July 31, 2006

Some Questions on Mommybloggin' from Zoot

After returning from Blogher, Zoot posted her own set of questions in regards to Mommybloggin. Below is my response.

  1. Do your kids know about your blog? If they're too young to know, do you plan to keep it open to them as they get older?

    Yes, both of my girls know about my blog. At times they participate in it by guest blogging, being roving photographers, or posting for pictures. If I had a nickel for every time they said "Mom, you totally have to blog about this," I'd be a rich woman by now.

  2. If so - do you worry they may get embarrassed later? What would you do if they asked you to stop writing about them? What would you do if they wanted you to take it down all together?

    I'm careful about what I post about. I do not post anything private, or what I consider to be private. If I think it's a sensitive issue, I ask them. And yes, I respect their wishes. I wouldn't stop writing about them altogether because they are a big part of my life. I would not take down my blog because it's a good outlet for me, and a wonderful way to keep track of what is happening, and as happened, in their life.

  3. If not, what are you doing to make sure they never find it? What if they do find it?

    I know I've already answered this, but I do want to say that I have never hid my blog from them. Even when they were younger, they loved to look at the pictures. Especially, if they were in them.

  4. Do you think our kids will appreciate the archive of their childhood? Do you wish your parents had done the same?

    Yes I do. They already enjoy it now. I have baby books, and kept a "handwritten" journal before I started blogging. They love to hear stories about when they were younger. Granted, when we reach the teen years, the opinions may shift, but I do believe that when they are older, and perhaps with children of their own, they will appreciate the history. My parents didn't have the opportunities we have today for making archives. Allot of what I remember is what I have been told and I have been trying to incorporate those memories into posts, so that I will have some sort of history for myself as well.

  5. Do you go back and re-read your past parenting milestones? Do you realize you forgot a lot?

    I most definitely do! It's amazing how much you forget, especially all of the little details. When I look at all of the milestones, both minor and mind boggling, I am amazed at what we have all achieved.

  6. What about your children's friends/teachers/moms-of-friends? What if they found your blog? Do you tell your child not to tell anyone about it or are they free to talk about it? Do you worry their teachers or other parents will think it's weird?

    I really don't tell my friends about my blog, or give the address to anyone. I can count on one hand, the number of friends that actually have the address. It's just simpler that way. My parent's already read it regularly, and that was tough enough to get used to. But hey, they loved me before I started blogging, and so far as I can tell, that hasn't changed. For the most part, they've already been told what I'm writing about.

I've never really understood the controversy about Mommybloggin. There is no shame in blogging about your children, or your role as their mother. I'm a professional woman, who loves her job outside the home. I'm able (though it is very hard at times) to balance the two roles simultaneously. And I would also like to think I am good performing both.

My children are a large part of my life. My family comes first, and they always will. What's wrong with writing about that?

What about you? What are your feeling regarding Mommybloggin? Even if you don't have children, I'd like to hear your opinion on the matter.

Posted by Moogie at 6:23 PM | Comments (3)

July 30, 2006

Homesick

I'm homesick. Really homesick. I don't understand exactly why.

I was thinking of heading on out to the homestead with the girls next weekend, before school starts. Sort of a last minute hoorah before school starts.

I've gotten all the school supplies ready, minus a backpack for Meelie. They have school clothes (warm weather), so they are all set.

Then I found out we have Open House. For both schools. This Friday evening.

Ah well. I'm still homesick. Really homesick. I need my mom.

Posted by Moogie at 6:40 PM | Comments (4)

Happiness is....

He's washing the dishes. He's listening to is IPOD. He's singing at the top of his lungs. Off key.

I ask you. Does it get any better than that?

Posted by Moogie at 6:37 PM | Comments (2)

Star Wars Fans - Look No Further!

It's a new theme song.

I just can't see Yoda in a cowboy hat.

Just take a listen.

Hat tip to OWW for this.

Posted by Moogie at 9:39 AM | Comments (1)

July 29, 2006

I had lunch with a football player because I was drunk

People, people, people. I KNOW you didn't think this was really true. I had lunch with him because he had a nice, um, bottom. Hi mom!

Type out the sentence you end up with in the comments. H/T to Pam for this one.

I really want to see what Leslie gets.

