July 30, 2007
Open House is OVER, and bonus vacation pictures!
Looks like we have some good teachers this year. The kids are stoked, and quite frankly, so am I. I'm hoping that this year will be a bit easier on the nasty teacher score.
We've informed the kids that we will be cracking down pretty hard on them this year. In the past, we've kind of let them slide by, for lack of a better term. They have always done pretty good, but I want them to learn what it is like to apply themselves. The funny thing is, Chickie asked me to "crack down" on her really hard because she is "going in to high school the next year and needs to be prepared." Her words exactly. Now, how long will this attitude last? Any takers?
I survived my first day back to work after a blissful week and a half off. It wasn't as bad as I expected, but it was so hard to get out of bed this morning. This whole 4:30 (O'Dark Thirty) thing stinks worse than my feet.
That's about all I have to say for now. I'll leave you with a couple of pictures from the "World's Biggest Pool" in the extended entry.
The Tarzan Swing
Stats
Posted by Moogie at 7:05 PM | Comments (2)
July 29, 2007
Home sweet home
We are back.
We arrived home a little after midnight last night. The trip was wonderful and did us all a lot of good. I think we all needed it. The drive was long but we passed through South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and then reached our final destination in Ohio. The girls, true to form, are EXCELLENT travellers in the car.
Today was spent picking up the various school supplies, plus school shoes because there is nothing like coming off of a truly relaxing vacation than braving the crowds at Wal-Mart and other various shops. I have honestly come to HATE shoe shopping with my kids. Chickie wears a size 10 in women's shoes and has particular taste which lends itself to name brands and what's popular. This generally means I need to pick up a few shifts at Huddle House in order to pay off the debts incurred. Luckily, there was a back-to-school sale, which enabled me to skip my temporary stint as a waitress. I would also like to point out that it is extremely difficult to find shoes in that size at stores that offer discounts.
Meelie No wears a size SEVEN in women's shoes. Might I remind you that she is only 9? I wear an 8. I am doomed. She is difficult to shop for because she hates trying things on. Her tastes are easier to accommodate, but it's difficult to get her to sit still long enough to find a pair of shoes that actually fit. I was finally able to halt her in mid whine by telling her that I was NOT going to pay a lot of money for a pair of shoes that she wouldn't be able to wear.
I honestly am ok with spending money on the "name brand shoes" because they are made better and will last longer. The added bonus is that they are a lot better for the feet. The girls both need that now, and because they are not so rough on their shoes, it's a lot easier to justify adding a second mortgage to the house. Again, we lucked out with the sale, so I can't complain too loudly.
Right now I'm a bit tired. I've got some photos I'll be sharing over the next few days from the trip. We've got Open House for school tomorrow, so it's going to take me a while to get caught up on everything. I hope you all had a fantastic week. I look forward to getting back in the swing of things.
Posted by Moogie at 6:10 PM | Comments (5)
July 20, 2007
100 loads of laundry to do, 100 loads of Laundry
You fold one up,
You put it away,
And then you start another one!
I know, don't quit my day job.
I'm packing. And doing laundry. And packing, and doing more laundry so I can pack. To say that I am a bit behind the 8 ball on this is to be kind. I've had the last three days off with the girls, and we have just been bumming around, and playing games on the computer. And drenching ourselves in fruit smoothies, and munching on frozen grapes and strawberries. In other words? I have done NOTHING to prepare for the trip. And I am paying for it today.
You should see my living room floor right now. Piles of folded clothes, and other items we need for the trip. I am nothing if not methodical and I like to lay everything out, and make a story. Perhaps it's a little eccentric but it's the only way I can make sure that I don't forget things. I generally would put the piles on my bed but the bed? She is full of laundry that still needs to be done.
It doesn't help that it has been 102 degrees outside to day and humid as all get-out. Add the fact that our washer and dryer are in the garage and I have turned into something that you definitely want to stay down wind of. I think I have lost a few pounds by sweat alone.
All is good. I'm starting to get excited. The more I put things in order, the less overwhelmed I am and the panic is subsiding to a manageable level.
I plan on taking lots of pictures! We'll be out of pocket for most of the time so I won't be on the computer much, if at all.
Hope all of you are well and I'll see you next week!
