December 31, 2005
Ok, so I'm a little behind the 8 ball
This post will remain on top until December 31st to give everyone a chance to participate. Please scroll down for updates.
Seriously, do you expect anything else from me? I've joined the ranks of the frapprs. Won't you join me too?
Click HERE and let me know where you are.
Posted by Moogie at 06:43 PM | Comments (3)
December 30, 2005
Guest Post by Suzanne
*Opens the door and walks in.
Isn’t this fun?
I’ve never guest posted for anyone before so I’m a little excited to be here today.
Moogie and company left to celebrate New Year’s with family and to attend her brother’s wedding!
They must have been so excited when they left because they absent mindedly forgot to lock up the closet, which leaves me free rein to dig for all sorts of goodies.
*rummages around and grabs a snack.
It’s really cool in here. Not like my retinal scorching purple blog of course, but awesome none-the-less. Our friend Moogie has such fine taste in decorating, and her organization skills are a force to be reckoned.
I’m not saying I’m snooping around or anything like that (ahem) but while we’re here, let’s take a peep at all of the photographs to your left! That’s her brother and his lovely bride to be, on the top shelf. I’ve got to hand it to him for picking a great time of year to get married, because he’ll never forget their anniversary! Smart thinking on his part if you ask me.
Then there’s this huge assortment of archived posts we can sample while we’re at it. Remember back in the olden days when Moogie had this blog?
She’s been posting for a long time, and has written many funny stories in there. 343 to be exact, but who’s counting?
Oh look! Here’s her 100 things post.
I’ll probably just curl up on this nice soft couch for a short nap while you guys read further. Don’t worry about me, I’m trustworthy enough and won’t be stealing anything Moogie wouldn’t give me on her own if she was here to begin with so y’all go ahead
…really.
Cookie?
Posted by Moogie at 01:54 PM | Comments (6)
December 28, 2005
Guest Post by Heather
Hey y'all. Heather here. Our good friend Moogie asked me to guest post while she's on vacation. I hesitated at first because I have stage fright. But, for Moogie, I decided to get over it and help a sister out. I told Moogie not to expect much because fear seemed to have dried up my creative juices and wiped my brain clean of any ideas that would make for a good post. So Moogie asked me a few questions to help me get past my writer's block. Without further adieu, here's the answer to Moogie's first question.
What made you decide to be a nurse? Is that what you always wanted to be when you grew up? Was there a significant event in your life that made you want to be a nurse?
I have fond memories of nurses from my childhood. I have severe asthma and was hospitalized once for status asthmaticus and several times for bronchitis and acute asthma attacks.
I remember waking up once and being so hypoxic that I couldn't even get out of bed. My mother checked on me to see why I wasn't getting ready for school and immediately loaded me in the car and raced to the doctor's office. Once there, I received several breathing treatments and three shots of epinephrine. One of the nurses had urged me to eat something to help with the shakiness and queasiness caused by the medications. At some point during the day, I had eaten french fries. After spending the majority of the day in the doctor's office, I still wasn't moving much air. So, the office nurse helped my mother load me into the car and I was sent off to the hospital. I remember the nurse's kindness and concern for me. How did I repay her? By leaning out of the car window and vomiting up french fries. I still remember her putting her cool hand on my forehead and cooing, "It's okay, sweetie. You are very sick. Don't worry about it."
That particular hospital stay was quite long and scary. I was so hypoxic that my veins were collapsed and the nurses couldn't find a vein. My father was in the hallway looking green and faint because he couldn't bear to see me hurt. My mother was holding my hand and whispering in my ear. The nurses frantically searched my arms for veins and apologized profusely for causing me pain. Finally, a vein was found and a Theophylline drip was started. It was a couple of days before I even had the strength to sit up in bed and talk, but my nurses were always very kind. I remember being humiliated about having to use a bedpan, but they were always so nice.
