January 31, 2006

Georgia's Move Over Law

Shouldn't this go without saying? It surprises me that they even need to put it in a law.

Personally, I think they should add jail time to the fine.

Go figure.

Posted by Moogie at 12:09 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack

The Bathtub Test

It doesn't hurt to take a hard look at yourself from time to time, and this should help get you started. I, for one, relate to this example really well. I leave you to figure out which side.

During a visit to the mental asylum, a visitor asked the Director what the criterion was which defined whether or not a patient should be institutionalized.

"Well," said the Director, "we fill up a bathtub, then we offer a teaspoon, a teacup and a bucket to the patient and ask him or her to empty the bathtub."

"Oh, I understand," said the visitor. "A normal person would use the bucket because it's bigger than the spoon or the teacup.

"No." said the Director, "A normal person would pull the plug. Do you want a bed near the window?"

Posted by Moogie at 12:04 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

January 30, 2006

Weekend Stuff

We had a great time visiting the folks and family. It's so great to be close in distance to everyone. We are blessed that the girls get along so well with the nieces and nephews. They have a blast together.

Thank you all so much for your prayers and thoughts for my brother. You all continue to amaze me with your unfailing support, even though we don't know each other personally. Things don't look well. I won't go into details right now, as I don't want to wear out my welcome. He's got an appointment with the urologist and infectious disease doctor on February 13, and, if all goes to plan, they'll make their decision then. He's holding his own, but it's a difficult road to travel. He's in so much pain. He has his good moments and has learned that when he needs to rest, he needs to do it right then.

Its times like these I feel so helpless. I'm not at all sure there would be alot I could do to help him if I was closer, but I still wish I were there. I guess that's a normal feeling, when one you love is ill. Please keep the thoughts and prayers coming and I'll let you know what happens after the doctor's appointments.

As you can see, construction did not getcompleted while I was away. Most likely there were problems with the final inspections and the permits. I'm hoping that soon, I'll be able to show you what my remodelled home looks like. Watch this space for further developments. And thanks so much for checking in.

We'll be getting the results for Meelie's testing on February 2nd. It's all complete now so it's very much a game of hurry up and wait. The teacher doesn't even know the results yet, and I would imagine that even if she did, she wouldn't let me know ahead of time.

Before signing off, I wanted to share some advice that I received from my youngest.

"Whatever you do, don't suck a marble through your nose. Because if you do, it will go up your nose and bounce around in your brain and give you a headache."

You just can't make this stuff up. I think I'll follow it, don't you?

Posted by Moogie at 06:20 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack

January 28, 2006

While I'm Away

Please pardon the dust and debris. While I'm away, there will be some construction going on. If it gets complete before I return, leave a comment and tell me how wonderful it looks.

Posted by Moogie at 09:07 AM | Comments (5) | TrackBack

January 27, 2006

Birthday Soup

1. I'll be heading down to Florida tomorrow morning to visit the folks, as well as my brother (and his family). My brother is facing some serious health challenges in the near future, one of which is surgery that could cost him the use of his leg. If you are so inclined, I would appreciate it if you would keep him in your prayers, and if not, just keep him in your thoughts. Every little bit helps.
2. Have you ever noticed that you could be feeling fine, and then when the doctor tells you that you are sick, you suddenly are miserable. Take me for example, on a visit with my doctor. After the familial bout with the flu, I had a chronic pain in my ear. Nothing major mind you, nor anything that slowed me down. I often get that feeling when my allergies are acting up and can generally control it by taking some Ibuprofen until it passes. Well, it just wasn't going away. Since it's coming up on the weekend, I thought I would check it out. Turns out I have an ear infection. Oh, and a sinus infection. And now I feel like death warmed over. It flabbergasts me how you can walk into a doctor's office feeling pretty good, and leave feeling like you just ate your cats latest hairball.
3. Have you ever noticed a glass of milk left somewhere, in this case on the dining room table, that you had missed on your daily rounds for forgotten cups, dishes, etc? Then, when you go to pour it out in the sink, you don't hear liquid pouring into the drain, but you do hear something like a kerthump. And then you say to yourself, please tell me that was yogurt, please tell me that was yogurt. And when the pungent odor of sour dairy hits your nose, you realize your prayers to the curdle gods were for naught?
4. And back to the subject of needing help, could you please keep my friend Donniein your thoughts and prayers? His PSA count has not come down (just the opposite) and he had to have some tests today. Please do the same for Christina's sweet one who sustained some injuries during a basketball game.

   UPDATE: Christina just posted this wonderful bit of news!!!! Yay Sweet One!!!!

