February 26, 2005
New Photo Blog
As you may or may not have noticed, (and if you are anything like me, you haven't) on the sidebar, there is a picture that shows up. If you click on the picture, it will bring you to my new photoblog, designed for me by our ever talented Miss Zoot. As always, she's outdone herself.
Once you click on the picture, it works just like any other blog basically. The pictures that show up on the front page, are the most recently added. Off to the right, you can choose a category. When you click on the category, you can click on any photo showing up and make it larger. Please note, there is even a place for comments. Not that I care about comments or anything. I'm just saying.
Enjoy!!!
Posted by Moogie at 05:59 PM | Comments (5)
The Blog Noir
If you haven't been following this, you really should be. Christina is spot on with Chapter Four. The thock plickens. For those of you who have some catching up to do:
Chapter Three
Next week, Liv at Not a Shrinking Violet will pick up where Christina left off in Chapter Four. It's a must read folks. I can't wait to see how this unfolds.
Go on, get over there and read!
Posted by Moogie at 10:35 AM | Comments (2)
February 25, 2005
Mars & Venus
Dash posted one of the best entries on this I've seen so far. Rob has been adding little tidbits from his readers. I'm avoiding making this a link fest by providing you with the URLs above, so you can go and see all the posts on the subject.
It's good to dive into the subject by describing the differences between men and women, but I think the best example is to witness a real live conversation. Scary thing is, this is a TRUE story.
Me: Honey..do I look ok? (normal question after getting ready for work and coming out into the living room)
Him: Yeah, you look great.
Me: You didn't even look at me before you said that.
Him: I know, but you always look fine.
Me: Great...you don't even care how I look.
Him: Sure I do, you always look great.
Me: Whatever.
Him: What's wrong?
Me: Never mind, just forget it.
Him: What did I do?
Me: I ask you a simple question and all you can do is say "you look fine." And you really haven't even looked.
Him: You look great. I like the outfit. The combo is very effective.
Me: Whatever. What do you think of my hair? Do you like it this way. I tried something different.
Him: It looks really good.
Me: You always say it looks good and you don't even really look at it.
Him: Not that again. Man, I can't win.
Me: Not what again?
Him: No matter what I say, I'm going to be wrong.
Me: Fine.
Him: God I hate that word.
Me: What fine?
Him: F***ked up, irrational, neurotic, emotional
Me: Is that what you think I am?
Him: Weren't we talking about hair?
Me: Don't change the subject.
Him: See, no matter what I say I'm wrong.
Me: All I asked you was if you liked my hair this way.
Him: I told you it looked good.
Me: Only good?
Him: Yeah, it's good.
Me: Only good..so it's not great?
Him: It's great.
Me: So why didn't you say that in the first place?
Him: I like it the other way better.
Me: So are you saying this way sucks?
Him: No, it's fine, but I like it the way you normally do.
Me: Hm, maybe I should go redo it.
Him: No, it's great this way.
Me: But you just sait it sucked.
Him: No, I said I preferred it the other way.
Me: Whatever. I just wish you would say what you meant.
I think this just about covers it.
Posted by Moogie at 06:34 PM | Comments (7)
The Good Napkins
A good friend of mine sent this to me via email, and I just about fell out of my chair laughing. I immediately thought of Key because, you know, she has this fixation with feminine hygiene Christmas ornaments and all.
**********************************************
My mother taught me to read when I was four years old (her first mistake)...
One day, I was in the bathroom and noticed one of the cabinet doors was ajar. I read the box in the cabinet. I then asked my mother why she was keeping 'napkins' in the bathroom. Didn't they belong in the kitchen?
Not wanting to burden me with unnecessary facts, she told me that those were for "special occasions" (her second mistake)...
Now, fast forward a few months....It's Thanksgiving Day, and my folks are leaving to pick up my uncle and his wife for dinner. Mom had assignments for all of us while they were gone. Mine was to set the table. When they returned, my uncle came in first and immediately burst into laughter. Next, in came his wife who gasped, then began giggling.
Next, in came my father, who roared with laughter. Then in came Mom, who almost died of embarrassment when she saw each place setting on the table with a "special occasion" napkin at each plate, with the fork carefully arranged on top. I had even tucked the little tail in so they didn't hang off the edge!!
My mother asked me why I used these and, of course, my response sent the other adults into further fits of laughter.
"But, Mom, you SAID they were for special occasions!!!"
Posted by Moogie at 05:20 PM | Comments (1)
Limiting your salt intake
There are some things that are just too ridiculous to even contemplate. We live in a world where lawsuits are filed as often as underwear is changed. There are too many "nannies" out there trying to make the government/whoever do everything for us.
Some things just require common sense people. Case in point:
MDs sue U.S. over salt levels in food
Last Updated Thu, 24 Feb 2005 20:46:52 EST
CBC NewsWASHINGTON - A prominent group of doctors and scientists is suing the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for not regulating salt, saying 150,000 people in North America die prematurely every year from eating too much sodium.
Some things are fairly obvious in life. It's a well known fact that we need (should) keep our sodium intake down to maintain a healthy life. There are a myriad of other tips out there that don't need to be pointed out to most of us.
