November 30, 2008

All good things must come to an end

I always have a difficult time getting back into the groove at work after enjoying some days off. I was lulled into a sense of relaxation, with no real discernible schedule. I was fortunate enough to be able to spend some quality (as well as quantity) time with the kids, and even that other parental unit that I'm married to. In other words, no worries, no stress (if you don't count the arguments between the kids I needed to break up). It makes it tough to even think about going back.

I'm fortunate enough to be one of those people who really loves what they do at their place of employment. I've said it here many times before; it's like I have finally found out what I want to be when I grow up. This makes actually returning to work a bit easier. It will be tough tomorrow morning to drag my sorry rump into work, but once I get there, and dig in to the ever growing workload and the regular shouts of "I needed this yesterday", I'll be fine.

In other news, today was a blustery, rainy and downright nasty day. My husband had to go into work for a bit so I took the girls and two of their friends out on errands with me. We needed to go back to Walmart to get some more lights for the house because our original estimate on how much we would need came up short. We then headed deep into the heart of the city, which was interesting due to the torrential rain and traffic, to pick up a leotard and tights that Chickie needed for the upcoming Tree Lighting Ceremony to be held downtown on Tuesday. They are first going to perform at the local convalescent hospital, and then go join the festivities, first in the parade, and then in the performance on stage.

On that note, I believe I'll shut down the computer and watch some more episodes of "Untold Stories of the ER" with the girls.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving (in the US), and for the others, a wonderful weekend.

Posted by Moogie at 5:06 PM | Comments (0)

November 29, 2008

When Saturday Feels Like Monday

But not in a bad way.

Due to the extra days off, my schedule is all messed up. I wouldn't change it mind you, but I'm all discombobulated. It's been really great just hanging out and doing whatever we want to do. There are times that it makes me yearn to be a SAHM, but I also realize that there is something called "too much of a good thing" and after a few weeks, I'd lay odds that all of my hair would be "gone with the wind" (if you get my drift).

Meelie is at a sleepover right now, visiting with her "bestie", Chickie is snoring away on the couch where she fell asleep last night. My husband and I are sipping coffee and surfing blogs. I would say that life is pretty good here at Chez Moogie.

In a bit, after we get ready, we are going to head on out and buy my husband a suit. Yes, I know. I was surprised too. I will be sure to post a picture of him in it so you can be just as dazzled by his amazingly good looks as me. Then again, it's been three weeks since I've lost my glasses making it difficult to see clearly, so I might be wrong. Somehow I doubt it though.

After we get home from that, we'll start the task of decorating our front yard. I'm so excited I feel like a little girl standing in line, waiting sit on Santa's lap gently whispering in his ear that the thing I want the most in my life is the baby doll that pees. You know, that one with the blond hair that comes with an extra set of diapers. I had several dolls like that growing up, and as I recall, my poor dad was the unsuspecting victim more than once. What is amazing is that he still loves me. Hi Dad! I would like to add that this was the man who ate my Easy Bake Oven cakes, complete with 4 inches of frosting on the top on a regular basis. That's my kind of father.

At any rate, we are going to be decorating on the outside today. We've never done that before and I'm really looking forward to it. For some reason, my husband is really getting into the holiday spirit. For the record, I’m not complaining. We went a little overboard in getting some of the decorations, but hey! It's a start and we plan on adding a little here and there over the years to come.

In a nutshell, that will be my day. To top it off, Mother Nature is going to be gentle to us. We are supposed to reach a high of 80 degrees F. Looks like I may be pulling out a pair of shorts while playing Mrs. Elf!

Posted by Moogie at 8:57 AM | Comments (1)

November 28, 2008

Channeling your anger

I have a quick temper. I know, I know, this surprises you (my mother and father are NOT allowed to comment). The problem is, my anger tends to multiply and fester these days. There are times that I would love to spell it our here on my blog. Give you names, places of employment, where they are living, phone numbers, you name it.

But I can't. I want to but I can't. Suffice to say that one of my family members is hurting, and I don't know what to do about it. They are keeping me out, shutting me out, battering my heart because they won't even talk to me. And even if they did, I suspect they wouldn't want to listen to what I have to say.

It's happening all over again, just like a few years ago, and I'm am as helpless now as I was then. There is nothing I can do except to give my unconditional love and acceptance. And pray. Really hard. And hope that God listens.

And hope it works.

I love you buddy. I've got your back.

