still angry with her because she said that she'd do it if I did her damned conditions. Like usual, when I see a door slammed in my face, it's wishful thinking that a window will open up that's big enough for me to find my way through!!

I just wanna cry

2009-08-24T17:30:00.000-07:00

This past year has just majorly sucked! I lost my house, my job, what was left of my sanity, and now - now they've repo'd my truck. I've been trying to work with GMAC, however, all they want is their $6000.

I've called almost everybody I know, explained my situation, and asked for a helping hand. To which the replies have varied from "if we had it I would definitely borrow it to you" to "sorry, but if we give to you then we gotta give to everyone" to "I only spend money to make money".

I have helped every one of these people in one way or another and am at a place where I just wanna cry. I have worked so hard and I don't know what else to do. I'm working, I'm more than willing to pay this "loan" back with interest, I just need more than prayers. I'm super frustrated right now and wish there was some kind of solution. Anybody out there??

This week...

2009-05-17T17:21:00.000-07:00

I gotta say this week was a pretty busy one.

On Tuesday night poor Logan slipped in the shower and put his back through the wall - had to call the landlord over to look at it. The landlord came on Thursday and said we should fix it and take it off of our rent. YEAH!!!!!!
So I asked them if I could rip out the carpet in the other two bathrooms and replace it with vinyl tile and add in an exhaust fan for them too. After they talked about it they decided that Terry and I should go ahead and do it... they just wanted to see the tile I picked first! YEAHYEAHYEAH!!!

Thursday, Terry also had to leave for the Dells for a weekend of shooting darts in a tournament. He was the cheerleader on Thursday - the guy he went with didn't do too hot. Friday, they shot doubles and did a little bit better - no cash payout though. Then on Saturday, him and 3 guys shot team - they tied for 2nd with four other teams. Unfortunately, they were eliminated because they didn't do as well on one game when it came down to it all....grrrrrr so frustrating. I'm just glad the guys got to do a little better this time than last year. Next year it's in the Dells again and I'm hoping that we can use it as a family getaway, then the boys and I can spend some time at the waterparks while Terry's shooting.

Friday, I went to lunch with my Grams and cousin's wife, Jenny. We went for Chinese at a nearby restaurant and had some nice conversation. This is the first time they've been to the "new" house. I was sad to see them go, but glad they got to come.

Saturday morning I went to the home improvement shop, Menards, and picked up the vinyl tile and a few other things before I can start my new project. I'm soooooooooo excited!!!!!!

Sunday, today, I started ripping up the carpet - - - YUCKY!!!!!!!!! I got the carpet & pad ripped out, all the staples up and the carpet tacking out. Terry came in and pulled out the yucky, smelly toilet. I vacuumed the floor to make sure I got everything. I sprayed down the shower with some bubbly, cleaning stuff, and then scrubbed the floor with bleach water. The floor is drying as we speak.

Tomorrow morning I'm going to head into the bathroom and paint the floor with some primer that contains mold & mildew killer and preventative in it. I hope that it will be dry by the afternoon so I can get started with laying the tile. Tomorrow after Terry gets home he can recaulk the shower to prevent future leaks and reinstall the toilet.

Next weekend we'll be doing the other bathroom...well the 2nd bathroom, the one with the hole in the shower will have to wait until payday. Plus we have to figure out what we can do about it.

I can't wait!!!!!!!!! I'll have to see what I can do about getting pics posted on all of this "construction"!! I totally forgot to do a before shot of our bathroom, but will be taking during and after ones from now on!

today.......

2009-05-09T07:18:00.000-07:00

This morning I woke up and feel just as crappy as the weather outside.

Have you ever felt like you are standing in a room full of people screaming and nobody pays attention? That is how I feel right now. I either have tears in my eyes or have them streaming down my face.

I feel like a basketcase and can't seem to shake it today. I know it will pass, I WILL NOT let this feeling take over - I am way too strong to fall into that oblivion of depression that I feel is trying to swallow me whole!

This is the 10th year without my mom. She let depression take over her life October 1999 and I miss her soooooooooooooooo much. It hurts today like that first day, maybe it's the approach of another holiday - a special event.

My hubby, 2 boys & I are going to spend today together doing a little shopping. We had such a good rummage sale last weekend that we are going to splurge!! We are going to go out for lunch and the movies as well. It should be a pretty good day even though the rain is falling.

Jacob just came in and saw my tears - he gave me a huge hug and an "I love u mom". I feel a lot better now. Plus Terry is in the kitchen making us some breakfast - scrambled eggs, toast & sausage - mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!!!!

Gotta shake this off!! I can't let this drag me down - I need me, my family needs me, I am stronger than this.

Ok, gotta go get me some breakfast and start this day over right now. Put a real smile on my face and remember that I am loved by many people!!

Happy 40th B-day Terry

2009-04-22T07:04:00.000-07:00

This weekend my hubby celebrated the big 4-0. We had a party, had friends over, acted goofy, and a few friends had a bit much to drink!

I made the cake to look as close to his truck as I could...

Here's the real truck...........

Terry's mom tried to embarrass him in front of his friends. She sent him the following items, but didn't know when they would be delivered. They delivered in the morning before people even arrived, everyone thought it was very cute.........

A good time was had by all. I'm glad most of the people invited showed up and celebrated with us. We all know there is only one 40th b-day and I'm glad that Terry enjoyed himself as much as he did!!

2009-04-03T21:13:00.001-07:00

I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful life, my loving family for less gray hair or a flatter belly. As I've aged, I've become kinder to myself, and less critical of myself. I've become my own friend. I don't chide myself for eating that extra cookie, or for not making my bed, or for buying that silly cement gecko that I didn't need, but looks so avante garde on my patio. I am entitled to a treat, to be messy, to be extravagant...

I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging.

Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 AM and sleep until noon? I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 60 & 70's, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love...I will.

I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves with abandon if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the jet set.

They, too, will get old. I know I am sometimes forgetful. But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten. And I eventually remember the important things.

Sure, over the years my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even when somebody's beloved pet gets hit by a car? But broken hearts are what give us strength and understanding and compassion. A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect.

I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face. So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver.

As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think. I don't question myself anymore. I've even earned the right to be wrong.