That's about it for tonight. Hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

Posted by Moogie at 06:00 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack

Cocktail Napkins, Flashlights and Outhouses

On one of my sporadic surfs around blogdom, I stumbled upon this post by non other than Mr. Debonair himself. I have not been able to get it out of my head, so I do the only thing I know how. Blog about it.

Yes, I need help.

For some reason only known to me (or maybe not), this little foray into hygiene etiquette got me to thinking.

When I was a child, I was a Girl Scout. One of my favorite things to do was go camping. Besides having my "mess kit", I was graced with a pink flashlight. A Girl Scout must accessorize, and accessorize well.

More often than not, the campsites were not equipped with indoor plumbing and so we had to use outhouses. One night, a couple of my girlfriends and I had need of the facilities. We went to our tents and got the necessary supplies, and I made sure I had my ever-so-fabulous, fancy flashlight to guide us. When it was my turn, I entered, and did my normal routine. I set the flashlight down beside me, so that the light would keep anything scary away.

What I did not bank upon was the fact that the area surrounding the "hole" was uneven. It was slanted. After I finished my business, I stood and pulled my pants up. And the flashlight proceeded to roll towards the hole. And into the hole it fell. And it was still turned on.

Of course, being young and stupid, all of us crowded into the outhouse after that to take a peek. It was the story of the weekend.

I got another flashlight after that, though I don't remember it being so fancy or so pink. I've had, and have, many of them now placed in various parts of the house for emergency use.

I still have trouble with outhouses though. I can never carry anything in with me for fear of loosing it the same way I lost my flashlight.

I'm lucky that I have a husband who doesn't mind holding my purse while standing outside the door. I just wish he wouldn't swish his hips while he was doing it.

Posted by Moogie at 07:57 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBack

January 25, 2006

What’s in a name?

It’s funny, this virtual world we live in. All of our friends live in shiny little boxes, and, more often than not, the only picture that we have of them is in our heads.

Some, like me, have been fortunate enough to meet these friends from the blogdom.

What I find fascinating is how we attach the on-line nickname to the actual person. I’m a prime example of this. I’ve had the good fortune to attend a few blogmeets, and I always introduce myself using my first name followed by “from Moogie’s World.” I have yet to have a fellow blogger actually address me in person by my real name.

It’s funny because my nickname does not come from Star Trek, as many of you think. When I went back to work after my eldest daughter was born, there was a three-year old girl at her daycare that could not pronounce her name. It always came out like Moogie (with a soft ‘G’). And it stuck. We still call her that or Moogs quite regularly.

When I was searching for a nickname for my on-line persona, I chose that one. And like my daughter, it has stuck. It doesn’t bother me in the slightest. Actually, quite the opposite. I must have chose a good nickname if people easily remember me that way.

Hi! My name is Moogie. It’s so very nice to meet you.

Posted by Moogie at 02:24 PM | Comments (9) | TrackBack

January 24, 2006

Decisions, decisions

I, against my will, am forced to make numerous decisions each day. I've got a full time job and two midget terrorists lovely angels to watch over, and that alone drives this indecisive woman nuts.

But wait! There's more! Let's chat about grocery stores shall we? I'll start with toilet paper, because I'm sure it will get my point across.

We were running low on toilet paper the other day. Generally, I look for the best deal, and I'm careful to consider the ply factor. Because, hey, if you buy 1-ply TP, you have to use twice the amount to wipe, so that's really not a bargain. Wait, there's TP with ripples, and by all that is holy, there is TP with Aloe and E. I guess that would be good if you wanted to make sure your cheeks didn't become wrinkled, because let's face it peeps, we must moisturize daily. If only it would help in the sagging department.

If that's not enough, let's chat about chicken broth. There is low sodium, low fat, and lets not forget the broth with flavorings, such as roasted garlic. Have you ever really looked at the soup aisle? There has to be about 364 different varieties. What happened to chicken noodle, tomatoe or bean with bacon? Do you remember those?

And moving on to produce, do you know they have purple potatoes? The different types of lettuce you can buy amazes me. It's often described as "Spring Mix." It's wonderful to add in a salad but are you really sure what you are eating?

I've noticed, at least here in the south, that they have interesting items, like pig’s feet or cow tongues. People actually buy those? I really shouldn't judge. I know this but the thought of that far surpasses any gross out factor I may have experienced before in my life.

Friends, it's your turn now. What is the oddest thing you've found in a grocery store? What is the hardest thing you've had to make a decision on?

Posted by Moogie at 06:55 PM | Comments (7) | TrackBack

January 23, 2006

They do listen

I often wonder if my constant nagging, yelling, or wagging my finger at the children has any effect. It seems like I repeat myself time after time. This incessant beating my head against the wall serves not only to give me continual headaches, but has also put me on a first name basis with all of the employees at Home Depot. My husband is getting tired of patching the walls.

