We had a great time visiting the folks and family. It's so great to be close in distance to everyone. We are blessed that the girls get along so well with the nieces and nephews. They have a blast together.
Thank you all so much for your prayers and thoughts for my brother. You all continue to amaze me with your unfailing support, even though we don't know each other personally. Things don't look well. I won't go into details right now, as I don't want to wear out my welcome. He's got an appointment with the urologist and infectious disease doctor on February 13, and, if all goes to plan, they'll make their decision then. He's holding his own, but it's a difficult road to travel. He's in so much pain. He has his good moments and has learned that when he needs to rest, he needs to do it right then.
Its times like these I feel so helpless. I'm not at all sure there would be alot I could do to help him if I was closer, but I still wish I were there. I guess that's a normal feeling, when one you love is ill. Please keep the thoughts and prayers coming and I'll let you know what happens after the doctor's appointments.
As you can see, construction did not getcompleted while I was away. Most likely there were problems with the final inspections and the permits. I'm hoping that soon, I'll be able to show you what my remodelled home looks like. Watch this space for further developments. And thanks so much for checking in.
We'll be getting the results for Meelie's testing on February 2nd. It's all complete now so it's very much a game of hurry up and wait. The teacher doesn't even know the results yet, and I would imagine that even if she did, she wouldn't let me know ahead of time.
Before signing off, I wanted to share some advice that I received from my youngest.
"Whatever you do, don't suck a marble through your nose. Because if you do, it will go up your nose and bounce around in your brain and give you a headache."
You just can't make this stuff up. I think I'll follow it, don't you?
Please pardon the dust and debris. While I'm away, there will be some construction going on. If it gets complete before I return, leave a comment and tell me how wonderful it looks.
- I'll be heading down to Florida tomorrow morning to visit the folks, as well as my brother (and his family). My brother is facing some serious health challenges in the near future, one of which is surgery that could cost him the use of his leg. If you are so inclined, I would appreciate it if you would keep him in your prayers, and if not, just keep him in your thoughts. Every little bit helps.
- Have you ever noticed that you could be feeling fine, and then when the doctor tells you that you are sick, you suddenly are miserable. Take me for example, on a visit with my doctor. After the familial bout with the flu, I had a chronic pain in my ear. Nothing major mind you, nor anything that slowed me down. I often get that feeling when my allergies are acting up and can generally control it by taking some Ibuprofen until it passes. Well, it just wasn't going away. Since it's coming up on the weekend, I thought I would check it out. Turns out I have an ear infection. Oh, and a sinus infection. And now I feel like death warmed over. It flabbergasts me how you can walk into a doctor's office feeling pretty good, and leave feeling like you just ate your cats latest hairball.
- Have you ever noticed a glass of milk left somewhere, in this case on the dining room table, that you had missed on your daily rounds for forgotten cups, dishes, etc? Then, when you go to pour it out in the sink, you don't hear liquid pouring into the drain, but you do hear something like a kerthump. And then you say to yourself, please tell me that was yogurt, please tell me that was yogurt. And when the pungent odor of sour dairy hits your nose, you realize your prayers to the curdle gods were for naught?
- And back to the subject of needing help, could you please keep my friend Donniein your thoughts and prayers? His PSA count has not come down (just the opposite) and he had to have some tests today. Please do the same for Christina's sweet one who sustained some injuries during a basketball game.
UPDATE: Christina just posted this wonderful bit of news!!!! Yay Sweet One!!!!
That's about it for tonight. Hope you all have a wonderful weekend.
On one of my sporadic surfs around blogdom, I stumbled upon this post by non other than Mr. Debonair himself. I have not been able to get it out of my head, so I do the only thing I know how. Blog about it.
Yes, I need help.
For some reason only known to me (or maybe not), this little foray into hygiene etiquette got me to thinking.
When I was a child, I was a Girl Scout. One of my favorite things to do was go camping. Besides having my "mess kit", I was graced with a pink flashlight. A Girl Scout must accessorize, and accessorize well.
More often than not, the campsites were not equipped with indoor plumbing and so we had to use outhouses. One night, a couple of my girlfriends and I had need of the facilities. We went to our tents and got the necessary supplies, and I made sure I had my ever-so-fabulous, fancy flashlight to guide us. When it was my turn, I entered, and did my normal routine. I set the flashlight down beside me, so that the light would keep anything scary away.
What I did not bank upon was the fact that the area surrounding the "hole" was uneven. It was slanted. After I finished my business, I stood and pulled my pants up. And the flashlight proceeded to roll towards the hole. And into the hole it fell. And it was still turned on.
Of course, being young and stupid, all of us crowded into the outhouse after that to take a peek. It was the story of the weekend.
I got another flashlight after that, though I don't remember it being so fancy or so pink. I've had, and have, many of them now placed in various parts of the house for emergency use.
I still have trouble with outhouses though. I can never carry anything in with me for fear of loosing it the same way I lost my flashlight.
I'm lucky that I have a husband who doesn't mind holding my purse while standing outside the door. I just wish he wouldn't swish his hips while he was doing it.
It’s funny, this virtual world we live in. All of our friends live in shiny little boxes, and, more often than not, the only picture that we have of them is in our heads.
Some, like me, have been fortunate enough to meet these friends from the blogdom.
What I find fascinating is how we attach the on-line nickname to the actual person. I’m a prime example of this. I’ve had the good fortune to attend a few blogmeets, and I always introduce myself using my first name followed by “from Moogie’s World.” I have yet to have a fellow blogger actually address me in person by my real name.
It’s funny because my nickname does not come from Star Trek, as many of you think. When I went back to work after my eldest daughter was born, there was a three-year old girl at her daycare that could not pronounce her name. It always came out like Moogie (with a soft ‘G’). And it stuck. We still call her that or Moogs quite regularly.
When I was searching for a nickname for my on-line persona, I chose that one. And like my daughter, it has stuck. It doesn’t bother me in the slightest. Actually, quite the opposite. I must have chose a good nickname if people easily remember me that way.