Pick the month you were born:

January--I kicked
February--I loved
March--I smoked
April--I dry humped
May--I choked on
June--I murdered
July--I did the Macarena with
August--I had lunch with
September--I danced with
October--I sang to
November--I yelled at
December--I ran over

Pick the day (number) you were born on:

1-------a birdbath
2-------a monster
3-------a phone
4------- a fork
5-------a Mexican
6-------a gangster
7-------my cell phone
8-------my dog
9-------my best friends' boyfriend
10-------my neighbor
11-------my science teacher
12-------a banana
13-------a fireman
14-------a stuffed animal
15-------a goat
16-------a pickle
17-------your mom
18-------a spoon
19-------myself
20-------a baseball bat
21-------a ninja
22-------Chuck Norris
23-------a noodle
24-------a squirrel
25-------a football player
26-------my sister
27-------my brother
28-------an ipod
29-------a permanent marker
30-------a llama
31-------A homeless guy

Pick the color of shirt you are wearing:

White----------because I'm cool like that
Black---------- -because that's how I roll.
Pink------------because I'm NOT a homosexual.
Red------------because the voices told me to.
Blue-----------because I'm sexy and I do what I want
Green---------because I hate myself.
Purple---------because I'm cool.
Gray----------because I was drunk
Yellow--------because someone offered me 1,000,000 dollars
Orange-------because I hate my family.
Brown--------because I was high.
Other-------because I'm a ninja.
None--------because I cant control myself

Hey, mine's not that bad. Pam got "I murdered Chuck Norris because I'm cool like that." She's beginning to scare me.

Posted by Moogie at 5:36 PM | Comments (6)

July 28, 2006

Please pass the soap

It is hot here. Yes, I realize I live in the south and this should be no surprise. It has been hovering, at or around 100 degrees the past few days. And until tonight, there has been no breeze. For the sake of saving my energy, I will not discuss the humidity factor. Let's just say its wicked high.

Air conditioning is my friend.

My yard, on the other hand, looks like it came from an episode of the Wild Kingdom. Oh look! Is that an alligator? Did I mention I hate snakes?

I have been perpetually walking with my head straight up, because if I let it fall down to my chest, I can smell myself. I assure you, this is not a good thing.

Generally, I do fine with the heat until it reaches 90 degrees. You know it's going to be a bad day, when at 6:00 in the morning, on your day off, you check your thermometer, and it's up to 82.

Truth be told, it's not completely awful, because we do have air conditioning. We try to limit our time outdoors during these periods as much as we can.

It really does a number on the kids. It's too hot to play outside, and they get sick of mom screaming "oh my God would you please stop making so much noise and leaving full cans of soda on the floor where the dogs knock them over." It's a lose-lose situation. And as much as I hate to admit it, I'm not so hard-assed that I will make my children go outside to play when it is hot enough to fry an egg on the street.

Now if you will excuse me, it's time for a bath. That is, after I take my clothes off, and peel the undergarments from my body.

Posted by Moogie at 8:03 PM | Comments (4)

July 27, 2006

Braces - Month #1

These teeth? They be hurtin'.

Chickie got her braces on yesterday (just the upper jaw this time). She wants me to keep a pictorial record, month to month, so that she can show Grammy and Papa how it's going. She herself, wanted me to post it on the blog. For whatever reasons, it's important to her, which makes it important to me.

She's a hurtin' puppy. I've been alternating Tylenol and Ibuprofen.

She's learning about the importance of wax. Ah, I remember those days well. The technology has advanced so much since I had them. It's amazing.

The color of the month? Green. In the extended entry is a before and after picture.

The journey has started.

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Before

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Month 1, as presented by Chickie.

Posted by Moogie at 5:57 PM | Comments (4)

Thursday Thirteen - #7

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(Banner courtesy of Chaotic Home)

Thirteen Essential Things Found at Chez Moogie

I know that all of us, whether we have children or not, have items (food or anything else) that we continually stock in our household. Here is my list. When I started, I had about 50. I had to cut it back quite a bit.


