Tuesday, September 30, 2008

The Burden
Do you have any idea how hard it is to be right all the time? ;)
We went into the Urgent Care and Little Bug did great at the beginning. Then when we went in the back, he freaked out. But not as bad as he has in the past... so that was good. I was smart this time and packed a bag full of books, games, and most importantly: food. Plus, I bribed everyone with "eating out" if they all behaved. I don't know that they all behaved well enough for the dinner, but heaven knows that I DID! So we're going out anyway!
The Dr. came in, moved Red's arm around and said, "There is no swelling or discoloration. He doesn't seem to be in a lot of pain. There is nothing that suggests a major injury..." and then I interrupted him. I know. Totally rude, but he was already backing towards the door. I knew he was going to say to keep ice on it, give him Advil or Tylenol, and if it still hurt in a few days, bring him back in, and then he'd take off. So, I stopped him. I told him about the other break. He reiterated his previous thoughts and was a little patronizing as he told me how painful a break in the hand or wrist is. I insisted that I understood what he was saying, but that I still felt there was something really wrong. I pushed. He pushed back. I gave a mama bear growl. He backed down, but I could tell he was humoring me.
Off Red went to get x-rays. They brought him back and a few minutes later a VERY humble Dr. came back. "I'm so glad you pressed for the x-rays. You were right. His radius is broken right near the wrist. You will need to see an orthopedic surgeon to have it casted." Wait... what?
Apparently since the fracture is so close to the wrist, they need to make sure that the angle of the arm is just right before they put the cast on or it will mess with his wrist. Fun. So, tomorrow at 2:00 we head off for the rest of our adventure!
Thank you guys for all your well wishes and your prayers and hugs! It really means a lot to me!
Broken
Baby Girl and I went to the library this morning for story time. The theme has been "Dino Island" and she has loved every minute of it! It's been great for me too because I get to chat with ADULTS!! WOOHOO!! Gotta love that!
Anyway, today the kids were in the middle of a game when my cell phone rang. It was the elementary school where Red is at. He had fallen and hurt his hand. The nurse didn't seem to think it was broken, but I wasn't so sure. So, I pulled a tearful Baby Girl out of story time and went to the school. If Red was in enough pain to tell someone about it, well, that's not a good sign.
You see, when we lived in Oregon, he fell off a toy at school. The nurse bent his arm this way and that. She took a tuning fork, hit it on the counter, and then placed it on his elbow. The vibration hurts if the arm is broken. He didn't even flinch. It didn't swell. It didn't discolor. We took him to the doctor anyway. I really didn't think it was broken, but wanted to be sure. The doctor had Red put his arm above his head, twist, turn, and bend in every way possible. Red had a little trouble, but it was more like he was really stiff. Our doctor said he'd probably pulled a muscle and didn't feel that we needed x-rays.
So, off we went. Red went back to school, played in his soccer game that weekend, and basically went on with life as usual. He kept saying it ached a little, but that was about it. But one day I noticed a weird bump on his arm. When I pushed on it he would cry out in pain, but other than that he could move his arm the same as always. We took him back in and it was BROKEN! He had wandered around for a week, played soccer, done everything with a broken arm! We were all stunned and he just kept saying, "It didn't hurt that bad."
Fast forward to today. He keeps saying that it doesn't hurt that bad, but, when I touch a spot near his wrist, he just about climbs out of his skin. We have to wait for Little Bug to get home from school and then we'll head to Urgent Care. That way we can get him looked at and x-rayed all in one spot. I'll update y'all later... the thing I'm most worried about? Little Bug. He DOES NOT do well in doctor's offices. He screams and cries even if the visit is not for him... not sure how this will all go down... being a mom is so much fun... don't you think? Wish me luck - I'm gonna need it!