So, to answer your question, I like being old. It has set me free. I like the person I have become. I am not going to live forever, but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be.. And I shall eat dessert every single day (if I feel like it).

another ranting

2009-03-30T17:59:00.000-07:00

I know we all have that one person who gets under our skin no matter how hard we try - well let me introduce you to my biggest pain in the rear... my mother-in-law.

This woman has been a thorn in my side for the past 17 years and I gotta say that I could definitely live without her, however, she is my hubby's mother and grandmother to my children. Although she acts like neither one.

I'm sure y'all have figured out that we're going through some financial difficulty, so I asked this woman if we could borrow some money. She says she'll see what she can do and then get back to us - that was over 3 weeks ago now. She's not answering our phone calls, our text messages or our e-mails.

This woman has butted into my life on numerous occassions - she told us that we should wait to get married until after I gave birth to my 2nd child (Terry's first)-we didn't wait. Then after we got married and had Josh, she told us that since his oldest sister lost a child the same day Josh was born that we should have her & her hubby be his godparents - which we did (however when I had to go through treatments for my cervical cancer and then couldn't have anymore children she didn't step in to tell oldest sister to ask us to be godparents for their last child).
She makes promises to our kids that she doesn't keep, but will go out of her way for Terry's sisters kids.

Terry doesn't have the balls to tell this woman to quit the crap and stop treating all of us so shittily! I gotta say, I've definitely had enough! I haven't done a damn thing except be the best mom I know how to my kids and be a good wife to my husband - I know that's what I want for my daughters-in-law when the time comes.

How can a mom treat 2 of her kids so wonderfully and then crap on the 3rd? I try my best to treat my 3 boys all the same - I totally understand that no one can love each of them exactly the same way because they're 3 different human beings, but they are definitely loved the same amount.

2009-03-13T07:23:00.000-07:00

I keep meaning to get back in here and post something, but then I get busy with something else. The damn laundry needs doing AGAIN, I think it and the dishes multiply when I'm not looking or the neighbors are bringing theirs over!!

I'm working on 2 different sewing projects right now, a christmas stocking for my cousin's son and a table cloth for my great-aunt Glady. Both will be beautiful when I'm done, but I forget how much time this stuff takes.

Then there's the job hunting - yeah right, that would suggest that there are jobs out there to be had!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!

I'm not giving up, I'm just fed up with all there is to do. I understand I'm at home and not "working" but I sure could use some help. When I do suggest it, I just get that look and then they grudgingly do stuff. I just wanna take the day off from stressing over everything........I don't wanna worry about paying bills with non-existent money, doing the laundry, making phone calls, dishes, what are we having for dinner??, anything and everything!!

I don't want to go anywhere or do anything for anyone. If I wanna sit at the computer all day and just look at facebook or myspace or play a game on msn or pogo so be it.

Phew - thanks for listening!!

Good News!!

2009-01-12T16:05:00.001-08:00

I just waned to let everyone know the good news!!! We found a house to rent... it's 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms - HUGE!! The rent is even cheaper than our old house payment!!

Thank you for your prayers on this for my family and most of all thank you God!! Thank you for seeing my family through this rough time and helping us.

We move this weekend - so far it's me, hubby, our sons (although Logan has to work all day Saturday), and a couple of friends! I'm hoping more people show up, we've always dropped our stuff for everyone else - to do things for them, whatever they need, whenever they needed. I'm hoping all goes well!

Unfortunately, I am still applying for jobs and haven't had any responses. This is going to be another long road. I am praying for a job with decent pay and decent benefits that isn't too far from home. Lord hear my prayers.

OMG, I'm ready for a new year!!!!!

2008-12-15T01:49:00.000-08:00

This past week was the worst way to end such a horrible year! On Wednesday, my house was foreclosed on through a sheriff's auction. On Friday, work pulled me into a meeting and told me "the economy hasn't gotten better as they had hoped and no longer needed my services" (I'm out of a job)!! Then on Sunday, my 76 year old Grandma fell in her driveway and hit her head - she's all right, just going to be stiff and sore a lot longer.

This past week reminded me of a few weeks out of 1999. We had just bought the house the end of September, a week later a different employer said they no longer had a position due to my restrictions and let me go, and then a week after that my mom died.

I believe in God, I believe in Karma, I believe that I will get through this. I just wish that I could catch a break because I don't want to have to deal with anymore of this. My family and I have been through enough in the past few years, we just want a chance to recover without feeling like we're getting kicked while we're already down.

Today is a very busy day for me: if my boys have school - I will be dropping them off, then I have to take a few things back to my former employer. When I get home I need to call unemployment and go over their questionnaire, then start sorting through my stuff and deciding what I want to sell on craigslist, give away to Goodwill (St. Vincent de Paul), what gets packed for storage and what goes with us wherever we're moving to.

I also have to figure out where we're moving to, I need to call some ads I've seen in the paper and go check them out. I'm just hoping to keep my kids in their respective schools, because they don't want to lose their house, their friends, and their school all this month.

I've got some friends that are willing to help us move to wherever we are going. I've got to call around and see what other help is available around this time of year. And then I need to start making a list of places I can go to find a job. This is such a sucky time to be doing this!!!

Dear Lord, please help me to understand what I am going through right now, I need some help getting through this for me and for my family. Please help me find my way so I don't get lost

Yahoo!!

2008-11-25T19:02:00.000-08:00

I've got some great news!!!!! Logan is moving back home!! I am so happy that I'll have all my babies under one roof again.

He was having numerous problems at his father's and now he decided that he wanted to come home to his momma!

Thank you God for bringing my son back to me!!

Me vs Raptor

2008-10-09T03:50:00.000-07:00

Boo-Ya!!!!!! Give this a try and see how long you could survive!!

1 minute, 6 seconds

This past week.......

2008-09-21T10:05:00.001-07:00

I swear Monday morning I hit the ground running and didn't stop until this morning. Let me fill you in on what happened...

Obviously, Monday, I got up and went to work. Did my daily thing and then that afternoon I got home, grabbed a snack and back out the door we all went. Josh had a home soccer game. Logan even came with the girlfriend and spent some time with us. The two of them picked Jacob up from football practice. Right before they left he picked me up and cracked my upper back with a VERY tight squeeze, I lost my breath and felt very ill.

