Oiy. I don't know if I've told you but I have been walking nearly every night. For the first time, I'm not hurting really bad from the waist on down. It's been about two weeks now, and I'm finally reaping some of the benefits. I'm not living on Ibuprofen, and everything except my Achilles tendon in my left foot has decided to stop complaining. Loudly. That I can live with. Oiy. I'm up to three miles now. Barely. But I'm getting there and it seems to not only help my physical state (I sleep better, have more energy) but my mental state as well. I no longer come home from work dreaming about going to bed. Well I do, but it's for a completely different reasons. Now when I get home from work, I cook dinner, we eat and then I go for my walk. And THEN..I dream about bed. Generally I lay in the center of my bed, under the fan, praying for snow. To cool me off. It's all good. As long as I don't have to move after that.

I'm going to keep this short tonight. I've promised some one on one time with the youngest because Chickie is with a friend. I wonder if I can talk Meelie into going to bed before 9:00. What do you think?

I don't know how many of you have heard of Mad Libs but they are a popular item in my household. I probably have no less than four that are in the back of my car, along with a various assortment of pencils to fill them in. At any given time, the girls will pull one of them out of the pocket in the back seat and I will hear: "Give me a noun, give me an adjective; give me an adverb, etc." I'm not proud to admit that when we started in with these I actually had to look up what some of the definitions were (adverbs, adjectives). It had been so long since I have had to identify basic sentence parts that my mind was rusty. Go ahead and laugh while I just roll my eyes and put my lack of memory down to being old and having children. Or something.

We play this game almost every time we are in the car, rocking out to various artists that my kids love, and I, for the life of me, can never remember the names of. Yesterday it suddenly occurred to me that in almost every one of these that the kids fill out, the words "constipation and/or boobs(ies)" are used. Sure enough, when the girls looked through the book, we found that to be true 80% of the time. They then proceeded to read every one of them to me again.

I'm not sure if this is a reflection of my parenting or that my children are crazy. I'm voting for the latter and then calling my mom to apologize about the title. I'll also thank her for not killing me before I became an adult.

After everyone signed in, we had a little presentation from the Resident Director, and a few folks from Safety. It's a pretty standard thing which I think that the older kids, as well as the parents get more out of than the younger ones.

In the morning they broke up the age groups; 6-12, 13-18. The younger kids went on to tour the Technical Services Building (Cal Lab), while the older ones went on to hear about the importance of school/college, and what types of careers were offered. I went with the younger ones (Meelie was in that group) and we got to learn about dried ice, sound waves, and the Space Shuttle Tiles, and how they deflect heat. We then went out to play with the "bottle rockets" which was a blast for the kids. We then met up with the older kids (after they had toured the lab) and went on to one of our newer buildings to learn the things that go on there. It was then time to look at a variety of vehicles used here on base, and some of them were fascinating. The kids got to climb up and sit in the drivers seat (AND HONK THE HORRRRRNNNNNNNNNNNSSSSSSSS!!!), as well as climb in the back of them to look at all the "stuff." We then all headed off to lunch at the park, which consisted of hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, cookies and soda. It was definitely needed at that time because everyone was STARVING by then, including the parents.

After lunch we broke up in to different groups, this time; 6-9, and 10-18. The younger kids (and parents) went to take the Mammal Tour. This consisted of being able to get up close and personal with dolphins and sea lions (and feed them!) that are used in tactical operations. Good stuff. The older kids got to go on a tour of Submarine which, according to them was AWESOME!

Around that time we had one heck of a storm move in and the kids on the sub weren't able to leave until things settled down a bit. The end result was we missed out on a tour of the training facility, which was a bummer, but ok, because we'd had such a great day.

We then went back to our starting point where the kids received a photo (we had done a group photo early in the day), as well as some gifts and a back pack. We also got some really cool posters, so I know what I'll be doing later on tonight.

It was a great day and the kids are still talking about it. Apparently Meelie was something of a clown on the sub (sigh) and made a lot of friends with the "sailors" (her words). This is my child who never meets a stranger. She met a new best friend as well, and they were inseparable when they came back.

On the way home, we stopped off at the grocery store. This is where things kind of took a turn for the worse. When we got back out to the car, I went to start it and....NOTHING. Deader than a doornail. I called my husband and told him what had happened. Fortunately, he just worked down the road and came to my rescue with some jumper cables. The Gods were on our side, and Mercury was aligned with Venus (or maybe they just had a good day), because the car started right up. We made it home safely, and I waited a bit, after stopping the care and started it up again. It worked fine. We won't mention anything about lights being left on or ANYTHING. Because that would make me grumpy. I'm just sayin.