Another person who greatly influenced my decision to become a nurse was my nurse practitioner who became my dear friend over the years. She actually came to my junior high school and taught our sex education class. She treated my asthma and common childhood ailments and later treated me for depression during my first year of college when my life was turned upside down. She was so kind to me. I remember her sitting me in her office and checking on me between her patients. She knew I just needed a place to go sometimes. Later, as we grew to be friends, she wrote letters of reference for me to apply for nursing school and to apply for my first job as a nurse. She recently wrote a letter of reference for me to be accepted in to my Bachelor's nursing program. I remember wanting to be the type of person that she was: kind, smart, compassionate, non-judgemental.
So, those are some of the people and events that inspired me to become a nurse. I started out with many different majors before I entered nursing school. Nursing gave me direction and momentum toward a goal. I have worked in critical care, cardiac cath lab, cardiac electrophysiology, and , most recently, performance improvement. There are so many types of careers possible in nursing. One needn't ever become bored. That's what I like about my field.
I really had no intention of writing a novel on Moogie's blog! But it was a good question. A good question from a great lady. I hope you are having a great vacation, Moogs!
Posted by Moogie at 08:26 PM | Comments (11)
December 27, 2005
Please help me
I'm on the verge of a panic attack and that doesn't happen to me easily. I'm getting ready to go out of town for a week. I've been gathering things together, making sure we have all of the appropriate gifts and wedding attire. I'm seriously behind on my laundry but that's not a big deal, right? I've sorted all the clothes (quite a few loads worth), and hauled them out to the garage.
Someone worker ran over a water pipe and busted it. My entire street has no water. No water means that the washing machine does not work. This in turn puts a halt to my laundry. Please slap me around so that I will feel better when you stop.
The estimated up time is about an hour. It's already been down for about an hour and a half.
Carry on. Thank you for letting me vent.
Posted by Moogie at 03:37 PM | Comments (4)
It's a Girl!!!
Posted by Moogie at 08:44 AM | Comments (1)
December 26, 2005
A difficult goodbye
The death of my parents has always been something I am deeply afraid of. After all, our parents are supposed to be immortal. I cannot fathom being without them because they are such an intricate part of my life.
It is with great sadness that I read this post over at Jack's. There are no words that I, or anyone, can use to ease the pain.
May God bless you and your family during this time of loss Jack. You will all be in my prayers.
Posted by Moogie at 11:27 AM | Comments (3)
Can I come out now?
The past few days have been somewhat of a blur to me. A good blur mind you, but a blur just the same.
On Christmas Eve I was certain that I was going to hand the children over to Santa to train to become elves. Bless them. They were so excited. I tried to get pictures of them walking on the walls and ceiling but I was never fast enough with my camera.
I ended up wrapping all (the remaining) presents while my husband watched the girls to make sure they stayed out of the bedroom. The poor guy caught a cold and was really miserable. I have to give him kudos because he really tried, but couldn't do much. I didn't mind though. It was kind of relaxing.
I ended up going to bed with the kids to get them to sleep at a decent hour that night. I woke up about 1:00 in the morning realizing that I had NOT STUFFED THE STOCKINGS! I set my alarm (in my own bed) and pretty much kept waking up and looking at the clock. I just wanted to make sure I had that complete before the kids got up.
We had set up the cookies and milk for Santa and the food and water for the reindeer (what, you've never heard of reindeer food, complete with magic dust to help them fly?). I ended up dragging myself out of bed about 5:15 and stuffing the stockings and setting out the gifts from Santa. I crawled back into bed after that and just relaxed and dozed off an on. That didn't last because one by one, both of the kids climbed into bed with us. Luckily, I was able to lull them back to sleep for a bit (it still wasn't six o'clock yet). It was raining and very dark outside, which helped alot.
I got up and made some coffee, and my husband joined me. Poor guy still was feeling alot like Fido's ass bottom, but was giving his best impression of a brave soldier, marching on to finish the job.
We had alot of nice, quiet time, drinking coffee, reading emails and generally relaxing before the Armageddon commenced children woke up and wanted to open presents RIGHT NOW. When I look at my children's faces, after they discover that Santa and his Reindeer had been here (everything was devoured) and there were presents under the tree (!), and, and, and....you get the picture. The look on their faces was worth every bit of work that I had put into it.