I'm all for listing the contents of foods, or putting warning labels on products. Let's face it folks, there are people who would think nothing of drying their hair while in the bathtub. "Thank God I read the warning label on my dryer. OMG...I could have been electrocuted."
Doh.
But we need to maintain our right to choose. These medical mannies are trying to force the FDA into requiring food manufacturers into lowering the sodium levels in their products. Perhaps they think that we are not smart enough to do this on our own?
Mr. OWW and I discussed this while we were getting ready for work. Let me point out that my husband is a true Darwinian by nature. A firm believer in "the survival of the fittest."
He feels that we should take all restrictions off perscription drugs. Just legalize everything and let everyone self perscribe to their hearts content.
"You would certainly know who is smart enough to ask for help when they need it. Let's face it. It would certainly improve the gene pool."
Now that's just a bit over the top for my way of thinking, but there has to be a line. Just where do we draw it?
Thoughts?
Posted by Moogie at 04:05 PM | Comments (0)
I'm tired of looking at these four uterine walls
I often wondered what they were thinking.
Posted by Moogie at 03:13 PM | Comments (0)
February 24, 2005
Welcome to my snack bar
You gotta love my kids, really you do. Please. That way I can send them to you. I will give you all of their clothes, and a month’s supply of food. This of course, will set me back and I'll have to mortgage the house to pay for it (the food) but I think it's for the best. Really.
I worked just a little bit later than usual today and then stopped of at the grocery store for some miscellaneous items. I had no sooner walked in the door when both of my children shouted "MOM, THERE IS NOTHING TO EAAAAT!" One of these days I'll be able to post with no caps but that probably won't happen until the kids are out of the house.
It's a tragedy you know. I'm a horrible mom, sure to go to Hell. I keep absolutely NO food in the house people. If you don't count the well-stocked pantry, the refrigerator inside, and out. I quickly pointed out this fact to them and they stated that there was no food any respectable kid could call a snack. With some quick thinking (which we parents are good at), we came up with a couple of passable ideas. They sauntered back into the living room happily, after admonishing me for my terrible taste in food, and my propensity for making them starve. Oh my God people, there is nothing UNHEALTHY in my house.
That of course, is not entirely true. They have just not discovered my stash of Girl Scout Cookies yet, among other things.
One thing I do want to know is why all the kids come to MY house for snacks. I suspect it is because the other parents are able to firmly state, "NO, you can not have any snacks. It is too close to dinner time." Which just goes on to prove that I am a serious marshmallow. I would prefer to think it's because I really don't want to hear the whining, which is used to state that I am an unfit parent who never buys anything remotely palatable for her poor starving children.
So really folks. Love my children. I do, but I am SO willing to share.
Posted by Moogie at 05:57 PM | Comments (6)
February 23, 2005
Looking for Mr. Goodbar
Ok...so this post isn't going to be about that, nor about chocolate. But this is a momentous occasion people! Stay with me now.
Are you ready? My youngest daughter lost her first tooth. She's six, will be seven at the end of March. She's been waiting to lose a tooth for oh say, the last 100 years now, according to her.
I was in the garage, organizing some stuff and talking to my husband. I heard her crying and pretty much braced myself for a tantrum. "They won't let me play with them!" Or some such. Only it wasn't crying that I heard.
She bursts through the door that leads from the house to the garage and yells "I lost a tooth! I lost a tooth! Mommy! I lost a tooth!" My gut reaction when she first came through the door was "OH.MY.GOD!" There was blood coming out of her mouth, and at first, it didn't register.
The next reaction was, "she's smiling, so whatever it is, can't be all that bad." In other words, I didn't need to think about calling 911.
We rinsed, and held a paper towel to the vacated area and were ready to make our rounds. She showed quite a few of our neighbors, who, bless their tiny little pointed heads, acted appropriately. Of course we then had to call the relatives. I tell you folks, I've not seen such enthusiasm for a long time.
So, because I can, and because I want to share...here is Little Bit, proudly displaying the fact that she has lost a tooth.
As always, click on the image to make it bigger.
Posted by Moogie at 06:03 PM | Comments (4)
February 21, 2005
Paging Dr. Sigmoid
Dr. Sigmoid I presume?
He and I have been having an argument since about the middle of last week. Last time I lost, almost. This time, I've brought in the big guns again, full steam ahead (Flagyl and Cipro). Any of you famliar with those know that they can kill a heard of cattle in one breath.
We've met in the battle fields before. One of them put me in the hospital for a week.
On that note, I'll take my leave and get some rest. As McArthur said "I'll be back." Oh wait, that was Arnold. Anyway, it ain't over 'til the fat lady sings.
Posted by Moogie at 07:50 PM | Comments (4)
Teacher's Work Day
I'm sorry. I dislike them. I am sure there is a good and sound reason for them, but as a working parent, they are a pain.
The kids had last Thursday, Friday (Teacher's Work Days) and then Monday off (President's Day). I don't mind the holidays, but what is up with all of the other days they have off?
I feel they really need to then offer some sort of care for the children. An extended day care of sorts. It puts a lot of parents, including myself, in a difficult position. It seems like at least one happens every month.