  1. Milk. I have often thought about buying a cow. Better yet, a dairy farm. We go through at least 3 gallons of milk in a week. During the summer, much more.
  2. Macaroni and Cheese. It's a staple in our house. Do you know that my kids would rather have the boxed stuff, vs. the homemade? Barbarians!
  3. Top Ramen. Another staple. It's something that the kids can make as well. They can decide if they want it "soup-like" or more noodles, in which they add a little butter and parmesan cheese. If I have left-over meat, such as chicken, I'll throw that in as well.
  4. Spaghettios. Quick dinner for those nights when you get home late and the kiddos are starving. Add some fruit, or applesauce, and Bob's your uncle.
  5. Yogurt. I always get the stuff that's on sale. I generally buy 20 of them at a time. They are gone in 4 days.
  6. Raw baby carrots. Nothing says "snack" like some carrots and Ranch Dressing.
  7. Micro-fiber cloths. These are great for cleaning. I picked some up at the Dollar Store and have been hooked ever since.
  8. Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. I love this product. I wonder if Mr. Clean is married. He is kind of sexy with that bald, shiny head.
  9. Ibuprofen. Enough said.
  10. Pepcid AC. See number 9.
  11. Batteries. We have just about every size known to man-kind. Between the wireless computer peripherals, flashlights, kids’ toys, etc., we make sure we are well stocked.
  12. Toilet paper. How can 4 people go through so much?
  13. Pencils. These seem to magically disappear during the school year, which is fine. But they never seem to make it back into the backpack when the day is done. I wonder if there is a pencil thief on the loose. It would be comparable to the sock monster that lives in the dryer.


Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments, including mine! It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!



Posted by Moogie at 6:44 AM | Comments (19)

July 26, 2006

In the mailbox

Dearest Redneck Daughter ,

I'm writing this slow because I know you can't read fast. We don't live where we did when you left home. Your dad read in the newspaper that most accidents happen within 20 miles of your home, so we moved.

I won't be able to send you the address because the last Kentucky family that lived here took the house numbers when they moved so they wouldn't have to change their address.

This place is really nice. It even has a washing machine. I'm not sure about it. I put a load of clothes in and pulled the chain. We haven't seen them since.

The weather isn't bad here. It only rained twice last week; the first time for three days and the second time for four days.

About that coat you wanted me to send; your Uncle Billy Bob said it would be too heavy to send in the mail with the buttons on, so we cut them off and put them in the pockets.

Bubba locked his keys in the car yesterday. We were really worried because it took him two hours to get me and your father out.

Your sister had a baby this morning, but I haven't found out what it is yet so I don't know if you are an aunt or uncle. The baby looks just like your brother.

Uncle Bobby Ray fell into a whiskey vat last week. Some men tried to pull him out but he fought them off and drowned. we had him cremated, he burned for three days.

Three of your friends went off a bridge in a pickup truck. Butch was driving. He rolled down the window and swam to safety. Your other two friends were in the back. They drowned because they couldn't get the tailgate down!

There isn't much more news at this time. Nothing much out of the normal has happened.

Your Favorite Aunt,

Mom
************
H/T to Mom and Dad for sending that one. In the extended entry is a little something that I got from my sister-in-law.

jwayne.bmp

Posted by Moogie at 6:20 PM | Comments (1)

July 25, 2006

Wordless Wednesday - #6

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(Click on image to enlarge)

This is another sign I saw in Lake City, Florida. What does it make you think of? I keep thinking "football players in thongs." (TO.MUCH.INFO.)

Leave a comment if you are playing this week. Heck, leave a comment if you aren't. Come on, join in the fun!!!

Posted by Moogie at 6:43 PM | Comments (9)

Cantaloupe and missing deodorant

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I saw this sign in Lake City, Florida. Who the heck is Worm?
(click on image to enlarge)

My mom has gotten me hooked on cantaloupe (as well as honeydew melon) for breakfast in the morning. Whenever we go down there to visit, she always has a bunch cut up just waiting to be savored. She also makes homemade banana nut bread, but that is for an entirely different post.

While dragging my sorry, exhausted butt around the grocery store last night, I picked up a cantaloupe of my own. When I returned home, I cut it up, and put it into a container to bring to work. This has to be one of the better melons I've had in a long time. It had ripened to perfection and was sweet enough to make my taste buds explode in an orgasmic fantasy. Ok, how about it was really good? And I have enough of it left to eat for breakfast for the rest of the week.

It really doesn't take too much to make me happy. For example, it almost made me forget that my oldest child got away with my deodorant. Again. It's bad enough that I have to get up at 4:30 in the morning. It's worse when I am getting ready and find that my brand new deodorant is no where to be found.

