I don't know if I told you guys this, but I do a "Member Spotlight" for our paper at work. I have met so many wonderful people that way. The hardest type of person to interview is one I don't know at all. I try to do some research on the person before I think of the questions. It can be kind of difficult when you haven't met the person before. I consider it a challenge, and I love it. I like to put more of a personal spin on it and in stead of writing it in your basic question and answer format, I like to compose it in more of an impressions style. More like a biography, if you will. I just turned in my latest write-up today. I'm looking forward to the next assignment.

That's about all I have to say for tonight. In a few days, I'll update you on our upcoming vacation. The plans are firming up and I'm getting really excited. The girls can hardly stand the waiting. Each day when I get home from work, we mark another day off of the calendar, which brings us that much closer.

For now, I will close with this question. What is your absolute favorite meal during the hot summer months? If you can, post the recipe in your comments, or on your blog (with a link).

Posted by Moogie at 5:25 PM | Comments (9)

June 26, 2007

For all of the pet owners out there

Before I actually get to the subject of this post, I need to take care of a couple of announcements. Yes, I know you are just thrilled with this information. Well, maybe not, but just fake it ok?

First off, if ANY of you know anyone who is good with Moveable Type, will you let me know? My husband is having trouble with it, and this fix is way beyond my capabilities. Speaking of my husband, I told him that I would forward along this information for him.

As most of you know, I started out with this blogging thing at OWW. When the limitations of Blogger got to be an annoyance, I shifted over to a new one called Swamp Gas.

Swamp Gas prospered, and I was quite happy with it, until, one fine day, the database that holds all the posts locked up solid and wouldn't let me add any more. My provider's tech support is somewhat.... lacking, shall we say. I (and a few other kind souls who are familiar with the mysterious inner workings of Movable Type) are poking and prodding at the blasted thing to see if it can be fixed. Since we all have real lives with jobs and kids and outside interests, this is a kind of "catch-as-catch-can" type of thing. Writing for a blog is a hobby and fun, NOT a grim necessity.

At roughly the same time, my own personal PC rolled over and puked when I attempted to do an uninstall of Linux, which was resident on the same physical hard disk as my Windows XP installation. Result: reformat, rebuild, and restore.

What a PITA!

But, I'm now up and running, and posting again. I have established another blog using Blogger which is called OWW2.

Come and visit. I might not entertain you, but it won't be for lack of trying.

Regards.... WARD

How can you resist that? Won't you go over and pay him a visit? You can even tell him I sent you if you want. On the plus side, it will give me extra brownie points and there are some particular chores I need done this weekend. Won't you help a fellow blogger (me) out. Why yes, I am a kiss-up. Why do you ask?

Hi honey! I love you!

Now that I have my wifely duties out of the way, I must admit to being stupid (shut IT). As much as I have been pimping Blog Fodder these past few weeks, I completely forgot to post a new topic on Sunday. What, with the girls being sick, and Chickie having tonsils that reminded me of big boobs with pimples, it kind of slipped my mind.

[side note]For those of you who have asked, she did have strep throat. Wait, I should clarify that The Emergency Room doctor said something along the lines of "WHOA!" when he checked her throat. He was pretty confident of the diagnosis without doing a throat culture. He talked Chickie into having the "shot" and people, I almost fainted. Not because she went with the shot, but because of the SIZE OF THE NEEDLE. People, it was 1 1/2 inches long, which was carefully explained to Chickie by the ER nurse, thank you very much. I almost gagged this nurse because clearly, when she talked to Chickie it could easily be categorized under TMI, but that's for another post. The only thing kept me from jamming the needle in HER buttox was the fact that she wearing purple. Everywhere. And Chickie loves her some purple. Quite frankly, I was surprised that the syringe wasn't purple.[/sidenote]

Wait, where was I? Oh yes, Blog Fodder. I have remedied that situation by posting a new topic tonight, which I know you will all participate in. Right? I'll wait while you go read here.

Ok, on to the fun stuff! Read below in the extended entry. I got this from a friend of my in an email. I loved it! How about you?

To all Pet Owners

To be posted VERY LOW on the refrigerator door - nose height.

Dear Dogs and Cats:

The dishes with the paw print are yours and contain your food. The other dishes are mine and contain my food. Please note, placing a paw print in the middle of my plate and food does not stake a claim for it becoming your food and dish, nor do I find that aesthetically pleasing in the slightest.

The stairway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack. Beating me to the bottom is not the object. Tripping me doesn't help because I fall faster than you can run.

I cannot buy anything bigger than a king sized bed. I am very sorry about this. Do not think I will continue sleeping on the couch to ensure your comfort. Dogs and cats can actually curl up in a ball when they sleep. It is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other stretched out to the fullest extent possible. I also know that sticking tails straight out and having tongues hanging out the other end to maximize space is nothing but sarcasm.