Tuesday I stayed home because I still didn't feel really good, but since Terry had the day off he decided that we needed to do some errands. I hardly got any time just to sit down. Then Josh had another soccer game at home. After the game we had to pick Jacob up from practice.

Wednesday morning I woke up feeling pretty good, until my text message went off on my cell phone. Hubby telling me that he had to bowl tonight, no family dinner like we planned. Did the normal workday and then home, grab a snack and off to the bowling alley. Thank goodness no football prac on Wednesdays

Thursday - went to work, home for a quick dinner, and then off to the ball diamond to watch Terry play fall softball. He had two games, I only stayed for 1. I was falling asleep on the bench! Logan picked up JT from practice again. Got home in time to help Josh put his bookcovers on his book, then off to bed for the three of us!!

Friday - uneventful workday. Orders were actually very slow, but that's ok. We had a company scheduled kickball event that afternoon. My team lost again this year. Terry even got to participate in the 2nd game because 2 of my team members left early, and 2 decided they didn't want to play anymore. Work provided dinner for the 2 of us, then we jetted home, zipped off to McDonald's for the boys and then out the door to get groceries. JT wasn't feeling well so he stayed home from practice.

Saturday - off and running this morning. JT had a football game and had to be 20 miles away for a 9 am game. We had to leave from home about 8:15. Terry had to take Josh to his JV soccer invite by 8:15 a.m. Josh had 2 games to play - unfortunately they lost both of them. Jacob's team won their football game 26-0. Jt and I zipped home so he could shower and then out the door we went to drive about 45 mins to the first of 3 birthday parties we had to attend. We got there for Bradley's 1st birthday on time and visited with family for a short while. At some lunch and then back out the door before they had a chance to open a present or cut the cake. Got back in time to head out to party #2 where Josh & Terry already were for friend Pete's 40th. Ate again, had a couple of drinks and then back out the door and home to drop off a vehicle before heading to the 3rd and final party. Shelby turned 8 on Friday and they had her party Sat evening. Josh stayed home, but Jt, Terry, and I arrived in time to eat and enjoy the family festivities. After enjoying the food, cake and ice cream, Terry went off to play cards and I fell asleep on the couch for about a 45 min nap. We finally got home about 10:30pm. Terry called Pete & Wendy to see if they wanted to hit the bar for a few..."nope we're staying home. sorry". So he grouchily put the truck in the garage and we went to bed where when his head hit the pillow he was "out cold!!!"

Sunday - the cats woke me up because they wanted to be fed. I grabbed some breakfast and my counted cross stitch, turned on the TV and began sewing and watching movies. I just got one load of laundry out of the washer and into the dryer and another one started. Sheets changed on the bed. Plus we want to run into the city (Madison-25 mins away) to look at Halloween costumes (we dress up - last year I took 2nd place). Then do dinner, fold laundry, and get ready to go to work tomorrow!!

Whooooo I am TIRED!!!!!

Happy B-day Logan

2008-09-07T20:10:00.000-07:00

My oldest son just got a little older today - he turned 17! I got to spend most of yesterday and most of today with him before he rushed off to his girlfriend's to have cake.

I can hardly believe the boy I used to fill up the wading pool with warm, bubbly water is one year closer to being an adult. The boy that used to say "Monga" for Grandma, "ripes ream" for ice cream; the boy that used to come to me and say "I wuv you mommy".

The boy my mother put her wig on!! Isn't he cute as a girl??

The boy who took the deep fryer basket and put it on his head!

The boy who even tried to ride his bike on the lawn!!!

Logan is just an amazing son. I am so proud of the young man he's become.

Logan, I love you! I hope you have a very Happy Birthday!!!

Love, Mom

2nd Soccer Game

2008-09-05T04:08:00.000-07:00

The Lake Mills Mens' JV Soccer Team did it - they won the game against Wayland Academy!!!

The temp hovered around 59 degrees and it was doing a steady, light rain, but the boys won their game!!

We couldn't be prouder!!

Go L-Cats!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Firsts

2008-09-04T03:30:00.000-07:00

I'm glad most of our firsts are over...

JT's 6th grade football team tied the first game 8 - 8.

The boys all had their first day of school for calendar 2008-09 on Sept 2nd. Logan is now a Junior, Josh a Freshman, and JT is a 6th grader. No more elementary school for us - it's weird not going to the school that my kids started out at.

Josh's JV soccer team lost their first game 1 - 4. (bummer)

Josh has picture day today as well as another game after school.

Terry's first night of fall softball is tonight as well. I haven't been here in a while to tell you - they won the summer championship!!! That was the coolest!

Saturday, JT has his 2nd game against a very tough school. Then we come home and all get ready for my cousin's wedding. It's an outdoor wedding and reception in a state park (let's hope the rain holds off!!) Although I'm sure they are using the buildings at the park, but a sunny day would be just awesome!

I'm glad this 1st week is almost over, seems like we've got more going on this year than we usually do and it doesn't look like there's an end in sight. We'll get done with soccer and football in the middle of October and then jump right into youth bowling on Saturday mornings.

Whew what an exhilarating schedule!!

Busy Week

2008-08-12T02:45:00.000-07:00

My busiest week this month is upon me......

Monday - Work! Then register Logan for his Junior year! OMG where did the time go on this one - isn't he really only 5 and heading into kindergarten. Just as I'm wrapping up at work he texts me and tells me I don't have to anymore. His father can take him since he's off work early. I told him that that was fine with me as long as he was ok with it. I guess they got it taken care of.
So I came home and then had to take a package to the post office and then fill the truck up with gas (I was at a half tank - I put in almost 17 1/2 gallons for a whopping $65 gas is at $3.75/gallon right now). I got done doing my errands, came home and helped get dinner started, the youngest off to football practice, and throw in a load of laundry. After JT got picked up, we ate, talked, and then it was time for bed.

Tuesday - Work! JT practice & Terry softball. Plus supper and more laundry (just sheets and towels). Logan's supposed to pick JT up from practice, guess we'll see how his memory is!

Wednesday - Work! Then register Josh (Freshman) & JT (6th grade). Isn't Josh 3 and JT only a couple of months old?? Ok, ok, I know they're not that young, but my mind doesn't want me to realize that these boys are growing up at an alarming rate. After registration, race home and get ready for the Dodge County fair - Jason Aldean is playing!! $9 to get in to the fair AND the Grandstands to see him sing!!! Come home & go to bed. BTW - Happy B-day Kelly 26 on the 13th!