Hi! My name is Moogie. It’s so very nice to meet you.
I, against my will, am forced to make numerous decisions each day. I've got a full time job and two midget terrorists lovely angels to watch over, and that alone drives this indecisive woman nuts.
But wait! There's more! Let's chat about grocery stores shall we? I'll start with toilet paper, because I'm sure it will get my point across.
We were running low on toilet paper the other day. Generally, I look for the best deal, and I'm careful to consider the ply factor. Because, hey, if you buy 1-ply TP, you have to use twice the amount to wipe, so that's really not a bargain. Wait, there's TP with ripples, and by all that is holy, there is TP with Aloe and E. I guess that would be good if you wanted to make sure your cheeks didn't become wrinkled, because let's face it peeps, we must moisturize daily. If only it would help in the sagging department.
If that's not enough, let's chat about chicken broth. There is low sodium, low fat, and lets not forget the broth with flavorings, such as roasted garlic. Have you ever really looked at the soup aisle? There has to be about 364 different varieties. What happened to chicken noodle, tomatoe or bean with bacon? Do you remember those?
And moving on to produce, do you know they have purple potatoes? The different types of lettuce you can buy amazes me. It's often described as "Spring Mix." It's wonderful to add in a salad but are you really sure what you are eating?
I've noticed, at least here in the south, that they have interesting items, like pig’s feet or cow tongues. People actually buy those? I really shouldn't judge. I know this but the thought of that far surpasses any gross out factor I may have experienced before in my life.
Friends, it's your turn now. What is the oddest thing you've found in a grocery store? What is the hardest thing you've had to make a decision on?
After doing some searching on the problem, and not coming up with any workable solutions, I contacted my provider, Total Choice Hosting and went into their live chat area. You can tell how brilliant I am because it takes me a while to figure out just what he was looking for. DB, thanks for getting me started.
In the extended entry below, I've pasted our conversation. I've always been amazed a the technical support provided by TCH. Whether I've chatted on line, emailed or created a trouble ticket, they've been nothing but supportive. And never once have they called me stupid. You have to admit, that takes some heavy duty restraint on their part.
To all of you who participated in the Truth or Dare post, I've not forgotten you. I've been having some minor issues with my blog. When I click on the name of the commenter (home page generally) I get an error messaged that says I am not allowed to access the servers in which the comments are stored (suggestions are welcome here...I use MT).
I want to be able to link to you, and for those of you, whom I know, that's not a problem, for those I don't, I obviously can't. I'm hoping by the suggestions I get here (anyone?), or the help I get from my provider, I will be able to do something about that.
Remember how I was supposed to clean my house yesterday, but didn't because I went shopping with my girlfriend? Remember how I was going to clean it today, and catch up on all of my laundry from when we went on vacation? Do you remember that?
I didn't clean the house today.
It was a beautiful day outside. The sun was shining, the air was lightly crisp. It was just too beautiful of a day to waste doing things like mundane chores.
Today I spent my time with six children, only two of them being mine. We were watching a little boy across the street, so technically, though not biologically, he was mine. Meelie No had a little friend over for a play date, and Chickie had two friends over. They were all bursting with energy so I got this bright idea to take them all with me to "do stuff." I suffer from periodic bouts of insanity.
We started off the day by going out for lunch, because, you know, don't you all want to take six kids, ages 11 and under, out to lunch? We went to Sonics, and after much talking at once, and jumping up and down, and changing our minds we placed our order. I told the lady who took the order, and then delivered it to our table outside that she rocked. She got it right the first time.
After the kids stuffed themselves with all kinds of fast food (grilled cheese, chicken strips, chicken popcorn, chilli dogs and slushies) we went trundling off to the Waterfront.
The Waterfront can be found downtown, and is complete with a playground, paths for walking, a fountain and many different docks that you can walk on and watch the boats come in and out. This is a good place to let the children run off vast amounts of steam that have built up over the past few days since the weather has been so cold. It's also a place to have fun. We brought all of our magnifying glasses and sat in the square (a brick patterned area where the fountain is, surrounded by benches). The sun cooperated and we tested the burning ability of dried, dead leaves, grass and attempted to get some ants but they kept moving.
Man, I wish I would have had my camera.
The afternoon was full and busy on this beautiful day at the park. The parents of the kids that were with me think I am a lunatic. I am, but not because I don't mind having a bunch of kids with me on my own, but that's for a different post. These women are stay-at-home moms, and in my view, have one of the harder jobs around. So they are with their kids alot. I work, so I don't have the luxury of spending all of that free time with them. When I do get that chance, I cherish it, be it just my two or a whole group.
It also gives me a chance to be a kid. I can run around on the playground, I can burn leaves with magnifying glasses, I can throw coins in the fountain, and make a wish. I can tell the kids stories from my childhood, which, for some reason they always want to hear.
It's good stuff. And the dirty kitchen floor? It's going to have to wait another day. I'm going outside to blow some bubbles.
My girlfriend came over this morning and wanted me to go shopping with her. She needed to go find a dress for a wedding she is attending in Houston next week. Since she helped me find mine, I figured I owed her one. Of course, that's not really true. I wanted to go. She's really fun to shop with and knows her way around the city really well. When I use the word fun and shopping together in one sentence, it's pretty amazing. I normally don't like it, and avoid it like a do-it-yourself appendectomy. But I've discovered that going shopping with her is fun because she is a serious bargain hunter and I've learned alot from her (It's amusing to watch her as well).
Besides, she has taste. I am severely lacking in that area. She has appointed herself my mentor, and I must say I have certainly learned alot. While still painful, I have learned deep breathing techniques to get me through it. I've also learned not to be disappointed if things that I try on don't fit or look right. I can now put them back on the rack without suffering sever depression and anxiety because "OMG I will never find anything that fits or looks right and I may as well just wear a burlap sack."
I can see alot of ladies out there shaking their heads in agreement. You feel my pain don't you? You have experienced it I'm sure.