Now I'm off to cook dinner, and then play some Wii with the kids. I'm hoping I make it that long. Apparently I didn’t get enough exercise today.

Things I'm learning about:

1. Aperature
2. Film Speed
3. ISO
4. Depth of field

Some related, some not. I think I took over 100 shots playing with all of the different settings. After looking at the photos, it appears I have a lot of work to do.

"The Storm"



"Reflections of a Storm"

Enjoy your Sunday everyone!

Thematic Photographic Theme #3 is glass. We have recently purchased a new camera, and I thought that perhaps, this would be a good group to join, so that I can learn the different abilities of our camera. This is where I tell you, I so wish I had a zoom lens.

The first picture is of a wine glass, nearly full of White Zinfandel. I sat it upon the hood of my car, and tried, as best I could, to capture the light, and the shadows. Again, I'm not so good at this but I figured I needed to start somewhere.

The second photo for this particular theme consists of a shot of a "Mosaic" theme that one of the girls did in a "do-it-yourself" kit. In this instance, I played around with the available light, as well as the setting on the editing program I have. I need to work on this. I really think I could have done the stones more justice.

Moving on to Thematic Photographic 4 we switch to wood. Though my photos can in no way compare to those of Carmi's, I thought I would give it a shot.

This first photo is of the base of a tree trunk in our front yard. It's still a small tree, but it has so much character. Just looking at the patterns of the bark, the grass (and weeds) beside it. The colors in real life are so pretty. I tried to focus on the trunk itself and make the background fuzzy, but I didn't quite make it. My husband is teaching me about aperature and all of that. I'll get there.

This last one is probably my favorite of this group. I really had no clue that it would turn out this way. The sad thing is? I have no idea how I did it. It's a picture of the post beneath my mailbox. The blurry background is the asphalt (street). Do you see the bird?

That's it for now. Have a great weekend everyone. Please let me know your thoughts.

I've been sitting in for my boss this week. It's all good and I am amazed at the things that I learn while doing so. But good Lord people! How does that woman get ANYTHING done? I have been constantly barraged by phone calls and questions. That doesn't count the status requests from management. I have not been able to do much of my own job. Now this is not a complaint, despite the fact that it may sound like one. I value the experience but I think I just might wash her feet when she gets back.

On the way home from work tonight, we had a severe lightening/thunder/rain storm (cats and dogs!). It was one of those storms in which you could barely see three feet in front of you, much less the car you were about to rear end. It's a time when a large portion of the people unfortunate enough to be on the road visit their inner old lady self (including me) and pull to the right lane, immediately slowing down and putting their emergency flashers on. After about five minutes of driving, I heard a strange noise coming directly from my windshield wiper. I said to myself; "self, this is not good." The noise was the result of my wiper breaking, and the screeching (think nails on a chalkboard) was happening because the lower end of the wiper had come off and it was metal on glass. This, in case you didn’t know, renders your wiper useless. Oh, and did I mention it was on the drivers side? Luckily, as storms normally do, the sky cleared and the rain slowed to a trickle so I was only "blind" (ish) about 3 minutes or so, but if you based that on the rate of my heart beat and the constant muttering of "OH SHIT!" (Sorry Mom) you would have felt it lasted more like an hour.

A few miles later, I pulled off the freeway and on to the main rural road that takes me down to my house, only to spot a fire truck about 500 yards or so away in the opposite lane. That in itself is not a bad thing. What made things a bit awkward was that there was a student driver directly in front of me who must have been confused. I'm guessing that his instructor had been breaking out the bong because he just stopped. In the middle of the friggin lane. To make matters worse, right after the fire truck passed us; he started up again, and proceeded to go 30 miles an hour on a 45 mile an hour road. For six miles. By the time I turned off (AMEN!) I had approximately 18 cars behind me. Folks, in case you don't know this, 18 cars is considered a traffic jam in my part of the world.

So if you don't mind, I'm going to hit publish on this post and go make a carrot cake. Because I can. And I don't need windshield wipers to do it.

Websters Dictionary describes love (in part) the following way:

1 a (1): strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties (maternal love for a child) (2): attraction based on sexual desire : affection and tenderness felt by lovers (3): affection based on admiration, benevolence, or common interests (love for his old schoolmates) b: an assurance of love (give her my love)

That's only part of the definition. If you think about it, love covers so many different things. The love for your spouse, your children, your family, your friends. The love of your favorite food, or perhaps a movie or and actor/actress.