For the last time, there is not a secret exit from the bathroom. If by some miracle I beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it is not necessary to claw, whine, meow, and try to turn the knob or get your paw under the edge and try to pull the door open. I must exit through the same door I entered. Also, I have been using the bathroom for years -- canine or feline attendance is not required.

The proper order is kiss me, then go smell the other dog or cat's butt. I cannot stress this enough!

To pacify you, my dear pets, I have posted the following message on our front door:

To All Non-Pet Owners Who Visit & Like to Complain About Our Pets:

1 They live here. You don't.
2. If you don' t want their hair on your clothes, stay off the
furniture. (That's why they call it "fur"nature.)
3. I like my pets a lot better than I like most people.
4. To you, it's an animal. To me, he/she is an adopted son/daughter
who is short, hairy, walks on all fours and doesn' t speak clearly.

Remember: In many ways, dogs and cats are better than kids because they:

1. Eat less
2. Don't ask for money all the time
3. Are easier to train
4. Normally come when called
5. Never ask to drive the car
6. Don't hang out with drug-using friends
7. Don't smoke or drink
8. Don't have to buy the latest fashions
9. Don' t want to wear your clothes
10. Don't need a "gazillion" dollars for college.

And finally,

11. If they get pregnant, you can sell their children.

Posted by Moogie at 6:19 PM | Comments (4)

June 23, 2007

Saturday Night Fever

Fever: 2 Children: 0

Meelie is pulling through it and seems to be on the upswing. Chickie, on the other hand, has been taken into a black hole of fevers (nothing alarmingly high), sore throats and headaches. In it's powerful, sharp taloned grip, she alternately sleeps or lies on the couch, listless, like a fish, who is on its last fin (that was bad wasn't it?). Ok, she has one nasty virus.

Like I said, I'm not ready to run her to the ER, it's pretty much your normal "I'm going to make you so miserable" virus. But it gets worse. And it's bad. And it's heartbreaking. More for her, than me. Much, much more.

Tonight she was scheduled to be in a dance production for "Starry Nights" down on the waterfront. She had a solo, a duet and a couple of trios, to name a few. They have been working hard on this moment. After the spring recital, the instructor chooses some of the kids from the more advanced classes to participate. This was her first year. Guess what? She is sick and won't be able to perform.

Let me back up here just a bit though. I told her that if she felt she could do it, I would let her. My how she did rally. We alternated Tylenoll and Ibuprofen. We took lukewarm baths. We slept, and then we slept some more. We drank down all the fluids that we could possibly stand. She wanted this so very, very bad. And I was inclined to let her try. This was, after all, her time. At about 4:30 she got up to do her hair, and get her stuff together. After no less than 5 minutes in the bathroom, I checked on her and she was on the floor, sobbing uncontrollably.

I sat down beside her and she immediately buried her face in my chest, quickly saturating the front of it with her tears.

Chickie: I just can't!
Me: I know.
Chickie: I just feel so awful!
Me: I know you do.
Chickie: I want to go so bad.
Me: I understand.
Chickie: Momma, I just can't.
Me: It's going to be ok honey, Miss Dance Instructor will understand.
Chickie: What if Miss Dance Instructor never lets me dance for her again?
Me: I don't think that's going to be a problem.
Chickie: Do you promise?
Me: Cross my heart. I will call her to let her know.
Chickie: Mom?
Me: Hmmm?
Chickie: Will you tell her I am so, so, sorry and tell her not to hate me?
Me: I will and it will be all right and you can call her next week and tell her so yourself.

For the record? I just took a flashlight and looked in the back of her throat. It looks like I may just be taking her into urgent care tomorrow after all. I'm thinking strep throat, if the white spots are any indication.

Posted by Moogie at 5:03 PM | Comments (9)

June 22, 2007

I'm ok, you're so-so

I'm going to LIVE (provided I don't get broadsided by a bus in the next few days)! I am not terminally ILL! There were no CYSTS! Now, on to the "other stuff."

The symptoms I described (overwhelmed, anxious, angry, moody, lack of sleep, lack of focus, bad memory...I could go on but dear God, I sound pitiful enough) can be categorized in a few different areas. Perimenopause, thyroid problems, and depression have many of the same symptoms. They took about a gallon of blood and will be testing my hormones, thyroids and a plethora of other medical related things. I lost track when she got to six. I should have the results by next week.