Thursday - Day off - WOOHOO!!! Go back up to the fairgrounds to see oldest niece show her cows. Gotta remember to pack that cooler with food and something to drink so we can have lunch and snacks. $6 to get in before 2 pm. Watch Miranda Lambert sing! I hope Logan remembers to pick JT and drop him off at practice and then do the reverse!?!

Friday - Day off!! JT & Josh to the doctor for check ups, sports physicals AND shots. Then we have to go get soccer & football socks and compression shorts. Come home, clean, mow lawn, start another weekend of laundry. Get JT ready for practice, pick him up from practice and then head up to the Columbus races by Terry's mom. (Terry's cousin races Late Model Division).

Saturday - JT practice 9-11 am. Then they're heading out to load up wood so we can have a "fire" in the backyard. I've got to break out the sewing machine and get a few things sewn up before they take over the corner in the bedroom.

Sunday - Back up to the fairgrounds to see the youngest niece show her calf. Then watch the demos and take the boys on the rides (I hope they have some good ones this year!)

Whoo, I'm wiped out just writing this down. Then it's back to another week of work, JT's practices and Josh starts soccer practice. Guess I better head to the shower and get ready for work - on goes my day!

Update

2008-08-09T19:40:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to update you on how my cousin and her husband are doing.

He survived the surgery, they got about 90% of the tumor out of his head. But things just don't look good. They typed his cancer as a stage 4. They put chemo in his head. I don't think they give him much more than a year. His parents are planning on taking him to another cancer center and getting a second opinion.

We are all beside ourselves about this. My heart hurts for Kelly and her boys. We are all still saying our prayers and hoping that we will wake up from this nightmare. Dear Lord, please watch over this family.

Saying a Prayer

2008-08-05T03:23:00.001-07:00

I don't entirely know how to ask this of everyone, but I need help on this one.

My cousin, Kelly, found out last week that her husband, Chris, has a brain tumor. Today he is going in for surgery to see if they can remove it. They need as many prayers as possible.

They have 3 sons, Anthony was 6 on June 17, Morgan will be 3 on December 17, and the newest edition, Benjamin, was born June 16, 2008. None of us can picture their lives without him. He's been a terrific Dad and husband.

I'm sending my prayers to them, my thoughts will be with them, and I know there are lots of angels watching over their little family. May God watch over all of them and let Chris survive this.

Around here - somewhere!

2008-08-03T04:45:00.000-07:00

Ok, ok, I know, I know. I thought I could sneak in here a few times a week and post something and then life snuck up on me. I've had a busy couple of weeks and now they're about to get busier.

Yesterday I had the day mostly to myself. I decided to pull all of my tupperware up from the basement and sit down and price it for an open house next Saturday. I used to be a consultant and got a lot of stuff and now I know that I'm never going to use 90% of this stuff. I never realized how many things I'd gotten over time. But for 3 years of "selling", I think I did most of the buying! I was my best customer.

Today, my hubby has a ball tournament that you have to be invited to play in. Since we know a guy in the family and since he's played with them before, he got his invite. So now we spend the entire day at the ball park!! GO TEAM!!!!!!!

Monday, we go to the schools and listen to the sport meetings to sign up 2 of our boys for soccer and tackle football. Tuesday, Terry has a ball game. Wednesday, we gotta start setting up the garage for that TW open house and it's my Gram's b-day (she'll be 76 years old). Either Wed or Thurs, football practice begins. Friday, we have the stock car races that my cousin-in-law races at in Columbus, WI. Saturday, is my TW open house/inventory sale. Sunday, an outing with the in-law adults. Plus hubby and I have to work all week.

The next few weeks are filled up with a county fair, softball games, football & soccer practices, school registrations (3 boys- 3 different schools), a couple of b-days, a wedding, a football game, a holiday, school starting, another wedding AND a 17th birthday. At the end of all of this we will be at the end of the first full week of September. I'm sure there are a few things I've missed because I don't even want to look at the calendar!!

I guess I'll get going so I can get a jump on the day. Gotta get hubby up so we can get the cooler packed, the chairs and a blanket in the truck, eat and get ready to go. BUSY, BUSY, BUSY!!!!

Y'all have a good month if you don't see me around much!!

Safe Neighborhood??

2008-07-19T08:54:00.000-07:00

I found this link a while back and stuck it in my favorites. I must've forgotten about it because I just refound it tucked away where I wouldn't have thought it would be. Check out this link http://www.familywatchdog.us/search.asp to see how safe your neighborhood is.

CLEARANCE?!?!

2008-07-19T08:05:00.000-07:00

I almost couldn't believe this when I saw it...I guess that would be why so many places are putting clearance stats on their overhangs!!!

I would have hated trying to explain this to the insurance company!!

Chili Cook-off

2008-07-06T05:06:00.000-07:00

I got this in an e-mail from my brother. He lived in Texas while doing basic training, but I doubt if he ever attended one of these events while he was there. My mom even participated in one of these events with her chili. She didn't win, but had a blast anyway.

If you can read this whole story without laughing, then there's no hope for you.
I was crying by the end.

This is an actual account as relayed to paramedics at a chili cook-off in Texas.

Note: Please take time to read this slowly.If you pay attention to the first two judges, the reaction of the third judge is even better. For those of you who have lived in Texas, you know how true this is. They actually have a Chili Cook-off about the time Halloween comes around. It takes up a major portion of a parking lot at the San Antonio City Park.

Judge #3 was an inexperienced Chili taster named Frank, who was visiting from Springfield, IL. Frank: 'Recently, I was honored to be selected as a judge at a chilicook-off. The original person called in sick at the last moment and I happened to be standing there at the judge's table, asking for directions to the Coors Light truck, when the call came in. I was assured by the other two judges (Native Texans) that the chili wouldn't be all that spicy; and,besides, they told me I could have free beer during the tasting, so Iaccepted and became Judge 3.

Here are the scorecard notes from the event:

CHILI # 1 - MIKE'S MANIAC MONSTER CHILI

Judge # 1 -- A little too heavy on the tomato. Amusing kick.