At least I found some good stuff, and it was all on sale. This always helps me justify my spending, not that I need to. My other half is fairly easy going in that department. Just as long as he doesn't have to go with me.
I finally found some jeans in which the waist band did not reside below my navel, and the hem actually did not drag on the ground. I got 3 pairs. They are so comfortable I'm wearing a pair now. I even found 3 pairs of dress pants (they are pretty sharp) for work, which I sorely needed. My work wardrobe is what some would call (and justifiably so) slim pickins. I wasn't able to find any blouses/shirts that looked good though. Either they didn't have enough room for my knockers, or the shoulders went down to my elbow. I hate that, don't you?
So all in all, it was a successful day. I may not have cleaned my house nor did any laundry, but I sure will look good when I arrive at work on Monday morning.
I'm back. We got in really late last night (right around midnite), and the kids didn't fall asleep until well after 1:00 am.
We had a fabulous time. It was great to go back for a bit. Now I really know that I made the right decision to move here. I know the area that I lived had been built up quite a bit, but goodness, it was crowded and the traffic was a nightmare. Obviously, I've been spoiled.
I'll write some more later, maybe tonight, after I get things all unpacked and settled. I've got some serious thank you's to write as well.
Take care everyone and I hope to be back in circulation soon!
This post will remain on top until December 31st to give everyone a chance to participate. Please scroll down for updates.
Seriously, do you expect anything else from me? I've joined the ranks of the frapprs. Won't you join me too?
Click HERE and let me know where you are.
I'm on the verge of a panic attack and that doesn't happen to me easily. I'm getting ready to go out of town for a week. I've been gathering things together, making sure we have all of the appropriate gifts and wedding attire. I'm seriously behind on my laundry but that's not a big deal, right? I've sorted all the clothes (quite a few loads worth), and hauled them out to the garage.
Someone worker ran over a water pipe and busted it. My entire street has no water. No water means that the washing machine does not work. This in turn puts a halt to my laundry. Please slap me around so that I will feel better when you stop.
The estimated up time is about an hour. It's already been down for about an hour and a half.
Carry on. Thank you for letting me vent.
My last day at work before the holidays was Tuesday. I spent all day Wednesday, out with the girls, finding the perfect gifts for Daddy and finding outfits for the girls to wear for my brother's wedding.
The search for Daddy was by far the most fun, crowds and all. It's a tradition that we do every year. We are all in agreement, that this was the best year ever. We of course, must have our categories for these gifts.
I'm generally directed as to which gift goes to what category, and it really doesn't matter anyway. They (we) have so much fun. I try to steer them towards the practical for some gift ideas, and others, I just let them choose what they will. They did remarkably well this year. I've always managed to get the gift or gifts I want to give Daddy in there. This year, was no exception, and the girls surprised me by continually asking "will Daddy really need this, or is this practical?" I may be wearing off on them. We did get just a couple of fun things as well so we have a really good mixture. For obvious reasons I cannot disclose what they are at this time so if you want to know, you'll have to email me.
On the agenda for today are haircuts for the girls, as well as finding them some nice shoes to wear for the wedding. I also need to pick up some pot pourri and candles for some crystal bowls I picked up for some of my girlfriends. It's a different take on a gift basket. The girls and I will put them together this afternoon.
So, I'm off to shower and wake my still slumbering girls. I've enjoyed sipping my coffee and surfing the blogs of my friends. Quiet time is rare, but cherished.
I'll take it when I can get it.
Do you know the origins of the word holiday? No? Neither did I until I read THIS post.
I wonder if the politically correct every thought of that?
And that brings me to another issue. We have a family that lives down the street from us. They are Mormon. They have about 100 kids, ok, so maybe it's only six...
The littlest one is about a year older than my youngest, who is 7. Apparently, earlier today she announced to all of the kids who were playing together that there was no such thing as Santa Claus. And not only is there no such thing as Santa Claus, there was no such thing as reindeer.
I got the full story from the daycare worker as well as my youngest when I walked into the door. I didn't have to do much damage control because Meelie told me that she thought that this little girl was pretty dumb. "Hello, how do you think the presents get under the tree? Who eats the reindeer food and the cookies for Santa?" It was so hard not to laugh, so I just hugged her instead and told her she was absolutely correct.
I know in time, she will stop believing. I know that Chickie, who is 11, is on the cusp right now. She really wants to believe, but is not entirely sure. When they stop believing is up to them and them alone. I'll support them and help them along the way.
I don't look forward to when they don't believe because it has been so fun. But it's my feeling that there IS a Santa Claus. And he resides in our hearts.
What about you?
Do you know who came up with the following terms:
Obviously, they weren't a 43 year old mother who has not roller skated in over 25 years. Could you just help me out of this chair please?
On Saturday, my youngest and I were so bored, because we had nothing to do, and no one EVER did anything with us, and we always have to stay home (ring any bells?). So we decided to go roller skating. My eldest was going with some friends that night, so we took in the daytime matinee. Yes we, as in Meelie and I. Why do you think I'm walking so funny?
I'm happy to report that I did NOT fall down, nor sustain any injuries that 800 mg of Ibuprofen every 4 hours can not minimize. I do believe I may have traumatized my daughter though.
She kept skating behind me saying things like "Mamma, you really don't have to skate, just go over there and sit down and watch." Apparently she was quite afraid that I was going to fall down and do myself some bodily harm.
As stated above I did not fall, but I was extremely cautious. I got quite a bit of exercise and had a good time in spite of myself.
I'm accused of being many things and smart is not one of them. Call me stupid, but I can't wait until next time.
It's been a productive morning so far, and it's not even noon. And to top it of, it's Saturday.
I've already taken Ralph to the vet (he has a skin allergy) and my husband has fixed his car (replaced the thermostat-I think), and the girls have been bathed and are now ready to start the day.
My eldest is packing for a sleepover at a friends house (a bunch of them are going to the skating rink), and I'm not sure what the rest of the day will bring. I'm thinking of playing it by ear.