I'm not holding my breath, but I hope that these tests can shed some light on what is going on with me. A large part of me hopes that it's not depression, on it's own. If it comes down to that, I know we'll deal with it, but it's a road I would rather leave untraveled. I'm not wishing to be sick, by any way, shape or form. I would be ecstatic if I woke up tomorrow morning and suddenly, I was back to normal, whatever normal really means.

Up until recently, I haven't talked much about this. If I were completely honest, I've probably been having these problems for a while now. I just seems that the last six month or so have seen me in a downward spiral. I'm nothing if not stubborn, and truth be told, something had to give. I think it helped me realize that I wasn't imagining things when my husband mentioned to me that I wasn't acting like the wife he knew, and loved, and still does. When he said that, I think it helped me break down the barriers that I had built up and go seek help.

What's next? I don't know. I don't expect an automatic cure. I know some of it will have to be adjustments, purely on my part. I know that everyone experiences ups and downs, but this time, I've been left out of the pack. It's not just a "down time" I'm going though. I'm not going to "just get over it already." In other words, it's not just a little blip in the radar, or a seriously bad wave I'm riding that will subside when I land on the beach.

If only it was.

Posted by Moogie at 4:40 PM | Comments (12)

June 21, 2007

It's raining, it's pouring

Be careful what you wish for. I'm not sure, but I think I just saw an armadillo floating down the middle of my street. We really need all of this rain, but does it have to come all at once? I was driving into work this morning, and it was really coming down hard. And sideways. About halfway there, it let up, and then all together stopped. This was most excellent because I had left my umbrella at home (shut it). I got through the guard gate, and the coast was still clear. I hopped out of my car and beat feet to the bus stop (I have to be bussed into my building as they do not allow civilian cars past a certain point). I got no more than 20 steps and the sky opened up (cats and dogs!) and by the time I got to the bus stop I was drenched. And my shoes were squeaking. Where is "Noah" when you need him? Yeah, really good way to start the day off.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
There is a security guard at my husband's work who is retiring and they had a luncheon for her. For whatever reasons, I had a burst of energy (I'm not complaining) and stopped off at the grocery store to pick up the supplies I needed. My husband had signed me up for tortilla rolls, but I decided to make more. There is nothing that says "yo woman, I want what you be smokin" than volunteering to bring more than you were asked. On a work day. When you have FIVE kids at your house (two of your own, and two that are spending the night, one that is here for the fried bologna sandwiches for dinner). That reminds me, I've got a really cool way to make those sandwiches in the oven. My children and their friends now worship the ground that I walk on but they still won't wash my feet.

Besides the tortilla rolls, I made Yummys (little sausages wrapped in bacon, covered with brown sugar and baked) and a little dessert plate. My friend who is a caterer gave me the recipe for the Yummys, and gave me the idea for the dessert plate. If you ask nicely, I'll write a post that contains the secret recipes, because people, you won't believe it if I tell you.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Tomorrow morning is the big "D." The DOCTOR'S appointment. I would LOVE to be able to tell you that I'm perfectly fine with it but I can't. The exam (for my Dad's sake, since he reads this blog, I'll call it "The Woman's Yearly"), in and of itself, while nothing to write home about is no big deal. It's the results that I'm worried about. I can't get it out of my head that my butt will end up right back in the hospital, and I'll be facing surgery AGAIN, and, and....can you say "backing the hearse up to the door?" Shoot, I knew you could. And then there is that whole possible depression thing, the lack of focus, the inability to sleep at night, the insatiable urge to pick a fight, or complain about every living thing from here to Texas. And you internets? I can't tell you how much I heart you because you said that perhaps, you know, it might be hormonally related. You give me some hope. Maybe I'm not completely losing it after all. I just want my old self back.

I'll try to update tomorrow when I get back. In the meantime, just keep me in your thoughts, and leave words of encouragement here. Believe it or not, it really helps to know you are all on my side.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
I’ll leave you with one question. How can anyone be sad, when their youngest child gets home from Cheerleading/Gymnastics practice, running full speed right into your arms and announces:

“Mom, I can do a back walkover now! No spotter!”

I just wish you could have seen her face.

Posted by Moogie at 6:34 PM | Comments (4)

June 17, 2007

I feel like a woman

Sorry, I've had that song running in my head most of the weekend and I.CAN'T.GET.IT.OUT. Trust me, it hasn't been pretty around here, what, with the hair flicking and jutting pelvis. Oh, and we mustn't forget THE WALK. I own it baby! My kids think I've completely lost it, and I'm beginning to think they just may be right.

Moo-ving right along.

It's been a good, albeit hectic weekend. I worked on my Friday off, then went and got my hair done. This time I opted for something shorter (not seriously short, but something shorter than I normally have), and I gots me some hilites. I really love it. The hilites are a bit lighter that I normally do, but it looks really good. The cut is "sassy" according to Chickie and I would tend to agree with her.