Judge # 2 -- Nice, smooth tomato flavor. Very mild.

Judge # 3 (Frank) -- Holy crap, what the hell is this stuff? You could remove dried paint from your driveway. Took me two beers to put the flamesout. I hope that's the worst one. These Texans are crazy.

CHILI # 2 - AUSTIN'S AFTERBURNER CHILI

Judge # 1 -- Smoky, with a hint of pork. Slight jalapeno tang.

Judge # 2 -- Exciting BBQ flavor, needs more peppers to be taken seriously.

Judge # 3 -- Keep this out of the reach of children. I'm not sure what I'ms upposed to taste besides pain. I had to wave off two people who wanted togive me the Heimlich maneuver. They had to rush in more beer when they sawthe look on my face.

CHILI # 3 - FRED'S FAMOUS BURN DOWN THE BARN CHILI

Judge # 1 -- Excellent firehouse chili. Great kick.

Judge # 2 -- A bit salty, good use of peppers.

Judge # 3 -- Call the EPA. I've located a uranium spill. My nose feels like I have been snorting Drano. Everyone knows the routine by now. Get me more beer before I ignite. Barmaid pounded me on the back, now my backbone is in the front part of my chest. I'm getting shit-faced from all of the beer.

CHILI # 4 - BUBBA'S BLACK MAGIC

Judge # 1 -- Black bean chili with almost no spice. Disappointing.

Judge # 2 -- Hint of lime in the black beans. Good side dish for fish orother mild foods, not much of a chili.

Judge # 3 -- I felt something scraping across my tongue, but was unable to taste it. Is it possible to burn out taste buds? Sally, the beer maid, was standing behind me with fresh refills. This 300 lb.woman is starting to look HOT ... just like this nuclear waste I'm eating! Is chili an aphrodisiac?

CHILI # 5 - LISA'S LEGAL LIP REMOVER

Judge # 1 -- Meaty, strong chili. Cayenne peppers freshly ground, adding considerable kick. Very impressive.

Judge # 2 -- Chili using shredded beef, could use more tomato. Must admit the cayenne peppers make a strong statement.

Judge # 3 -- My ears are ringing, sweat is pouring off my forehead and Ican no longer focus my eyes. I farted, and four people behind me needed paramedics. The contestant seemed offended when I told her that her chilihad given me brain damage. Sally saved my tongue from bleeding by pouring beer directly on it from the pitcher. I wonder if I'm burning my lips off. It really ticks me off that the other judges asked me to stop screaming. Screw them.

CHILI # 6 - VERA'S VERY VEGETARIAN VARIETY

Judge # 1 -- Thin yet bold vegetarian variety chili. Good balance of spices and peppers.

Judge # 2 -- The best yet. Aggressive use of peppers, onions, garlic. Superb

Judge # 3 -- My intestines are now a straight pipe filled with gaseous, sulfuric flames. I crapped on myself when I farted, and I'm worried it will eat through the chair. No one seems inclined to stand behind me except that Sally. Can't feel my lips anymore. I need to wipe my butt with a snow cone.

CHILI # 7 - SUSAN'S SCREAMING SENSATION CHILI

Judge # 1 -- A mediocre chili with too much reliance on canned peppers.

Judge # 2 -- Ho hum, tastes as if the chef literally threw in a can of chili peppers at the last moment.

**I should take note that I am worried about Judge # 3. He appears to be in a bit of distress as he is cursing uncontrollably.

Judge # 3 -- You could put a grenade in my mouth, pull the pin, and I wouldn't feel a thing. I've lost sight in one eye, and the world sounds like it is made of rushing water. My shirt is covered with chili, which slid unnoticed out of my mouth. My pants are full of lava to match my shirt.
At least during the autopsy, they'll know what killed me. I've decided to stop breathing it's too painful. Screw it; I'm not getting any oxygen anyway. If I need air, I'll just suck it in through the 4-inch hole in my stomach.

CHILI # 8 - BIG TOM'S TOENAIL CURLING CHILI

Judge # 1 -- The perfect ending, this is a nice blend chili. Not too bold, but spicy enough to declare its existence.

Judge # 2 -- This final entry is a good, balanced chili. Neither mild nor hot. Sorry to see that most of it was lost when Judge #3 farted, passed out, fell over and pulled the chili pot down on top of himself. Not sure if he's going to make it. Poor fellar, wonder how he'd have reacted to really hot chili?

Judge # 3 - No Report

What the ...?

2008-06-30T03:01:00.000-07:00

What The ...? DMV Offers License Plate Fix

Free Replacement Offered For 'WTF' Tags
POSTED: 2:43 pm CDT June 25, 2008
UPDATED: 3:28 pm CDT June 25, 2008

Thanks to some text message-savvy grandchildren, North Carolina drivers whose license plates have the potentially offensive "WTF" letter combination can replace the tags for free.

The News & Observer of Raleigh reported Tuesday the state Division of Motor Vehicles has notified nearly 10,000 holders of license plates with the letter combination. Officials learned last year the common acronym stands for a vulgar phrase in e-mail and cell phone text messages.
The DMV recently realized the same letters appeared on the sample license plate on its own Web site. Officials are trying to remove the plate from the site.

"I can't believe it," DMV Commissioner Bill Gore told the newspaper on Monday when alerted to the situation. "Obviously, I didn't know it was there."

DMV officials got word of the plates last July when a 60-year-old technology teacher from Fayetteville complained about the plate after her teenage grandchildren clued her in.

It would definitely take a younger crowd to figure this one out. I don't know about you, but I go down the road trying to figure out license plates. It's like a game to my family and me. Some of the things we've come up with are too funny, it's a great way to pass the time when you're trying to get from one place to another.

My neighbor doesn't have a personalized plate, but hers does contain the letters DTZ and she is a bit of a ditz if you ask me. I have a personalized plate on my truck...a lot of people ask me about it too. (I guess they just can't figure it out!!) NTZMAMA ~ it stems from taking care of many kids over the last 10 years. You know, nutzy mama?!?

Some of those plates just keep me a-guessing and that's what I'll be doing when I absolutely have to head out on the road to get somewhere. I don't go out driving around much anymore with what gas is priced, $3.97 per gallon, but I still like to play the game when we're out for a walk.