I often forget, that while they seem to be on another planet when I try to drill information into those tiny little pointed heads, there must be some mechanism that records whatever is being said. I however, have never figured out the path from my voice to their brain, but as long as it reaches the final destination, I don't worry about it.

Last night, Meelie No, for reasons known only to her, decided to take off her sock, and throw it at her sister, who was doing nothing other than diligently working at her homework. It hit her smack dab in the middle of the face.

Chickie reacted as any normal child would do. "Moooooooooooom!" Well, no, most children would probably turn around and thwack their sibling upside the head, but we have been continually drilling into her (see above) that: 1) We do not show our anger, or anything else by hitting, and 2) You are the older sister and you need to come and tell Mama and Daddy about it and let them deal with it.

Many psychologists would claim that Meelie does this to get attention. Obviously, my youngest child is not a textbook case. She does it to piss her sister off, and it works.

When I confronted Meelie about this action (after I finished making another hole in the wall with my head), she became hysterical, claiming life was unfair and she might as well have a different mother and father, because she always gets in trouble and Chickie gets to do anything she wants (I apologize for the run on sentence but that was how it was presented to me. In one loooong tirade, no extra breaths. Rather impressive for a 7 year old, I think).

I made her go to her room to settle down, and in a little bit, I heard the following:

"Sarah Louise. How many times do I have to tell you that hitting is an unacceptable behavior? We use our words, not our hands. Now you go to your room this instant, and don't come out until you can tell me why what you did was wrong!"

Once I picked myself up off the floor after a bout with hysterical laughter, I peeked around the corner and the offending doll "Sarah Louise" was sitting in the corner right outside Meelie's door.

Guess little Miss Sarah won't be pulling Raggedy Ann's hair any more.

Posted by Moogie at 06:36 PM | Comments (9) | TrackBack

January 22, 2006

Here's where you do the work

Oh come on peeps! I'm only asking for a little help for my friends here, that's all. I was going to ask you to clean my windows, but I thought better of it. I will, however, accept all offers of coming over to help us paint on the inside. But this will be discussed, and bargained for in another post.

I generally keep my posting light on the weekends, mainly because everyone seems to disappear during that time. Today will be no different.

Actually, I've got a few places I want you to visit.

First off, you need to go here and cast your vote. The most talented and beautiful Purple Princess has decided to gut her home, and do a complete redesign. Won't you help her decide on the theme? It seems she is revamping alot of her life. She's already had her hair done, and gotten a new, sporty, hot looking Mom-Mobile. I tell you, this woman rocks! By the way, go take a look at all of her place settings while you're there. I need to have this woman come and help me choose the colors of paint I want to use in my house.

And then, there is my sister. She is fighting an uphill battle with the evil nicotine, and so far, she is winning. Go on over and cheer her on. You can tell her I sent you if you like because, being the younger of the two of us, it will give me brownie points. But seriously, go give her kudos. She's doing great so far. There is no doubt in my mind that she will succeed.

See? That's not so hard to do. Go on, visit those two magnificent ladies and give them the help they deserve.

Posted by Moogie at 05:22 PM | Comments (8)

January 20, 2006

Friday Funnies

We all get heavier as we get older because there's a lot more information in our heads. So I'm not fat, I'm just really intelligent and my head couldn't hold any more so it started filling up the rest of me!

That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

"Say, what's your name?" the bartender asked the first duck.

"Huey," was the reply.

"How's your day been, Huey?"

"Great. Lovely day. Had a ball. Been in and out of puddles all day. What else could a duck want?" said Huey.

"Oh. That's nice," said the bartender. He turned to the second duck,

"Hi, and what's your name?"

"Dewey," came the answer from duck number two.

"So how's your day been, Dewey! ?" he asked.

"Great. Lovely day. I've had a ball too. Been in and out of puddles all day myself. What else could a duck want?"

The bartender turned to the third duck and said, "So, you must be Louie?"

"No," she said, batting her eyelashes.

"My name is Puddles."

*******************************************

Last year I replaced all the windows in my house with that expensive double-pane energy efficient kind, but this week, I got a call from the contractor who installed them. He was complaining that the work had been completed a whole year ago and I hadn't paid for them. Hellloooo, just because I'm blonde doesn't mean that I am automatically stupid. So, I told him just what his fast talking sales guy had told ME last year,.....namely, that in ONE YEAR these windows would pay for themselves!

Helllooooo? It's been a year! (I told him.) There was only silence at the other end of the line, so I finally just hung up.... He didn't call back.

Guess I won that stupid argument.