Saturday, September 27, 2008

The Lie
A few months ago we had a big wind storm. It blew things over and in general, made a big mess. But not as big of a mess as my 9 year old.
You see, during said wind storm, he scared Baby Girl by telling her all about tornadoes. I would like to think that he was just sharing information, but I know better. I walked in on this lovely conversation just in time to hear him say (in his most dramatic voice and with that twinkle of mischievousness in his eyes), "First, the wind spins faster and faster and then it tears down your house, picks you up and blows you away!"
GAH! I wanted to wring his neck at that very moment! But I refrained and explained to Baby Girl that there wasn't going to be a tornado and that she was safe. And then I lied to her... it wasn't a true lie, well, sort of. I told her that we don't get tornadoes in California. Which is MOSTLY true (kind of like being "mostly dead" - movie trivia, anyone?). California is not part of tornado alley. They are a rare sight, but, um, actually? They do happen. There was one this spring less than 100 miles from us. It only touched down for just a few seconds and didn't cause a lot of damage, but still - there was a tornado. Which means that TECHNICALLY, I lied.
But, she just can't this fear go. Since Red filled her in on the tornado phenomenon she has gone into a panic over the slightest breeze. Almost every day she asks about tornadoes. Last week we were out shopping and there was a storm on the horizon. She freaked out and wanted to go home immediately in case there was a tornado coming with the storm. Last night she had nightmares. She got up this morning and said, "I had bad dreams about tornadoes last night. The wind took away our house and I was holding onto Red's ladder (on the bunk bed) and the wind was making me stand on my head to pull me away." It just makes me so sad to see her so frazzled about this. The lie does seem to help, and so I let it stand... but I wonder if I should.
What would you do? Do you think I should tell her the truth? Should I explain that tornadoes can happen almost anywhere, but they usually don't happen here? Or should I just leave it till she's a little older and can understand a little better? Do you ever lie to your kids to help them calm down?

Friday, September 26, 2008

Witch Kitchen Update
First of all, I am not in love with my new blog look. Anticipate a few changes in the next little while. Second, the kids and I have been working on our Witch Kitchen and we are having so much fun! We haven't done the labels because we aren't sure exactly what we want each item to be. I think we're going to put each ingredient name to a vote. I still need to paint lids and wrap some twine around the necks of the bottles, but I thought I'd share what we have so far!From left to right: a jar full of paper stars that I think we're going to call "lucky stars" as in "thank my lucky stars"... the next jar has white rice in it and we are thinking of "werewolf lice" or some kind of larvae. The next bottle is colored water with toy snakes in it and it will be "basalisk oil" because that's what Red REALLY wants to call it. The last bottle is full of almond slivers and it's going to be ogre or goblin or troll nail clippings. Can I get a collective "EWWW"? Thanks.Next picture: again the "basalisk oil" and the "nail clippings". In the blue cauldron we have "stewed fairy wings" or something like that... it's fiber fill that I use to stuff pillows. If you shape it and then spray it with enough hairspray, it will hold it's shape. Hopefully it looks like steam or smoke coming out of the cauldron... does it look like that? Be honest...the tall container in the back is full of chocolate eyeballs which will be "troll/goblin/ogre/cyclops eyeballs". The small container in the front is black eyed peas and will be "fish/brownie/fairy eyes". In the big amber colored canister we have a fake plant that I think will be "poisoned poison ivy" - I'm going to take my glue gun and make it look like the plant is oozing and then I'll paint the glue black or dark red. The next bottle is a yellow plastic lei with green water and it will probably be "hobgoblin intestine". I'm going to cover the top of the jar so that you can't really see the yellow... the tall jar in the back is "the sands of time" and it's just table salt. I'm thinking of tinting the salt red or orange or yellow. Not sure which... the next container is "dried dragon livers" and it's just a dried purple onion. Finally the heat down here is good for something! I pulled the onion apart and set it on a cookie sheet out in our 108 degree weather. Ta-dah! Dried dragon liver! The last container is actually a drink mixing thing... I don't drink so I don't know what it really is. And actually, I am not 100% sure it is a drink mixing thing. ANYWAY, now it's a container for mixing potions.Baby Girl helped today by painting the backs of the moonstones. The front of each stone was painted with glow in the dark paint. Then she covered the back in purple paint just to make them stand out a little more in their glass jar.
And there you have it! We have a few more jars to fill, labels to make, and then it just needs to be arranged so it looks awesome! Wish me luck :)
Foodie
Every once in awhile AOL will have food quizzes. The questions range from guessing how many calories an item has to recognizing food without it's packaging.
Today's quiz was on breakfast cereal. By the way, why do people (such as myself) feel the need to put "breakfast" in front of the word "cereal"? Is there any other kind of cereal?
ANYWAY, today, I scored 18 out of 20. And I'm mad about the two that I missed because I knew the answer... just clicked on the wrong thing. So, then I took the snack cake quiz, hoping to redeem myself. Yeah... um... no such luck. I got 12 out of 20. Apparently I need to eat more snack cakes!
So, are you a cereal or snack cake guru? If you get a moment, take the quizzes and let me know how you did!
Breakfast Cereal Quiz
Snack Cake Quiz