My husband took Thursday, I took Friday, a neighbor watched the girls Monday morning, and then my husband, since his second job is with the county, took Monday afternoon.
Look...I realize that the teachers need time to plan, or whatever it is they do, but the fact of the matter is, they then need to provide another avenue for the parents.
I'm one of the lucky ones. My husband and I take turns on those days, so it's not quite as bad. But what about the single parents? They end up using all of their vacation just to cover the days off.
Again, holidays are ok. We just need to do something (maybe put a stop to) all of these unecessary days in between.
Posted by Moogie at 07:14 PM | Comments (2)
Behind Every Woman, is a Good Puppet
Have you ever found yourself saying "Now I've seen everything?"
I'm so glad I ran across this site. I mean, who would have thought? No really.
"The Wondrous Vulva Puppet™ was born on July 18, 1993 in San Francisco, California. Conceived by Vulvalutionary™, Dorrie Lane, founder of House O'Chicks. The birth of the puppet, which is hand made of velvets and satins marked the beginning of a new era in sex education"
I think somebody had been threading one too many needles.
Posted by Moogie at 05:15 PM | Comments (0)
February 19, 2005
Pluck, pluck, pluck
Don't mind me. I'm just getting rid of all the excess hair on my neck that seems to have popped up in recent years.
I tried the whole wax thing once. I cried for an hour.
I wonder if duct tape would work any better? Have a couple of stiff drinks. Plaster the neck with duct tape. Have a couple of more drinks.
Rrrrrrrrrrrrrriiiiiiiiiiiiipppppppppppppppp!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It would hurt like hell, but I wouldn't care.
What is it about hair on the body anyway? As we get older, it moves to places we've never had it before. I just wish it would all go to my head. If I let it go too long, I daresay I could would be sporting a nice mustache. Maybe I should start a fashion trend. I draw the line at braiding beads under the arms though. It seriously hurts when you get a tangle.
I guess I should be thankful that my legs are getting less hairy. I've got some spots now where it is completely bald. I suspsect that hair went to the neck and chest. I guess it's alot like weight. It just redistributes itself.
I know that I should be thankful. It could be worse. I could have it growing out of my ears.
If you'll excuse me, I need to have a couple of drinks and find the duct tape.
Posted by Moogie at 07:43 PM | Comments (10)
Why you shouldn't let your child climb a tree
Just saying...........
Posted by Moogie at 09:31 AM | Comments (2)
***Update on Sharon***
Good news. Sharon is home now. No more surgery is required. See her post here.
Welcome back Sharon! May your good health continue.
Posted by Moogie at 09:21 AM | Comments (0)
February 18, 2005
Titty Twisters
Have you ever heard of that term? I hadn't until just a few days ago. It seems like one of the boys in my eldest daughter's class is tormenting her. Well, actually, he is in 4th grade, but he is (or has been) one of the kids she hangs out with at home.
He's a kid that I've had a lot of problems with. His mouth never stops, and he can be seriously rude. Those kinds of things don't go down realy well in my house, and Moogs Jr. has, at times, exhibited the same kind of attitude.
Well, until recently that is.
He tends to get in a lot of trouble and Moogs Jr. is beginning to realize the real meaning of guilt by association. I strongly adhere to this rule. You want to hang out with him, fine. But think about it long and hard first. She has experienced the fallout of being around someone who does something wrong. It doesn't matter that you weren't involved. You were there. I tend to take that kind of thing seriously. Especially, when it is a repeated behavior.
To some, I know that might seem rather harsh but I want to teach her to pick her friends wisely. So far, she's not a follower, far from it. My job is to keep it that way.
Lately, the tormenting has gotten worse. When we were on a mother-daughter outing on Sunday, she informed me that he continually gives her titty twisters, even though she's told him not to.
The water that I had just taken a sip of, nearly came out of my nose. I hadn't heard that term before, but it didn't take much of a stretch to figure out what it meant.
Predictably, I was pissed.
I don't know about you, but there are certain things that are simply unacceptable. Inappropriate touching, in any way, shape or form is one of them. We talked a bit about it and she has agreed, if he EVER does that again, she'll talk to me. I feel comfortable that she'll follow up on that. The conversation wasn't threatening to her at all. I just explained about touching. And what was acceptable. She whole heartedly agreed with me, and understood. I think. But I'll keep an eye on that.
The thing that bothered me the most, is that she told me he has a habbit of, well, for lack of a better way to gently say this, pull his pants down in front of his friends. From what I could understand, this has only happened a couple of times, and once, it was even in front of my youngest.
I'm sure I don't have to go into any kind of an explanation on what that did to my blood pressure, or for that matter, my stomach. The problem herein lies with the fact that I was told about it several weeks after the fact. As a parent, I've learned I need to take things with a grain of salt. How much of it is true? I don't know. I do know that from now on, I've turned on the radar screen and have a lot more communication with my daughter on this subject.
I know that most of you will probably decimate me for this, but I haven't forbidden her to play with him. I've told her that it was up to her. I can't control who she's with at school. At least, in this case, not at this time.
But I've made sure she feels very comfortable in telling me if something is wrong. She knows what is acceptable now and what is not. And I've told her to come to me immediately if anything approaching unreasonable happens.