After I got off work on Saturday I went shopping (SHOPPING!) with my girlfriend, and people, I SCORED. They were having these huge Father's Days sales and I made out like a one-armed bandit. I really needed some tops for the summer. I can make do with the pants/skirts I have but I was seriously short on the tops. I was lucky enough to get some really good deals. I even picked up some earrings as well as a fun watch, which has alot of colors in it, which coincidentally, match alot of the clothes I bought. It's just a fun watch, and I was only out of pocket about $4.00 (normally $25).

Besides the hair and clothes (SCORE!), I also did my fingernails and toenails. It went a long way to making me feel better about myself. I'm evening thinking about perhaps wearing some makeup tomorrow, if I can get myself to do it. It's been a long time since I've even THOUGHT about that, and clearly people, it's something I should be doing.

I'm not miraculously healed but have dug pretty deep inside and figured that I needed to get off of my duff and DO something in order to help out. Chances are, I'll be put on some medication, at least for anxiety (but who knows?), but if I can help myself out in any other way, I'm all for it. Even if my mind screams at me the entire time. Quite frankly, my mind knows alot of words I've never even heard of. It's scary. This might only be a blip on the radar. I may slide back down into the hole tomorrow, and quite frankly, that's ok. If I can get a little bit of "upness" (is that a word?) I'm all for it. I will take advantage of it because I really, really, really need something to tell me I am going to be fine. I know I will be, but my brain is totally not buying into the game.

Have a fantastic evening everyone. I've got the steaks marinating, and we'll be having baked potatoes, corn and a salad for Father's Day dinner. It was my husband's request, and he deserves the very best. Tonight, I'm determined to give it to him. I'll worry about what tomorrow brings when it comes.

PS: You knew this was coming didn't you? Blog Fodder #21 is up. I know I'll see you there.

Posted by Moogie at 5:22 PM | Comments (6)

June 14, 2007

When I grow up

This week's topic over on Blog Fodder is a good one. Not only that, it's easy, and I'm all for the easy.

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up and why?

Do I have a word limit for this one?

Ok, here they are, in no particular order:

1. Nurse
2. Police Officer
3. Social Worker
4. Probation Officer
5. Physical Therapist
6. Lawyer
7. Graphic Artist
8. Engineer

That's only a partial list. When I got out of high school, I went to a Junior (Community) College because I honestly didn't know what I wanted to "be when I grew up." Then I decided to move out from the comforts of my parent's home, and live on my own And experience life! The real world! Paying my own bills! Making my own decisions! Did I mention paying my own bills?

The funny thing about this whole thing is that I got along really well with my parents. I had passed the point of "they are so stupid and don't know anything" and moved on to a point in which I really enjoyed being with them. In fact, when I first moved out, I probably spent more time with them than I did in my own apartment.

I would say that I have regretted that decision ever since but on the flip side, I would never have experienced what I have so far if I didn't make that move. Don't get me wrong. If I had it to do all over again I would have stayed home and gotten the degree. Instead, I went to school part time, here and there, while holding a full time job. The education? She was sporadic. In my late 30's I decided it was time and went back to school (still working) but this time? I had the benefit of being married with two small children. I am here to tell you that it was really hard. But I did it in a little over two years AND I graduated, with honors even. It felt so good to have done something entirely for me, because "I" wanted it. I am oh-so-glad I have that behind me now.

So there you have it, albeit in a little more of an expanded version than I originally planned. I still don't know what I want to be when "I grow up" but I'm pretty happy with the job I have now.

It's your turn now. What did you want to be when you grew up? Don't forget to leave a link over in the comments at Blog Fodder so that we can all come over and check it out. Heck, I'll go easy on you. If it's easier, just leave it in the comments.

Posted by Moogie at 7:37 PM | Comments (20)

June 13, 2007

I remember

Memories are such a good thing to have. They have special hiding places, or "pockets" (as we call them) in our hearts and we can pull them out whenever we need them.

I remember riding a tricycle, and having one of my brothers on the back of it, pushing me so that I could go FAST. It felt like I was flying.

I remember my very first, non hand-me-down bike. It was pink and had a banana seat. It was named Pink Panther. It was a Huffy.

I remember the wagon rides with my brothers, who made us go so fast I just knew I was going to crash. At the same time, I always felt safe, because they would take care of me and not let me get hurt.

I remember Samm Starr. How could I forget Samm? I was Samm, "Secret Agent Movie Starr." Notice the spelling? I was imaginative even then. I had sunglasses, and a squirt gun. I was out to get the bad guys, who were my brothers. They always got soaked by the time I was through.