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Random... again
These random posts are easier for me. Usually I have lots of crazy thoughts in my head, but there's not really enough there to pull together a full blog post... and so, random is the word of the day.
  • The Office starts again tonight! I love this show so much that my cell phone ring tone is the theme song...


  • Baby Girl is in a cooking class for kids. The first week the teachers burned the sugar cookies. The next week they burned the pizzas. This week? They didn't cook the french toast sticks long enough so they were eggy in the middle - so gross! I REALLY hope she isn't learning anything from this class... because if she is? She's gonna be a terrible cook...
  • Hubby has been out of town this week. I hate it when he's not here. I don't sleep. The kids are crazy. Overall, the normal chaos multiplies and replenishes my home. He came back this afternoon. Praise be! The chaos will now return to more manageable levels. I think I'll celebrate by taking a nap!
  • We're trying to plan our trip to Disneyland. Has anyone ever been there during all their Halloween celebrations? Is it still fun Disney stuff or do they make it really creepy? Little Bug is not a creepy Halloween fan. I don't want him to be miserable, but if it's just fun things, I think he'd be okay...
  • Red is doing so well with his piano lessons.... in fact, he's doing so well that he doesn't want to take lessons any more. Sigh. I'm so tired of fighting with him to practice... any suggestions on how to get him excited about playing?
  • My witch kitchen jars are coming along nicely. I still have jars to fill... any more suggestions? I'll take pictures and post them when it's finished.
  • We're still doing preschool here at home. As part of our ocean theme for this last month, we made these charm bracelets. Next month we're going to talk about bugs... something that Baby Girl is really excited about.

Okay, well, I think that's it for the randomness for today. I'm sure I'll come up with more useless bits of information for another post soon...

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Good Idea/Bad Idea

Good Idea: Taking everyone out for dinner
Bad Idea: Taking everyone out for dinner and letting the kids finish off their root beer just a little too close to bedtime

Good Idea: Coming up with ideas for a witch kitchen
Bad Idea: Coming up with ideas for a witch kitchen while trying to eat dinner

Good Idea: Watching a T.V. show to relax
Bad Idea: Watching a T.V. show to relax, but then realizing that the show you're interested in is completely freaking you out

Good Idea: Remembering your Father-In-Law's birthday
Bad Idea: Remembering your Father-In-Law's birthday and still forgetting to call

Good Idea: Taking Baby Girl to a kids cooking class
Bad Idea: Taking Baby Girl to a kids cooking class where they end up burning the food each week

Good Idea: Buying a new pair of shoes that match your favorite skirt
Bad Idea: Buying a new pair of shoes that match your favorite skirt even though they're a tad too small

Good Idea: Blogging
Bad Idea: Blogging instead of sleeping

Good Idea: Setting the alarm for 6 a.m.
Bad Idea: Setting the alarm for 6 a.m.