I know that I need to finish up my Christmas shopping, but am not really looking forward to that bit at all.
It's cold and nasty outside, my house needs a major overhaul, and I just can't seem to get motivated to clean it. As you can see, I have plenty to pick from, but most likely, I'll go hang out with Meelie for a while and put everything off for a day.
I'd say it's a pretty good way to spend a Saturday.
Have you ever woken up angry? Wait, let me rephrase that question. Have you ever woke up angry for no reason? Yeah, me too.
I was not in the best of moods yesterday. It was one of those times where the littlest of things would set me off. Whenever I have a day like that, I tend to burrow myself in my little hole in the wall and just work my way past it. Thankfully, alot of my job is handled talking to people on the phone so I can gesticulate rudely, relieving some of the built up stress, and no one knows any better.
On these days my irritability factor is in the negative. For example, can someone please explain to me why the folks and McDonalds ask you what kind of sauce you want for your chicken nuggets when you order, yet fail to put it in your bag each and every time? And why in the world to the people who make picture frames, put the price sticking on the FRONT of the frame, smack dab in the middle of the glass? I've just barely touched the surface (I didn't want this to turn into a full fledged rant and show you my true lunatic colors).
I remember one time I was talking to a person who needed a slap upside the head, and I was able to give it to them, virtually speaking of course. I tell you there is nothing like a 43-year-old woman flapping her arms and acting like a gorilla. I would discourage pounding your chest though. It brings on coughing spells that make your co-workers come running to see what's wrong.
When I am stressed, my stomach tends to make a lot of noise. And if I were honest, I would tell you that my stomach makes alot of noise, whether aided by stress or not. I was sitting in a meeting, next to yet another co-worker, when my stomach decided to play a scene right out of Aliens team up with Lizzie Borden and take on Godzilla. He looked over at me, then down and my stomach and asked, "Should I be afraid?"
I replied in my best Jack Nicholson voice, "run, run for your life." He doesn't talk to me much anymore.
A little while ago one of my co-workers said in an out loud, under her breath kind of voice, "it's a wonder none of us in this group have ended up in the loony bin." I replied, "It's not so bad there, you get your own room."
I'm fairly good at working my way back from the ugly side. It's not too hard, not only because I'm certifiable, but because it just takes too much energy to stay angry. And face it, when you work with the folks I do, it's hard to stay mad long.
And if I every have any lingering anger by the time I get home, it's wiped clean off the slate when a certain little seven year old comes up to me with something carefully wrapped in tissue paper.
"It's for you Mama, because you need an early Christmas present." That little face is looking up at me with great big, trusting brown eyes that are so full of love I'm completely swallowed whole. When I slowly unwrap the present, I find that I am staring at "Gary" who is Sponge Bob's beloved pet snail. It also happens to be one of my daughter's favorite stuffed animal that she sleeps with every night.
I ask you this my beloved readers, how can anyone stay mad after that?
I was visiting Michele today and read THIS gut wrenching post.
According to Bogalusa Police Sergeant Daryl Darben, Lakeisha Adams called police Monday night around 7 p.m. to report that someone had killed her child. When officers arrived, they said they found Jailand Adams on the sofa at his mother’s home. He was pronounced dead at the scene.Darben said Adams admitted during questioning that she had put her infant son in the clothes dryer and then turned it on.
Coroner Peter Galvan said the baby had third-degree burns over 50 percent of his body and had suffered blunt force trauma to the head from tumbling in the dryer.
Adams also had a one-year-old child that is now in state protective custody.
Police said Adams did not give an explanation as to why she put her son in the dryer.
I just can't grasp this one. I can't understand why anyone would kill, much less harm a child of any age. There are some really sick people out there.
The article can be found HERE.
Bwhaahahahahah! I have finally made it. Every once in a while when I want to get a good laugh, or scare myself silly, I check out the search terms that bring you lovely folks to my site. I've never quite made it to number 1 yet, until now. I was hoping for a little something bigger, but beggers cannot be choosers.
Go HERE to see what I mean.
Oink, oink, oink.
Not bad, not bad at all. Make sure you have your sound turned up and watch it all the way to the end.
I realize that there are certain times in your life where you get so busy you can't tell your, um rump from a tea kettle but it's getting a little rough here people.
Everything is going well. It’s going surprisingly well, just busy. But I’m still very tired, which makes me not want to post. I'd just assume not look at a computer when I get home. But I don't have that luxury.
My brother is getting married on January 1st. It was, how shall we say, somewhat sudden. No, that's not the truth. It wasn't sudden; it’s just that it’s kind of happening fast once the decision was made. Good stuff.
I'm making them a wedding website which has become somewhat complicated. Not the actual site itself, because I've got that under control. I just didn't realize how much work went into it. I've been contacting the bride for details. I've been contacting the bridal party. I've discovered that putting one of these things together is mind boggling. It's good, don't get me wrong, but there are alot of details. And it's harder to do when you are all the way across the country from those who are getting married. I'm thinking of buying my future sister-in-law a ticket to come out here for a few days so I can hog-tie her to the chair next to me and finish things up. Do you think she would go for it?
I've got to get a bunch of stuff done before the Thanksgiving holiday. We'll be visiting my folks, and the rest of the family. The brother that is getting married, and his lovely fiancée will be there as well. I can't wait.
To top it off, the day care worker that takes care of my children after school informed me that she will be going out of town this Wednesday..through next Wednesday. Alrighty then. So I scrambled for daycares this week and am fine on that end. Now I just need to figure out what I'm going to do next week as the kids are out of school.
So here are some reasons (um, excuses???) why the posting might be light. I'm covering my, uh, rump, so to speak, in case I don't have time to fill you in on my oh so wonderful life.
Oh..anyone out there want to take care of some animals while we are away? I've got three dogs, 2 guinea pigs and 6 fish calling your name.