I remember my first dance in Junior High. My mom made me this pretty blue/white long dress. I got to wear panty hose AND high heels for the very first time ever. Oh, and let's not forget the lip gloss. I felt so grown up!

I remember my very first pair of boots. Black patent leather, just below the knee, and oh, so very, very soft.

I remember Samson, our dog we had when I was growing up. He didn't bark, until I taught him how to "speak." I don't think Mom has ever forgiven me for that.

I remember graduating high school. My mom let me invite my closest friends for a party (about a week before the actual graduation). She made little graduation caps and diplomas all out of construction paper. We grilled hamburgers. We had a slumber party. We laughed and played truth or dare.

I remember Sandy, my best friend in high school. As things go, we lost track of each other after graduation. It happens. Two years later I heard that she had committed suicide. That was rough because I wrestled with a guilty conscience for a long time after that. I should have kept in touch. Now I just remember the good times that we had and how thankful I was to have her in my life. I still miss her. But that's ok.

I remember playing Badminton all through high school. I remember being good at it. I remember the MVP trophies and the rush it brought me when my name was announced. I remember all of my team mates. We had such a good time.

I remember learning how to drive a stick shift for the very first time. My brother taught me. He was so very patient. We went to a local community college parking lot and he made me get in and out of first gear, over and over again until I could do it with my eyes closed. He told me if I could accomplish this, the rest of it was a piece of cake. And he was so very right.

I remember getting married. It was the hottest day of the year, a fluke, as it was in May. The air conditioning in the church was on the blink, as well as in the limo, and for a while it was even out at the place we held our reception. The organist didn't show up until most of the ceremony was over, and my piano teacher jumped in and covered for him, without so much as a blink of the eye. Despite all of that, it was the most wonderful day of my life, if you don't count the births of my children.

I remember when Chickie was born. Everybody had gone home to rest and I had her in the room with me. She was lying on my chest and I looked at her in awe, and was trying to figure out how something that big, could have been inside of me earlier that morning. I don't think I slept a wink all night.

I remember when Meelie was born. It happened rather fast. The labor and delivery was over in just six hours. My mom and my dad were able to be with me this time as the labor was induced. My husband was the greatest, but it was even better to have my mom there. She rubbed my feet and my legs. She rubbed my head. She whispered words of encouragement. I can't tell you how helpful that was because I don't have the words. My dad was with us from the start. When it was time for me to "push" Mom put her hand on my shoulder and asked me if he could stay. I can't explain it, this communication that went through us. I immediately said yes and to this day I am so very, very glad I did. After she was born, I remember looking at my dad who had tears in his eyes, because he had witnessed his granddaughter’s birth. That felt really good, you know?

I am so thankful that I have so many people in my life who love me. Perhaps at this point in time, they don't understand what's going on. And that's ok, I don't either.

How can I fail when I am married to a man who left a comment like this:

I'm still here, Sweetheart. And I ain't goin' away anytime soon... .

...in response to this.

It just doesn't get any better. I'm holding on to that.

Now, it's your turn. What are some good memories that you have? I would love to hear about them.

Posted by Moogie at 4:54 PM | Comments (6)

June 12, 2007

Fast Food

I am one nugget shy of a happy meal.

We ordered a DVD from Chickie's recital. It was beautifully done. My husband immediately set out to make copies to send to the relatives. And then his computer died. All is well on that end because, even though it was painful, he brought it back to life again.

It was sometime after the death, but before the first breath that the DVD became missing. I prefer to call it temporarily misplaced. He swore up and down on his mother's grave that he had given it back to me. I, equally incensed, insisted that HE WAS THE ONE WHO MISPLACED IT. Can you see where this is going?

Do you want fries with that?

I pretty much tore up the office looking for it, concentrating mostly around his desk. I don't know how the man finds anything with all of that, uh, clutter. Ok, my desk is absolutely no better, in fact it's worse, but let's not confuse the issue with facts, m'kay?

So last night, as I was sitting here wallowing in self pity, I noticed that the manila envelope it was shipped in was on the shelf at my desk. For grins and giggles, I took the envelope down and peered inside. Any guesses as to what I found? The first two don't count.

"Two all beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions on a sesame seed bun."

I have a doctors appointment for a week from Friday. It's a start. In the mean time, I'm on the lookout for humor. Because it feels so good to laugh.

Posted by Moogie at 6:09 PM | Comments (4)

June 11, 2007

Where Mortality becomes Reality

My girlfriend and I went out to lunch today just to get away from it all. For whatever reasons, we started to talk about roller coasters. I used to ride them with abandon as a child, most likely because my Dad was with me. As I grew into my teens, my friends were there, generally double dog daring each other to ride. Hello people? You can not turn down a double dog dare. Reputations are at stake.