Posted by Moogie at 8:21 PM | Comments (1)

November 27, 2008

Happy Thanksgiving!

Posted by Moogie at 7:56 AM | Comments (2)

November 26, 2008

I have issues

I should me making my grocery list for the Hobo Thanksgiving Dinner tomorrow. I should have already showered instead of sitting here in my pajamas in front of my lap top posting and alternately watching Saved By the Bell with Chickie. That is what I SHOULD be doing.

Instead???

Instead, thanks to Alexa, I have been playing this. Because everyone needs a virtual pinguin to smack around in times of stress.

Warning: If you are busy and have any ounce of self respect, do NOT click on that link. If you do, don't say I didn't warn you. It is highly addictive people.

Now, will someone please come and pry me away from my computer so I can get some stuff done?

UPDATE: My record is now 321 feet.

Posted by Moogie at 8:32 AM | Comments (3)

November 25, 2008

Raise your hand if you have to cook this Thanksgiving

I don't have to do the turkey this year, nor the stuffing. We'll still go home with leftovers mind you, but I don't have to deal with the rest of it.

We have what is known as a Hobo Thanksgiving, in which we invite friends and family over who are basically alone for the holidays. For example, we have two friends whose husbands are either out to sea or in Afghanistan and they both have kids. They are coming. The person who hosts the dinner (this time it's my neighbor) makes the turkey and the stuffing, and everyone else brings the rest, generally a dish. Unless you are me.

I'm making Yum-Yums, Sausage-cheese dip, Green Bean Casserole, Homemade Rolls and Apple Pie. I suspect I will be busy but will have a blast doing it all. It's the next best thing to being with my parents. My husband has stated a preference that he would like to be here (home) either Thanksgiving or Christmas but it was my choice. I, of course, immediately chose Christmas because to me there is nothing better than being "home" (my parent's house) over the Christmas holidays.

But back to Thanksgiving. I am going to attempt something new, and exciting, and not a very good idea to do if you have never made it before. I'm making some homemade rolls from scratch. I got the recipe from here and decided to forgo the Brown 'N Serve variety, for a good old fashioned, yeast using, OMG what in the heck am I doing making these for the first time for a big dinner, roll.

The way I figure it, everything else I'm making is a slam-dunk. I've made all the other things on my list too many times to count. Of course, now that I say this, I'll probably burn the pie and under cook the green beans, but there you have it. I'm going out on a proverbial limb, and truth be told, I'm excited about it. I'll go ahead and by the old standby rolls in case they don't turn out but I'm optimistic. I've not worked much with yeast so it should be interesting.

I'm making up my grocery shopping list now, or after I publish this post. Tomorrow morning, Meelie's gymnastics practice is from 8-11 (thanks so much for letting me know this at 6:30 tonight coach). Chickie and I will head on out to Walmart, and she'll get her brows waxed (don't ask) while I pick up the food. We'll pick up Meelie after that, and then head on out to the movies. We are going to see Bolt and I'm looking forward to it. It's just going to be a girl’s day out, no BOYS allowed (sorry Dad). I don't know what else we will do but I do know we will have fun. The girls are excited, and of course I'm only doing this for them. Ah, the sacrifices we mothers make.

Five days off. Fun and food with friends. Trying new things. Spending time with my daughters. What more could a mom ask for?

Posted by Moogie at 7:45 PM | Comments (1)

November 24, 2008

That explains everything

I know that many of you parents can relate to sibling rivalry and all it entails. It seems to begin at a very early age. Once the youngest is semi-mobile all hell H-E-DOUBLE HOCKEY STICKS (Hi Mom!) breaks loose and the fight is on. I've been fortunate that neither Chickie nor Meelie No have been seriously injured.

One of the things that really chaps my lips is that, here they are, sitting in front of me, playing nicely, and WHAMO! The Earth collides with Venus, Satan gets in on the act and somewhere amidst the dust and noise, they are fighting. I don't mean mortal hand to hand combat (we have been close to that mind you) but generally SCREAMING and YELLING and hitting, and pinching and scratching and OH.MY.LORD.I.NEED.AN.APPLE.MARTINI! Make mine a double please, extra sour.

When they were younger, it never failed that we would get in the car, and not even be on the freeway before they would be yelling: "Mom! She's touching me! Mom! She's touching my stuff! Mom! She's looking at me! Mom! Fill in the blank." A mother can only stand so much of this before she takes the classic Bill Cosby stance and yells loudly: "OK, NOBODY TOUCH EACH OTHER OR TOUCH EACH OTHER'S STUFF OR LOOK AT EACH OTHER FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIVES!" Or of course, until you move out of the house, in which case you are no longer my responsibility, thank you very much please.