Enjoy!
Halloweenie
I'm going to try to create a witch's kitchen for Halloween this year. I got the idea from a fellow blogger, PC, who got the idea from another blog, AranaMureta. And so, I'm trying to come up with things to fill my jars... I think we're going to go with moon stones (clear rocks you find in the floral section painted with glow in the dark paint), dragon scales (large sequins), snake oil (tinted water with plastic snakes floating in it) and a few other things... but I have lots of jars... and not enough creative juices flowing at the moment. Maybe I should put a bottle of creative juices in there? Hmm...
I guess my real problem isn't coming up with "ingredients". I'm struggling with how to make the "ingredients" look real. I thought about doing slugs... but, erm, short of putting actual slugs in the jar (EWWW!! GROSS!!), I couldn't think of a crafty substitute that wouldn't eventually mold or break down.
And so, I turn to you, my bloggernauts - what ingredients would you include in a witches kitchen and what items would you use to make it look realistic? All comments and suggestions will be appreciated!

Saturday, September 20, 2008

Absent
I've not been around much this week and I keep trying to figure out why. Why does my brain seem to have shut down when it comes to blogging? Why haven't I posted? Why haven't I read as much? Why did I buy that huge box of donuts yesterday? Why? Why? Why?
As I've pondered this, I think I've come up with a reason. Well, not for the donuts... I'm still not sure why I buy random junk food that I know is so bad for me... no, I'm talking about the blogging.
This time of year puts me in a funk. It's autumn somewhere, but not here. Hubby and I grew up in Idaho and our last place of residence before here was Eastern Oregon. The fall weather in both of those places is wonderful! In Oregon we had two maple trees and their leaves changed to yellows and reds. The apricot trees: yellowish orange. We pressed apple cider with friends. We harvested our garden. I canned peaches, tomatoes, green beans and applesauce. We opened windows at night and in the morning because of the cooler temps.
Now, technically, we are getting cooler temps here too. It's only going to be 101 today and 99 tomorrow. Which doesn't sound like much to most people, but it was 113 just a few weeks ago. So we'll take the 99... but it's just not the same.
We just don't get fall here - not the fall I know and love. The leaves, on some of the trees will eventually turn brown and fall off in a matter of days. But that won't happen till "winter" (you know, when we'll get all the way down to 70). We know of a place where we can go press cider, but it won't be with a big group of friends and it's EXPENSIVE! We're renting, so we don't have a garden. And even though we live in an area with lots of amazing produce, it's not the type of stuff you can really bottle up and store for later (citrus, table grapes, peppers...). Besides, it's too hot to grow anything here in the summer. The farmers harvest in the winter and spring. But there's nothing harvested in the fall.
And so, I guess, in a way.... I'm sulking. I'm throwing a teeny tiny tantrum as I listen to my A/C whir away. I miss fall. I miss the colors and the feeling of harvest. And the smell... oh how I miss the smell! Have you ever noticed the smell of a autumn day? And while I don't miss the bitter cold of winter, I do miss the crisp air of fall. Air that makes your lungs twinge just the tiniest bit when you take a deep breath.
Maybe this is the reason I bought the donuts too... perhaps I'm using it as a comfort food? I'll use that as my excuse...sigh. I'll be done pouting soon. Forgive me for wallowing. I know it's stupid. There are so many problems in this world that should occupy my thoughts and time, but I'm stuck on the weather patterns of Southern California. Summer is technically over in just a few days. I'll figure out a way to get my fall fix and then hopefully things can get back to normal... of course, normal is a relative term around here....

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Update: I was thinking about this... my post may ruin the ending of a movie for some of you (Sorry Summer). So, if you haven't seen "Roman Holiday", you may not want to read this post! We now return to our regularly scheduled program...

Almost...
What is it with old movies? Two people meet. They fall desperately in love. They want to be with each other more than anything in the world! But wait... in the last few minutes of the movie they discover that they can never see each other again. The end.

Wait... what?