For me, love is an all encompassing emotion. The love I have for my husband is completely different than the love I have for my children. For that matter, I love my children just the same, but I love each of them differently.

The song that is quoted above was "our song" at our wedding. It was and is, perfect for us. On May 21st, we reached our 20th anniversary. It seems as though we just met, yet at the same time, it is like we have been together forever. I can't imagine life without my husband in it. Yes, of course we have had our "difficult times" just like any marriage. But that we survived the times we thought would have the power to destroy us is a testimony to our commitment. We are stronger for it.

Now I turn the keyboard over to my readers. What does love mean to you?

But there never seems to be enough time
To do the things you want to do
Once you find them
I've looked around enough to know
That you're the one I want to go
Through time with

May 21, 1988

Hey! How are you? Good? Good! Me too! At least right now. I'm waffling between being excellent and having the world collapse directly underneath me. I really hate this in between feeling, because I can't get my feet planted on firm ground so I can walk a steady path. But that's neither here nor there. It will work out, whatever "it" is.

Tonight was "Mom doesn't have to cook night" and I am thrilled. Subway baby! It's been in the high 90's and I don't know about you, but it's really hard to cook when it's that hot. Nothing sounds good to anyone in my family, including me. I wonder if I can have more than one night a week of no kitchen duties.

My husband took Chickie to the Orthodontist today, and she was told that if she is diligent on wearing her rubber bands she will get her braces off on the next visit. Chickie has asked me to remind her about this and I must use this permission wisely. In other words, keep the bugging for the rubber band issue alone. Originally, I had grand plans for doing things like reminding her to clean her room, to pick up the clothes off the bathroom floor, to put the milk away, etc. She really, really, really (I mean REALLLLY MOM!) wants the braces to be off before high school so somehow, I don't think that getting her to wear them will be a problem.

My youngest got to go to the Aquatic Center today with her girlfriend and Mom. This is good because, quite frankly, I get tired of the calls to work, telling me just how bored she (and/or her sister) are. I would guess that approximately 75% of the time, I have activities for her and her sister to do. It's just that in the remaining 25% they are bored. And it's my fault. I have tried to gently explain to them that it is not my responsibility to entertain them at all times. They aren't buying it.

That's it for now. Until next time, remember this:

"Listen and silence are spelled with the same letters."

PS: Chickie wanted me to share the above quote with you and let it not ever be said that I don't do what my children want me to do.

• I went in for some blood work on Friday. I got a call Monday morning from the doctor's office saying that my Calcium level was slightly elevated. People, I will tell you here and now, what I am sure you already know to be a fact. I am stupid. I googled it. I probably am going to die. No really! I am in control! It's probably human error! My kidneys are fine. I do NOT have a tumor! It is what it is, and I will meet it head on with strength and strong faith. It's just that sometimes, it's hard to make your heart believe what your head tells you is true. Am I the only one who does this?
• Speaking of blood tests? The one today was kind of unpleasant. Blood tests are fairly easy for me, even though I generally have a bruise to show for it after all is said and done. The first attempt failed as, apparently, my vein "rolled", and we had to start over. My hand (YES! The HAND!) is somewhat swollen, and sore. The second attempt went in like peanut butter on jelly. Ok, score ONE on a positive note.
• Today we got our stimulus check. I have already told my husband it's all mine, and good lord man! Why are you rolling on the floor laughing?
• My father-in-law is not doing so hot. If you pray, or light candles, or whatever you do, will you do it for him?
• We had a WONDERFUL weekend at my parent's house. My brother and his wife from California were there as well. My other brother, and his kids joined us and it was nothing but fun, and laughter, and memories. I already miss all of them. My Mom and Dad were, as always, the most gracious of hosts. Here is a picture of the most wonderful parents in the entire universe. I am not biased. Why do you ask?
• If my oldest daugher lives to be 14, it will be a miracle.
• If you are taking an anti depressant/anti anxiety drug and you are about to run out? Make sure you fill it right away. Do not wait for four days to do it because you keep forgetting to have it refilled. Not that I did that or anything. I'm just saying. People, it will mess with your mind.
• Embrace the fact that your 10 year old daughter knows how to run the ride-on mower better than you do. Embrace it I say! Offer allowance. Chocolate Chip cookies. Web-Kinz, whatever. Because that means that you or your husband don't have to do it! Can it get any better than that? I wonder if she'll clean the bathrooms?
• Hey, have you met Old Blue? This is a shot from my parent's back yard. He was rather shy, don't you know? Every time I would get closer, he would move. Right now, we don't have a zoom lens (we are working on it!). I could have used it then.