I honestly don't mind sharing it. Especially now that she has realized there is no need to spread it, not only on her armpits, but underneath the entire length of her arm, as well as her side. That one took a while to correct. The only thing I ask is that she return it to it's rightful place on the shelf. Where I can find it. Easily.

[sidenote: Let's not talk about razors m'kay?]

What did I do this time? Why I did what any mother-of-the-year would do. I woke her up. At 5:00. In the morning. And made her find it.

Posted by Moogie at 5:47 PM | Comments (3)

July 24, 2006

WHAT?

alli1.jpg
I'm hungry. Perhaps you would like to join me for lunch?

This was a picture taken from the Alligator Farm in St. Augustine. It's a great place, but not one in which I would like to work. I've got tons of pictures, some of which I'll put up here on my blog. And yes, I've got a good zoom lense on my camera.

I'm tired tonight. Getting back into the swing of things was rough, and I hit a brick wall at about 2:00 this afternoon. I ended up going for a little walk in the warehouse to wake myself up.

It's rough having to learn how to wake up with an alarm again.

I've restocked my pantry and refrigerator, so we are that much closer to getting back to normal. I, in all of my infinite wisdom, had my husband pick up milk when we hit town. The fact that I had no cereal escaped me until I opened up the pantry this morning. I didn't even have oatmeal.

Luckily, my sitter prevailed and bailed me out. She laughed when I asked her if she would feed them this morning. Luckily, she's been there.

In short, things are moving more towards normal. It feels so good to be home.

Now, if I could just get my body up to speed, all would be right with the world.

Posted by Moogie at 7:50 PM | Comments (6)

July 23, 2006

Back in the saddle again!

Just wanted to stop by and say hi. We arrived home about an hour ago. I need to feed the kids and get busy unpacking. We had a fantastic time, but all of us are glad to be home.

I'll be posting vacation updates and pictures over the next week.

See you soon!

Posted by Moogie at 6:58 PM | Comments (6)

July 13, 2006

Someone has a birthday!!!!

Happy birthday AWTM!!!!!!

Go on ans wish her a happy birthday even if she IS younger than me.

Posted by Moogie at 7:19 PM | Comments (2)

But Shots

To use as blackmail when they start dating. Bwahahahahaha!

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(click to biggerize them)

[sidenote: The girls were taking pictures of everything with my camera and were trying to get the most embarrassing shots. I think Meelie won that round. She got a picture of her sister, sitting on the throne and reading a book. And just to let you know, they posed for these shots. Well, except for the bathroom one.[/sidenote]

Posted by Moogie at 7:02 PM

July 12, 2006

My name is Harriet

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(click on image to biggerize it)

I received this plant at the end of the school year from Meelie's teacher, for helping out with school events and such. Hey, I even got a certificate! She did this for all of the parents, which I really felt was so very thoughtful.

The children name my plants. I believe it's mostly because I kill them so fast. I think they feel the need to pay homage to all of the vegetation I have mutilated over the years, and naming them is one way to do it.

Meet Harriet.

She is still alive.

But I am compelled to admit that I have nearly killed this plant numerous times.

After the awards ceremony, which was the day I received the plant, I went back to work and gently set Harriet on my back seat. When I got off work, I hopped into the car, and drove home. And promptly forgot she was there.

I went to work the next day, completely unaware of the living (well, sort of) thing sitting in my back seat. By this time we were having some wicked hot weather, well into the 90's. Needless to say, when I got off work that day, and got to my car, Harriet was on the brink of death. Ok, if the paramedics would have seen her, she would have been pronounced dead on the scene.

When I got home, I immediately rushed into the house and completely drenched her in the sink. I did it several times during the evening, and by the next morning, she was showing signs of life. I drenched her again in the morning, and by the time I got home that evening, I felt comfortable enough about taking her off of life support. And then she thrived.

And then I went on vacation with the girls. And forgot to tell my husband to water her. And when I came home, she was gasping for breath, one foot on a banana peel, the other in the compost heap. I revived her once again. And again, she thrived. Talk about nine lives!

I have now transplanted her in a bigger pot, and I swear that she has found a new meaning for life. There were a few more times that she was at death's door, but she has rallied each and every time.

But there is always tomorrow.