We had a bountiful Christmas this year. Every one of us loved what we received (how did Santa know I wanted that?). We spent the remainder of the day, playing with toys and gifts, and generally taking it easy. Later on that evening we went to the neighbors who were hosting a Christmas dinner which was delicious. I took the kids home when they became tired (my husband stayed a little later, he was feeling much better by then) and we watched one of the movies they got as a gift. It was a very nice ending to a beautiful day.
This morning we had a rough start. The girls are suffering from severe Postchristmasletdownitis. For those of you who have never experienced this, it comes complete with whining, fighting, crying and general grumpiness. I served up a side of patience and we soon got past that stage, at least for right now.
Next on the agenda for me is to go get myself cleaned up (I'm still in my PJs) and reclaim what used to be called my living room.
I feel very blessed.
Posted by Moogie at 09:37 AM | Comments (2)
December 24, 2005
Merry Christmas!!!!!
Merry Christmas everyone!
May peace, hope and love be with you today, tomorrow and always.
Moogie, Mr. Moogie, Meelie No and Chickie
CLICK HERE
Click on Santa first, and then all of the reigndeer.
Posted by Moogie at 05:24 PM | Comments (3)
December 22, 2005
The errands that never die
My last day at work before the holidays was Tuesday. I spent all day Wednesday, out with the girls, finding the perfect gifts for Daddy and finding outfits for the girls to wear for my brother's wedding.
The search for Daddy was by far the most fun, crowds and all. It's a tradition that we do every year. We are all in agreement, that this was the best year ever. We of course, must have our categories for these gifts.
I'm generally directed as to which gift goes to what category, and it really doesn't matter anyway. They (we) have so much fun. I try to steer them towards the practical for some gift ideas, and others, I just let them choose what they will. They did remarkably well this year. I've always managed to get the gift or gifts I want to give Daddy in there. This year, was no exception, and the girls surprised me by continually asking "will Daddy really need this, or is this practical?" I may be wearing off on them. We did get just a couple of fun things as well so we have a really good mixture. For obvious reasons I cannot disclose what they are at this time so if you want to know, you'll have to email me.
On the agenda for today are haircuts for the girls, as well as finding them some nice shoes to wear for the wedding. I also need to pick up some pot pourri and candles for some crystal bowls I picked up for some of my girlfriends. It's a different take on a gift basket. The girls and I will put them together this afternoon.
So, I'm off to shower and wake my still slumbering girls. I've enjoyed sipping my coffee and surfing the blogs of my friends. Quiet time is rare, but cherished.
I'll take it when I can get it.
Posted by Moogie at 08:12 AM | Comments (6)
December 20, 2005
Definition of Holiday
Do you know the origins of the word holiday? No? Neither did I until I read THIS post.
I wonder if the politically correct every thought of that?
And that brings me to another issue. We have a family that lives down the street from us. They are Mormon. They have about 100 kids, ok, so maybe it's only six...
The littlest one is about a year older than my youngest, who is 7. Apparently, earlier today she announced to all of the kids who were playing together that there was no such thing as Santa Claus. And not only is there no such thing as Santa Claus, there was no such thing as reindeer.
I got the full story from the daycare worker as well as my youngest when I walked into the door. I didn't have to do much damage control because Meelie told me that she thought that this little girl was pretty dumb. "Hello, how do you think the presents get under the tree? Who eats the reindeer food and the cookies for Santa?" It was so hard not to laugh, so I just hugged her instead and told her she was absolutely correct.
I know in time, she will stop believing. I know that Chickie, who is 11, is on the cusp right now. She really wants to believe, but is not entirely sure. When they stop believing is up to them and them alone. I'll support them and help them along the way.
I don't look forward to when they don't believe because it has been so fun. But it's my feeling that there IS a Santa Claus. And he resides in our hearts.
What about you?
Posted by Moogie at 07:17 PM | Comments (7)
December 19, 2005
I-BU-PRO-FEN
Do you know who came up with the following terms:
Obviously, they weren't a 43 year old mother who has not roller skated in over 25 years. Could you just help me out of this chair please?