"United States Military Oath of Allegiance (U.S. Code, Title 10, Subtitle A, Part II, Chapter 31, Section 502)Each person enlisting in an armed force shall take the following oath, which may be taken before any commissioned officer of any armed force:
I, _________ , do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God."
This is my tribute to my father, and to all veterans who came before and after him. I thank God every day for him and veterans like him, without whom we wouldn't have the freedoms we've grown accustomed to. Freedoms that too many Americans take for granted.
Please take a few moments from your busy day to pause, reflect, and thank those who have served and are serving our country. While military conflicts are never easy to accept, neither are the denial of basic human rights. Whatever your opinions or beliefs, RESPECT and HONOR those who are answering the call to serve their country.
Goodness it certainly gets stuffy in here when all the windows are closed.
First off, I'm sorry it's been a while. I was overwhelmed with the emails I got asking about me. Thank you.
Second, I owe you and apology. It's been a heck of a week. Good, but I was having trouble finding extra time to do things like...well, it was busy. And I'm sure you have all experienced that. This time, I chose to take the real life stuff and deal with that, and then plop myself into bed.
It took me forever to deal with the spam I've been getting. I'm not sure why but I've been getting slammed, and I don't really know what to do about it. Teach me to get busy and ignore the blog.
So...at any rate, I'll be posting some pictures and giving some updates. Everything is good. Life is fine. I almost had my kids sold but they wanted a warranty.
Oh, and um...shhhhh...don't say this outloud but we may be getting another furbaby for a bit...maybe for good. We should know by Monday or Tuesday of next week. I'll go into more details later.
Am I crazy or what? Don't answer that. I don't want to know.
We have our pumkins ready to go. We've bought the necessary items we will need to do the job right. Next? We need to decide what we want our pumpkin to be. In the meantime, for ideas, we go HERE.
Try it out. I found this over at Heather's, who, by the way, happens to be lovely and talented, and the best nurse "evah".
It's often stated the laughter is the best medicine. I would have to say that I agree with that. I'm fairly sure there isn't anyone out there who doesn't believe it, or hasn't experienced it's power of healing.
Have you ever been in a situation where someone starts to laugh, then others join, in and then no one can stop? And when there is a lull in the laughter, and people are gasping for air an no one can figure out what was so funny to begin with?
I love to laugh long and hard like that. My face gets beet red, my stomach hurts, and at worst, I pee in my pants (hush Elisson, no need to expand on this one, and yes, I received the Depends).
Have you ever found yourself in a situation that you are laughing so hard at something that you are witnessing you can't stop? Like this?
Yeah, me too. And it felt good. What memories do you have of laughing long and hard?
Disclaimer: This is a whiney, whoa is me post. If you don't want to read it, skip it.
We have a ton of them and they are becoming a nuisance. They weren't this bad last year. If you hear my co-workers, friends and neighbors talk about it; they don't remember when it's been this bad.
They are everywhere. When I walk outside, I'm surrounded, and they follow me into my car. They cover my dogs, which, when they come inside, bring the blood sucking capitalists into my palace. They are inside the buildings at work. Don't even get me started on the bug bite count from when I leave my car in the parking lot to when I get to my desk.
There is slapping, combined with the Georgia wave going on everywhere. My boss slapped me (I kid you not) on the forehead this afternoon. Her words? "Man that was a big mother."
There is nowhere you can go to get away from them. I'm not entirely sure but I think I've lost my mind. Well, to be truthful, I lost that a long time ago, but that's for a different post.
People, is it Friday yet?
- Tomorrow is my scheduled Friday off. I'm on call because they are getting ready for a hurricane. If that bitch comes ashore, I'm surely going to go have a word with Fred.
- My doctor’s appointment that I had schedule for today? The one I was ready for? Got rescheduled for Monday. It seems some idiot had some emergency that required surgery so they had to slip me in to another time slot.
- My youngest? We had a parent-teacher conference on Wednesday. Even though she got straight A's on the last report card, it seems she has a bit of a problem with understanding directions. There is a short in her processing ability. She'll be going in for testing to see if she qualifies for help.
- Both of my kids suffer from cognitive bedtime aversionitis (ok, I made that term up but I bet alot of you know what that means).
Ok...it's posting light tonight. The list could be endless but I want to go to bed. And bury myself underneath the covers where the mo-skeet-os can't bite me anymore.
Way back in the olden days, when Ward and Denny were young, there was an old wive's tale that was passed on from generation to generation.
You may have wondered where and why the custom of "clinking" glasses during times of celebration came from. It was believed that the devil's presence was the strongest at times that were festive. The belief was that they did not like bells and would be driven off when they heard them, thus, the clinking of the glasses.
In modern times, I imagine that has changed. I'm guessing a good way to push the devil out is to play a Yoko Ono record.
I'm just full of information like that.
When we came from the west, we were not readily accepted by our southern neighbors. After all, we came from the land of the fruits and nuts. Who KNOWS what we would bring into the neighborhood, yes?
When we first got our ride on mower, we lovingly and proudly referred to it as a tractor. Little did we know, our neighbors, and pretty much everyone in Southeastern Georgia was laughing at us. I believe that Dave Barry wrote a column about it.
Finally, one of my esteemed co-workers told me, "Moogie, it's a ride on mower, NOT a tractor." My reply was huffy and to the point. "I'm from California, what do you expect?" I use that excuse a lot here.
Over time, we have became accepted, and tolerated amongst our southeastern brethren. Today? Today? We have now been inducted. The reason? Folks, we now have a TRAILER to attach on to our tractor.
Sniff. A moment of silence please.
- Ok, so what is up with hot dog buns? For years, my children just ate the hot dog with ketchup. That was it. No bun. No way, no how, nadda. Just recently, they look upon me as if I'm some sort of psychopath trying to get them to eat their veggies as well as eat hot dogs with no buns. Did the position of the planets change and I missed it?