[Side note: How sad is it that I write an entire entry about a plant? I'm just askin']

Posted by Moogie at 7:18 PM | Comments (3)

The moment of truth

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When I first noticed that Mama was here. She wasn't supposed to be able to get off of work but did! And I'm so happy!

Posted by Moogie at 6:24 PM | Comments (3)

July 11, 2006

Does this knock your socks off?

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Tammi posted a question about what are some of the things that our husbands do as a normal, every day routine type of thing, that make us hot (hi Mom!).

While I can say that the image above (OWW cleaning out the garbage can) does not make my bosoms heave, or my thighs throb, it does bring me a great sense of relief. Because this means I don't have to do it. And that is enough to make this southern belle swoon.

But wait! He dices! He slices! And he makes really good waffles.

He handles most of the laundry, which is a daunting task. The man can fold anything so well that you don't see any wrinkles (think iron free!) when you put it on.

He's very involved in his daughter's lives. He is a most excellent father. He's not afraid to have fun with them, or to participate in fun directed at him. He loves to teach them stuff. He lets them ride in the trailer behind him when he mows the lawn. He teaches them about football and they love watching it with him.

He takes care of me. He let's me know every day how much he loves me. He supports me in my career. He moved across the country with me because he believed in me, and felt this would be a great opportunity.

He does the dishes, because I cook, and he believes he is getting the better end of the deal. He lets me experiment when I cook, and in fact encourages it. Sorry about the Szechwan beef honey.

There are so many things about him that make my heart pound.

But I think that it all centers on the fact that I am safe and secure in the knowledge that he loves me.

And I? Love him right back.

Posted by Moogie at 6:56 PM | Comments (9)

A new drink

Guy walks into a bar, sits down, and says, "bartender, got any specials today?"

"Yes, as a matter of fact we have a new drink invented by a Gynecologist patron of ours. It's a Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer and a double shot of Smirnoff Vodka."

"What the heck do you call it?"

"A Pabst Smir."

Sent to me by Catfish

Posted by Moogie at 5:50 PM | Comments (2)

Close Up

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Posted by Moogie at 4:21 PM | Comments (3)

July 10, 2006

I think they get it

I normally steer away from the topic of politics on this blog. Or anything highly controversial. It's just not my cup of tea. But something that happened yesterday got me to thinking about the soldiers who are, as we speak, risking their lives for our country. Think about this for a moment. Men, women, mothers, fathers, sons and daughters, risking, and sometimes losing their lives, so that we may continue to live in freedom as spelled out in the Constitution of the United States and the Declaration of Independence.

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.

My father was a China Marine, my husband served in the Navy during Viet Nam. I live near, and work on a Naval Base. I have worked for a defense contractor, on the same program, for nearly 24 years. It goes without saying that my beliefs were formed by my upbringing and experiences in my life.

I have done my best to teach what I have learned to my children.

We were driving up to Brunswick on Sunday, and passed a convoy of trucks (Army). There were about thirty of them. I'm guessing that they were headed up to Ft. Bragg, for deployment to Iraq, or perhaps they were a group of reservists ready to do their annual 2 weeks of training. For this post, the reason doesn't matter.

[side note: Quite often when we go on long drives, my kids love to wave at the occupants in other cars. Nothing makes them happier than getting a wave back]

My husband and I were in the front seat. When I turned my head to the right, one of the drivers of a truck we were just passing was waving at us. I turned around, and saw that my children were busy waving, and signing "I love you." They continued to do that until we passed the last truck. Not all of them noticed, but those who did enthusiastically waved back.

Obviously, they are not old enough to know, nor understand the details of war. The one thing they do know is that these people protect us and keep us safe. And some lose their lives. I think they get it.

I read an article a few months ago that raised the question "is it possible to be against the war, but support the troops?" That's a fairly complicated question that I believe has more than one answer. It's my opinion that you don't necessarily have to support the war, in order to support the troops. I know it's simplistic, but if you want to get into further details, drop me a line, or leave a comment.

Let's face it, most of us aren't "for war". Some of us believe what we are doing in Iraq is necessary. I am one of them, but the reasons are not important. What we need to focus on are our soldiers. They have signed up to protect our country, and that is what they are doing.

And I for one, am grateful. They are ensuring a future for my children.

Posted by Moogie at 4:52 PM | Comments (4)

July 9, 2006

Happy birthday T1G!!!!!

Happy birthday buddy! Hope you have many more!