I'm going to be ok. Repeat after me. "I am going to be ok." Oh mah Hell. It's hard.

It is my habit to call home when I have left work to let them know I'm on my way. This gives them time to throw away the empty beer bottles and air the place out. Today, I called home and Meelie answered the phone.

Me: Hi honey, how are you?
Her: Good (standard response unless she's mad at her sister which is about 90% of the time).
Me: How was your day?
Her: I'm bored (again, standard answer).
Me: I'm on my way home.
Her: Good. Will you play with me when I get home?
Me: You bet! What do you want to do?
Her: I don't know.
Me: Well, we'll think of something ok?
Her: Ok!
Me: I love you baby girl.
Her: I love you too.
Me: You are my favorite youngest daughter, you know that don't you?
Her: Yeah
Me: Good
Her: I'll talk to you later ok?
Me: Ok, bye!
Her: Bye Mommy

About 3 minutes later.......my cell phone rings again.

Me: Hello
Her: Hey, I am your only youngest daughter!
Me: That you are sweetie, that you are.

Happy Love Thursday everyone. May you have your own favorites.

Meelie and a small portion of the Webkinz collection
Click to embiggin

1. I was leaning towards the color green and colors that go along with that. I'm not really sure yet, a lot of that will depend upon my theme.
2. That leads into my first question. Do you think I should have a theme, kind of like the beach one I have now or do you think that I should center around a color scheme, not too busy, but with some widgets thrown in on the side bar?
3. What kinds of widgets or other things do you like on a sidebar? Do you have any favorites?
4. I was thinking of making the move to Wordpress. I'm currently using Moveable Type. What are your thoughts? Opinions?
5. Do you know of any good web designers?
6. Do you have any favorite blogs (even if it's your own) that you like the look of?
7. And finally, a tag line. You've read the blog. Feel free to cruise around and see what you can come up with. It will be a contest, and after I've reviewed all of the ideas, I'll pick my favorites and have a pole.

Feel free to answer any, or all of these questions in my comments section. If you are more comfortable, just drop me an email.

Thanking you in advance, Chez Moogie

Back to normal posting later on today. Hope everyone is staying cool!

In the mean time, I've been trying to get rid of another pest. Feel free to use some of it if you need it. I have several cans.

One of the things I've learned about the south is the people are friendly. I know several of my neighbors by their [first} name and I can call on them for help when the need arises. It's been a little over four years since we moved into this house and I have not regretted packing up my house and family, and moving them across country.

The night before the movers came to bring all of our worldly possessions that we hadn't seen in over three months, we had some new living room furniture delivered to our house. All of us decided to camp out on the floor, with hastily made pallets. It was our new home. In our new house. A new beginning. We were all so excited, and scared to death at the same time. Leaving behind what we knew to be the norm. I'll let you in on a little secret. I don't like change. Remember the old adage, "If it's not broke, don't fix it?" Well, that was something I lived by.

The fact of the matter is, my husband had been laid off several months before. The job market had plunged to an all time low. For several years, we had discussed moving out of the Bay Area to some place more kid (family) friendly. We were seeking a slower pace of life. A lower cost of living, mainly in the housing area.

I work for a large defense contractor that has divisions all over the United States. Having recently received my degree at 40, I was much more marketable, especially when you included all of my previous job experience in the company. I was never one who knew what she wanted to be when "she grew up." If I was honest with you now, I still don't know. I love what I'm doing at the moment and feel as if finally, I found the perfect fit.

So I started looking. Without going into a lot of detail, there was a manager who thought enough of me to throw my name into the pot out here. My husband and I just about talked it to death after I went for my interview, and then got the job offer. We included the kids in our talks, and while they were excited to go someplace new, they also had their reservations. In the end, things just kind of fell into place. Sure, we sometimes look back on the life we had on the west coast, and sometimes miss it. But the good far outweighs the bad.

I look at how good the school system is here. How many friends my girls have made and how they have found activities that they love (dance, cheer). I can sit back and look at the fact that my family is happy. My husband has a dream job, doing exactly what he wants. I look forward to going to work every day. We have a fantastic house, in a fantastic neighborhood and have made countless friends.

It took a while, but I think we are starting to finally fit in. And for that I am eternally grateful. As much as I agonized over the decision, I made the right choice. I'm 100% sure of it.