Today? Not so much so. I just can't bring myself to ride them any more. What if something were to happen? What if it broke down and we were right in the middle of a loop-dee-loop,, and were left hanging upside down until they got it fixed? What if it malfunctioned and the car I was riding in flew off of the tracks and I was hurled towards the ground which would surely result in my untimely death? Ferris Wheels? I ride them with my eyes closed and please God, do not let us stop on top because some kid who's stomach was filled with cotton candy and hot dogs decided to throw up. I just can't do it any more.

The older I get, the more frightened I get at everything. I can't go to the dentist any more without suffering from sheer panic. It's not so much the cleaning or x-rays, it's what the dentist finds when he comes in to do his exam. It's what I will have to go through to treat it. It's the fear of pain. Lord love a duck, can't you just put me to sleep and do all that you need to do? I can't cope with it any more.

It's the same when I go to the doctors for a regular visit. What will they find wrong with me this time? Granted, I've had some not-so-good experiences in which harmless doctors visits or tests resulted in having my but slammed into the hospital. I can't even go for an annual exam (think woman parts) any more, because the last time I did, I ended up in the hospital, with more tests, and surgery.

It's so hard. I don't care about much any more. I don't care about how I look. I don't care about how my house looks. I'm so tired all of the time. I cry at the drop of at hat. Everything is too much for me to handle. I can't stay focused and I'm having a hard time doing my job. This is so NOT me. I feel like everyone doesn't like me. Everyone is out to get me. Paranoid? Hell yeah. You tell me how to get past it.

And I am so angry. So very, very angry. And if you ask me why I cannot tell you. I love my husband. I love my children. They are my life. I have a good life, a good job. I just can't cope. It's stupid..it's silly. I should be thankful for what I have. And I am. But I cannot cope.

And I don't know what to do.

Posted by Moogie at 6:21 PM | Comments (9)

June 10, 2007

Sunday Stuff

• Happy Sunday everyone! Enjoy the weekend? I mean, it's not official yet, but we are on the downhill side. Hey, no need to thank me! I'm really good at putting a damper on all that happy stuff. It was actually a great weekend here. I ended up working a bit on Saturday, and then took my youngest over to her friend’s house where I went with the friend and her mom to see "Surf's Up." It was a really great movie, and I would encourage you to go see it. Lot's of funny stuff and you will be sure to fall in love with the main characters.

• Blog Fodder #20 (will you STOP with the Blog Fodder stuff already Moogie!) is up and running with a new twist. Go on over and take a look. It's fun! And free! And you don't have to join anything if you don't want to! GIFT CARD baby!

• It's been hotter that Billy Blue Blazes here the past couple of days (I can't say Hell because my folks read this blog - Hi MOM!). The high temperatures reached 99 degrees and that's not even factoring in the humidity. We went from "man, this is really pleasant weather" to "I'm going to go cook breakfast on the driveway." Today, Chickie, her friend and I spent all day at the pool. There is no better way forget about all of the work you have to do at home. I just didn't want to. I had a terrible case of the "I don't wannas" and I bet there isn't one of you out there that can tell me you haven't suffered through that.

• The girls are so tired after the day out that they are flat on their backs watching "The Incredibles" (DVD) and the only way I can tell that they are alive is because I can see their mouths moving while they are munching on Fruit Loops (dry).

• Tonight we are going to cook some "snausages" and hot dogs on the grill and I'll serve it with some potato salad (adults) and chips (kids). Grilling is always the way to go when it's so hot and we generally don't start until the sun has gone down a bit.
  

All in all, it's been a great weekend, and I hate to see it come to a close. Hope everyone is doing well and I'll catch you on the flip-flop!

Posted by Moogie at 6:38 PM | Comments (7)

June 7, 2007

Pimping

"We interrupt our regularly schedule posting for a very important news bulletin. Reporting LIVE for Channel 27, is our own lovely reporter Henrietta Lipschitz. Henrietta, what do you have for us?"

Thank you Herb. Have you heard the news? Blog Fodder is back up and better than ever. In fact, this roving reporter has found out that there are already two posters to this week's topic. First off, we have Give It a Try who is new to Blog Fodder. What a fantastic job she did. This lady has some really great taste in music! Next up, we have Gopher, our infamous Scottishman, who has been around since the beginning. Rumor has it, that he has a visitor and has been taking him around on short trips.

They are still waiting to hear from My Bloody Great Nutshell, Welcome to my World of Dreams, Chez Le Laquet, Chris-Seas Corner, Purple 4 Me, Jessica's Lil Corner, Wrong Blog, Rashbre Central, Crazie Queen's Palace, Written Inc., Blah, Blah, Blog, and Imagine What I'm Leaving Out. And those are just a FEW.