On our way home from Florida yesterday evening, I started laughing uncontrollably. I was suddenly hit by a memory that is so clear in my mind, it feels as if it happened yesterday. Chickie used to sit on Meelie's head (she was about 5 and Meelie was about 2 1/2 years old). Keep in mind, Meelie was going through the "I'm going to bite you if you don't do things my way" stage. Some of you parents can almost see where this is going, I'm sure. As I stated, Chickie used to sit on Meelie's head. This generally happened whenever Meelie wouldn't do what she wanted, was in the same room, took a toy that Chickie wanted to play with, or any other scenario you can think of. As I was headed in to pull Chickie, once again, off of Meelie's head, Chickie let out this blood curdling scream. She shot straight up off of the floor yelling "she BIT me! She bit me on my BUTT!" I still picture her dancing around, clutching her "cheeks" and chanting "OW! OW! SHE BIT ME ON THE BUTT!"

Does it make me a bad mom when I tell you that she deserved it? You sit on your sister's butt, you get bit. Were you surprised? I still think the funniest thing was when OWW walked through the room, took in the situation, shook his head and said to Chickie: "at least she didn't fart." Don't you love support I get?

Needless to say, as they have gotten older, the head sitting stopped. The tone of the arguments have shifted, but they are no less scary to get in the middle of. But more to the point, I now know why Meelie does what she does. She is brain damaged because her sister sat on her head when she was young. That explains a lot.

Now, if I can just get through the next few years I should be ok. We'll get them a college degree and living on their own, perhaps married. The only problem with that is when they are gone, we won't know what to do with ourselves.

Maybe I should just start sitting on my husband's head. What do you think?

Posted by Moogie at 5:51 PM | Comments (2)

November 23, 2008

Home Sweet Home

We're back! Did you miss us?

Ok, we were only gone for 2 days, but to be fair to me, I didn't even get to go on my computer the whole time. Even though OWW and I both brought our laptops. The kids, and by that I mean our two, and one of my nephews hijacked them the entire time. Truth be told, I really didn't mind. We had such a good visit, albeit way too short.

Our original plan was to leave early Saturday morning. The car was packed, and the only thing that needed to be done was to get the bathroom bag put together. I tend to forget my most intelligent husband is employed as an IT God, and there is such a thing as being on call, and things breaking during the night. Luckily, it didn't take too long but we still got a late start.

Not to worry! We arrived safely at our destination (my parents, in SUNNY Florida vs. FREEZING Georgia) and promptly settled into our routine. The girls love to bring crafts and things to do while we are down there, and it never fails that they have plenty of jigsaw puzzles to do and this weekend was no different. My mom's good friend Mrs. B and her husband do a couple of jigsaw puzzles a week, so we ended up with about eight new ones to take home. We decided to keep some of them at my folk’s house for when we visit, and keep some here. The girls are interested in getting some "jigsaw puzzle glue (?)" after they finish one, and then hanging it up on the wall.

We are planning to go down again next month, over the Christmas holidays. I have some vacation time coming so I will go down early with the girls, and Mr. Moogie will join us for part of it as he doesn't have as much vacation as me. We are starting the official countdown!

Now, I just need to do my Christmas shopping, not to mention my Christmas cards. All in all, we are ALL looking forward to it. It's going to be a great Christmas!

Posted by Moogie at 8:21 PM

November 21, 2008

Down for trhe count

Chickie was in a foul mood tonight. She went to her room at about 5:45 or there about, and that is the last I heard from her. She is out like a light. In most cases, this wouldn't worry me.

The thing is, she is an avid football fan for her high school team and tonight was a home game, and it's in the finals.

Not sure what's going on in that head of hers. She wouldn't share when I asked her.

I'm hoping she is just tired and that's it. If I ask her what is wrong, she accuses me of getting all up in her business. When I tell her it's because I'm worried about her, she says I need to stay out of her life.

Kids....it's a good thing they are so cute when they are asleep. Even if they do snore.

Posted by Moogie at 5:25 PM | Comments (2)

November 19, 2008

MUST.MOVE.SOUTH.