I know it's not me. It's not about me. I haven't failed her this time. I can't blame myself for not doing anything about things that have happened in the past if I have no knowledge about them. Part of me thinks I should have known, where another part of me says "hold on there partner, let's not blow this out of proportion...just yet."
It's a mom thing. It's a guilt thing. I'm still learning. The thing I find the most difficult to wrap my arms around is the fact that I could hurt this kid easily. And feel no remorse.
Right now, that's not an issue. She's decided she doesn't want anything to do with him anymore. And that's fine by me.
Posted by Moogie at 02:55 PM | Comments (10)
Whenever a Woman Lies
Christina, Key,and Redneck: Or is that "Wimmin?"
I just thought I'd set the record straight by sharing this story. I'm sure the men (sorry, 'Neck, even though you and my eldest share common stinky parts, it must be told) will think this is over the top. We "wimmin" need to get the word out. And verily I say unto you. Spread the word.
One day, when a seamstress was sewing while sitting close to a river, her thimble fell into the river. When she cried out, the Lord appeared and asked, "My dear child, why are you crying?"
The seamstress replied that her thimble had fallen into the water and that she needed it to help her husband in making a living for their family.
The Lord dipped His hand into the water and pulled up a golden thimble, set with pearls. "Is this your thimble?" the Lord asked. The seamstress replied, "No."
The Lord again dipped into the river. He held out a silver thimble ringed with sapphires. "Is this your thimble?" the Lord asked. Again, the seamstress replied, "No."
The Lord reached down again and came up with a leather thimble. "Is this your thimble?" the Lord asked.
The seamstress replied, "Yes." The Lord was pleased with the woman's honesty and gave her all three thimbles to keep, and the seamstress went home happy.
Some years later, the seamstress was walking with her husband along the riverbank, and her husband fell into the river and disappeared under the water.
When she cried out, the Lord again appeared & asked her, "Why are you crying?"
"Oh Lord, my husband has fallen into the river!"
The Lord went down into the water and came up with Mel Gibson. "Is this your husband?" the Lord asked.
"Yes," cried the seamstress.
The Lord was furious. "You lied! That is an untruth!"
The seamstress replied, "Oh, forgive me, my Lord. It is a misunderstanding. You see, if I had said 'no' to Mel Gibson, you would have come up with Tom Cruise. Then if I said 'no' to him, you would have come up with my husband. Had I then said 'yes,' you would have given me all three. Lord, I'm not in the best of health and would not be able to take care of all three husbands, so THAT'S why I said 'yes' to Mel Gibson."
MORAL: Whenever a woman lies, it's for a good and honorable reason, and in the best interest of others. That's our story, and we're sticking to it.
***************************************************
I wonder what a man's excuse is?
Posted by Moogie at 02:47 PM | Comments (4)
A plea for Sharon
My good friend Sharon is in the hospital as I write this. She has been for a few days. This morning, at this very moment, she is having a test done which will decide whether she needs an "upgrade" to her pacemaker or not. She has had so much trouble with her heart. Just when she gets to feeling better, finally, this has to happen.
She's a wonderful woman. A devoted mother of three. We are all very worried about her. Won't you please go over and visit and give her some good cheer and well wishes?
Thank you. She means alot to me.
Posted by Moogie at 09:29 AM | Comments (1)
February 17, 2005
My, house, is a very, very, very fine house
Close your eyes and walk along with me. Don't be alarmed, I'll stay with you. Bask in the glow of normalcy, at least in my perspective. You may want to put on some sturdy footwear. The road is not paved and it's full of Legos and Barbie shoes. If you have no children, you may have experienced this with your relative's or friend's children. If you never plan to have any, be thankful. If you are thinking about it, be afraid.
BE.VERY.AFRAID.
Author's note: During this little ditty, I was in the kitchen, preparing dinner, and my angels, I do use that term loosely, were in the living room.
Little Bit: STOP!
Moogs Jr: WHAT?
Little Bit: STOP!
Moogs Jr: WHAT?
Little Bit: STOP!
Moogs Jr: WHAT?
Me: Moogs Jr, stop!
Moogs Jr: WHAT?
Oh, and you're going to tell me you didn't expect that?
Me: Stop doing whatever it is that you are doing to your sister that makes her yell STOP!
Moogs Jr I wasn't doing anything! Man, you always yell at me! I was only laying down on the couch next to her.
(I do not have to be in the same room with her to know that laying down on the couch, includes stretching completely out and trying to pick her sister's nose with her big toe)
Little Bit: Mom! She's doing it again!
Me: All RIGHT! Both of you. Don't look at each other, don't touch each other, don't talk to each other.
Moogs Jr: For how long?
Me: The rest of your lives!
Little Bit: Can we touch you?
Me: I'll think about it.
At this point, they both come in the kitchen and give me a hug. I ask you, can you stay mad after that?
Both: I love you Mommy.
And so it goes. They are now playing together like they are the best of friends. At least in my mind.
No wonder I keep a flask in my bottom right hand drawer.