So there you have it people. Come on over and join the fun. Back to you Herb.

"Thanks Henrietta, it sure sounds like you are having a wonderful time over there. Next up, we want to hear your opinion on Paris Hilton's early release. Don't get this reporter started."

So there you have it people. Blog Fodder. Now. It's the new rave!

Posted by Moogie at 6:31 PM

Public Service Announcement

I found this information to be so helpful, I felt the need to share. In lieu of an actual post, here is a public service announcement that was sent to me by a very good friend of mine (who happens to be male).

Because I'm a man, when I lock my keys in the car, I will fiddle with a coat hanger long after hypothermia has set in. Calling AAA is not an option.

I will win.

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Because I'm a man, when the car isn't running very well, I will pop the hood and stare at the engine as if I know what I'm looking at. If another man shows up, one of us will say to the other, "I used to be able to fix these things, but now with all these computers and everything, I wouldn't know where to start." We will then drink a couple of beers as a form of male bonding.

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Because I'm a man, when I catch a cold, I need someone to bring me soup and take care of me while I lie in bed and moan. You're a woman. You never get as sick as I do, so for you, this is no problem.

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Because I'm a man, I can be relied upon to purchase basic groceries at the store, like milk or bread. I cannot be expected to find exotic items like "cumin" or "tofu." For all I know, these are the same thing.

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Because I'm a man, when one of our appliances stops working, I will insist on taking it apart, despite evidence that this will just cost me twice as much once the repair person gets here and has to put it back together.

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Because I'm a man, I must hold the television remote control in my hand while I watch TV. If the thing has been misplaced, I may miss a whole show looking for it, though one time I was able to survive by holding a calculator instead (applies to engineers only) _________________________________________________________________

Because I'm a man, you don't have to ask me if I liked the movie. Chances are, if you're crying at the end of it, I didn't . . . and if you are feeling amorous afterwards . . then I will certainly at least remember the name and recommend it to others.

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Because I'm a man, I think what you're wearing is fine. I thought what you were wearing five minutes ago was fine, too. Either pair of shoes is fine.

With the belt or without it, looks fine. It does not make your behind look too big. It was the pasta and potatoes and margaritas that did that. Your hair is fine. You look fine. Can we just go now?

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Because I'm a man, and this is, after all, the year 2007, I will share equally in the housework. You just do the laundry, the cooking, the cleaning, the vacuuming, and the dishes, and I'll do the rest. Like wandering around in the garden with a beer, wondering what to do.

This has been a public service message for women to better understand men.

Posted by Moogie at 6:46 AM | Comments (4)

June 5, 2007

For the love of Paul and all that is Holy

I wish I knew who Paul was.

Moving right along, I want to thank all of you who sent me emails wishing me luck on with my appointment with the dermatologist yesterday. The good news is that I'm all clear. The suspicious spots were normal. The one good thing is that he praised me (I'm not kidding here) for coming in and having them checked. He told me that too many people feel that there is something "just not right about this spot" and wait until it becomes a really big problem. He checked me out from head to toe, and took a look at each and every mole on my body as well. I felt as if there were no part of my body left unexplored. I'm set up to go yearly now, for a "skin check" which I really think is a good thing. I'm relieved to know that everything is ok in that area. Again, thank you for all of your well wishes, it meant the world to me.

Now that I have that out of the way, I would just like to tell you that my house exploded while I was at work today. As you know, we are experimenting on having the girls stay home, rather than daycare or camp, for most of the time. Don't get me wrong, during the week, we have activities scheduled, with some of the other families and such, but some of the time, they are home. When I walked in the door, from the garage into my kitchen, I noticed that there were approximately 14 cups sitting on the counter. There were bowls (from cereal and ice cream - not mixed together thank you very much) in the living room. There were four cups sitting on the desk in the living room, which holds the children's computer. They had taken approximately 26 (I counted) strawberry cream filled cookies, ate the filling out of them and left the outer part of the cookies on the end table. As I type this, I notice that there are a couple more fillingless cookies sitting on MY DESK. I also discovered that they went into my bedroom. You know, the room that is OFF LIMITS to anyone younger than me whenever I am not there. Apparently, they were playing hide and go seek. They went into my walk in closet and proceeded to knock quite a few clothes off of the hangers, and did not even attempt to hang them up. I was not happy. My happiness is nothing compared to their misery. I did not beat them, not that I would ever admit that I did, but let's just say that I am NOT very popular today.

I love my girls dearly, truly I do. But there are days in which I could easily sell them to the highest bidder. Not that I would get ANY bidders, because I sell them without a warranty. They come to you completely "as-is" baby. Returns are strictly verboten.