- Speaking of eating (my children's favorite past time. And while I'm on that subject. How is it that they stay so thin?) Anyway. Both my husband and I worked late tonight. My youngest had dinner with her future husband and family. She had two plates full of spaghetti, and a helping of salad. Less than two hours later, I was making the oldest some hot dogs (see #1), and she acted as if I never fed her because I didn't offer her one as well. For the record, she had a hot dog, ON.A.BUN., some Sun Chips, and an orange. And then wanted dessert.
- My youngest daughter came home and looked pretty much like the beach. Sand everywhere on her body, and mud caked on her knees and in between her toes. I told her in no uncertain terms, to strip in the garage, and march her rump into the bathroom. Why, I ask you, did she happily skip into the bathroom, and do as I asked? I want to know. Why? Because I want that to happen every night. It is my fantasy NOT to have to fight bath time. To top that off? My oldest came home from playing and decided, all by herself, to take a shower while I was cooking her hot dogs (WITHOUT.A.BUN). And, she hung up her towel and threw her dirty clothes in the hamper without me asking her to.
Personally? I think the planets must have realigned, or it was one seriously lucky night.
Maybe I should go buy a lotto ticket.
Update: Why and how did I just notify myself that I've updated my blog? Some people should never be allowed around a computer. And I'm one of them.
I rarely remember my dreams. Generally, when I do it's like "what the heck was that all about?" Know what I'm saying?
My grandmother died when I was in my early 20's. This was the woman that lived with us since the day I was born. She was my mother's mother. She was a hard worker. My grandfather died when my mom was six. Grandma had only attended school until she was in the 8th grade and at that time, she worked to help with the family expenses. Pretty normal stuff back then.
She worked in many different factories, and then later in life, she babysat and did other odd jobs. In other words, she did what it took to support my mother.
Until failing eyesight prevented her from doing so, Grandma was an avid quilter. And she did everything by hand. I have some of them, and to this day, I rarely get them out. I think I may need to change that. She played Canasta regularly. I remember when it would be her turn to host the games. Mom would make the snacks and such, oh, and the mixed foo-foo drinks. I remember coming home from school and all of the ladies would have made sure I had some snacks saved for me. Just for me. They were so good to me. They always asked how I was doing and really took an interest in what I had to say. For a young girl, that's an important thing. I always felt comfortable with them.
In later years, she had arthritis so bad. It was hard for me to watch her in such pain. It became more difficult to watch after she suffered a number of small strokes, which destroyed not only her short term memory, but her balance as well.
My mother took a leave of absence from her job (in essence, she retired early) to take care of her. By that time, I was older and would sometimes "grandma" sit, so that my parents could go out. My mother gave up alot of her life to take care of her own. In more ways than one. I didn't always show it back then, and perhaps I didn't realize the magnitude of the sacrifices my mother (and father) made, but I realize it now.
But I digress. I apologize. I was marching on memory lane there for a while and it felt so good I didn't want to stop.
Where was I? Oh, the dream.
Whenever I dreamt of my grandmother, I never saw her face. I can't tell you how frustrating that was for me. It took the birth of my first child to make me realize the magnitude of my loss. She was the first one I lost, that was close to me, and to this day the hardest. I wanted her to see my baby. To be there, and to hold her. I wanted to share everything with her because she was always there to listen. It's odd how things like that occur, isn't it?
I dreamt of a large, beautiful white rose last night. I can still remember the smell. I remember gnarled, curled hands, so beaten down from the effects of arthritis, holding it. I remember looking up from the rose that was held steadily in front of my face, with the gentle words "take it, hold it, smell it, feel the life."
The eyes I made contact with were my grandmothers. Full of love and support and strength. She was wearing a house dress, full of flowers and bright with color. When I close my eyes, I can still see it. I SAW her. I saw her face. I saw everything. I can still feel her hands wrapped around mine as I took the rose she was offering. And they were warm.
I took the rose. It was so beautiful. So full, even in its bud like state. She told me to peel the pedals off one by one, and smell them. The further I got down into the flower, the brighter the colors. The peace I felt the further down I drilled was amazing. I was calm.
She told me, "Keep peeling. Keep looking for the beautiful center of the rose. The more you peel, the stronger you will feel." I woke up some time soon after that. With a sense that it was going to be ok. Whatever will be will be. While the fear still surrounds me, I am able to control it. It does not rule me anymore.
To back up in time, I got a call from my doctor yesterday. He is referring me to, yet another, specialist. I firmly believe this is what brought this dream to fruition. It was my mind's (or perhaps my grandmother's) way of telling me that it was ok. It is ok to be afraid. Things will work out.
I go next Thursday (10/20). It's just an initial visit. But it's a start. And while I'm afraid, I know it's going to be ok.
After all, grandma said so. And I have a rose.
In the News
Piglet Banned in Brittish Municipal Office
Blink. Blink. Blink.
Go here to read the article. This reminds me of Jerry Falwell's crusade against the Teletubbies because they were subverting our offspring into gaydom. Me thinks our Brittish cousins are just a wee bit to PC.
Things that make me go awwwweeeee
We received our very first letter, via snail mail from my youngest daughter today. Apparently, this must have been an assignment for them. Following, is the complete, unedited version.
Dear Mommy and Daddy,I can't wait in tell you get home. Tank you mom and dad for takeing me to danc. You gise are funny. You make me laf. Tank you for doing ulot of tings for me. You gise I love you! I can not do aney thing with out you. XoXo. Than means I love you! Love Mellie No
Things that make me want to sing
Go tell Aunt Rhodie. Go tell Aunt Rhodie. Go tell Aunt Rhodie, the old gray goose is dead.
As always, click on the image to enlarge.
Things that make me go ewww
On Sunday, when I was out in the yard with the kids, my neighbor was kind enough to bring a snake dangling on a shovel over to show me. You know, they don't look any better when they are nearly cut in half.
Things that cause me to wonder
As heard while working in the garage.
Tiny! Don't chew Bruiser's tail. You don't know where it's been!
Things that make me love my husband
Going to Walmart. Ok, going to Walmart with kids. Going to Walmart with 6 kids, ages 11, 9, 8, 7, 5 and one. Only two of them are yours.