Next time you're out and you don't think you've got anything else to do, start looking at those plates and see what you can come up with!!

Happy 11th Birthday Jacob!!

2008-06-04T03:03:00.000-07:00

I can hardly believe that my baby turns 11 today. On Wednesday, June 4, 1997, at 6:59 p.m., my son Jacob was born. He was 6 days early, but he weighed in at 8 lbs and was 19 inches long. He was and still is such a cutie.

Jacob sure does give me a run for my sanity at times. We are so much alike that it's spooky, although he is built quite a bit like his daddy and there are many times that he acts just like him. I love him to pieces even though there are those moments when I'd like to just throw up my hands and wonder what I ever did to deserve such a pain in my ass.

There are days I can hardly wait to see the wonderful young man he becomes. But right now I think I'll enjoy him at 11. Happy b-day JT!!!

Taggeroni, Taggalicious, and Taggafantabulous!

2008-06-04T02:38:00.000-07:00

I got tagged by my friend Patti so here are the answers to her questions...

What was I doing 10 years ago? Celebrating my youngest son's 1st b-day, taking care of same son while he was "sick" with the chicken pox (the other 2 boys had it in May). Getting ready to start a new job at a cheese company.

Five snacks I enjoy: fresh strawberries or raspberries, cheese and crackers, cheetos twists, ice cream, homemade choc chip cookies

Five things on my to-do list today: Celebrate Jacob's 11th b-day, plan Jacob's party for Saturday, go to work, not go ballistic on hubby for lying, take a shower

Things I would do if I were a billionaire: pay off my debt, build my dream house, help my grams pay off her debt, give some to charity and cancer research, go on a long vacation, set my boys up with a trust of some kind.

Five jobs I've had: mom, shirt presser, cashier, certified nursing assistant, machine operator

Five bad habits: cracking my knuckles, correcting someone when they're speaking, picking out spelling errors, sitting too long at the computer, putting up with my hubby when I know he's lying.

Five places I've lived: Jefferson, WI; Fort Atkinson, WI; North Freedom, WI; Lake Mills, WI; San Antonio, TX (my fave!!)

5 random things: My 3 sons are my world, my Grams is my hero, I'd like to lose 40 lbs, I want to move away from here, I hate liars and cheaters

Who I want to tag and torture: sorry I don't know anybody else on this site besides my tagger and her friends who have already been tagged

Dreams and Horoscopes

2008-05-29T03:02:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning from a horrible dream. With it still banging inside my head I said good morning to my hubby before he walked out the door for work. He asked me what was wrong and I told him "a whacked out dream". He looked as though he wanted to stay and hear about it, but knew he didn't want to be late so I told him that I'll tell him later.

I wouldn't have given it much more thought, although I've learned to "listen" to what my dreams say because I know there are sometimes hidden meaning behind them. It's like gut instinct - you can't always explain it but you know deep down that it needs to be 'heard'. Anyway, I opened up my home page at yahoo and here's what my horoscope told me:

Aquarius (1/20-2/18)
Pay closer attention to your dreams -- they may help you identify patterns that could shed a lot of light on your life. Your subconscious mind is working while you sleep, playing out different potential scenarios and showing you alternate ways of looking at the world. Sure, most of the images are weird or downright disturbing, but sometimes being disturbed is the best way to wake up from the monotony of routine. Your brain is hungry for a change in your life, and your heart should be, too.

Well, here's the thing... I'm trying to make changes in my life as we speak. I put in a call to the county daycare people and told them I would like to get recertified for daycare and that I'm reopening my doors so they can send people my way!! My dream had more to do with what has been going on in the last 9 months though and very little to do with taking care of kids.

I've been trying to look at the world differently, I even thought I was on the right track. I guess I'll have to wait a little longer to find out for sure. Just gotta give the world a chance to catch up with me.

Daycare - to do or not to do, that is the question

2008-02-20T03:16:00.000-08:00

I was talking with an old supervisor of mine and she asked if I would quit my job and go back to daycare. She'd bring her 3 year old girl and when her son is born then she'd bring him. She said her brother's girlfriend was also in need of daycare. I know that a friend of mine wants to go back to work and would love for me to open my doors again. So that would make 5 kids all under the age of 5. Can we say glutton for punishment??

Even though that seems crazy - I gotta tell you that I am severely tempted. I know that I need to weigh my pros and cons on this - I really miss spending time with kids. Kids are so much easier to deal with than adults! :-) One of the cons is that I would have to rearrange the boys bedrooms again (hate doing that). Money would be more strained for a while. I enjoy doing daycare; spending time with my kids and those other kids, my stress level would prob go down. There are definitely some good sides to this.

I know I'd miss some of the people I work with - I don't even mind the job, but there are some people I could live without. I want to weigh this out cuz I don't want to jump in feet first and end up getting stuck!

I guess I just to put some thought into this. Any suggestions??

SNOW!!!

2008-02-20T02:47:00.001-08:00

Another Valentine's Day has passed, another birthday followed closely behind. Almost hard to believe how quickly the year is going by - only 9 more days of Feb left.

We set the record for the amount of snowfall this season 2007-08. I think I heard 83.7 inches has fallen to the ground. Thank God that we had some warm days to melt some of it away so there isn't quite as much sitting around my driveway or covering the roads. You'd think by now people would know how to drive in this stuff. Unfortunately there are some that are still driving too fast or too slow for conditions and they are going into the ditches. A couple of weeks ago we got almost a foot of snow in less than 8 hours - of course I had spent those 8 hours at work. One of my co-workers couldn't get her car unburied, so I gave her a ride home and then picked her up in the a.m. and took her to work the next day. We have some wonderful guys at work that dug her car out for her that Thursday so she could drive herself home. I seriously wonder what this summer is going to bring us - I thought I overheard someone say that it will probably be like back in 1987 (or was it '88) when there was a drought and it was illegal to toss a lit cigarette from your car window!?!

Happy New Year!!

2008-01-07T03:07:00.000-08:00

I'm betting everybody thought I fell off the face of the earth. I have been so busy between the family, school, and work it's been unbelieveable. Then when I think things will slow down a little the holidays shot past and I am just getting through those.

I was looking back at my page and realized that I haven't posted since August - that's right August. OMG I didn't realize it had been that long, but I know that there was a lot going on in my life. Lots of it was way too painful to write about at that time.