Posted by Moogie at 5:10 PM | Comments (4)
July 17, 2007
Not your usual read
Even though I don't care for Newt Gingrich all that much, I have to say that this made me smile. This is pure Newt, doing what he does best which is taking a very complex issue and turning it into something very simple. I guess the moral of this story would be; 1) private industry does a much better job at keeping track of things, and 2) we really need to find a better way to control the borders.
Everybody: Nothing new there Moogs!
Moving right along, did I tell you that I finally caved in and let Chickie have a Myspace account? This agreement comes with many restrictions, which include but are not limited to:
- I have the URL of her website.
- I have the user ID and password, with unlimited editing rights.
I'm not going to morph into a Nazi Mom or anything, but I'm ensuring that I have a way to check out what is going on and make sure it's safe. The really cool thing about my kid is that she is totally on board with this. Right now, she likes the idea of me monitoring things. She also is well aware that I'm not there to get in her face and her business, but to make sure she stays safe. I'm pretty sure it will change as she gets older, but the rules won't. I'm not going to read all of her messages from her friends, but I'll monitor the new ones. It's my way to keep her safe, and by letting her do this, it's her way of being able to stay in contact with her friends. She talked me into opening up my own Myspace account, which has actually been really fun. All of her friends (from school and such) have added me to their "friends" list. People, I am still cool and that really makes me feel good. Plus, I have a bunch of pre-teens listed as my friends, but I don't care. It's kind of fun. I'm sure the activity will taper down once the newness wears off, but I'm enjoying it while I can.
So now that I have all of my political and personal stuff out of the way, I think I'll go make dinner. Chickie is off to a friend's house, Meelie (aka: Giget) is at Cheerleading practice and about ready to be picked up by Dad. The thunder and lightening are gearing up to what promises to be a most excellent storm. The dogs are inside and pacing. I'm ready for Bruiser to hide behind the toilet. Tiny follows me everywhere, and Ralph has absolutely no clue what to do.
This should make for an interesting evening.
Posted by Moogie at 6:11 PM | Comments (3)
July 16, 2007
Happy Anniversary!!!
Dear Mom and Dad,
Fifty-seven years. I can't believe it. You rarely hear of a marriage that lasts that long. I feel honored that you are my parents. You have set such a good example for me. You have shown me what it is like to stick with it through the bad times, and rejoice in the good. You have shown me that you stand by your partner, through sickness and health, even if it means giving up a large part of your life to do so. Somehow, through Dad's illness, you both have reached a peace that I only hope I can obtain if it ever comes to it.
I have learned so much from you by example. Although, when I was growing up, I wouldn't have been able to say that. I didn't realize just how much you taught me until I was married myself. Perhaps that is why I am on my 19th year of marriage.
I just wanted to take this time to congratulate you, and more importantly, thank you, for being such a positive influence on my life.
I love you. Never forget that. Even though I'm not good at saying or showing it most of the time.
I am so very lucky to have both of you as my parents, and I never forget that.
Blessings to you. I look forward to writing another post on your 58th anniversary.
Love,
Moogie
Posted by Moogie at 5:18 PM | Comments (2)
July 11, 2007
Back hurts, bad turd
(Hard of hearing anyone?)
Last weekend I took the girls and their friends to the pool. There were five of them. Five. Girls. Gabfest! Actually, it was pretty fun. I love to go there because I actually get to do things like read a book and relax. When I get too hot, I get in the pool to cool off. Every hour they have adult swim for 10 minutes. The kids come back and reapply sunscreen if needed, and imbibe in a little snack. Swimming is lots of work, don't you know?
What I am about to tell you will convince you, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that I am a hopeless klutz. I was lying on my stomach in a lounge chair when adult swim was called. The girls came back and wanted a snack. As I went to get up, I leaned on my elbows. Just as I was almost turned completely around and nearly in a sitting position, the chair tipped over and and I went buttox over teakettle. It was not a pretty sight. To make matters worse, I was laughing so hard that it was difficult to extricate myself from that unlady like position. It didn't help that the lower part of the chair folded upwards, effectively blocking my legs from moving. It hurt a bit, but nothing really bad. At that point, I think my pride took the biggest blow.
I have a huge bruise, which covers a large part of the lower left hand portion of my back. By looking at it, you would have thought I should be in traction. I've been a bit sore, but nothing to write home about. I'm stiff in the morning and after I sit for too long. This is easily remedied when I move around a bit.