And you let them listen to the radio. More specifically, a CD. More precise? One of those teenie bopper CDs. And the song you listen to alllll the way there and alllll the way back?
"Who let the dogs out? Who! Who! Who! Who!"
If you don't know it, I'll be happy to burn you a copy.
Honey? Pass the Prozac. Oh, and by the way? You seriously owe me.
I just ain't right. And all you folks who were in Helen last weekend for the blodger meet can probably vouch for that (shaddup Elisson and Leslie).
I was going through my email and trying to catch up because it had been a few days since I'd touched the computer. I got an email from a friend. She sent me this link.
It kind of reminded me of Sam, after he ate that killer burrito on Saturday afternoon. Good lord I'll never walk behind that man again, no matter how much of a babe he is.
And what did I do? I shared it with my kids. And their friends.
I would make a good candidate for Mother of the Year, wouldn't I?
Click here for a cup of coffee.
Well, the website is now working and I'm not sure exactly what I did. The last page is uploading fine.
I finally found out what the problem was (actually, Mr. Moogie spotted it). It took me a bit longer to figure out how to fix it but after some research, and fiddling around, it now works.
The thing is, I'm not exactly sure what I did. Oh well, I'll need to figure it out again because I've got more pages to add.
Thanks to everyone who offered to help and gave me some advice. Now I know who to go to when I have questions again.
The past few weeks have been a bit of a whirlwind for Chez Moogie. Not bad, mind you, but just filled with adjustments.
As you all know, Mr. Moogie started to work full-time which has meant some rearranging in schedules. Not really a big deal, just added pressure until we can get everything ironed out and get back into a routine.
It makes blogging difficult because I don't have the spaces of free time I used to. Blast the man I married anyway. You would think he would work two jobs so I could stay home and live the life in which I would like to become accustomed to.
Below are some of the things that have been going on since I've stopped blogging on a regular basis:
While on hold with my mortgage company during lunch to try and straighten out yet another mess they made, the song "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" came on the radio.
Somewhat appropriate, don't you think?
You come on with a come on, you don’t fight fair
But that’s o.k., see if I care!
Knock me down, it’s all in vain
I’ll get right back on my feet again!
Hit me with your best shot!
Why don’t you hit me with your best shot!
Hit me with your best shot!
Fire away!
Just take a look at this!
I really don't think I grind my teeth when I sleep. The more I think about it, the more I'm convinced I'm right. Nor do I, like Mr. Dentist asked about 5 times, eat lemons or chew ice. Think about it (or don’t, just pretend you are listening). My jaw doesn't hurt in the morning, and The Gaseous Muscle Man has never heard me do it.
But? At the end of the day my jaw aches. I'm not talking the head banging, hair ripping, crotch grabbing, Lord have mercy I just drank a bottle of really bad wine after eating 12 Slim Jims and a bag of Cheetos type of pain. It.just.aches. Alot. Like right now. I'd never really thought about it much until this week. Just kidding about the Cheetos (hi Mom!).
I've noticed that I do a lot of heavy duty clenching while I work. The busier I am, the harder I concentrate, etc., the more I clench. I'm beginning to wonder if that might not be the problem. Especially because it eases up quite a bit after I'm home for a while.
I'm kind of afraid to mention this to my dentist. I mean, what if I have to wear a mouth guard during the day? I'll end up looking like an NFL linebacker with no neck and HUGE lips. I wonder if he'll make me wear a cup?
Come on. A little closer.
That's it...just a little closer
Don't be afraid...just a little closer..really, it won't hurt a bit!
(Click on the extended entry peeps)
I find it so interesting when I think about how my body responds to total down time. This particular state of mind (body?) can come in many forms.
I ended up working 11 hours yesterday. Not surprising for this time of year. Not a big deal. But? I was so tired of dealing with people, on the phone or in person. When I got home, I just wanted to stay there. Read some email, listen to some music, and post an entry here and there.
Tuesday nights are traditionally "Chick-Fil-A" nights for the schools here. It's not uncommon to find us among the participants. Last night was no exception, other than the fact that I wasn't there. I asked my husband if it was really necessary that I go along, and he said no. He had no problems with me staying home.
So he left to go pick up the girls from dance and go off to dinner. And I? Just relaxed. In the silence. The blessed silence. I sat on the couch with a glass of wine and stared at the ceiling. I took care of the daily stuff (email, etc) and then went and sat in the garage on an old rocking chair we have out there and I just enjoyed. The silence. The sunset and then the stars. Other than the occasional conversation with myself, I said not one single word.
It was alot like that this morning when I got up from work. It was 4:30 when the alarm went off, and it was completely pitch black. We have absolutely no streetlights where we live and we are on a country road. It was still like that when I was done getting ready for work.
I went into the garage with a cup of coffee and sat on the rocker again. The silence was comforting. Well, I wasn't counting the sounds of crickets and birds, and just the normal sounds of nature surrounding me. I drove to work with the window part way down, listening to those same sounds. It was so peaceful and relaxing. A very good way to start your day off.
So today? Even though I'm pulling another longer than normal shift? When I'm done for the day, I'm going to go home, change, and sit in the rocker. Just for a little bit. Just enough time to let me relax, and enjoy the silence.
Until the kids come home from dance lessons.
"Moooooooooooooooooom, can I have a snaaaaack?!!!"
Happy Birthday Raggedy Ann. You brought alot of happiness into my life and I'm sure you will continue to do so!
I'm going to the dentist this morning to have a crown (temporary) put in. I was fine with it. After my last appointment, my fears of all things dental related subsided greatly. We had a great weekend. I hardly even got to my computer, and when I did, it was mainly to read email.
We did some heavy-duty work (cleaning) on the house and it looks really great. My husband will be cleaning the carpets today. Saturday, we had a bunch of neighbors (I believe the total was 14 with some drive by's) over for dinner. I supplied the meat and a salad, and everyone else brought a dish. It was great and everyone had a good time. The weather was most cooperative.