We watched Roman Holiday the other night and I really enjoyed it... till the end! I knew that it would probably end that way, but it was still annoying to watch. They fall in love and then go their separate ways! What kind of romantic story is that? I know it's a movie... and I shouldn't get my panties all in a twist, but gosh darn it! When I watch a movie, I want to be entertained. And this? Was NOT entertaining. Just frustrating. I know it's more "realistic" or whatever... but it still bugs me.

What about you? What kinds of movies do you love to watch? What kinds aggravate you? And am I the only one who gets annoyed with movies like this?

Friday, September 12, 2008

Um.... Hello!
So, we went BACK to Winco tonight to grab some snacks for a day trip we are taking tomorrow. I love to go into the bulk foods section and buying a little of this and that for when we are traveling. A lot of other people seem to like the bulk food section too. Some seem to enjoy it a little too much.
Now, I've seen people snitch a bite here and there from the bulk foods. Even though there are signs all over the place that say: NO SAMPLING. People seem to think that these sings are for "other people" not for them. So, they take a little bite now and then. But what I saw tonight ... well, it floored me.
You see... I was walking through the candy section, looking for a treat for the kids. I came around the corner and I noticed a woman and two young boys. They were eating. Not snitching. Not grabbing a bit here and there. They were FEASTING! The woman grabbed a handful of something and tilted her head back to dump the sweets in. The two boys were opening the lids of every bin as fast as they could, taking candy out, shoving it into their mouths and moving onto the next bin. These people were literally taking candy hand over fist and consuming it at break neck speed.
I stopped. I stared. I know my jaw dropped. And I just stood there. The woman finally looked at me, glared, and grabbed another handful of candy and shoved it in her mouth! I should have said something... but I didn't. I should have found a store clerk... I mean, HELLO! She was stealing! And I did nothing... I ended up walking away in a bit of shock... doing nothing.
A few minutes later I overheard some employees talking about the honey machine (they have this thing where you can get fresh honey). Some boys had filled a bunch of cups with the honey and then they were sticking their fingers in it and making a mess.
Seriously? What are these people thinking? Why do they think they have the right to take and destroy things that don't belong to them!? The lack of respect is flabbergasting. I really don't understand how people can be so thoughtless... and let their kids be that way... and, apparently, ENCOURAGE them to be that way!
Back to the woman and her two sons...would you have said something? Found an employee? What would you have done?
Blank
I have a lot on my mind, but I can't discuss any of it just yet. In a few weeks, maybe. But not now. So, since my head is full of secrets, I thought I would steal this from Nancy Face for today!
What is the best ice cream flavor? Toasted Almond Fudge from Blue Bunny is my all time favorite ice cream!

What is your favorite candy? I love mint in general, but candy canes are the best! I buy tons of them every year at Christmas so that I'll have a stash year round!

What is the last thing you had to drink? Water - boring, I know.
What was the last sporting event you watched? Um... well, I... uh... yeah. Let's see... that would have been... that one thing... with the guys... and... um they were doing stuff... okay. It was the Olympics. I haven't watched anything since then. I just don't like sports that well.
Do you have a tan?
That depends on your definition of "tan". Does "off-white" count?
Ever go camping?
Yes - I have been camping. Now ask how long it's been... YEARS! I'm not a good camper. I'm a great complainer, but not a good camper. My poor kids...
Do you have a maid service clean your home?
Nope. I use slave labor... Red, Little Bug, Baby Girl and Hubby! WAHAHAHA!
Do you go to church?
Why yes. Yes I do. Actually, I go to this church!
Do you take vitamins daily?
Um, no. I don't like the thought of taking pills that I don't NEED. I try to get my vitamins through the food I eat. I know that most days I fail... but I still won't take supplements.

