November 30, 2005

Observations on the road - Listening

It's interesting to listen to what goes on in your car when you are on a road trip. The things you hear in the back seat are sometimes so hysterical that you have trouble keeping the car on the road, and sometimes cause your eyebrows to lift up over your forehead.

My children are somewhat unusual. I hesitate to call them odd because so many parents I have talked to have children that are exactly like mine. That is more comforting to me than you can imagine.

We bought a portable DVD player some time ago and I am here to tell you that it has been one of the best investments we have ever made. The kids were watching a movie and I believe it was called Hitch. There must have been some mushy stuff going on because the following conversation took place.

Chickie: Meelie No, don't look at this! It's gross!

Meelie No: Take your hand off the screen Chickie!

Chickie: No, it's disgusting! They are kissing!

Meelie No: Chiiickkieeeee! Mooooom!!!!!!!!

Chickie: Meelie, they are kissing and it looks like they are doing the toungue thing!

Meelie No: Chickie! Put your hands back up! Ewww!

We nearly sideswiped a motor home.

My children often come up with different terminology for every day things. I'm sure that
Rob, Catfish, Key, Ellison, and Kim can relate to this as they are all located in the general vicinity of me.

We have alot of um, dead carcasses in the road. There are deer, armadillo, racoons, buzzards and squirrels. You name it; I've probably seen it around here. Most people would refer to that as road kill. Or so I thought.

All the way down and all the way up, whenever we would see a poor animal that zigged when they should have zagged I heard "DEAD BODY ON THE ROAD!!!"

Hey, we are from California. Some things never change.

Until tomorrow, rest well, be safe and be happy.

Posted by Moogie at 05:59 PM | Comments (7)

November 29, 2005

Observations on the road - The Boss

This particular entry is written about my oldest brother. He lives out on the west coast, and is feverishly preparing for a wedding that will take place the beginning of 2006. The woman he is marrying is a wonderful, warm, and compassionate person, and one who I will gladly welcome into the family with open arms.

The Boss and I have what I would call a unique relationship. It is my feeling, we are very close, but perhaps don't verbalize it as much as we should. I know that The Boss would be there, hands down, complete with bells and whistles if I ever needed him. No matter what the situation. That is how much he loves me, and, on the flip side, I would do the same. That is how much I love him.

He is seven years older than I am so you can imagine the scenario when we were growing up. In my view, he was bossy. For that matter, he still is. But, if I were to examine it closer, I don't think it's so much him being bossy, but more, he is, and has always been, a take charge kind of guy. He is a veritable leader, who possesses skills to get things done, even in the most adverse of circumstances. I have to admire that in a person, even if I do resent it at times.

In fact, much to my chagrin, after I examined it closer, I resent it alot. I'm a 40 something mom of two. I have two step-children whom I helped raise, as well as my own two, who are mine, 24/7. I have a good, sturdy career, filled with vast experience in a wide variety of areas. I have a solid reputation. I've been married for seventeen years (this is his first marriage). I've been around the block more than a few times. I can hold my own in any given situation (just ask me, I'll tell you).

So I ask you this, my dear readers. Do I really need to sit back and let The Boss take charge? Perhaps that is not so much of a fair question. Perhaps I should ask myself (but I don't want to damnit), is he really "taking charge," or is he just trying to make sure that things happen?

We have completely different personalities. He needs to map things out, to have a schedule, where I tend to be more laid back. Perhaps some would call me lackadaisical (hi Mom!). It's not that either way is right, it's just who we are.

I think, after much self reflection, it's time I backed off a bit and realized that The Boss, and his "ways" are a good thing. There is a definite possibility that the two of us can co-exist, and get along.

Don't get me wrong, I know that there will always be friction between the two of us. But perhaps, this woman can back down enough to let a leader take the reigns from time to time. Because if I really look at it, what does it really matter? The goal is the same; we just take different paths to get there.

Posted by Moogie at 06:01 PM | Comments (3)

November 28, 2005

Observations on the road

We got back last night from a wonderful visit with the family (entire). While I didn't want to leave, there is a part of me that is glad to be home. It makes no sense does it? I guess there is truth in the saying "there's no place like home."

Some of the next few entries that I write will be observations, and perhaps some snippets of conversations that I heard while we took the trek south for the Thanksgiving holidays.

Before I proceed, I need to verbalize, and put into some semblance of order, the chaotic thoughts that are racing through my mind. I apologize if this seems somewhat disjointed, but I have come face to face with reality in a number of ways, and am trying to figure things out.

This is in no way intended to be a set of depressing entries. My hope is to stir memories in my readers, and see if any of you have had similar experiences. It's important to be able to laugh at yourself, even when you are being a blithering idiot, don't you think?

Posted by Moogie at 06:21 PM | Comments (2)

November 21, 2005

A small dog with a big stick

I remember when Ralph first came to live with us I worried about him greatly. This was a dog that exhibited signs of being abused and/or neglected. He would tremble every time you picked him up, yet look at you with these adoring eyes and try to lick your face enthusiastically.