Terry and I had some problems and we've been working through all of that - we still have our moments, but for a while I seriously thought it was going to be divorce court for us.

School didn't go as well as I would've liked this past semester. And I received a crappy form letter from my school that says that since I've got so many credits that I won't be receiving financial aid anymore. I guess I will be taking this semester off and reattempting in the fall - work says that they reimburse tuition and maybe they will work something out with me. My teacher says "apply for a scholarship!!"

The boys are doing ok - Logan moved out of my house and in with his father in Fort. It about broke my heart, especially when he decided he didn't have to come over for Christmas either. I'm know that things will get better. I remember being a rowdy teenager and not wanting to follow the rules either. I just want what's best for my boys and for them not to get hurt.

I'm just so glad that 2007 is over with and that 2008 is not ALLOWED to be worse than last year. We need to look forward, not backward - or at least if we must look back then we need to learn from our mistakes and not make them again. We all know that if we don't learn from the past then we are condemned to repeat it!!

School Starting

2007-08-27T03:16:00.001-07:00

OK, Ok, when people hear that they think about their kids going back to school, however, I am the one going back to school - well for tonight anyway.

I start back to technical college tonight for another semester towards my accounting degree. I've worked long and hard to get to the last year - year and a half. I've had a lot of road blocks and detours I've hit. I've been slammed with things that would've made a weaker person give up totally and never to try again.

I wanted this for almost 20 years ago. Those who knew me in high school would probably recollect my wanting my accounting degree. Well I hate to say that I've been out of HS for 17 years now and am finally almost there. It has been a long haul, I've worked damn hard, and I feel that I really, really deserve this!!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My boys start back to school Tuesday, Sept 4. They have all of their supplies and are bored enough to want to go back. I tell you, this summer couldn't end early enough to stop those boredoms!!!

Not just for work ~ sometimes life in general!

2007-08-24T03:52:00.000-07:00

There are definitely a few of these that I feel like saying in my everyday life, whether at work or out and about. I hope they give you a chuckle like they've given me!

Logan

2007-08-23T03:00:00.000-07:00

Well, what can I say about Logan. This is one young man that I am very proud of (just don't tell him I said that he might get a big head!!). This was at a friend's wedding this spring - Ain't he gorgeous?!?

Let me see where to start...this past 1 1/2 years he zoomed past me in height (I'm 5'8"), he's topping out right now at about 6'2". Most people think he's older than the 15 - almost 16 years old he really is.

I have to tell you though, he took the initiative to get a job this summer and work his butt off so that he could afford to take driver's ed this month.... driver's ed cost him $320 for the classroom and driving time. Tonight I'm taking him to go get his temps and that's going to cost him an additional $25. He agrees that he'll appreciate it more when he gets his license. He' got a ways to go according to Wisconsin State Law (6 months of temps, with about 2 years on GDL (probationary), then the regular license ~ at least that's how I'm reading the papers I've got!)

This was something that he dearly wanted (I don't blame him) and when I explained that we just couldn't afford to help him do it, he decided he could make it happen. Unfortunately it also came with some things that he had to give up - he's not getting in as many hours at work, and he decided to give up football. I tried to tell him to talk to the coach and work something out with him, but we all know how stubborn teenage boys can be!! :P

I hope that next year he can get out there and make the football team - I love going and yelling at those kids to move their butts. "Stay Low" may not be on the field this year, but I'm always rooting for him!

Logan will be 16 soon, 2 weeks from Friday. There are days that I cannot believe that I have children so old and can still be so young myself.

AAADD - Know the Symptoms

2007-08-23T02:55:00.000-07:00

AAADD- KNOW THE SYMPTOMS.....PLEASE READ!

Thank goodness there's a name for this disorder. Somehow I feel better,even though I have it!!

Recently, I was diagnosed with A.A.A.D.D. - Age Activated Attention Deficit Disorder. This is how it manifests:

I decide to water my garden. As I turn on the hose in the driveway, I look over at my car and

decide it needs washing. As I start toward the garage, I notice mail on the porch table that I

brought up from the mail box earlier. I decide to go through the mail before I wash the car. I lay

my car keys on the table, put the junk mail in the garbage can under the table, and notice that

the can is full. So, I decide to put the bills back on the table and take out the garbage first. But

then I think, since I'm going to be near the mailbox when I take out the garbage anyway, I may

as well pay the bills first. I take my check book off the table, and see that there is only one check

left. My extra checks are in my desk in the study, so I go inside the house to my desk where I

find the can of Coke I'd been drinking. I'm going to look for my checks, but first I need to push

the Coke aside so that I don't accidentally knock it over. The Coke is getting warm, and I decide

to put it in the refrigerator to keep it cold. As I head toward the kitchen with the Coke, a vase of

flowers on the counter catches my eye--they need water. I put the Coke on the counter and

discover my reading glasses that I've been searching for all morning. I decide I better put them

back on my desk, but first I'm going to water the flowers. I set the glasses back down on the

counter, fill a container with water and suddenly spot the TV remote. Someone left it on the

kitchen table. I realize that tonight when we go to watch TV, I'll be looking for the remote, but I

won't remember that it's on the kitchen table, so I decide to put it back in the den where it

belongs, but first I'll water the flowers. I pour some water in the flowers, but quite a bit of it

spills on the floor. So, I set the remote back on the table, get some towels and wipe up the spill.

Then, I head down the hall trying to remember what I was planning to do.

At the end of the

day: the car isn't washed the bills aren't paid there is a warm can of Coke sitting on the counter

the flowers don't have enough water, there is still only 1 check in my check book, ! I can't find

the remote, I can't find my glasses, and I don't remember what I did with the car keys. Then,

when I try to figure out why nothing got done today, I'm really baffled because I know I was

busy all day, and I'm really tired. I realize this is a serious problem, and I'll try to get some help

for it, but first I'll check my e-mail....

Do me a favor. Forward this message to everyone you know, because I don't remember who the

heck I've sent it to.

Don 't laugh -- if this isn't you yet, your day is coming!!

Badges I wish I could wear to work!!!

2007-08-22T14:32:00.001-07:00

Here are some of the badges I could wear to work somedays. Don't get me wrong I don't mind my job most days, but there are those days that the people from the front office just won't leave those of us in the warehouse alone!!