What color is your vehicle?
It's a light, light green and I love it!
(no I didn't take my van out to the lake for a picture...just found that one on photobucket)
What color is your toothbrush?
Pink and white
Any plans today?
Nope
What's your favorite way to eat popcorn?
I like to pop a bag of extra butter microwave pop corn. Then melt 3 squares of white almond bark. Then mix the sweet almond bark over the salty popcorn! Yummy treat!!
How did you get your worst scar?
C-section... it's a good thing I don't wear bikini's!
Look to your left. What do you see?
A window - but the blinds are closed. It's supposed to be 107 today, so I'm trying to keep the cool air in.
Have you bought any new clothes this week?
For me? No. For Baby Girl, yes. She decided to grow - little stinker.
Have you met anyone famous?
Nope
What are you doing tomorrow?
Driving for 3 1/2 hours, visiting with someone for awhile, driving home. And thinking about how I'm missing my awesome cousin's wedding. Sniff sniff... :(
What do you think of when you think of Australia?
The Great Barrier Reef

I am completely, utterly, thoroughly terrified of sharks. But I would love to snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef... home to the great white shark. Am I insane, or what?
What is in the back of your car?
Um... a blanket, some water, and a lot of sand from our last beach trip.
Do you use chap stick?
Yep. Once or twice a day
When was the last time you ran?
Ran? Why would I run? Is someone chasing me? Do I need to run??
Do you have a dog?
Sigh... no. But we used to have two dogs... had to leave them in Oregon and it still breaks my heart.
What are you wearing right now?
Pajamas - deal with it.
What color is your watch?
Um... well, I don't have a watch. I use my cell phone... and it's boring black.
Are you someone’s best friend?
Sure - why not!
How many states have you lived in?
3 - Idaho, Oregon and California
Do you dye your hair?
Yep - I did last night and it turned out weird. Does anyone know how long I should wait before I color it again? I want to do it right now!!
Do you like cats?
Not really. We house sat for a family one time and they had a cat that made me crazy. The thing would wake us up at 5:00 every morning. It didn't want to go out. It wasn't hungry, it just wanted us to be awake. Stupid cat...

Okay... there you have it. Lots of things you didn't need to know, didn't want to know, but now you know! :) Enjoy your weekend!

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Cool
I'm probably the last person on the planet to see this... but I thought I'd share it anyway! This is a fountain found outside of a shopping complex at Canal City Hakata in Japan.

Pretty amazing, eh?

Tuesday, September 09, 2008

Winco WonderlandSome of you didn't know what a WinCo was when I blogged about it the other day. WinCo is a grocery store chain. And, it is my favorite place to shop! Let me give you a few examples to illustrate why....
I went to WalMart the other day and walked out with 5 bags. The cost of those 5 bags? $87
Hubby went to Costco and walked out with half of his cart filled. The cost of half a cart? $90
I went to WinCo yesterday and filled the bottom rack of the cart. Filled the main basket till I could get nothing else in and then sat a few things around Baby Girl in her seat. The cost of a cart that was over flowing? $64.50
Some of the sales were opening day sales, but some were just their normal sales. I got boneless skinless chicken breasts for $1.48 a pound. Grapes for $.77 a pound. A 10 lb. bag of potatoes was $.68. They have a huge bulk foods section where I love to get all my spices. And, to top it all off, they carry my favorite brand of root beer in the whole world: Dad's! I love that stuff!
But, I have to say, yesterday was a bit harrowing. The store opened up at 7:00, but Red doesn't leave for school till 8:00. So, we took off after he left. Got there around 8:15 and had to stand in a short line to get into the store. It reminded me of shopping on the day after Thanksgiving. Baby Girl and I grabbed all of our amazing bargains, then we went and got in line to check out. There were only 4 people in front of me, so I felt pretty good about that. After a few minutes I turned around to see how big the line was behind me... holy cow. It went all the way down the center isle to the back of the store and then split in two... one arm headed into the bulk section and the other into the meat! It was insane! We got checked out and went out to find our car. I glanced over to see if there was still a line to get in the store... wowsers! It was HUGE! It went all the way down the store and wrapped around the corner of the building!! I guess I wasn't the only one who was excited about the opening. I was glad we got there when we did. It took us just over 2 hours to get our shopping done, but it was worth it!
Where is your favorite place to shop? Do you go to different stores for different items? Or do you go to one place and get it all done?