Posted by Moogie at 05:13 PM | Comments (3)
February 16, 2005
Feet
I want you to know that I really, really love my eldest daughter. Really. I do. But OH.MY.GOD. I picked her up from dance lessons tonight, and she was changing back into street clothes in the car because we were going to stop off at Publix on the way home.
All of a sudden, there was this really horrible smell and I couldn't figure out what it was. I mean HORRIBLE! And people, I've smelled some bad things in my life. I've gone through two kids.
No one put this smell in the "What to Expect When You are a Mom of a Overly Emotional Child Growing Bumps" manual. I really need to have a serious talk with the author.
Turns out it was her feet. How can a child, a girl child, have feet that smell like that?
At least it explains why her socks are constantly jumping out of the hamper.
Posted by Moogie at 06:31 PM | Comments (2)
February 15, 2005
You know you are a redneck when.....and other stuff
This is for my blogfriend, Redneck.
"You know you are a redneck when you miss your 6th grade graduation because you were on jury duty." And on that note...a little bit of this, and a little bit of that.
I worked late tonight, as I have been for the past month or so and will be doing for a couple more. When my husband started to work full-time we had to rearrange alot of things in our schedule. I got to work on carpools, and work schedules, and I had everything covered except for my youngest daughter's ballet class on Mondays. I'm fortunate enough to have a boss who is flexible about that and let me rearrange my hours.
I got home later than usual tonight because I had a couple of things I needed to finish up and came home to a busy family. My oldest was talking to my folks on the phone for an assignment. She has to write a paper on what it was like for them when they were growing up. My youngest was doing her normal bouncing around routine, tormenting anyone who got in her way, and my husband was talking on the cell phone to and old friend from California.
And during all of that, because I'm getting spoiled, my husband cooked the kids dinner (he was busy doing that when I got home) and is now giving them a bath. How cool is that? He's always doing stuff like that when I have to work late. I can't really complain about that. We work good as a team during the night but I have to say, he's been taking way more of the load than I have. I'm not entirely sure, but I may be going through a mid-life crisis.
This time of year is always tough on me. It's the proposal season at work so I'm working, or will be, alot more hours in the future. I'm lucky to have someone who supports that. He does all the work with the kids and then lets me spend serious good time with them. All the homework is done, and the baths are taken...so when I come home, it's just me and the girls. Can I tell you a secret? I would really love to watch a movie other than Shark's Tales. I most likely could recite the whole thing for you right now.
But it's part of being a parent, this whole watching a movie 47 times in a row. With your children. Snuggled up to your side. Eating popcorn, with extra butter, even though you KNOW you'll pay for that later on while you are trying to sleep.
It's all about being there for your kids. Being there when your oldest is fighting a battle with those newbie hormones that make everything a life changing event. Even though it means wrapping your arms around your youngest, when she is fighting off an asthma attack and your brain is saying "oh my God, I need sleep." See, me and God...we brought them into this world. I promised him, if he would let me have them, I'd take care of them, no matter what. I intend to honor that promise. Even when I think I can't do it anymore.
Posted by Moogie at 07:29 PM | Comments (2)
February 12, 2005
Thoughts on being home
Do you ever notice that when you are away for a while, it takes you a bit to get back in the swing of things? I'm having a rough time adjusting to that.
I spent a week, being alone, counting on no one but myself, and having no one rely on me. That's a good feeling. Not one that I want to continue, but for short periods of time, a really good feeling.
It's so funny how we fall out of habbits, just as easily as we fall into them. I'm sure it won't take me long to get back into the responsible mode, but for some reason, tonight I'm struggling.
It was a good week, a tough week. But, a good week. The trip was well worth my time, which I've mentioned. It was tough seeing my friends and knowing that I would have to go back. The funny thing is. That wasn't a bad thing, the going back home and leaving them. I was looking forward to it.
And that scared me. Because all of the things I was telling myself, were all of a sudden NOT true. Does this mean that I'm actually happy where I'm at? That I have friends here now, and am making new ones? I think so. There was some sense of satisfaction when I was able to hold my head down and say "OH MY GOD I'M SO HOMESICK AND I'LL NEVER HAVE ANYONE EVER, THAT LIKES ME AGAIN." That way, if you fail to make it work, you can always say "I told you so." I can't do that now.
Isn't it odd, finding out you have no recourse to bitch? Finding out that you really CAN do the things you set out to do? I'm not used to that. I'm not comfortable with my success. I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop. To reconfirm what I already know is true. That I am a big fat failure.
Go figure. I found out that's not true. I was sent to do a job, and I did it. According to the folks there, I did a good job. I still have a hard time believing that. My arm isn't long enough to pat myself on the back.
I was dreading the trip. Dreading going back, seeing my freinds, my family, and not wanting to leave again. I realized I'm more full of shit than a Christmas turkey.
I'm not going to fail, simply because I've never allowed myself to. It's not in my nature. I got that directly from my dad. They aren't going to fire me. Why would they spend the time and money they did just to get me out here? I hear the words but I've yet to let them find a place in my heart. My brain and heart are always at odds. One of those things that seem to always hang over my head. Like a rain cloud.
I'm glad to be back. I'm glad to snuggle up in bed to warm bodies that are disguised as children. Even if they do steal my covers and pillow. Glad to hear "Moooom, come look at this," even if I am in the middle of something. Glad to know, that wherever I am, someone will need me, and want me.