Posted by Moogie at 8:22 AM | Comments (3)

July 7, 2006

I think we're on to something here

Grammy and Papa purchased a small blanket for Meelie for Christmas. Up until a couple of weeks ago, she would sleep with it, or sometimes cover herself up on the couch while partaking in the Disney movie of the week. But it wasn't an obsession.

Until a couple of weeks ago.

I don't know what happened, or what changed (which is generally how I feel about my kids, if the truth were told) but now she cannot go for a sleepover, or go to sleep without her blanket. I can't say she carries it around with her everywhere, she just tends to need it at night.

Most of you who frequent my blog, know that Meelie has sucked her thumb since she was 2 days old. I'm not entirely convinced she didn't do that when she was growing inside my womb.

She is strong willed and stubborn, just like her dad and I can't imagine where she gets it from. She is independent, to a fault. She drives me crazy, and there are times I can't keep up. She freaky bright, which, can be considered a good thing, but because of other issues, behavioral problems sweep down upon us like vultures on road kill.

And I love her to death.

Getting back to the point, we have been working with her to stop the sucking of the thumb, with little, or, truth be told, no success. I haven't wanted to push it. You push it with her and you make matters worse.

And along came the blanket. She has no cutsie names for it. It just is. Blanket. A little soft, comforting, warm blanket, smothered in teddy bears and grandparent's love.

Me: You have a choice.
Meelie: A choice about what?
Me: It's the blanket or the thumb. You can't have both.
Meelie: Um.
Me: Do you need more time to decide?
Meelie: No.
Me: Well?
Meelie: I'm thinking!
Me: I'll wait. It's early yet, you can tell me lateer.
Meelie: I want the blanket.

This conversation took place about three days ago. We've been successful perhaps 30% of the time.

As my mom pointed out earlier today, at least it's a success. It's going to be interesting to see how this turns out.

Posted by Moogie at 5:56 PM | Comments (8)

July 6, 2006

What does this mean?

My nose has been itching all day. The kind of itching that makes me want to stuff a bottle brush up the offending nostril and stroke quickly.

I know that if your ears are burning, it means that someone is talking about you. What does it mean if your nose itches? That your coworker is complaining to your boss about your body odor?

I think I'm afraid to find out the answer. Because all of those coworkers who think I stink? Think that I have a bug bite in there.

And now I'm obessed with finding out if they are right. It isn't pretty.

Posted by Moogie at 3:28 PM | Comments (7)

July 5, 2006

Celebrities and death

It's always fascinated me to watch people go wild over celebrities. They join the fan clubs, and know just about everything that has ever been in print about the person in question. Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with being a fan, but I really think some folks take it one step too far.

How many times have we read about someone being shot by a crazed fan? Too many to count, I would think.

I remember reading a story in which a soap opera star was talking about the many times he's been approached by people off the street. I'm guessing his character was a nasty guy because he said that one time, and elderly lady came toward him, shaking her cane and saying "How dare you treat that poor girl that way? You are scum and should be ashamed of yourself."

That's why they call it acting. Go figure.

It's scary to watch the number of people who get so caught up in the personnae of a character, they forget that there is a real person inside, completely different from the role they are playing. What fans can really say they "know" a celebrity? My guess would be, not many.

The same could hold true for the blogosphere. You have a popular blog, you are liable to get the followers. The ones that, for whatever reason believe they know you the best, and will defend you with their last breath. Sure, it's nice to get a mention in their blog from time to time. Who doesn't like that?

But let's get real for a moment. A blog is a written journal. You are never really sure if you are getting the sense of the real person on the keyboard, or just what they want you to see.

Take me for example. I don't post about everything for a number of reasons. How many of you really know me? The real me, and not just what I write about here? The stories I tell are true, but I've not given you the full picture.

Moving on, how many times have you read about a celebritie's death? Only to wake up to a myriad of rumors about how him/her died? Why do we even care? We really don't know that person. We've based our thoughts on what we have read, or what characters they have played. You see so many quotes from "friends" who know them so well. It just floors me.

Quite frankly, the finger pointing during these times makes me lose my lunch. Does it really matter how they died? Will it bring them back if you know? I wish people would think more about the survivors, the family. It's my feeling that they are the only one's who have the right to that knowledge.

Something to think about anyway.