Saturday, September 06, 2008

Ultimate Super Fantastic
A Bad Mail Day = lots of bills, statement from your bank informing you of how little money you have at their establishment, and junk mail

A Not So Bad Mail Day = one or two bills, advertisements or coupons for a sale you might like, and junk mail

A Fair Mail Day = one bill, really good ads or coupons for a sale you would like, and junk mail

A Good Mail Day = no bills, awesome ads or coupons for a sale you MUST go to, a letter from a friend or family member, and junk mail

A Great Mail Day = no bills, 50% off coupons for your favorite store in the world, a package from a friend or family member, and junk mail

The Ultimate Super Fantastic Mail Day = Today

Today in the mail came an ad for Kohl's (not pictured) with some sales that I am REALLY excited to go check out. There was also the WinCo ad... you see, I love WinCo. Always have, always will. But we haven't had one down here... till now! It opens on Monday and the opening day sales? INCREDIBLE!! WOOHOO!! The huge package on the bottom is from my mom and sister and was FULL of all kinds of wonderfulness for the kids! Thanks again Mom and K! The package on top is some stuff I ordered from Oriental Trading for preschool with Baby Girl. Then, we have the letter.

The white letter with the Mickey sticker on it contains 4 free passes to Disneyland! My cousin and his family had these extra passes (he gets them from work) and they offered them to anyone in the family. We're not too far from Disneyland, so I told them if no one else wanted them, we would love them! They were more than happy to give them to us! HURRAH!! Thanks again T&T :) We'll send lots of pictures!!

What else was in the mail today? Junk mail. But only one letter. You know, Benjamin Franklin once said, "In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes." I think it would be safe to add junk mail to that list...

Friday, September 05, 2008

More Random Crap
No, this won't be another post about swearing. It's random crap from my life! Aren't you excited? I have too many things bouncing around in my head right now to make just one post, and I don't want to do multiple posts... so...here we go!

  • The elementary school that Red goes to claims to be a very forward thinking school. They want to teach the kids to be "world citizens". Which, you know, is great. But, in a way they seem a tad hypocritical. They spout off ideas of saving the planet and then send home enough random papers to destroy an entire rain forest...
  • Speaking of Red... he's already having problems with friends at school. I'm so flustered right now. I just don't know what to do for him.
  • Speaking of flustered... I've been asked to make phone calls for a political campaign. For some reason, this makes me INSANELY nervous! I really thought I was going to be sick to my stomach on the first day. Does anyone want to come finish the calls for me? No? Okay... well, I'm hoping to finish it all up today... pray that I don't make a mess on the carpet.
  • Speaking of messes... yesterday, I didn't do much. Baby Girl and I are the only ones home during the day. You'd think that the house would stay fairly clean, right? Nope. Somehow Baby Girl managed to make several monstrous messes right under my nose.
  • Speaking of Baby Girl... she and I are doing preschool here at home. We work on reading and letters, then we do an art project, then we work on numbers. Our first unit has been the ocean and we're both really enjoying that. We're hoping to take a trip to the ocean next week. For academic purposes, of course!
  • Speaking of trips... my cousin is getting married next week and I can't go. You have no idea how incredibly sad this makes me. We were really close - especially in college. Why does money always have to be a factor in such things? Can't we just do what we want, whenever we want?
  • Speaking of money... why would anyone waste money making bad craft projects? I have no idea, but there is a new blog highlighting some pretty weird crafts... It's called "Glitter Gone Bad" - it's good for a chuckle or two!

And that's it for random crap today. Not very funny or entertaining, but I feel better getting all the randomness out of my head!