It's good to be home.
Posted by Moogie at 07:59 PM | Comments (6)
February 11, 2005
I'm Back
I just spent the week in California on business. It was so weird to go back. I saw a lot of folks while I was there. It was great. But it was so strange. Not much had changed, and yet so much had. I can't really describe it.
I can honestly say to you that I don't miss the traffic. It didn't take much for me to get back into the swing of things. I guess it's kind of like riding a bicycle. You never really forget.
I went out for a Kaizen, which for those of you unfamiliar with the term, is a Continuous Improvement event. Good stuff actually. I really learned alot and was able to contribute as well. My employer calls me a SME, or Subject Matter Expert. Hah! Gotta love the terminology. It felt so good to be picked for this. To have bosses that have confidence in my ability and knowledge. This trip was actually well worth my time. Yes, I was able to contribute, but the knowledge I came away with was well worth the time I spent away from home.
It's going to take me a while to catch up to all of the happenings in the blog world. I was supposed to have computer access while I was away, but that didn't happen. In some ways, that was a good thing. I really got a good break from everything. I was able to concentrate on the job at hand. It was pretty intense.
I loved going back to my hotel at night. No responsibilities. Just me to take care of. I watched alot of TV and read some good books, visited with friends. The best part of it all was going to see my brother. I got to spend two evenings with him.
This will be a pretty weak entry. I'm a bit tired, but will update on the trip in the next few days.
Be patient with me while I catch up on everything that's been going on while I was a way.
Posted by Moogie at 06:47 PM | Comments (5)
February 05, 2005
What kind of little girl are you?
(snagged from KateSpot)
Quiet Girl
What kind of little girl were YOU?
brought to you by Quizilla
Posted by Moogie at 09:10 AM | Comments (4)
Einstein the bird
The girls and I watch Animal Planet quite a bit. We never saw this particular bird, but he is absolutely amazing. What do you think?
Click HERE.
Posted by Moogie at 08:30 AM | Comments (4)
February 04, 2005
What's that you say?
I can't hear you. The silence is deafening.
My oldest is off to the movies with her best friend "M" and his parents. She won't be home until 9:00 at the earliest. My youngest, is spending the night with her best friend "S." It's really quiet it here.
Don't get me wrong. There is a lot of silence in this house because my kids LOVE to play outside. But it's different tonight. When they are playing, you know they may come barging in at any second. Tonight, I've got a good 2 1/2 hours or so until just ONE of them comes back. Odd feeling. But nice.
I have to laugh at my self and my penchant for being a worrier. When we made the decision to move here, I was worried my kids wouldn't adjust. Obviously, I have no clue about raising a child, because all of my worries are for naught. They have a busier schedule than we do. I feel like a social secretary.
The oldest one just got a call from her friend. Of course, she's not here so we took a message. "A" wants her to spend the night tomorrow. It seems that when it rains it pours. We'll have nice quiet weekends, and then will have them filled to the brim with activity. It's a nice balance I'd say.
Tomorrow we are going to the Mardis Gras Festival downtown (it's a small town). All of us will be in the parade. We are going to be helping our neighbors out. They run a business that rents out bouncy houses and a myriad of other fun things. My husband will be driving the "train", and our neighbor (the husband) will be driving the truck that is pulling the float. The neighbor (the wife) and I will be on the float with the other kids, passing out beads and candy to the onlookers. We'll spend the majority of the rest of the day, hanging out at the festival and browsing all of the vendors that are there. We went last year (didn't do the parade) and had a great time.
On Sunday, we'll be going to a Super Bowl party and we are looking forward to it. A lot of the neighbors will be coming. I'm not quite sure what I'll be making yet. I've had a few requests, but I'll have to think about it for a bit. One of the big items that the neighbor will be supplying is a smoked Boston Butt. Being a west coast gal, I'm still wishing they would call it "smoked pork" or something. The name doesn't sit all that well with me but I must say it is very delicious.
Between all of that we'll be doing laundry and I'll be packing. I'm heading out for California next week on a business trip. At least the flight doesn't leave until 8:00 in the morning. That makes it a lot more palatable. I have mixed emotions about going. On the one hand, this is a really great experience for me. I'm still shocked that my boss asked me to go. It means she has confidence in my abilities. Conversely, I don't have as much. On the other hand, it's tough to leave the family, mainly the kids. I know my husband will do fine with them, but I feel guilty. Last year I spent a good deal of time away from them when were making the transition across country.
I'm also struggling with seeing all of my friends again. I most likely will at least call them to say hi. As of this point, I've not told any of them I am coming out. To be truthful, I wasn't sure what I wanted to do. I'm excited to go back, yet apprehensive. I've worked hard to begin a new life with new friends here. What happens if I go back and realize how much I miss my old life? Honestly, I don't think that will happen but it's in the back of my mind. Perfectly natural I would say.
I'm not sure if I'll have internet access when I'm there. I know that my brother would like me to stay with him, but there is a certain allure to staying at a hotel, all by myself. I'd visit him of course, but I would love to just be able to go back to my hotel room, and just "be." It's a bit hard to explain.