When I left this morning it was 26(F) degrees outside. I have not been able to get warm all day. Let's just face it. My internal thermostat does not do well in temps under 60. Preferably, no lower than 70 but I don't want to sound too picky.

We have our "Amazin Grazin" luncheon tomorrow (I'm not kidding, that's what they are calling it this year). Basically, the managers provide the meat (Smoked Boston Butt, and Turkey) and everyone else brings other dishes. I have been asked to make my sausage-apple stuffing. I am procrastinating going into the kitchen to prepare it. I mean, I have to post on by blog, and I have to do laundry, and I have to listen to Meelie tell me about her chapped lips and how they started bleeding today because she accidentally picked at them. What could possibly be more important than that?

To get back to the stuffing, my girlfriend asked for the recipe and I'm thinking "oh Lord, I just kind of throw it together and Bob's your Uncle. I will have to keep an eye (and remember to write it down) as to the measurements I use. The problem is, I tend to do it a little differently each time, and over the years I have kind of fine tuned it. Come to think of it, that's pretty much how I cook a lot of things. It seems to always turn out better that way.

Do you all cook that way? Are there any recipes you have that are family favorites? If so, share the recipe! Either here in the comments or email me at moogiesworld at gmail dot com (mom, that means you too). What about Thanksgiving? Do you have any family favorites?

I'm getting hungry posting this. I'm looking forward to the "Amazin Grazin" lunch. It's always fantastic. There are so many good foods to choose from. I kind of like the name of it this year. It grows on you. At any rate, I really do need to make up the stuffing so I can throw it in the oven while I am getting ready for work in the morning.

The kitchen is really going to smell good. I wonder if that will make Meelie wake up in a better mood. Probably not, but it's worth a shot.

Don't forget to send me your recipes. I'll post them here on my blog and if you include a link, I will link back to you (you can even post the recipe on your blog and I will link directly to that).

Have a good evening. Stay warm. Stay safe.

Posted by Moogie at 6:33 PM

November 18, 2008

Chit chattin away!

There are so many days that it seem almost impossible to keep up with my family and friends due to my work schedule, and the kids extracurricular activities. I rely so much on email these days, and my blog to keep in touch and everyone up to date. Long distance phone calls can add up if you are like me, who quite often calls her parents 2-3 times a week. Sometimes more if I feel the need.

That being said, I am delighted to introduce you to TokBox. It's really simple to use (both of my girls, 10 and 12 tried it) and the best part about it is that it is FREE. I lurvs me the free stuff. All you need to do is point your browser to TokBox and sign up. You then immediately get a link, and you can share it with others so they know how to contact you.

When you want to talk with someone, simply give them the link - they click and you chat. Real time, and in "virtual person." Another great thing about TokBox is that you can put it on your social network profile, blog, or personal webpage. Anyone can come to your page and see a "Push to Talk" button. They click it and connect to you in real time using live video and audio. With nothing to download, no costs or prepaid minutes, and complete privacy control, TokBox solves a number of the problems we all have staying in touch. Plus – video is so much more fun than simply talking. My mom and dad (Florida) can chat with the girls, and see how they have grown and what is going on with them. I can chat with my brother all the way in California to get updates on my nieces and nephews. All with a simple click of the mouse.

You can use your Instant Message accounts in AIM, Yahoo, MSN or Gtalk. You can invite new friends to join you. It's so easy to use, you don't even need any help to figure it out. For me, that's saying a lot. All you need is access to a Webcam.

So go on, what are you waiting for? I look forward to "chatting" with you soon.

You know you want to.

Posted by Moogie at 5:36 PM | Comments (1)

November 17, 2008

Who are you and what have you done with my child?

I was going to write a great post tonight about something that I was asked to review.

But, as things would have it, I was thrown into a tailspin tonight. Meelie has turned into the devil's spawn. NOT.KIDDING. It's a long story but it has to do with talking back to the teacher, copping an attitude and pouting. Uncharacteristic to say the least. This has been going on for about a week. Things came to a head when I talked on the phone to her teacher. Of course, Meelie denies ALL of it.

Today when I came home, she was supposed to be in her leotard so that I could take her to gymnastics. She decided that she didn't want to go. Go ahead, ground me, make me stay in my room. I'm not going, you can't make me. I don't feel like it so I'm not going to do it. This has nothing to do with going or not going to gymnastics. This has nothing to do with misbehaving in class. I'm not sure what's causing this but I'm determined to get to the bottom of the change of attitude.