Posted by Moogie at 12:16 PM | Comments (5)

January 18, 2006

The challenge child

As most of you know, Meelie No is going through some extensive testing at school. And by all that is holy, it's totally cool because they give you snacks while you work, or so I am reliably informed.

She's already been recommended for after school tutoring, which does not lack snacks either. According to my 7 year old connoisseur of snacks, this ROCKS.

She is an extremely bright child, and has made the honor roll each time this year, and the years proceeding. The problem lies within processing directions. She needs too much clarification. She aces tests, but has problems with in class work and has to be constantly helped when doing homework. I'm told it's like a short in her wiring.

She bounces off of walls, is fidgety, and you are sure she is not paying attention. This is according to her teacher, who I have the utmost of respect for. The only thing is, when the teacher asks questions of the class, my daughter is the first to raise her hand and answer them. Go figure.

The teacher's main worry is that as the year goes on, and as she goes on to the next grade and the work gets harder and she is expected to work more independently, she will flounder, considerably. I'm all for catching it early.

If I would have had this child first, I would most likely not have had another one. She is stubborn, strong willed, prone to tantrums and will surely win the academy award for "Most Emotional Person You Ever Saw."

On the flip side she is gentle, caring and very affectionate. She loves to cuddle. She's been sucking her thumb since she was 2 days old and hasn't stopped since in the seven years of her life. Picture this peeps. She's asleep, and the thumb is firmly entrenched in her mouth. I cover her up and give her a kiss on the cheek, and reach down to pull the thumb out of her mouth and the body comes up with it.

We have now entered in to Hell. We are working on behavior modification and consequences.

Last week, I got so frustrated with her, I was sure I was going to beat her senseless. This being unacceptable I turned to her and said "Take your 'ugly face' and march it right into your room. Don't come out until you have your 'pretty face' on and can treat and talk to me with respect." Dead silence.

And then I went deaf. She screamed "I HATE YOU!", and while my heart splintered into a gazillion pieces I said "that's ok, I love you enough for the both of us." She didn't like that. At all.

March to her room she did, and after much door slamming, sobbing, and stomping around (I felt sorry for Sugar Plum, the Guinea Pig residing in her room), she came out of her room, perfectly calm and walked up to me in the kitchen.

She then proceeded to wrap her arms around my leg and say, "Mom, what's for dinner?"

Gack. She's just like her father.

Posted by Moogie at 08:19 PM | Comments (11)

And on the 8th day.....

....God hid all the buckets.

I'm happy to report that I am actually almost back to my normal self.

After a full day of work yesterday, I came home fairly convinced I was going to die, or, afraid I was going to live. Take your pick.

I was nauseous and rather afraid the whole thing was going to come back and bite me on the rump. Truthfully, I probably went back a day early but I was so tired of lying around I figured I would chance it. Bad move.

I spent the better part of the evening doing deep breathing exercises to keep everything in its place. I thought I had it somewhat under control.

We watched the Season Premiere of American Idol and I vacillated between disbelief that there were people who seriously believed they had talent, and wanting to kill Simon. It's been a few seasons since I've watched the show, and I see my dislike for this egotistical moron has not lessoned one iota. On the other hand, Paula still needs to get some backbone. I mean, come on, she is just too nice.

I finally shut off the TV, and was able to fall asleep with the hope that the rumbling deep down in my gut was just gas. Alas, that was not the case.

When my husband came to bed around midnight, I woke up, and immediately said to myself, "this is not good." I prayed to the Vomituous Porcelain Gods, promising them that I would spend more time worshiping them, and clean the toilet bowl everyday for the rest of my life, if they would please, please, calm the inferno building in my stomach.

I sat up thinking of pretty things, like fields of flowers. I breathed deeply yet again. I let my mind wander. My husband sat with me, just talking softly as I fought the urge to relieve myself of what was left of my internal organs.

And then, he asked that fateful question: "Do you need me to get the bucket?"

That was all it took. At that point, the volcano erupted, and I collapsed at the base of the toilet bowl, just in the nick of time. My poor husband, reduced to patting my back, could do nothing but stand there and whisper words of encouragement as the flow of lava spewed forth, emptying not only the aforementioned organs, but sucking the toenails through my nose.

Yes, it was one of those.

I'm happy to report that after having my face gently washed with a cool cloth by my husband, and brushing my teeth, I was able to sleep the entire night with no further episodes. The only after affect I have is that every muscle I possess, from the neck on down, hurts. That and I existed on nothing but peanut butter toast and hot tea for the whole day.

From every hardship we learn lessons and what I learned was that I really do need to clean my toilets more often.