It's hard to explain but I immediately bonded with the dog from the first time I held him in my arms. A neighbor on our street almost ran over him, and yet another neighbor down the street cared for him until the Humane Society could come and pick him up on the following Monday.

Ralph (the kid's named him) was constantly in my mind but I told myself the last thing I needed was another dog. I already had two, as well as an assortment of other animals, including 2 guinea pigs and 7 fish. But I could not stop thinking about him.

After an animal has been taken to the Humane Society, the waiting period is 5 days until you can pick him up. It has to be a full five days, which meant we could not pick him up until Saturday and of course, they were closed on the weekends. We picked him up Monday.

And it's been a wild ride ever since. Tiny and Bruiser were none too sure of this itty bitty intruder, and Ralph was terrified of them. That soon changed and it was not too long after that both Tiny and Bruiser tried to tempt Ralph to come out from underneath the rocking chair to play.

Getting him to actually eat more than a few bites took me about a week. I changed bowls (different sizes) several times, and each bowl became progressively smaller. It was almost as if he was intimidated by larger bowels. He now eats out of a guinea pig food bowl. I'm proud to say that Ralph is now eating like a champ, and, as a plus, he is eating the same food as the other dogs.

Tiny and Bruiser would play rough with Ralph most of the time, but Ralph would hold his own. I remember thinking to myself; "one of these days they'll push him too far, and it'll all be over with but the crying." Little did I know that prediction would come true.

I was out of town this weekend and when I came home, my husband told me this story:

"I was in the front of the garage folding laundry when all of a sudden I heard Bruiser barking pitifully. When I got a closer look, I found that Ralph had backed Bruiser underneath the car and wouldn't let him get out. He never made a sound, just bared his teeth, and the hair was standing up on his back. When I looked around for Tiny, I saw that she was over on the other side of the lawn. It took me a while to coax Bruiser out, and when I finally did, he kept his distance from Ralph for most of the rest of the day."

All is well though. Ralph and Bruiser are fast friends. All three dogs play together nicely, but if Tiny and Bruiser get a little rough, all that Ralph has to do is show his teeth, and they both back off. It's going to be interesting to see how this fans out.

I'm thinking I don't have to worry so much about Ralph after all. Looks like he's going to do just fine on his own.

Posted by Moogie at 03:35 PM | Comments (11)

November 17, 2005

Bwhahahahaha

I saw this on a bumper sticker on the way to work this morning.

"Most mornings, I wake up grumpy. Sometimes, I let him sleep."

Posted by Moogie at 08:13 PM | Comments (7)

Conversations with little people

Meelie No: Mom, do you know what a couple is?

Me: Yes, it's two.

Meelie No: Yep..but do you know what a half a couple is?

Me: Um, one?

Meelie No: Nope, it's four!

I guess maybe I need to go back to school. This new math is kililng me.

===============================================
Co-worker: I'm betting I won't get these parts in on time. Talking to this supplier is driving me to drink.

Me: There's a flask in my bottom right hand drawer.

Co-worker: Hah, that's good. I only wish.

Me: Help yourself. I've got some Altoids in the middle drawer. Take a couple. They disguise your breath.

I love it when I can keep a straight face when I do that. They are never really sure if I'm kidding around or not.

Posted by Moogie at 08:04 PM | Comments (5)

November 14, 2005

When real life takes over

I realize that there are certain times in your life where you get so busy you can't tell your, um rump from a tea kettle but it's getting a little rough here people.

Everything is going well. It’s going surprisingly well, just busy. But I’m still very tired, which makes me not want to post. I'd just assume not look at a computer when I get home. But I don't have that luxury.

My brother is getting married on January 1st. It was, how shall we say, somewhat sudden. No, that's not the truth. It wasn't sudden; it’s just that it’s kind of happening fast once the decision was made. Good stuff.

I'm making them a wedding website which has become somewhat complicated. Not the actual site itself, because I've got that under control. I just didn't realize how much work went into it. I've been contacting the bride for details. I've been contacting the bridal party. I've discovered that putting one of these things together is mind boggling. It's good, don't get me wrong, but there are alot of details. And it's harder to do when you are all the way across the country from those who are getting married. I'm thinking of buying my future sister-in-law a ticket to come out here for a few days so I can hog-tie her to the chair next to me and finish things up. Do you think she would go for it?

I've got to get a bunch of stuff done before the Thanksgiving holiday. We'll be visiting my folks, and the rest of the family. The brother that is getting married, and his lovely fiancée will be there as well. I can't wait.

To top it off, the day care worker that takes care of my children after school informed me that she will be going out of town this Wednesday..through next Wednesday. Alrighty then. So I scrambled for daycares this week and am fine on that end. Now I just need to figure out what I'm going to do next week as the kids are out of school.

So here are some reasons (um, excuses???) why the posting might be light. I'm covering my, uh, rump, so to speak, in case I don't have time to fill you in on my oh so wonderful life.