I suspect that hormones are a large part of it. Or at least I am hoping so. Look, back talk me all you want and I'll deal with you but when you start to back talk your teachers? I don't think so baldy. Not happening. Not in MY lifetime.

What in the world happened to my sweet daughter? What has happened to the polite child? I don't mean how she acts toward us but how she acts toward others. And right now others equals her teachers. I want it to stop there.

In my conversation with the teacher this evening, we formed a plan. She will be asking the other teachers if they have been having problems with Meelie and if so she will let me know. I told her that in no uncertain terms, I have her back and she is to tell me if this behavior continues. We will work it out. I have to believe that.

To make a long story short, we had a "come to Jesus" meeting with Meelie tonight, which wouldn't be complete without her shouting; "It wasn't my fault, everyone is so mean to me, nobody understands, I'm just going to run away and find a family that loves me." Truth be told, at this point, I'm ready to pack the suitcase.

I love her to death, really I do. But she is going to be the death of me yet. And I don't know how to stop it.

Posted by Moogie at 8:33 PM | Comments (0)

November 16, 2008

Parenting 101, 4.2.ab

Have you ever noticed that kids do not come with a manual? Why is that? When a woman is pregnant, she has a plethora of educational material to choose from. "What to Expect, When You are Expecting"...that kind of thing. There are so many different parenting help books out there. It's difficult to make a choice as to which one will be best for you. The thing about all of those is, it deals more with the "generic" issues, not the specific ones related to your special child. Sure, we all go through the difficult phases with our children, but no one solution fits the bill for every child. What works for one, will have no effect on the other.

I've always wished that there could be a website that you could type in your situation, and UP would pop and answer, with perhaps several different choices. I think it would be most helpful if they would have an "800" number to call, 24/7, when you have put your fist through the wall and pulled out your last remaining hair on your head because OMG THIS CHILD IS DRIVING OVER THE EDGE OF A CLIFF!! HEAD FIRST!!!

For example, my husband and I are raising two children, 10 and 14. Wait for it....they are both GIRLS! Females even. I fear for the health of my husband and certain times during the month, if you know what I'm saying. The man doesn't stand a chance because he is damned if he does, and damned if he doesn't. I can see all of the Fathers out there nodding their heads in agreement. Men, can I get and AMEN?

For instance, let's take my two girls as an example. One is a tweener, the other, in the throws of all that teenagerdeness (I don’t' think that's a word but it's appropriate so I am leaving it as is). I am getting nauseous as I type this. The 14 year old has been boy crazy for just a couple of years. Nothing really serious but she has had boys that she was "going out with." Let me say that the "going out part" is not much more than maybe talking during breaks, on MySpace, or at the bus port at school. I have a feeling it's more of a status issue than anything.

Last year, the 10 year old had absolutely no interest in boys, other than being best buddies with them. She is a tomboy to an extent, and never discriminated against boys or girls. Any human who enjoyed fun was fair game. Oiy, please hold me. I don't know what happened but I am now raising a child who is bat-poop boy crazy. Hello world? I'm now wondering if I went into some kind of hibernation when the "transformation" took place. She is now on her 4th boyfriend this year. She changes her true loves as often as my husband changes his underwear and damn that's saying alot.

I'm wondering if I'll ever get used to this parenting gig. I have a lot of cheat sheets but keep changing them every day. Nothing ever stays the same and with the hormones topping the Richter scale on a regular basis, it's impossible to keep up.

I should have stuck with dogs. At least when they drive me insane, I can kick them outside or put them in their kennel. But they aren't as cute when they are asleep.

Posted by Moogie at 7:22 PM | Comments (2)

November 15, 2008

Where everybody knows your name

In the past month, I have made one too many trips to the emergency room at the local hospital. Many of you will remember this post and rejoiced with me when the injury to my youngest was nothing more than a bad sprain. Well, it appears that the particular visit that I was referring to was not the only one I was going to make. With the same child.

I guess you could say that I am a firm believer that if you want to do something, don't tell your plans to God, because He is sure to put your faith to the test. For over a month now, we have been trying to go down to my folk's house for a visit over the weekend. Unexpected overtime at work coupled with various other commitments have put a stop to that. I have been terribly homesick, and have missed my parents and my brother and his family so much. I got used to seeing them on a more regular basis. But THIS weekend? This weekend was going to be different.