Posted by Moogie at 06:55 PM | Comments (8)

January 16, 2006

The bug cometh and the bug taketh away

Well, I didn't escape the ick that hit my children on Thursday and Friday. Saturday was a really good day, and I thought I'd perhaps, missed this round of ailments. Not so. I got hit with it beginning early Sunday morning. Just now (early evening Sunday) I'm able to actually sit for longer periods of time without getting dizzy. Hopefully, I'll continue to get better enough to go into work tomorrow.

Take care everyone and stay well.

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

January 13, 2006

The Storm

The sound of thunder rousted me from my slumber. It felt as though it was right overhead. My blinds were open and the onslaught of the torrential rain had begun. At that moment, I heard, more than saw the lightening hit the ground just to the left of the driveway, where an old oak tree resided. What followed thereafter was something that I am sure will never be erased from my memories.

The tree that had stood so proud on the sunny day before had been hit. The large limb used for climbing by tiny little legs began its descent towards the small corner of the roof, covering the room in which my eldest daughter lay sleeping. The noise was deafening, only made worse by the incessant barking of the dogs.

I had to fight my way out from underneath the covers that had tangled about me. I ran down the hall, past the kitchen and dining room, to the area that housed my children’s bedrooms. The rain hit me full force, immediately drenching my pajama clad body. Over the howling wind I heard my daughter’s cries. “Mommy, please help me!”

I frantically made my way towards her, trying in vain to reach her and bring her to safety. The large limb and endless supply of branches effectively blocked my path. I began to tear at them, yelling at my daughter to hold on. It seemed useless as the power of the storm only increased in strength, making any type of conversation virtually impossible. I prayed to God as I had never prayed before and again began my seemingly useless Herculean task with a vengeance.

The branches tore at my arms, ripping at my skin. I felt the warmth of the blood roll down my arms, in contrast with the cold, biting rain that was pelting me through the now non-existent roof.

I finally was able to clear a path just large enough for me to crawl through. Staying on my hands and knees, I made my way through the rubble, to where my daughter lay helpless, entrapped beneath a large beam that came from the now defunct roof. I lay down beside her, holding the upper part of her body, comforting her through her sobs, and ensuring her that I would keep her safe.

I awoke with a start. It took me a moment to realize that while the storm was raging outside, it had not touched the safety of my home, or the loved one’s that were beneath its roof. As I became more aware of my surrounding, I heard an eerily familiar faint cry, coming from my oldest daughter’s room. “Mommy, help me.”

I quickly ran to her room, only to find her curled in the fetal positioning and whimpering “I need the bowl.” I quickly retrieved it from her nightstand and sat beside her as she emptied her stomach of what was left inside her. I held her tightly against me, instinctively knowing this gave her comfort. After it was through, I gently wiped her face with a cold cloth, and eased her back onto the pillows. We had gone through this exercise too many times tonight, this little girl and I. She was exhausted, pale and weak.

She looked at me through watery eyes and tearfully asked me if she was going to die. I brushed the hair off of her cheeks, and held her close once again. “No little one, you won’t die though I’m sure it feels like it right now.” I tucked the covers around her and lay down next to her. She immediately snuggled up closely against me.

Looking down at her, nestled in the crook of my arm, I placed a kiss atop her head and smiled. “Mama will always keep you safe.”

Posted by Moogie at 06:45 PM | Comments (6)

The Torch has been passed

While I was waiting for Chickie to wake up this morning, I was wading through some email. I got this one from my Mom and Dad and I thought it really hit the nail on the head. What about you? What do you think? Is there really a time we will stop worrying about our children? For that matter, do you find yourself worrying about your parents now?

***********
Is there a magic cutoff period when offspring become accountable for their own actions? Is there a wonderful moment when parents can become detached spectators in the lives of their children and shrug, "It's their life," and feel nothing?

When I was in my twenties, I stood in a hospital corridor waiting for doctors to put a few stitches in my son's head. I asked, "When do you stop worrying?" The nurse said, "When they get out of the accident stage." My mother just smiled faintly and said nothing.

When I was in my thirties, I sat on a little chair in a classroom and heard how one of my children talked incessantly, disrupted the class, and was headed for a career making license plates. As if to read my mind, a teacher said, "Don't worry, they all go through this stage and then you can sit back, relax and enjoy them." My mother just smiled faintly and said nothing.

When I was in my forties, I spent a lifetime waiting for the phone to ring, the cars to come home, the front door to open. A friend said, "They're trying to find themselves. Don't worry in a few years, you can stop worrying. They'll be adults." My mother just smiled faintly and said nothing.

By the time I was 50, I was sick & tired of being vulnerable. I was still worrying over my children, but there was a new wrinkle - there was nothing I could do about it. My mother just smiled faintly and said nothing.