My mind was clear. My breathing was regular. I thought about the appointment occasionally, but really didn't worry about it.
And then? After my alarm went off this morning? My mind immediately settled on the fact that today was the day. My stomach? Is in knots. I keep getting butterflies. I'm sweating. I feel like my heart is going to come out of my chest.
This is simply ridiculous. Can you say overkill? I KNOW this. I really do. What am I doing to myself and why? I am a grown woman. A mother for goodness sake. Why am I so scared? Why am I on the verge of tears? Can you tell me?
Writing about it helps. It relaxes me. I will be fine. I will relax.
But now? I could really use a hug from my mom.
Update: I'm back. With a serious case of numbness. I lisp when I talk. Kind of funny really. I am relieved. It was't bad at all. It just took a long time. And now that I can't eat (because the temporary crown needs to set and I am still numb)? I am starving. Carry on. I need to go back to work, though I dare say I'm going to sound like a drunken fool for a while.
I've avoided posting on this topic since it started. Not because I think it doesn't warrant attention, but because I have, as yet, to wrap my arms around it. It just doesn't seem real. You know?
I watched a broadcast last night in which they showed a man who had lost EVERYTHING. Everything. The only thing he had left was his dog. When the bus came to pick him up, he couldn't bring his dog along. The video showed the dog chasing after the bus. I'm not ashamed to admit that I cried. Hard.
Don't get me wrong. I completely understand and agree with the decision. The rationalization is sound. People come first. I'm simplifying it, of course, but I really don't think that I need to go into much more detail than that.
(to read more, click on the extended entry)
I really love the three day weekends that fall upon the heels of a holiday. That extra day is so nice. On the flip side, it makes going back to work that much harder. Don't get me wrong, I really love my job and all, but it was sure nice to have the extra time.
This Labor Day weekend was no exception. We took a jaunt down to my folk's house (hi Mom!) for a visit. It was nice and relaxing. I got so spoiled with home cooked meals which someone other than myself made. We even went over to my brother's house, and had a great visit with he and his family.
But on Tuesday? When I went back to work? I felt like a lost soul. I had a hard time talking. The words just weren't coming out right. I had to back track to figure out where I left off on Friday. It was almost like I had forgotten how to do my job. No matter how hard I tried, I just couldn't get into the swing of things. That seems to happen to me alot after I take time off.
So now I'm back home, and finished with my Tuesday. I've got pork chops waiting to be cooked. The girls will be home from dance soon. Bruiser will be visiting the vets tomorrow, and once a week for a few weeks (for dips) to cure a case of puppy mange (lovely). Oh, and the best news? The thing that towers above anything else in the whole universe? Except maybe home cooked meals by my mom? (On a side note, I found out my parents actually READ my blog)
MR. MOOGIE HAS A JOB INTERVIEW TOMORROW! Please keep him in your thoughts.
Ok, the upper teeth are now fixed and feeling mighty smooth. I can really tell the difference. My jaw is rather sore, but I'm given to understand that when they work on the lower back two teeth, it's going to be worse. That will be when they ready one tooth for a crown (and put a partial in) and bond the one next to it because parts of it have broken off.
Ok, now I can relax for a while. Truth be told, and I hope this helps me in the future, it wasn't really bad. I had quite a bit of sensitivity in my upper teeth, so they had to numb me. I really didn't feel the shot at all, which suprised, and pleased me greatly.
So, I got through phase I, I'm still alive, and nothing untoward happened. Phew.
I'm set for a couple of weeks, until I move into Phase II.
Now that I have that behind me, I want to make sure that all of you have changed your links (if you link to him) from the old OWW, to his new home at Swamp Gas. And if you don't link him now, what are you waiting for? I've still got a lot of work to do on that site, but at least he's functional. Please let me know if you see something that doesn't work, or look right. I still have to work on the masthead. It's just not there yet. I'm not terribly artistic, so I think this will take some work.
For those of you who don't know, this is my husband's blog. Go on over and say hi. Tell him I sent you. He's feeling a might bit lonely.
I want to thank all of you who posted comments, and emailed me with humorous stories during my dental saga. You have no clue how much that really helped.
Tomorrow I get to go to the dentist, and I use the term "get" loosely. I just can't tell you how much this idea pleases me. I am normally a die-hard when it comes to appointments. I go every six months without fail for a cleaning. I've never had any problems (knock-wood).
Then, I moved.
Let me preface this to say that I went to the same dentist for nearly 15 years back in California. While I don't think you could classify me as extremely freaked out about the visits, I never look forward to them. I'd say I always get a mild case of anxiety.
But I got comfortable with my dentists. They were a husband and wife team, very close to my age. Very, very, very aware of their patients and very caring.
I've been here for over a year and a half. I still haven't gone. How sad is that? And now? My tooth hurts. It's just an ache but it's there none the less. Being one that is quick to back the hearse up to the door, I am imagining all sorts of excrutiatingly painful possiblities.
They advertise as pain free. Does that mean they have seriously good drugs and will knock me completely out? If anyone wants to come and hold my hand, it will be much appreciated. I'll even share some of my drugs.
I tell you, we live the wild life here at Chez Moogie. You seriously NEED to be here on one of our birthdays.
The birthday in question was mine. Yesterday. I'm 29 (+14) or 39 (+4), you do the math. I save the gold plated cane for special occasions, in case you are wondering.
Yesterday was kind of a quiet birthday. No less than awesome, just quiet. I will tell you that this male chauvinistic commie pig would not let me open ONE.SINGLE.PRESENT, not to mention a card yesterday. I'm having a birthday party tonight. One of my neighbors is throwing it. How cool is that? We do that here. Good stuff.
But back to the not opening presents? He said since I'm having my party tonight, I couldn't open anything until then. Folks, just how cruel is that? But that's not the point of this post.
I do have one, in case you are wondering. Despite the fact that I married a heartless bum, I still had a wonderful evening. Why? Because my kids (and others) came through.
See the extended entry for the reason why.