So, as for now, I'm flexible and am going to play it by ear. I'll certainly not have any time during the day for extra curricular activities. I've been told our days will be from about 8:00 in the moring until at least, 5:00 at night. And most likely longer.
I do plan on driving past the house in which I lived from 10 years old until I moved out to be on my own. I just want to see it. I'm sure it's changed as well as the whole neighborhood. I'll be doing a lot of that. Visiting old haunts, reliving some memories. It will be good for me. It will help me move on.
So that's about it for me. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. The 49ers only went 2 in 14 this year, so the Super Bowl will be all about the commercials for me. Ok, I admit, it always is. That's the best part.
Posted by Moogie at 06:21 PM | Comments (3)
Getting to know all about me
I stole this from Sharon because I firmly believe she and I must be twins, separated at birth. Whenever we take these quizzes, we tend to have quite a few of the same answers. Conversely, we have Melonie, who is our bossy older sister (I'm not sure which comment will get me killed first. The bossy, or the older), and our sexy sister who lives down under, Aussie Mama. Then there is Suzanne, who is the only one of us brave enough to live near me. Of course there is Zoot, who has turned over a new leaf and is now a tough girl with a change in wardrobe. She's the one who stole all of my black pants, and if I don't mention her in my blog at least once a week, beats me up. Last but not least, there is OWW, my fabo hubby, my main squeeze, and the guy who takes out the garbage.
I mention them on my blog because I am issuing the blog challenge. I want them to take the quiz. As for the rest of you. Just because I didn't mention you in this post, doesn't mean I'm letting you off the hook. There's always next time. Muahahahahahaha!
And now, on to the quiz.
1. What time do you get up: 5:00 am on work days. As late as I can on others.
2. If you could eat lunch with one person, who would it be? My maternal grandmother. I miss her so much and there is so much I want to tell her.
3. Gold or silver? I like both, but if I had to pick I'd say gold.
4. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? The Incredibles. I so want to be Elastigirl.
5. What is/are your favorite TV show(s)? I rarely watch TV because I am addicted to blogging, but I really love Queer Eye for the Straight Guy or Who's Line is it Anyway? Yes, I know. I'm shallow.
6. What did you have for breakfast? Boiled egg and toast.
7. Who would you hate to be stuck in a room with? The 60 Minutes Team. I have a fear of them showing up on my doorstep one day.
8. What inspires you? People who have gone through hard times, be it due to illness or other things, and have risen above it to make a life for themselves.
9. What is your middle name? Lee
10. Beach, city or country? Beach to visit/vacation, country to live in.
11. Favorite ice cream? Cafe Mocha.
12. Butter, plain or salted popcorn? Butter. Extra. Please.
13. What color is your bathroom? They are both white at the moment. You know. The contractor's primer white. The one you can't wash. We still need to paint the inside of our house.
14. Favorite color? Blue
15. What kind of car do you drive? Saturn Vue. Tweety Bird yellow.
16. Favorite sandwich? Turkey, lettuce, mayo and avacado. No tomato.
17. What characteristic do you despise? Two faced. You know, they tell you one thing to your face, and then another to someone else.
18. Favorite flower? Roses
19. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation where would it be? Australia or New Zealand. I'd like to go on an African Safari as well. And of course, a cruise.
20. Favorite brand of clothing? I don't suffer from brand envy. I go for comfort. As far as work clothing, comfort with style.
21. Where would you like to retire to? Where I live now.
22. Favorite day of the week? Friday.
23. What did you do for your last birthday? Getting tests done in the hospital.
24. Where were you born? Salt Lake City, Utah.
25. Favorite sport to watch? I'm not much on sports but I do like to watch gymnastics, especially during the Olympics. I like ice skating as well.
26. What fabric detergent do you use? Tide.
What about you? What are your answers. Take the quiz and post them on your blog, or here on the comments secton. I would love to see your answers.
Posted by Moogie at 10:51 AM | Comments (4)
February 03, 2005
King Size Beds
Yes, we have one. I guess it’s a good thing we do because we suddenly seem to have an influx of little guests visiting us during the night. I’m not sure why they have picked up in the past few weeks, and haven’t been able to get a straight answer out of the girls. The explanation usually has something to do with a nightmare or bad dream (the terminology differs for each kid). Between the dreams and sleeping on what amounts to a quarter of an inch of mattress, a leg thrown over my stomach, elbow, in my ribs and a finger up my nose, I’m going to hurt someone. Either that, or sleep in the closet.
My youngest will most likely be a fantasy writer. Case in point. Here is one of her bad dreams from a few nights ago:
| "I was riding on a shark in the ocean, which was in our backyard. We were having a lot of fun, and then we went to pick flowers. And then the shark saw Tiny (our dog), and started to chase after her, screaming ‘GIVE ME BACK MY POPSICLE!!’ Tiny just kept running, and then the shark swam over the fence (FENCE? In the OCEAN?) and the shark kept going faster and I started…to..slip off…zzzzzzz.” |
I really hate it when she falls asleep during her description of a bad dream. That’s like those shows that have two parts. At the end of part one, it cuts off and says, “Stay tuned for scenes from next week’s show.” Brings me back to the days of watching Batman. “Same bat time, same bat channel.” And of course, she never remembers how it ended when she wakes up.