I continued to anguish over their failures, be tormented by their frustrations and absorbed in their disappointments. My friends said that when my kids got married I could stop worrying and lead my own life. I wanted to believe that, but I was haunted by my mother's warm smile and her occasional, "You look pale. Are you all right? Call me the minute you get home. Are you depressed about something?"

Can it be that parents are sentenced to a lifetime of worry? Is concern for one another handed down like a torch to blaze the trail of human frailties and the fears of the unknown? Is concern a curse or is it a virtue that elevates us to the highest form of life?

One of my children became quite irritable recently, saying to me, "Where were you? I've been calling for 3 days, and no one answered. I was worried." I smiled a warm smile.

The torch has been passed.

Posted by Moogie at 09:55 AM | Comments (9)

Women Explained

I'm posting this for Mr. Moogie, as well as other men out there who may be somewhat at a loss when it comes to women. I think this should give you a good idea.

A nod in the Phin's direction for this little helpful tool.

Click on the image to make it larger.

Posted by Moogie at 09:05 AM | Comments (1)

January 12, 2006

Comments are fixed!

After doing some searching on the problem, and not coming up with any workable solutions, I contacted my provider, Total Choice Hosting and went into their live chat area. You can tell how brilliant I am because it takes me a while to figure out just what he was looking for. DB, thanks for getting me started.

In the extended entry below, I've pasted our conversation. I've always been amazed a the technical support provided by TCH. Whether I've chatted on line, emailed or created a trouble ticket, they've been nothing but supportive. And never once have they called me stupid. You have to admit, that takes some heavy duty restraint on their part.

Moogie: When I go read the comments on my site (http://www.moogiesworld.com) it works fine, but then if I click on the name of one of the commenter I get this msg. I'm not sure if this is the right place to be asking or not.

Forbidden
You don't have permission to access /mt/mt-comments.cgi on this server.

Additionally, a 404 Not Found error was encountered while trying to use an ErrorDocument to handle the request.

Thank you Moogie

You are now speaking with TCH Guy of Support Department.

TCH Guy: Hi

Moogie: Hi

TCH Guy: Sorry to keep you on hold

Moogie: it's ok

TCH Guy: Please get me the link which causes the error

TCH Guy: The domain is loading well from my end

Moogie: Ok..here is an example:

Moogie: http://www.moogiesworld.com/archives/2006/01/the_house_that.html

Moogie: if you look at all the comments...go and click on one of the names. That is when I get the error.

Moogie: it happens on all of the posts.

TCH Guy: Please hold on .. let me check

Moogie: no problem.

TCH Guy: http://www.moogiesworld.com/archives/2006/01/the_house_that.html

TCH Guy: the link is working fine for me

TCH Guy: Please clear your browser's cache and try again

Moogie: The link is fine..it works for me too. It was when I click on the name of the commenter.

Moogie: Like here: http://www.moogiesworld.com/mt/mt-comments.cgi?__mode=red;id=1967

TCH Guy: ok ..Let me check

TCH Guy: Hi

TCH Guy: Please check it now

Moogie: ok

Moogie: Ok, what did I do/not do or how did that happen?

Moogie: this is great!

TCH Guy: :)

Moogie: What happened?

TCH Guy: The filter settings created the issue

TCH Guy: I have rectified it

Moogie: Was it something that I did?

TCH Guy: No

Moogie: for the future, if this happens again, is it something you guys have to fix?

TCH Guy: yes

TCH Guy: Please contact us, we will fix it for you

Moogie: Ok, thank you TCH Guy, I really appreciate your help. You have been great.

TCH Guy: You are welcome :)

Posted by Moogie at 11:17 AM | Comments (5)

The Upchuck Truck

I think the title says it all.

And it's struck both kids at the same time. They were up about every half hour for most of the night. I sent Mr. Moogster into Chickie's room so he could get some sleep. He went to work today, and I'm home with both of the girls.

Chickie is still sick and can't keep anything down. To top it off, she spiked a fever, which, in and of itself is not overly alarming. I just can't give her any meds because she won't be able to keep them down. Meelie doesn't seem to have it as bad, or so I'm hoping.

UPDATE: Chickie just now got out of the bathtub (she was cold) and said it made her feel better, and the fever has dropped. Now Meelie is in the tub so I thought I'd get a little break while it's quiet.

Poor things. They were so miserable. I'm hoping they are on their way to recovery, though I suspect they will be resting all day.

It's a bit tough because neither one of them want me to get out of their site for very long. I really don't mind as long as it helps them feel better.

One of the toughest things for me to deal with when my girls are sick is that there is really nothing I can do except be there for them. They are resting now, in my bed and watching TV. Maybe I'll be able to catch up on some sleep while they do.