Wednesday, September 03, 2008

Fast Food Favorites
I know that fast food is terrible for you. I know it is. But that doesn't stop me from having it every now and again. Usually after a really long day we'll go grab something to eat. Lately, I've had one too many long days... and the fast food has filled our house.
I wish I could say that I felt bad about this, but really? I don't. I love having someone else prepare a meal for me - even if it's just a burger, fries and a drink. Hey, I didn't have to lift a finger. I'm good.
We've eaten at many different fast food places, but I really only have one favorite. I used to love *Wendy's... but the last time we ate there it was gross. Really, really gross. As in "I don't know if I can ever eat there again" kind of gross. Plus, there was the time I was in the bathroom with Baby Girl washing up and we watched an employee come in, do her business (okay, we didn't watch THAT part), and walk out without washing her hands!! We left without ordering.
I'm not very fond of McDonald's because, well, it's McDonald's. Isn't that a good enough reason? They do have a chicken sandwich that I like, but, I'm not fond of ANY of their burgers.
Arbys is okay. But the buns for the sandwiches are always flat - like the employees are in the back taking out their frustrations on the poppy seeds or something.
Taco Bell used to be good, but they've changed their menu in the last few years. And now? Everything seems to be covered in that nasty yellow nacho cheese. That stuff is icky.
I know everyone rants and raves over In-N-Out burgers, but, um, I just don't get it. The burger was fine. But nothing that I was super excited over...
Carl's Jr. is yummy. The burgers are big and juicy and the fries are decent. It comes in a close second on my list. But my favorite fast food place ever is...
A&W. I know some people really hate the place, but I love it! The fries are always cooked just right - crispy on the outside, nice and soft (not oily soggy) on the inside. The burgers are yummy and who doesn't love A&W root beer? My favorite thing is to go inside and order my root beer in a mug. You see, they freeze the mugs and then when they put the root beer in, the drink gets all icy and slushy. In the heat of the summer, a treat like that is simply divine!
So, there you have it. I have waxed poetic (or something) about fast food. And now, dear reader, it's your turn. Tell me, what's your favorite fast food joint and why do you love it so much?

*As for the places I dislike, it may be a local thing. Perhaps the In-N-Out in another area is much better. Maybe the Wendy's in another town isn't so nasty. There's a possibility that the McDonald's in another state is wonderful... well, okay, probably not, but you never know!

Tuesday, September 02, 2008

Random Crap
I'm a bit of a prude... I admit it. I like my books, movies, media etc. to be fairly clean. I'm not opposed to a great romance, but I don't want to see/read/hear about their bedroom escapades. I can let an occasional cuss word slip by... but sometimes, it just gets to me.

For me, reading is like taking a walk through an amazing garden. It's captivating and enjoyable and then... well, sometimes you step in dog poop. That's what reading foul language is like to me. It seems to show a lack of creativity and intelligence for an author to stoop to such base, crass language. There are so many other ways to fill the pages of a book.

And I think it bothers me even more when the swearing is random. You're reading along and for no apparent reason, a character cusses. There's no anger, no frustration, no emotion behind it. Just throwing it in there for the fun of it, I guess. And it doesn't fit with the story. It makes everything feel disjointed and awkward for awhile. Like stepping in dog poop.

And there you have it. I'm a prude who uses dog poop to make an analogy. At least I changed it to a garden, instead of the same ol' dog poop in the brownies story...

Monday, September 01, 2008

The Sun'll Come Out TOMORROW
I can see the end. I have almost made it. Just one more day. Just one. It's so close... I can just about taste it. I know there are parents who dread this time of year, I'm not one of them. I rejoice and sing and do a happy dance. I don't dance very well, but it doesn't matter. Baby Girl will be the only one here to witness it because....
SCHOOL STARTS TOMORROW!
The constant fighting will mellow out now (right?). They will be content to play with their toys that they only get to see for a short time each day(I hope). Homework will keep them busy(this I KNOW). And I will have a semi-sense of peace.
I just have to make it through today... I think I can, I think I can...