I think I overdid it a bit yesterday. I was on my feet a lot at work, then driving the kids here and there to activities, and then came home and cooked dinner. Normally, this wouldn't phase me in the slightest because I'm used to it. By the time I was done with dinner, my back hurt. Nothing excrutiating but more of an annoying, tired like ache. This is the point that convinced me that perhaps my husband is as hard of hearing as his children are.
Me: My back hurts.
Him: What?
Me: My back hurts.
Him: You have a bad what?
Me: My. Back. Hurts.
Him: Your bad turd?
And people wonder how we have made it 19 years. Now I know why.
Moogie's Note: The video above is of Meelie and her BFF! Princess M. The only part of my car that got washed last night was the top.
PS: Blog Fodder #24, be there.
Posted by Moogie at 9:19 PM | Comments (7)
July 10, 2007
Refridgerated Clothng and more!
When I got home from work, I told Meelie to go change into her shorts and such and get ready for cheerleading/gymnastics/look Ma no hands stunt class. I headed out to the garage and was getting some clothes out of the dryer for Chickie's dance camp and Meelie came out into the garage and opened up the refrigerator door and just stood there.
Me: What are you doing?
Meelie: Getting my shorts for tonight.
Me: *BLINK*
Meelie: Um, never mind.
Me: .......
Darn my husband anyway. Doesn't he know that the clothes are supposed to be put in the INSIDE refrigerator?
Speaking of Meelie, she wrote another story. She was really psyched at your comments about the last one she did, so she decided to tackle another one. Personally, I'm all for it. Sure she needs to work on the spelling and punctuation, but she is only 9 years old, so that part of it can be forgiven. Besides I am hoping she keeps doing this so that one day, she'll become a famous author, making ginormous amounts of money so that she can support her mother in her dwindling years. The way I see it, she'll be able to publish the work from her "early years." Meelie thinks it should be called "Why My Shorts are Cold, and Other I Have an Evil Sibling Stories." Works for me. As before, I have not touched a thing. What you see here is exactly as she has typed it.
Myself I love myself I just don't know it. That is the thing. Sometimes I wish I could be myself. The rezen why I say that is because I am a superstar. I have to have gards so people wont trample me. And like that will ever happen. Well I am talking about me not being able to see my friends You are lucky that you are not a superstar. That is a story abut me what do you have to say abut that. Huh I cant here you that is right it is beter than your story that I don't know about.
This story was made by: Meelie
I will leave you all with the link to the latest Blog Fodder (#24!!!!).
Thanks to Becca, Melli, Gopher, MommyBa and My Queen for participating last week.
Posted by Moogie at 4:24 PM | Comments (4)
July 5, 2007
Pot Pourri
Meelie has informed me that she wants to be an author. Today, when the rain was pouring down, and she was bored, she wrote a few "stories." This part cracks me up. She also said, "this story is loosely based on fact." Those were her exact words. I'm sure she picked it up from the TV or something, but I find it rather humorous that something like that came out of a nine year olds mouth. So, without further preamble, here is the story she wanted me to "publish." I have not changed anything at all. What you see is how she wrote it (in this story, she is May, and Chickie plays herself).
Running Away I want to run away so I will pack up today the little girl said. So the next day she ran away well to the mailbox anyway. It is raining the little girl said but I don't care she said. The phone rang she went in the garage it was her friend Amy she picked it up. Amy she said yeah its me Amy. Do you want to stay the night she said I ran away and I told my parents that I never will see them agen so you told a lie say Amy sorta said May well said Amy what is your sister doing? She is in the house somewhere and she put a sign on the door and it says May is not allowed in the house. Oh that Chickie she is one evil sister said Amy. Talk about it I use to live with her. Yeah I feel sory for you.
Made by: Meelie
P.S. Chickie is the meanest sister on that block
I'm not sure but I don't think I can top that one. When she gets the whole punctuation thing down, I just may let her take over the blog.
And now, some miscellaneous pictures. As always, click to enlarge.
Sometimes she worries me
Power Rangers, unite!
This is what you will see during a thunder storm. This basket is located in our walk-in closet.
Bruiser is a bit afraid of thunder, can you tell?
Subject: Apple Announces New Music DeviceApple Computer announced today that it has developed a computer chip that can store and play music in women's breast implants. The chip will cost $499 or $599 depending on the size needed. This is considered to be a major breakthrough because women are always complaining about men staring at their breasts and not listening to them.
Have a fantastic weekend everyone!