Poor Kitty

2007-08-20T02:49:00.000-07:00

I've got to tell everyone this...it borders on funny :o). TJ, the grey cat, is a jumper. He likes to be up high on stuff.

Well last night he decided to jump up on top of the TV cabinet we have in the bedroom and singed his belly hairs (I had a tealight candle burning up there!!). Terry and I had fallen asleep while watching TV and awoke to smell singed hair - eeeeewwwwwww!!

So we got up and looked around. TJ came out of hiding mewing and looking very upset. Terry picked him up and you could really smell that burnt hair. TJ didn't seem to know what to do - squirm to get down or lay there in Terry's arms and cry about his predicament. Terry put him down, we went back to the bedroom and opened the windows a little wider to let the smell out.

I really hope that this time TJ has learned his lesson about having to jump up onto things to check them out now. He still seemed a little disgruntled this morning but he's no worse for the wear!

Today

2007-06-28T03:18:00.000-07:00

Today is a new chapter in our lives here in our household!! Terry finally got a job - it is a position he has been trying to get for years. I'm so proud of him!

I was getting to the point of giving up and quitting this relationship. Even my Grams advised me to seek some legal advice and to stop stretching myself to the breaking point. I admit I had already thought about it. This past year and a half has been horrible. And then the last six months were the absolute worst.

You know I've always been taught that marriage was for better or worse, richer or poorer, sickness and in health, 'til death do you part. Well we've been better and now we've survived the worse and poorer, we've been sick and we're luckily healthy now...but dammit I'd like to be richer for a change!! I do know that that statement refers not only to money but to love. However, I am really tired of being unbelievably BROKE!! I think this is the brokest I've ever been.

My Prayer

That I will have the strength to carry on,

the patience to try again when things go wrong,

the ability to see beauty where others see none.

That I will have the hope of a new dream waiting to be dreamed,

the chance to reach out

and the wisdom to look forward to tomorrow.

- Donna Wayland

Donna sure knows what she is talking about. I guess in a way I need a mantra and this is about the closest thing. Just like: Dance like nobody's watching, work like you don't need the money, and love like you're never gonna get hurt!

I'm just glad to be starting a new chapter in my life and am saying my prayers that good things are on their way for my family!

My baby

2007-06-04T03:27:00.000-07:00

Today is the day my baby turns 10 - ok so he's not much of a baby anymore and if he "heard" me talking that way he'd surely correct me on it.

I can hardly believe that today is already here. There are times that it seems like just yesterday I brought him home from the hospital.

He's such a gorgeous kid and that smile of his says mischievious. JT I'm so proud to be your mom!!

One of those days

2007-05-12T05:08:00.000-07:00

Ever have one of those days where nothing seems to go quite right. Well I've been having quite a few of those and then something on the edge of my desk, under that stack of stuff people keep piling on, I found a book my mom gave me for graduation - it is one of those "don't ever give up your dreams ones". well anyways I flipped it open and came across this great little poem/saying. I hope you feel better - I know I did:

Don't ever give up your dreams

I know you're going to make it...

It may take time and hard work

You may become frustrated and at times you'll feel like giving up

Sometimes you may even wonder if it's really worth it

But I have confidence in you and I know you'll make it if you try.

I read this a few times and decided that this is something that my grams would say to me, and my mom used to say in her own way.

Just trying to get through it all - my night schooling is wrapping up and I should be studying for the final test on Monday, my job sucks and I'd rather be doing what I love (taking care of kids), and my family life has been kinda sucky - but I know eventually it'll get better. It's just that I have to be strong enough to get through it and I know I am!!

Rummage Sale Weekend!!

2007-05-06T18:01:00.000-07:00

What a long weekend this turned out to be. Actually it started more like last weekend because I had to sort through all of the stuff I was going to try to sell and price it all. Got that all done and then most of this last week we began setting up in our garage. I cannot believe how long set up takes compared to tear down!

Oh the people that show up to these things. I understand that it's a rummage sale, but come on people - I'm not giving up my stuff without getting at least a few bucks for it. People tried dickering with us over the measliest of $$. I do realize that people do not want to pay top dollar for something that someone else has worn or used, but come on do they have to be such tight-asses??

Well, in the end we made a little $$, got rid of a few things we no longer needed, and made some room in the basement. Overall, I'd have to say we will do this again because there is always more crap to be found in my house that isn't being used and isn't necessary to hang onto. I'm just so glad that for now it's over and I hope that I can force myself to put those goofy little price stickers on the next batch of stuff I chuck into the pile to sell so I won't end up losing valuable time out of another weekend pricing it all.

Advice from a parent

2007-05-03T19:45:00.000-07:00

All right here it is my first posting. I found this card my mom gave me for my graduation and every now and then I take it out and read it. There are days it just hits a lot closer to home and I hope that those parents who are out there and read this feel the same way.

In the Words of a Parent Who Loves You...

I hope you'll take a minute to listen to something that needs to be said.

It's something about being a parent - like me, and having a child - like you.

It's also about love - and how it shows itself in many ways: sometimes in hugs and happiness, sometimes in harsh words and hopes...

And it's about communication: about how we always need to build bridges between us and never allow walls to separate us. No matter what.

I want you to keep this, and to every now and then remember these words. I'll always want what is best for you.

I'll try to give you roots, but I'll try to give you wings, too, so that you can feel confident enough to go in the directions you choose, but with the knowledge that wherever you go, you always have a place called home to return to and someone who loves you and believes in you.

This is definitely how I feel about being a parent. My mom and I didn't always get along, but one day I realized that she was right about a lot of things. That's something that I never wanted to admit, especially to myself. Along with the fact that I may one day be "just like my mother". I gotta say that one day I woke up and looked in the mirror - "Oh my God", I thought, "I look just like my mom!" Then there was the day - I don't know when it happened but I said something that sounded just like she would say and the way she'd say it. "What's happening to me???" On another day, I took my Grams out to lunch, as I was walking back to the table she looked up at me and said "Oh my goodness, you looked just like your mom when you walked over here". Oh well what can I say.

My mom became a much better friend to me after I became a parent. I still miss her, she died October 1999 and it has left a horrible hole in my life.