On Saturday, my youngest and I were so bored, because we had nothing to do, and no one EVER did anything with us, and we always have to stay home (ring any bells?). So we decided to go roller skating. My eldest was going with some friends that night, so we took in the daytime matinee. Yes we, as in Meelie and I. Why do you think I'm walking so funny?
I'm happy to report that I did NOT fall down, nor sustain any injuries that 800 mg of Ibuprofen every 4 hours can not minimize. I do believe I may have traumatized my daughter though.
She kept skating behind me saying things like "Mamma, you really don't have to skate, just go over there and sit down and watch." Apparently she was quite afraid that I was going to fall down and do myself some bodily harm.
As stated above I did not fall, but I was extremely cautious. I got quite a bit of exercise and had a good time in spite of myself.
I'm accused of being many things and smart is not one of them. Call me stupid, but I can't wait until next time.
Posted by Moogie at 03:36 PM | Comments (5)
December 17, 2005
Productive Morning
It's been a productive morning so far, and it's not even noon. And to top it of, it's Saturday.
I've already taken Ralph to the vet (he has a skin allergy) and my husband has fixed his car (replaced the thermostat-I think), and the girls have been bathed and are now ready to start the day.
My eldest is packing for a sleepover at a friends house (a bunch of them are going to the skating rink), and I'm not sure what the rest of the day will bring. I'm thinking of playing it by ear.
I know that I need to finish up my Christmas shopping, but am not really looking forward to that bit at all.
It's cold and nasty outside, my house needs a major overhaul, and I just can't seem to get motivated to clean it. As you can see, I have plenty to pick from, but most likely, I'll go hang out with Meelie for a while and put everything off for a day.
I'd say it's a pretty good way to spend a Saturday.
Posted by Moogie at 11:54 AM | Comments (5)
December 16, 2005
Who let the dogs out?
Yesterday was the girls last day of school and they are now embarking on the holiday Christmas vacation. I have today off. And they are spending it with me. Blink, blink.
This entire week has been a whirlwind of emotions. I'm never quite sure what I am coming home to. School work has been light, parties have been going on and the excited vibrations are enough to topple the Empire State Building, as well as to cause me to drink quite heavily. I jest about the Empire State Building.
Last night, my youngest was a good example of that. She was bouncing of the walls when she came home. I had to look at everything she made (which included the coolest ornament with her picture on it), and listen to how everything was done. It's one of my favorite times. She gets so excited, as did her sister at that age. But people, they can TURN on you. She was happily bouncing around the house when all of a sudden, her life came to a screeching halt and the world ended. Amen.
I've learned that there are ways (sometimes) to distract her, my little emotional bundle of joy. Tonight, after what promised to be a major emotional meltdown, I noticed that she smelled wonderful (I was rocking her on my lap). She told me that her teacher had scented candles at school. She also said it could have been from Mrs. M's house (her daycare provider), because her house always smells so good (and I am here to tell you that it does).
From then on out it was smooth sailing. She loves to hear about funny things she did as a child (for that matter, my oldest still gains comfort in that). I told her that by the time she was two days old, she had discovered her thumb, and has never stopped sucking it since. I told her about her fierce independence, which she constantly displays. For example, when I would want to help her get dressed you would hear "I DO MAMA, I DO!." That was a term that I came to love and dread at the same time.
Memories are good things. Even, if perhaps, the memory is one that makes you want to crawl back into your shell, they are memories. They shape us and make us who we are today. I have alot of them from my childhood, and I share them freely with my girls. They love it when my folks tell them about things from their own childhood, or anything from the past. Bless my parents. They are so patient with them and they seem to enjoy the sharing these things as well.
As usual, I seem to have strayed from the topic on hand. But then again, I'm not sure what the topic was supposed to be.
Today was spent getting my hair cut (with three girls, Meelie's friend went with us), and then we went to get our nails done. For the little ones, it was just a polish. Chickie and I had the manicure, which she really loved. Right now, the little two are outside playing, and I would imagine, wreaking havoc on the dogs. In a little bit, when we get rid of the excess energy, we'll make some Christmas ornaments.
I’d say we have had a very successful Friday.