While my six year old may be in some sort of fantasy land (ok, she’s like that when she’s awake too) that puts an ocean in our back yard, complete with sharks, flowers and fences, my oldest is more into the “horror stories” and seems determined to make me lie awake for the rest of the night, analyzing EVERY SINGLE NOISE I hear.
I’m not a paranoid person. I don't scare easily, and I can sleep through just about anything. I have been alone in the house, either by myself or with the kids, quite a number of times when my husband was out of town. I am handy with a gun, and much like a lioness with her cubs when it comes to protecting what is mine. I’ve never once had a problem with that. Well, at least I didn’t used to.
This child will probably be writing Friday the 13th, Part 36. Or, “When Carrie meets Freddy Kruger who meets The Blob.” Here is her dream from last night:
| “I was sleeping and all of a sudden I woke up to this noise. It was kind of this scraping noise, you know? Like someone was dragging their foot on the ground, with a chain on their ankle. (I ask you, how would she know how that sounded? I mean, I know we live in Georgia but I thought we had banned people walking around with chains on their ankles when we made it a crime to wear shoes.) The noise kept getting louder and louder, and then all of a sudden this man appeared. He kind of looked like a pirate or the captain of a ship. He had a hook on one arm and a sword in the other. And he kept coming closer and closer and I could hear him breath. He kind of sounded like Daddy when he is sleeping. And then he was really close and I felt something wet drop on my head. I saw that his sword had blood all over it. So I scooted over to the other side of the bed, and got out and ran really fast all the way to your bedroom.” |
I responded with the appropriate words of support, agreeing how frightening that must have been, and that yes, it would be a good idea if she slept with us the rest of the night, because her dad is like the bravest, strongest guy in the whole world, and mom can shoot the pupil out of a human’s eye at 100 feet. So, you know, how safe can you get? I began to doze.
| “Mommy. (Hmmm? I mumble.) He’s back again. (Eyes pop open) Do you see him by the couch? He keeps coming closer and he is limping now. I wonder how come his sword is raised over his head? Boy…I sure hope this is just my imagination. I lo...zzzzzz.” |
I’m awake now. I keep hearing these funny noises…like a barefoot Pirate looking Captain, dragging one foot behind him with a chain around his ankle. At least there aren’t any sharks.
Shit.
Posted by Moogie at 04:23 PM | Comments (4)
A brunette joke
A young brunette goes into the doctor's office and reports that her body hurts wherever she touches it.
"Impossible," says the doctor. "Show me what you mean."
So she takes her finger, pushes her elbow and screams in agony. Then she pushes her knee and screams, pushes her ankle and screams, and so it goes. Everywhere she touches makes her scream.
The doctor says, "You're not really a brunette, are you?"
"No, I'm actually a blond," she replies.
"I thought so." says the doctor. "Your finger is broken."
Posted by Moogie at 01:14 PM | Comments (3)
February 01, 2005
Saturday Nights Alright With Me!
Lately, my husband has been getting some business on the side so quite often, it takes him away from home during the evenings and the weekends. This by no means is a bad thing, but it's made a little bit more difficult when the weather isn't all that great.
This Saturday, I took my eldest out shopping (my girlfriend was with us) and the youngest went to run errands with Mr. OWW. When we all got home, Mr. OWW went to take care of a client, and I was sitting in the kitchen with the girls, and we trying to figure out what to do.
They didn't want to watch a movie, or do puzzles, or color. They didn't want to play a game. Well, that settled it then. It was time to take some pictures! I'm not sure why, but the whole picture taking thing seems to be cool at my house. While shopping on Saturday, we had stopped off at Beals Outlet and one of the things I had gotten was some PJs for the girls. As always, just click on the pictures to make them larger. Hope you enjoy!
Let me start off by saying that the day had been very cold and windy. Very overcast and gloomy so that pretty much took playing outside right out of the running. The weather is pretty much summed up in this picture. This is one of our smallest trees. We have most of our trees in the backyard.
Before I go on, I want to ask you what is wrong with this picture? Please keep in mind that there is no outside plumbing on this side of the house. It was there when we moved in and I'm still tring to figure it out.
Now that we have that out of the way, here was our basic photo shoot. It starts out with Tiny, the Demon Dog. I didn't fix the eyes and now I wish I did. She looks downright spooky don't you think?
These first two pictures are more of an introduction. These are my girls, with hats on. Don't ask me why we started here. I'm just the photographer, not the boss.
Here is a set of them modeling their new PJ's.
Just so you know, the PJs that my eldest one is wearing pretty much sums up her attitude. For that matter, it's the same for my youngest. Did you notice the water spots (she just brushed her teeth) on my eldest and the finger smudges on the door?
Here is where they set out to prove the theory that man has evovled from the ape. I don't know about you, but I think they pretty much covered this subject.
In these pictures, they are trying to climb the door frame that leads from the kitchen into the entry way. Fun stuff!
And finally, my favorites. Here are my girls just being themselves and having fun. Notice the boots? Don't ask.
Posted by Moogie at 09:31 PM | Comments (9)