Now I need to go drag them into the kitchen by their ears, and help me clean all of the cups and bowls, so that I can cook dinner. It would be so much easier for me to do it myself. But not nearly so much fun as hearing them whine.

On a side note, have you participated in Blog Fodder yet? Go for it! I'll wait.

Posted by Moogie at 6:14 PM | Comments (5)

June 3, 2007

This week, at a glance

• The comments! They are fixed! They are no longer dumped into "junk comments" and I no longer have to "unjunk" them in order to be seen! The solution? It was very simple. I now feel stupid that I didn't catch it. The upside? I am learning more about Moveable Type than I ever wanted to know. Now that I have a bit of confidence under my belt, I am tackling a problem on my husband's blog. None of this would have been possible without the wonderful support I got from these folks.

• Blog Fodder is back and better than ever. Ok, not much has changed yet other than the template. But there are many changes in the works. One of them will be the addition of a "Blog of the Month." If you are a participant, you just may be chosen to be interviewed. How cool is that? My dear readers, won't you join us? Pretty please? Did I tell you I think you are fantastic? By the way, Blog Fodder #19 is up and running!

• Whenever you are dropping your child off, or picking one up to come over for a play date, never, ever (and I mean EVER) trust them when they tell you they know where said child lives. It happened to me this weekend. Twice. Clearly I have a hard time learning from my mistakes.

• Friday night, we had seven children visit us. Five spent the night. The house is still standing. Saturday night, one of the same girls spent the night again. Her sister was having a birthday/slumber party at her house and she would have had to spend the evening in her room. Considering the fact that Chickie was helping a friend baby sit Saturday night (after they were done she would stay the night at friend's house), it was a perfect thing for Meelie. We took them to a restaurant called Bonzai. We have leftovers. I get to take them in to work with me tomorrow. Life is rough, yes? To top that off, I can show you pictures because I know that all of you wonderful readers (who will be joining us this week in Blog Fodder right?), have missed the pictures of my children. I am not the kind of person who would disappoint you!

  
  

  
  

• Tomorrow I have an appointment to go see the dermatologist in the morning. My husband has been after me (I'm not known for taking care of these things) to get one. I've got a suspicious spot on my leg that I've been watching. I am here to tell you that watching it doesn't make it get smaller. I'm going to also have him check a couple of other areas that are making me uncomfortable. To say I'm freaking out would be an overstatement (which is surprising). Quite frankly, I'm not feeling anything yet. I'm sure that will change tomorrow. At that point, I will be scared spitless, and freaking out and battling tears. I just want it over with.

And that, my friends, is about all I have to say. Have a wonderful evening and don't forget to participate in Blog Fodder this weekend.

Posted by Moogie at 4:24 PM | Comments (2)

June 1, 2007

Can you feel the loooooove?

Tis the season for Love Bugs. They are quite annoying. Frankly, the only good thing about them is that they don't bite. They hang out around your car, which means that when you open the door to get in, you have several visitors that like to overstay their welcome. I can't tell you how many times I have looked down to see a few of them on my clothing. They are everywhere. It's inevitable, at least in my family, that you will have this type of conversation:

Chickie: Why do they all fly around on top of each other? Don' t they get tired?
Me: ....
Meelie: They probably just like to huggle. Like we do with Mommy at bedtime.
Me: ....
Chickie: Yeah, they probably get cold because they are so small.
Me: Alrighty then. What do you guys want for dinner?

WHAT?

Even though we have lived here for over three years, I am still not used to the bugs. Bugs in all shapes and sizes. Bugs that bite. Bugs that sting. Bugs that buzz your head. Bugs that make you want to shout "INCOMING" and grab the nearest baseball bat, or hide behind your child.

As you can see in the picture, a lot of them end up on the front of my car. You should have seen my windshield when we got to my parent's home last weekend. I sometimes have to wonder if some of them are trained to be Kamikaze pilots. Maybe they just need to instigate a no-fly-zone to prevent themselves from slamming bodily into the windshield. Did you know that there is actually a cleaner that is made for the express purpose of cleaning the bugs off of your windshield?

At one point during our trek to Florida, a huge bug did a face dive on the driver’s side. The mess it made must have cleared about 3 inches. Mr. Moogie was forced to use the windshield wipers in a desperate attempt to clear off enough space so he could see. It would be my luck that this unfortunate Hexapoda was a pillar in his community. The story of his untimely death would be all over the newspapers. This of course, would incite riots, and cause all of the bugs within a one mile radius to infiltrate our home.

I think I should stop now before I tell you that I saw a bug yesterday that was so large I was absolutely sure it was going to carry off my second born.

What are the bugs like in your area?

Posted by Moogie at 9:09 AM | Comments (18)