I had spoke with Mom and Dad over the phone on Thursday and told them that we were definitely coming down. We talked about menus and were excitedly looking forward to have a "Birthday Dinner" for my husband and Chickie that we were sorely late on. On Friday, after I got my hair cut, I came home, did some laundry and packed. We were all set to leave first thing Saturday morning. We went to the Fall Festival and Meelie's school on Friday night and had a wonderful time. The girls both went to the High School football game later that evening (first playoff game). Everything was looking great.

Fast forward to 6:12 am Saturday morning. Meelie woke me up. As I rolled over to look at her standing on the side I my bed, I go the feeling it was more than a bad dream. She told me that her throat really hurt and she couldn't swallow. I grabbed a flashlight and took her into the bathroom. Sure enough, when I took a look, the poor thing had white spots predominately covering the back of her throat. They were everywhere. As I leaned closer to her and gathered her in my arms, I also realized that she was really warm.

I gave her some Tylenol and had her climb back into bed with me. All the while trying to keep the tears at bay. I knew this meant that we couldn't go down to visit my folks. It quickly became apparent that my daughter's thoughts where heading in the same direction. I heard some sniffling, followed by muffled sobs. When I told her that I understood that her throat really hurt really bad and that I wished I could help, she told me that wasn't the reason she was crying.

Me: What is it then baby?
Her: We won't be able to see Grammy and Papa, Mommy. I miss them.

I gathered her in my arms and told her that it would be alright. That we would get her all fixed up and make plans to go down the next week.

In the grand scheme of things, I know that Strep Throat is not a big deal. But to a daughter and her child, as well as the grandparents and others, it hurts. It's nobody's fault, and I want to make it clear that I am not mad at anyone. I'm just sad. I miss my Mom and Dad. So do the girls. I want to tell you that I am homesick, terribly homesick which is why I needed to write this post. To help me understand that things happen. It is our ability to deal with them and move on (even when they are simple like this) that will keep us moving forward.

But that still doesn't prevent the tears from slipping out of my eyes. And it still doesn't keep me from wishing I was home.

Posted by Moogie at 5:03 PM | Comments (3)

November 12, 2008

DNS Zoning Issues and WHY MY BLOG DIED!

Some of you are aware that my blog was down and out for most of the weekend. Thankfully, I have devoted readers who check my blog when I can't be bothered to look. Which is to say that there are many weekends that I don't pay attention to it because I am so busy doing the "Mom" thing. I don't regret it, except for times like this past weekend when everything seemed to go up in smoke.

Ah yes, weekends and Tech Support by your lovely provider. I was surprised. For the most part, they exceeded my expectations, albeit not until I had lost half of my hair, and gained many gray ones.

I submitted a trouble ticket and my first response was that they had forwarded my problem to the billing office. I spent a couple of minutes staring at the message because it just didn't compute and I thought perhaps that I was reading it wrong. I checked my account at the bank and found that they had already charged me for November, and it cleared. Just to be on the safe side, I checked my credit card information and found it to be correct. Of course, the billing office is only open Monday through Friday, don't ya know?

When I responded back to Tech Support questioning exactly WHY they forwarded it to the billing department because everything seemed intact, they came back with something like: "It turns out it wasn't a billing issue after all. It seems to be a DNS zoning issue which was preventing your site from loading." They promised that they were looking into it and would get back to me with an update." At this point, I contemplated banging my head against the wall but thought that perhaps I might be jumping the gun. I mean, why cause injury to yourself, and leave a bloody mess behind before you know what is going on?

To explain some of this, I need to inform you that I don't do well when I have technical issues with my blog. My blog is down, fix it dam it, and I will send you a chocolate chip cookie. Sounds simple enough. I fret when my blog is down. Ok, I admit it, I lose it. I panic and am not the easiest person to get along with. I am probably not the easiest person to get along with anyway, but when you add the fact that MY.BLOG.IS.DOWN.AND.I.HAVE.NO.IDEA.WHY it just gets worse. Just ask him.

Pulling myself back on subject, the Tech Support crew emailed me back with "Hey! We are great! We have fixed your problem! You may now lick our feet!" I excitedly went directly to my blog (do not pass go, do no collect $200) and found that indeed, my site was indeed restored to all of its glory. Except that it seemed to be missing one weeks worth of posts, as well as the template changes I had made.