Posted by Moogie at 5:43 PM | Comments (9)

July 4, 2006

4th of July

We are headed off down the street to our neighbors to celebrate the 4th of July. Hamburgers, hot dogs, baked beans, pasta salad, corn on the cob, and of course, what celebration would be complete wiithout the homemade ice cream cake? For whatever reasons, this has become an all time favorite of my neighborhood. It's really easy, and I love to make it. Hey, if you are going to be famous for something, why not ice cream cake?

Last night, there was a big cookout and some really cool fireworks across the street. That was alot of fun. But this year, our neighbors and I decided to have a small gathering. Just our two families. We've never had an evening where it was just us, which is odd considering our kids play together constantly. I'm really looking forward to some one-on-one time with them. And let me tell you, we've got some good fireworks going on. I can't wait.

This time, I attempted to make a flag with blueberries and strawberries. Ok, I'm not the most artistic, but all in all, it doesn't look too bad.

cake4rh.jpg

I'll post an update later on, complete, I hope, with pictures. I'm going to try to get some of the fireworks, but we'll have to see if that works.

It's back to work for me tomorrow. Oddly enough, it's really ok. I've enjoyed my time off immensely but the kids are driving me nuts I'm ready to go back to work.

I hope everyone is enjoying their 4th of July as much as I am. Stay safe people. You mean alot to me.

Posted by Moogie at 5:55 PM | Comments (4)

July 3, 2006

Conversation overheard

One thing you don't want to hear while checking your email.

"Oh no, the guinea pig disappeared again. Help me find him Chickie!"

Again?????

Posted by Moogie at 5:41 PM | Comments (3)

Is this a defect?

Sandy, over at The Pea Patch wrote this post today and had me in stitches. It sounds so much like conversations with my husband (bless his tiny little pointed head).

She really nailed this one!

I can already predict my husband's reaction when he reads this.

For the record honey? We are so not going to talk about filling the tank.

Posted by Moogie at 9:28 AM | Comments (3)

July 2, 2006

Evil Capitalist Company

Apparently, I work for an Evil Capitalist Company. Well, this is what my neighbors, friends and family call TCIDNN (the company I dare not name-shamelessly swiped from this man).

The reason? I have Monday off as a paid holiday. You would not believe the names I have been called this weekend. All said lovingly of course, at least in front of my face.

I'll be thinking about you all when I'm in my jammies at noon.

Update: See what I mean?

Posted by Moogie at 8:49 AM | Comments (5)

July 1, 2006

Saturday Sifting

This has been a weekend of odds and ends so far. A little bit of this, and a little bit of that. Can you say RELAXED?

We have been having a real problem with wasps lately, and it seems that whenever we get them under control, they take some time off, gather up strength and come back stronger, and meaner than before. One of those little pukes got into the house yesterday and promptly disappeared. It's like that thing has invisible powers. I feel like I'm chasing an alien. We'll see him, and he flies away, only to disappear to somewhere else. It makes me want to sleep under the covers.

We have a toad living in our downspout. It's kind of cute really. I'm pretty sure that he has taken up that area as his new habitat because he keeps him out of the heat. As hot as it has been lately, that's not such a bad idea.

Moogalicious, the new recipe blog, is coming along nicely. The recipes are slow to come in, so won't you help me get it going? Just head on over for a visit. There is a Submit a Recipe link over on the left hand side bar. Pictures are not only welcome, but encouraged. But don't worry if you don't have any, they aren't required. On a side note you can always submit them later. You can also contact me with any suggestions you might have. Since we are just starting up, any ideas will be welcome. If you have any idea for a post, please send that to me as well.

I've been fiddling around with some cactus, all of which are quite small right now. I've also been working with "lucky bamboo" plants, and am learning more about them and how to train them. They still haven't grasped the command of "sit" very well, but I am working on that. I've got a couple of other plants (African Violet, and Idontknowwhatitscalled) that I'll be transplanting into bigger pots. This weekend, we also bought some seeds for some flowers, as wells as vegetables, cantaloupe and watermelon. I know it's a bit late in the season, but it's warm here for quite some time so we are going to give it a shot. If nothing else, it will be fun.

That's about it for right now. I hope all of you are having a wonderful weekend. Any tips for a newbie gardener? What are your plans for the 4th of July?

Posted by Moogie at 4:26 PM | Comments (3)