Posted by Moogie at 05:06 PM | Comments (0)
December 14, 2005
Which Reindeer are You?
| You Are Rudolph |
 Why You're Naughty: You sometimes stick that nose where it doesn't belong Why You're Nice: Christmas would be a sad affair without you! |
Special thanks to the lovely Heather for this one. At least I have a good reason for the color of my nose!
Posted by Moogie at 06:19 PM | Comments (3)
December 12, 2005
What are YOU looking at?
Have you ever woken up angry? Wait, let me rephrase that question. Have you ever woke up angry for no reason? Yeah, me too.
I was not in the best of moods yesterday. It was one of those times where the littlest of things would set me off. Whenever I have a day like that, I tend to burrow myself in my little hole in the wall and just work my way past it. Thankfully, alot of my job is handled talking to people on the phone so I can gesticulate rudely, relieving some of the built up stress, and no one knows any better.
On these days my irritability factor is in the negative. For example, can someone please explain to me why the folks and McDonalds ask you what kind of sauce you want for your chicken nuggets when you order, yet fail to put it in your bag each and every time? And why in the world to the people who make picture frames, put the price sticking on the FRONT of the frame, smack dab in the middle of the glass? I've just barely touched the surface (I didn't want this to turn into a full fledged rant and show you my true lunatic colors).
I remember one time I was talking to a person who needed a slap upside the head, and I was able to give it to them, virtually speaking of course. I tell you there is nothing like a 43-year-old woman flapping her arms and acting like a gorilla. I would discourage pounding your chest though. It brings on coughing spells that make your co-workers come running to see what's wrong.
When I am stressed, my stomach tends to make a lot of noise. And if I were honest, I would tell you that my stomach makes alot of noise, whether aided by stress or not. I was sitting in a meeting, next to yet another co-worker, when my stomach decided to play a scene right out of Aliens team up with Lizzie Borden and take on Godzilla. He looked over at me, then down and my stomach and asked, "Should I be afraid?"
I replied in my best Jack Nicholson voice, "run, run for your life." He doesn't talk to me much anymore.
A little while ago one of my co-workers said in an out loud, under her breath kind of voice, "it's a wonder none of us in this group have ended up in the loony bin." I replied, "It's not so bad there, you get your own room."
I'm fairly good at working my way back from the ugly side. It's not too hard, not only because I'm certifiable, but because it just takes too much energy to stay angry. And face it, when you work with the folks I do, it's hard to stay mad long.
And if I every have any lingering anger by the time I get home, it's wiped clean off the slate when a certain little seven year old comes up to me with something carefully wrapped in tissue paper.
"It's for you Mama, because you need an early Christmas present." That little face is looking up at me with great big, trusting brown eyes that are so full of love I'm completely swallowed whole. When I slowly unwrap the present, I find that I am staring at "Gary" who is Sponge Bob's beloved pet snail. It also happens to be one of my daughter's favorite stuffed animal that she sleeps with every night.
I ask you this my beloved readers, how can anyone stay mad after that?
Posted by Moogie at 06:39 PM | Comments (6)
December 11, 2005
Don't you hate it when this happens?
Posted by Moogie at 04:57 PM | Comments (4)
The dreaded bath
We should never be allowed to have dogs. We are cruel to all of our animals. Here is why I say that.
Posted by Moogie at 04:25 PM | Comments (6)
Obligatory Photos
I've been trying not to inundate you with photographs involving family, friends, animals and anything else I constantly take pictures of. If the truth were told, that would be just about anything. Hush.
But sometimes, I feel the need to share.
Despite how this looks, she's not terribly nervous. She is just self conscious about her smile. Doesn't she make a fabulous trumpet player?
Posted by Moogie at 04:10 PM | Comments (4)
In the mailbox
A special thank you to Catfish for this.
Posted by Moogie at 09:24 AM | Comments (0)
December 09, 2005
Remember the time we....
On a general, not so daily surf (at least lately), I came across this really good idea from The Goober Queen.
Please post a comment with a completely fictional memory of you and me. It can be anything you want– good or bad, silly or stupid, believable or not – but it has to be fake. (Don't worry - I'm highly inoffendable!)When you’re finished, post this paragraph on your blog and be surprised (or mortified) about what people don't actually remember about you.