After repeatedly poking my eye out with a pencil, I went and talked to my husband, Mr. IT. He yanked the bloody pencil out of my hand and told me that "This just doesn't make sense. DNS Zoning issues have nothing to do with the files where you post. They are on two different machines. They should be able to restore you completely." He gently pried the Prozac and Rum from my hands and pointed me in the direction of my computer. "Get thee on your email and respond the way I told you woman!" You have to love a man that takes charge like that. RAWRRRR!

Where was I?

Oh yes, I remember now. I responded to my provider with the words my husband told me to use and I got another response of "we are looking into the problem and will get back to you with an update soon." Great, another hour or two of chewing my toenails. Did I ever tell you my feet stink?

A few long, agonizing hours later (it really wasn't too long, but for my mind it was at least a year later), they responded "You may now go back to licking our feet. You are all restored to where you are supposed to be."

Lo and behold, when I checked out my blog it was up and running. But (oh come on, you knew that was coming) I now could no longer post. When I went to the place where I can post new entries, the page came up completely blank. At this point I think I grabbed the bottle of Pepcid AC and started to pour it down my throat but luckily, I decided to wait a bit and see what the problem was.

After I emailed them AGAIN to tell them I now could not post, guess what response I got? You are right! "We will look into the problem and get back to you with an update." At this point, I left the computer and went shopping with the girls. There is nothing that helps a mother with a broken blog more than to go hang out with her kids We had a blast and that put me into a great mood, which escalated when I got another message which stated "send booze...you are ready to go!' It turned out that everything was back to normal. And then I died a little, came back to life and am set to resume posting.

Now I am a happy camper. My Prozac is back in the cabinet. The Rum has been poured down the sink and I am sitting happily in front of my computer, babbling away and boring my readers.

Now I ask you. Can it get much better than that?

Update: See Mr. IT's post in response here. Makes you want to snuggle up to him doesn't it? Minus the paring knife of course.

Posted by Moogie at 6:38 PM | Comments (1)

November 7, 2008

It's totally Friday!!!!

Has this been a long week or WHAT? I don't know whether or not it's because of the time change or the whole election process. I'm just glad it's over. I do have to work tomorrow, but at least it will be quiet so I can get things done. I'll just be glad when the work load gets back to something more manageable.

I have found that the older I get, the harder the time change is on my body. By 6:00 it's dark, and my mind is telling me it's time for bed, and I'm all for it. Until I look at the clock. I really don't like being on Standard Time. It seems like my day is so much shorter, and I have less time in the day to get things done. I feel as though I'm always in a rush. I really love Daylight Savings Time. I love how it stays light until about 7:30-8:00. I love how I can go for my walk once it cools down. I find that I'm much more relaxed and don't feel as rushed. Sure, the first week, that loss of an hour is killer and my rump is dragging on the ground, but after that, it's smooth sailing.

So here are my questions for you. Do you prefer Standard or Daylight Savings time? Does the time change either way affect you? If so, how? If you have kids, does the change do a number on them?

Posted by Moogie at 5:33 PM

November 6, 2008

When you hurt, I'll be strong

Love is, being strong even when your child has been hurt.

Love is, not completely losing it, when you are driving home from work, and your husband calls you on your cell phone, calmly stating that your youngest has fallen off of the balance beam during gymnastic practice and her arm is really hurting.

Love is, executing a U-turn and making sure you don't cut any unsuspecting commuters off on your way to the gym, because OH.MY.GOD! MY.BABY!.

Love is getting it all pulled together, plastering a huge, comforting and encouraging smile on your face when you walk into the gym.

Love is, not falling apart, when you see your child reclining, in a semi-prone position, with an ice bag on her shoulder and a Kleenex clutched tightly in her hand.

Love is, listening to her coach as he explains the fall and exactly what happened and resisting the urge to become one sobbing mess.

Love is, taking your daughter to the Emergency Room, all the while telling her that we are hoping for "just a sprain."

Love is, going back into the X-ray room when the tech tells you she's having a rough time, and is refusing to cooperate because the pain is so bad. You then proceed to tell your child, your youngest, your BABY, who is in pain, that you know it hurts, but she needs to cooperate so that they can find out exactly what's wrong, period, end of discussion. And then you calmly walk out of the room, after you have thrown your heart into the trash can.

Love is entertaining your youngest while you wait for the doctor. Fussing over her. Tucking her into the uncomfortable ER beds with her favorite blankie, and telling her stories that make her laugh.

Love is, rejoicing with your daughter when the doctor comes in and say says the magical words "nothing is broken, it appears to be a bad sprain."