Oh..anyone out there want to take care of some animals while we are away? I've got three dogs, 2 guinea pigs and 6 fish calling your name.

Posted by Moogie at 09:10 PM | Comments (6)

November 13, 2005

Sunday morning reflections

It's amazing what a beautiful morning can do to lift your spirits, isn't it? The sun is shinning, the air is crisp, but not too cold. I don’t think it could get any better. This is what we call the perfect day in Georgia. It fills me with energy and a happiness that knows no bounds.

My oldest spent the night at a friend’s house. That same friend spent all day Friday and spent the night over here (schools were closed because of Veterans Day). They always have such a good time together.

Yesterday my youngest and I went to see Chicken Little. We really loved it. It seems that the animators just keep getting better and better. It was a cute story, and one that even had a moral. Good stuff. Then, we went shopping.

Both of my kids grew approximately 2 inches (and then some) about 2 weeks after I bought their school cloths. They are badly in need of pants, as well as shirts. They grow way too fast for my peace of mind. It's interesting, going shopping alone with a seven year old. We took our time, and tried on many different things. She's in between two sizes so it makes it hard to fit her properly. She didn't whine once about trying things on, which has to be a first.

Then we travelled around the entire store, looking at everything, including the Christmas decorations. I saw some really cute things I just may go back and get today. We went and looked a the makeup, and a really wonderful sales lady actually put some eye shadow and such on my daughter and then raved at how absolutely beautiful she was. She then promptly handed her a couple of samples to use for dress up. You could tell that Meelie No felt so important. This lady went out of her way to make her feel so very special. It's sad, but that doesn't happen very much these days.

Last night, Mr. Moogie took us out to a wonderful Italian restaurant to eat. Meelie No has a passion for spaghetti. We had a great time and even treated her to a piece of chocolate cake for dessert.

It's been a great weekend so far. Tonight we are headed over for a bbq at my neighbor's house. I'm bringing some kind of potato dish. I haven't decided which one yet, but it should be fun.

What about you? What did you do this weekend?

Posted by Moogie at 09:56 AM | Comments (5)

November 11, 2005

Veteran's Day Salute

"United States Military Oath of Allegiance (U.S. Code, Title 10, Subtitle A, Part II, Chapter 31, Section 502)

Each person enlisting in an armed force shall take the following oath, which may be taken before any commissioned officer of any armed force:

I, _________ , do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God."

This is my tribute to my father, and to all veterans who came before and after him. I thank God every day for him and veterans like him, without whom we wouldn't have the freedoms we've grown accustomed to. Freedoms that too many Americans take for granted.

Please take a few moments from your busy day to pause, reflect, and thank those who have served and are serving our country. While military conflicts are never easy to accept, neither are the denial of basic human rights. Whatever your opinions or beliefs, RESPECT and HONOR those who are answering the call to serve their country.

THE FINAL INSPECTION
Author: Unknown

The soldier stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass,
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, you soldier,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?"

The soldier squared his shoulders and
said, "No, Lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough,
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.

But, I never took a penny
That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep,

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear,
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here,
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand,
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand."

There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod,
As the soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.

"Step forward now, you soldier,
You've borne your burdens well,
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell.

Posted by Moogie at 11:28 AM | Comments (5)

November 07, 2005

In the mailbox

At last.... A bumper sticker for both parties. FINALLY, someone has come out with a 100% bipartisan political bumper sticker. The hottest selling bumper sticker comes from New York State:

"2008 - RUN HILLARY RUN"

Democrats put it on the rear bumper.

Republicans put it on the front bumper.

Sent to me by Catfish.

Posted by Moogie at 02:11 PM | Comments (5)

November 04, 2005

I've been told

Chickie: You owe me an extra $3 for cleaning this stuff up.

Me: Why?

Chickie: I just about vomited. I'm never cleaning Sugar Plum's (Meelie No's Guinea Pig) cage again.

Me: Have you taken an look at your room lately?

Chickie: And your point is?

Me: Exactly.

Posted by Moogie at 07:53 PM | Comments (6)

Aaaack and stuff like that

Goodness it certainly gets stuffy in here when all the windows are closed.

First off, I'm sorry it's been a while. I was overwhelmed with the emails I got asking about me. Thank you.

Second, I owe you and apology. It's been a heck of a week. Good, but I was having trouble finding extra time to do things like...well, it was busy. And I'm sure you have all experienced that. This time, I chose to take the real life stuff and deal with that, and then plop myself into bed.

It took me forever to deal with the spam I've been getting. I'm not sure why but I've been getting slammed, and I don't really know what to do about it. Teach me to get busy and ignore the blog.

So...at any rate, I'll be posting some pictures and giving some updates. Everything is good. Life is fine. I almost had my kids sold but they wanted a warranty.

Oh, and um...shhhhh...don't say this outloud but we may be getting another furbaby for a bit...maybe for good. We should know by Monday or Tuesday of next week. I'll go into more details later.

Am I crazy or what? Don't answer that. I don't want to know.

Posted by Moogie at 05:37 PM | Comments (7)