UPDATE #2: Woot! Nothing has come back up since about 11:30 this morning. Chickie's fever went back up but I was able to give her some medication (finally) and it seems to be going back down. Meelie is alot better though still lazing about. Right now they are working on some ice chips after drinking a bit of apple juice.

Posted by Moogie at 09:53 AM | Comments (3)

January 11, 2006

I've not forgotten

To all of you who participated in the Truth or Dare post, I've not forgotten you. I've been having some minor issues with my blog. When I click on the name of the commenter (home page generally) I get an error messaged that says I am not allowed to access the servers in which the comments are stored (suggestions are welcome here...I use MT).

I want to be able to link to you, and for those of you, whom I know, that's not a problem, for those I don't, I obviously can't. I'm hoping by the suggestions I get here (anyone?), or the help I get from my provider, I will be able to do something about that.

It's been a rather busy week. Meelie started her testing on Friday, and she has been recommended for some tutoring. It's hard for me to understand because she got straight A's (and E's) on her report card, yet again (she's done this for the whole year so far). Apparently, she aces tests but has problems with the in class work, in that she makes alot of mistakes, and has to ask for alot of help. I'm all for helping her where I can because if we can't nip this one in the bud, she's going to have trouble next year as things get progressively harder. I really like her teacher. She takes the bull by the horns, and goes after what she feels her students need. So, I'm going with her on this one.

She'll finish up the other testing in a couple of weeks. It's so frustrating because these things take forever to get done. Basically, she has problems taking the directions she gets, and understanding them. Again, she needs too much in the way of clarification and that will hurt her later on. We'll just have to see if she qualifies.

Chickie has been slammed with homework since we got back from the holiday season. She's got a social/science fair project as well as another science project due, both this month. Plus, her homework load has nearly tripled. She's handling it well though and has been much more attentive to the things she needs to get done. It's a blessing in disguise because Meelie has decided to fight me tooth and nail on doing her homework. Is it any wonder I get tired?

It will work out I know, but in the mean time I have to try to keep myself from getting too stressed out. I need to watch that I don't spread myself too thin. My stomach is showing the signs so I need to get that under control. I know, this too shall pass or if it doesn't kill me it will make me stronger.

I'm learning, and that's what counts. I am one person and I cannot conquer Rome in one day, no matter how much I would like to.

Posted by Moogie at 06:26 PM | Comments (7)

January 08, 2006

The house that never was

Remember how I was supposed to clean my house yesterday, but didn't because I went shopping with my girlfriend? Remember how I was going to clean it today, and catch up on all of my laundry from when we went on vacation? Do you remember that?

I didn't clean the house today.

It was a beautiful day outside. The sun was shining, the air was lightly crisp. It was just too beautiful of a day to waste doing things like mundane chores.

Today I spent my time with six children, only two of them being mine. We were watching a little boy across the street, so technically, though not biologically, he was mine. Meelie No had a little friend over for a play date, and Chickie had two friends over. They were all bursting with energy so I got this bright idea to take them all with me to "do stuff." I suffer from periodic bouts of insanity.

We started off the day by going out for lunch, because, you know, don't you all want to take six kids, ages 11 and under, out to lunch? We went to Sonics, and after much talking at once, and jumping up and down, and changing our minds we placed our order. I told the lady who took the order, and then delivered it to our table outside that she rocked. She got it right the first time.

After the kids stuffed themselves with all kinds of fast food (grilled cheese, chicken strips, chicken popcorn, chilli dogs and slushies) we went trundling off to the Waterfront.

The Waterfront can be found downtown, and is complete with a playground, paths for walking, a fountain and many different docks that you can walk on and watch the boats come in and out. This is a good place to let the children run off vast amounts of steam that have built up over the past few days since the weather has been so cold. It's also a place to have fun. We brought all of our magnifying glasses and sat in the square (a brick patterned area where the fountain is, surrounded by benches). The sun cooperated and we tested the burning ability of dried, dead leaves, grass and attempted to get some ants but they kept moving.

Man, I wish I would have had my camera.

The afternoon was full and busy on this beautiful day at the park. The parents of the kids that were with me think I am a lunatic. I am, but not because I don't mind having a bunch of kids with me on my own, but that's for a different post. These women are stay-at-home moms, and in my view, have one of the harder jobs around. So they are with their kids alot. I work, so I don't have the luxury of spending all of that free time with them. When I do get that chance, I cherish it, be it just my two or a whole group.

It also gives me a chance to be a kid. I can run around on the playground, I can burn leaves with magnifying glasses, I can throw coins in the fountain, and make a wish. I can tell the kids stories from my childhood, which, for some reason they always want to hear.