Love is, not breaking down when he tells you the news, and kissing the doctor's feet, because you know, it would be very awkward, and embarrass your daughter.

Love is, getting her situated in her sling with the loving help of a nurse, and not loosing your cool because they only have a small (this sling is toooo small) or large (this sling is tooo big-this one was chosen), and figuring out a way to make it work.

Love is, heating up a Hot-Pocket for your child when you get home because she is starving and tired, and in pain, and a Hot-Pocket would fix it all.

Love is, tucking her in bed. Telling her how proud you are of her and how thankful you are that it was nothing worse than a sprain.

Love is listening, when she cries afterwards, not so much from the pain, but from the fact that she will miss her first gymnastics meet.

Love is being strong when those you love are hurt and having the ability to keep it all together so that you can minimize their fear.

Love is all of that, and so, so much more.

Happy Love Thursday everyone. May you all be blessed with good luck like Meelie was.

Note: Next week, Love Thursday will be returing home. See you there!!

Posted by Moogie at 6:44 PM | Comments (3)

November 4, 2008

I voted!!!!

Did you?

I ended up voting at lunch time because a lot of folks voted when the polling stations opened up and passed on the information that the lines were long. My husband called me at 7:00 this morning and said the line was out to to the street. I got a little stressed because I knew I would have to work late tonight so I decided to go a little earlier. Bah! I needn't have worried because I walked right in, filled out a form, and there you go! Bob's your Uncle (and he is, but that's not why I said that).

It feels good to have put in my vote because no matter what the results turn out to be, I had a say in the outcome. I've always believed that if you don't vote, you don't have a right to complain. So that's where I'll leave this topic of conversation.

Either way, it's kind of exciting (oh look...I'm not really ceasing my incessant babling about the election..BIG surprise!). This election, no matter which way it goes, will go down in history. We will either have the first woman Vice President or the first Afro American President. Come to think of it, we could have the oldest President ever elected. It's all good. I hope you all have done your part, no matter what side you are on. It's so important to stand up and make your voice heard. Even if you think it's not worth it.

Either way you look at it, whatever is done, is done, provided we don't have another "hanging chad fiassco" of 2000. Please God, work with me here. By the time we wake up tomorrow morning, or for you political election die-hards (like my neighbor Charlie - ahem...love you babe), perhaps really late at night/early in the morning, we will have a new President.

Before I sign off, I want to send you over to Hannah, because she enjoys watching the elections over here in the states because they are much more interesting than those found here in the United States. Honey, you can come over here the next time and stay with me so that you can give me a blow-by-blow on what is going on. Free room and board, complete with food? I love it!

Next I want to introduce you to Emmy, who OMG...has a recipe on her site for Apple Cheese Crisp. Lord have mercy woman. Because of our schedule tonight, we just had Hot Pockets. Are you trying to kill me?

Take care all and I'll see you tomorrow.

Man I hope I find my glasses soon..

Posted by Moogie at 8:40 PM | Comments (0)

November 3, 2008

Brooms

So there was this female broom and this male broom. And they met, fell in love and decided to get married. Oh my, the bride broom looked lovely in her lacie, ivory colored wedding dress. The groom broom looked dashing in his tuxedo. During the reception, the bride broom leaned over to the groom broom and whispered "we're going to have a little whisk." The groom broom responded "that's impossible!"

"We haven't even swept together!"

Ba-dum-dum!

Moving right along....

Let's have a raising of hands ok? Who will be glad when this election business is over with? I kid you not, I come home to no less than two recorded "political" messages on my machine. I'm getting tiried of it. The mudslinging, the bad mouthing. Why is it that we can't have elections based upon the candidates policies and beliefs? You just don't know who to believe any more. I realize I'm not saying anything that folks haven't said before, but man, this election is killing me. I'm sick of it and I can't wait until it's over. How about you?

After saying that, I really don't want to talk about the Bulldogs vs Gators game. It was ugly. Really ugly. it's just nlot something I want to address right now. So let's talk about the price of gas ok? Today, I filled up my tank for $2.06 a gallon. Much better don't you think? What are you paying?

All that being said, I need to go make dinner. Tonight? We are having hot dogs and sausages. Hot dogs and chips for the girls, and sausages and potato salad for the grown ups. We decided to take it easy tonight. The girls are excited. Truth be told, so am I. It's a good, simple family dinner.

Posted by Moogie at 5:46 PM | Comments (2)