Posted by Moogie at 6:29 PM | Comments (12)
July 4, 2007
Psycho Mom - taking back the holiday!
Good evening and happy 4th of July everyone. I looks as though we may have some hope that it will be dry enough to do fireworks this evening. It has been raining like hippos and elephants since this morning. We all were a little down, until I did my Psycho Mom impression and said, "who's holiday is this anyway?" And the kids responded "OURS!" My response? "LET'S DO IT!" So we went to Wendy's for Frosty's and because we are gluttons for punishment, took a leisurely drive, complete with sporadic downpours down the main rural road. We saw some pretty cool houses and got some good ideas for what we want to do for our yard. We also saw some feral dogs running down the middle of the road until they saw us at which point they took off running into the woods.
Getting out of the house did the trick and got us all out of our funk. It seriously minimized the whining and fighting and life is so unfairing that was going on around here. When we got home, we wandered over to our neighbor's house to visit. They are in the midst of painting their living room (ultimately they will put down some laminate flooring). It's going to be lovely when it is complete, but I couldn't help being thankful that it was NOT ME doing the work. That will be coming soon enough. Of course I intend to document all about it right here on my blog, which I know you are quite thrilled about.
Right now, I have some chicken skewers marinating, and it looks like we'll actually be able to barbeque them! My kids have just burst into the office chanting "sun, sun, sun" so I must go take a look at this thing they call the Sun. I hear it does wonders for drying up water so that fireworks will actually light off rather than collapse.
Later!
Posted by Moogie at 6:51 PM | Comments (11)
July 3, 2007
Chinks in the armor
Why the past few days were allot like sour lemons:
- DJ, my beta of almost 4 years old died.
- I broke the lid on a ceramic dish that my mom gave me, which was my grandmothers.
- I called the doctor again today because she still hadn't called me back to find out the results of the test only to find out she was on vacation this week.
Any one of those things, in and of themselves would be a bummer but no big deal. But to have them happen in a short period of time brought me down a few notches. In my present state of mind, it's difficult to deal with the little stuff. Oddly enough, I can handle the bigger ticket items, to a point.
DJ was a fish that was given to me by a co-worker when I still lived in corporate housing. This was all before the girls, and then ultimately, my husband joined me here in Georgia. For the first year or so, DJ stayed at my desk at work. Cleaning the little tank was a bit of a challenge, but after a few times, I had it down pat. I took him home during the Christmas break and never brought him back. He was a fun fish. Whenever I came home he would shoot up to the top of the tank as if to say, "wooohooo, Mom's home, chow time baby!" It's not as if loosing him tore me a part like it would if I would have lost one of my dogs, but there is still a part of me that is sad when I look at the empty surface that used to hold his tank.
On that same night, I broke the lid to a ceramic bowl that my mom had given me that was my grandmothers. I was very possessive about that bowl, and took extremely good care of it. I opened up the oven to check on the potatoes and when I went to lift the lid, it slipped out of my oven mitt and crashed on the oven door. I completely lost it. I realize it was just a material item, but it had a special meaning to me. Yes, I still have the bottom portion of the bowl, so all is not lost. But it was and is, still hard.
On Monday following the loss of DJ, and the lid, I called my doctor because I still hadn't heard from her. She never did call back on Friday. I was informed that she was out of the office for the entire week. The PA did call me back with the results, which showed "normal" but told me that I should call the doctor next week to see what the next step was. I know that the doctor told me that if my results came back normal, that didn't mean that the numbers used to calculate normal were necessarily "normal" for me. So, again, I wait.
But there is a silver lining in that cloud that seems to be hanging over my head. Tomorrow is Independence Day, and I have the day off from work. My husband is picking up the fireworks as we speak, and I'm sure we'll have some sort of barbeque, perhaps even with the neighbors. It's all good, and I'm fighting to stay upbeat and if I do say so myself, even with the chinks in my armor, I'm doing one H-E-double hockey stick (HI MOM!) of a job.
Have a wonderful 4th of July, for those of you who celebrate, and for those who don't, enjoy your summer day!
Posted by Moogie at 6:03 PM | Comments (6)
Blog Fodder #23is up!
I forgot to tell you! Blog Fodder #23 is up and running! I realize that it's hard to post over the holidays due to lack of time. What better way to get a quick post out than to have your topic written for you?
Hope to see you there!
Posted by Moogie at 5:35 PM