This one was way too good to pass up.
Update: I also see that Mr. Rumble Tummy participated as well.
It just gets better and better.
Posted by Moogie at 05:50 PM | Comments (5)
What is your Christmas name?
I followed the bus fumes over to Leslie's (from here on known as Cutie Pie Butter-Noodles) site and found this quiz just waiting to be answered.
Ok..I KNEW better than to participate in this one but just couldn't resist.
You may now call me "Fuzzy Holly-Noodles." I'm not sure what that means exactly, but I don't think I want to know.
Go ahead and take the quiz yourself, and let me know how yours turned out.
Update: My husband will now be known as "Wriggly Holly-Helper." My oldest is "Cutie Holly-Cracker" and my youngest is "Fuzzy Holly-Baubles." I'm particularly worried about the word fuzzy. It must be hereditary.
Posted by Moogie at 05:13 PM | Comments (2)
I just don't get this
I was visiting Michele today and read THIS gut wrenching post.
According to Bogalusa Police Sergeant Daryl Darben, Lakeisha Adams called police Monday night around 7 p.m. to report that someone had killed her child. When officers arrived, they said they found Jailand Adams on the sofa at his mother’s home. He was pronounced dead at the scene.Darben said Adams admitted during questioning that she had put her infant son in the clothes dryer and then turned it on.
Coroner Peter Galvan said the baby had third-degree burns over 50 percent of his body and had suffered blunt force trauma to the head from tumbling in the dryer.
Adams also had a one-year-old child that is now in state protective custody.
Police said Adams did not give an explanation as to why she put her son in the dryer.
I just can't grasp this one. I can't understand why anyone would kill, much less harm a child of any age. There are some really sick people out there.
The article can be found HERE.
Posted by Moogie at 04:49 PM | Comments (2)
The concert
The concert was, by far, the most wonderful thing I've ever been to. Ok, I've not been to alot of concerts, but this one just had to be one of the best of the year. Of course, the fact that my daughter was in the band, playing the trumpet, most likely has a big influence on my opinion. But we won't mention that. It was beautiful. Let's just leave it at that.
In all honesty, I was truly amazed at what this band instructor had done with sixth graders who had only been playing their instruments since the end of August. That man must have the patience of a Saint.
Chickie loves to play the trumpet, and loves everything about being in the band. She is, at least at this time, planning on being in it next year as well. The 7th and 8th graders played as well, and it we remarkable to listen to the progression of each grade.
I'm finding myself looking forward to the next concert which will be in the spring.
It's a good feeling when you see your child really excited about something. Just looking at her face make having to listen to First Rockin' Christmas 3,786 times worth it.
Posted by Moogie at 04:27 PM | Comments (1)
December 06, 2005
I'm off to a concert
Of 6th graders. In band. My daughter plays trumpet. Please hold me.
Posted by Moogie at 06:01 PM | Comments (7)
December 03, 2005
Sexy Porker
Bwhaahahahahah! I have finally made it. Every once in a while when I want to get a good laugh, or scare myself silly, I check out the search terms that bring you lovely folks to my site. I've never quite made it to number 1 yet, until now. I was hoping for a little something bigger, but beggers cannot be choosers.
Go HERE to see what I mean.
Oink, oink, oink.
Posted by Moogie at 10:11 AM | Comments (6)
Christmas Lights
Not bad, not bad at all. Make sure you have your sound turned up and watch it all the way to the end.
Posted by Moogie at 09:44 AM | Comments (3)
December 01, 2005
And they call it puppy love
I'm thinking that Ralph wants to help. Check out the extended entry.
Posted by Moogie at 06:11 PM | Comments (4)
I want to meet this lady
I don't know about you, but I think Grace's mother-in-law ROCKS! I've always known that Grace is a talented and gifted writer. But I would think it would be hard to be anything but that, when you have someone like Mrs. Clara M. visiting you.
This woman is 88 years young, and can still get down with the best of us!
Read more about the lovely woman here and here.
Thank you for sharing a little bit of this beautiful woman with us Grace.
Posted by Moogie at 12:42 PM | Comments (2)