It's good stuff. And the dirty kitchen floor? It's going to have to wait another day. I'm going outside to blow some bubbles.

Posted by Moogie at 04:58 PM | Comments (9)

January 07, 2006

The expedition

My girlfriend came over this morning and wanted me to go shopping with her. She needed to go find a dress for a wedding she is attending in Houston next week. Since she helped me find mine, I figured I owed her one. Of course, that's not really true. I wanted to go. She's really fun to shop with and knows her way around the city really well. When I use the word fun and shopping together in one sentence, it's pretty amazing. I normally don't like it, and avoid it like a do-it-yourself appendectomy. But I've discovered that going shopping with her is fun because she is a serious bargain hunter and I've learned alot from her (It's amusing to watch her as well).

Besides, she has taste. I am severely lacking in that area. She has appointed herself my mentor, and I must say I have certainly learned alot. While still painful, I have learned deep breathing techniques to get me through it. I've also learned not to be disappointed if things that I try on don't fit or look right. I can now put them back on the rack without suffering sever depression and anxiety because "OMG I will never find anything that fits or looks right and I may as well just wear a burlap sack."

I can see alot of ladies out there shaking their heads in agreement. You feel my pain don't you? You have experienced it I'm sure.

At least I found some good stuff, and it was all on sale. This always helps me justify my spending, not that I need to. My other half is fairly easy going in that department. Just as long as he doesn't have to go with me.

I finally found some jeans in which the waist band did not reside below my navel, and the hem actually did not drag on the ground. I got 3 pairs. They are so comfortable I'm wearing a pair now. I even found 3 pairs of dress pants (they are pretty sharp) for work, which I sorely needed. My work wardrobe is what some would call (and justifiably so) slim pickins. I wasn't able to find any blouses/shirts that looked good though. Either they didn't have enough room for my knockers, or the shoulders went down to my elbow. I hate that, don't you?

So all in all, it was a successful day. I may not have cleaned my house nor did any laundry, but I sure will look good when I arrive at work on Monday morning.

Posted by Moogie at 06:28 PM | Comments (2)

January 06, 2006

I am humbled

Cross posted at Heather's Place.

It's interesting how certain posts can really open your eyes. The post, written by Jane Doe is a clear example of this.

I'm sure that Jane's story story has touched alot of us, whether we suffer from eating disorders or not. She put it out there, stripped naked if you will, and layed it on the line. I, for one thank her.

It takes alot of courage to put your problems out there, to share your feelings, in and effort to help people understand. It really brings home the fact (which we are all aware, I'm sure) that things are not always what they seem, in many different ways.

As Jane portrayed, society has a way of putting pressure on us by focusing on what people should look like. For that matter, you could add your education (where did you go to school?), the size and location of your house, your children, your religious beliefs. The list is endless and it seems that no matter which way you turn, you are judged, by all those things, and many more, too numerous and mind numbing to think about.

Whatever happened to the saying, "do not judge a book by its cover?" as much as I hate to coin that phrase. Jane made me realize (again) that it is the person on the inside that you need to discover, not the package that holds it all together. I, for one, will stop trying to judge "how pretty the bows and ribbons are," but enjoy the gift inside.

Thank you Jane.

Let's discuss. What are your feelings? First go over to Heather's and read Jane's post, just below mine. Then, come back and let me know what you think.

Posted by Moogie at 05:45 PM | Comments (4)

January 04, 2006

Truth or Dare

Did you ever play truth or dare when you were a child? I used to love that game. When I was a child, I leaned more towards the dare. Now that I've matured (shaddup), I tend to lean more towards truth. It's easy for me to open up on a forum such as this, much easier than it is to do in person. After all, how well do you really know me, or vice versa? It's a great way to share things about yourself, and it's a great way to let your inhibitions go.

So, how about it? Do you choose truth or dare? You comment here, and then I'll post a question, or something for you to do, depending upon which you choose.

Go on, I dare you.

Posted by Moogie at 06:23 PM | Comments (14)

January 03, 2006

Wow, who cleaned this place up?

I'm back. We got in really late last night (right around midnite), and the kids didn't fall asleep until well after 1:00 am.

We had a fabulous time. It was great to go back for a bit. Now I really know that I made the right decision to move here. I know the area that I lived had been built up quite a bit, but goodness, it was crowded and the traffic was a nightmare. Obviously, I've been spoiled.

I'll write some more later, maybe tonight, after I get things all unpacked and settled. I've got some serious thank you's to write as well.

Take care everyone and I hope to be back in circulation soon!

Posted by Moogie at 02:56 PM | Comments (4)