So I lied. I didn't come on here yesterday at all, I don't think...but hubby's in there contentedly watching his CSI, and he knows I hate it, so I've got a good 14 minutes.

So who caught Survivor tonight? Ahhh...got my new Survivor fix...I feel so much better...so whatcha all think? I know it's supposed to be all the hub-bub with the racial sorting and all that...I dunno. They've already exploited the heck out of agism, sexism, and every other ism you could probably name, why is THIS taboo? No one threw huge fits about those. Why is the color of our skin such a huge deal still? (Please hear the STILL part of that sentence) What I did find interesting was one of the team people commented that he didn't really get along with people of his own race very well. He (Coi Boi) came over as a refugee from the Vietnam war...so I wonder if it's the "Amercanized" Vietnamese that he doesn't get (or they him), all Vietnamese, or just people in general? He seems like a pretty neat guy...I'd want to get to know him for sure...definitely someone I'd want on my team! NOW, if I've said anything offensive, Lord knows I didn't mean to...sometimes things get a little touchy...(not with me, so if you have an opinion, go for it!)

So excited my TV is getting good again...Amazing Race, Biggest Loser...I wanna check out that new show, Heroes, that's supposed to come on sometime in the Fall too...Looks cool, and Jess seems interested in it...

My house is so gross. My folks are coming to visit on Sunday (also my hubby's birthday, by the way...he'll be 35!!), and it's just plain disgusting in here. When hubby stays home from work, I get NOTHING accomplished. Actually backslide. Dishes accumulate, ground clutter=no carpet in sight, laundry piles up...I have GOT to kick him out tomorrow and get stuff done. Think I'll work out in the nautilus room first, THEN swim tomorrow, so maybe I'll miss all the chatters. Just 'til next week...I just really gotta get stuff done, not spend 4 hours at the gym. Can't seem to fix my ticker up there, for some reason xanga won't let me enter stuff in my header anymore, but I'm up to 65 pounds lost now!!! Hit a plateau there for a month or so, but I THINK I might have broken it (fingers crossed, knock on wood). I've got 13 more 'til I look halfway decent, and 33 more 'til my military weight. Thank goodness. I'll probably stop somewhere between decent and military...I've had 2 kids since military, and things have kind of stretched and sagged since then. THOUGH, have I mentioned that when I do reach that final goal weight, hubby says I can check out tummy tuck surgery? Now, that was 60 pounds ago that he mentioned this, he might be seeing this as a reality now...I think he's started safeguarding his wallet!!!

Hey-there used to be someone on here called Ms.BeautyExpert. Anyone know where she went? 'Cause I need some help!!! I'm gonna have to shave my head bald if I don't get any. (help that is) So I'm in the pool at least 1 1/2 hours 5 days a week. A HEAVILY chlorinated pool. I got about 4 inches of my hair chopped off last time I went with all the dead ends from the chlorine, and since then have been following hairdressers advice to the letter. (wet hair before going in pool, slathering hair with salon conditioner -I use Biolage-, swim, rinse out, reapply conditioner, wash out when I get home) So, my hair should be healthy right? Nope. I can barely comb through it in the morning. I was so close to just grabbing a pair of scissors this morning and just chopping it off. Most of the hair that falls below my ears feels like wig-hair. You can't even run your fingers through it after it's just combed. WHAT CAN I DO? I'm afraid to go get my hair cut again, 'cause what if the chlorine just gets up in the newly cut hair? Great. I'll get in shape, but I'm gonna have to be bald to do it. That just doesn't seem fair, does it?

Kids seem to be doing OK in school...Jess is not liking the 8th graders...apparently they try to rule the school, bullying the "sevvies", and just being jerks in general. But she's trying out for Poms in a couple of weeks, and is making new friends just practicing, so that looks good. Did I ever mention we got her moved to Advanced Skills and Literature? Yeagh!!! Couldn't get approval to move her to Pre-Algebra, but that seems to be working out OK too...she's brought home a few homework assignments now that she's had some trouble with, and I was at a loss, too! Jason has his own number out on the playground for recess. I think I said how they do the stoplight for behavior...if you move off green you miss minutes of recess according to the color you hit...well, they stand on four square numbers while they watch the class play. Jason has claim to his very own square. Sigh. He tells me he just can't seem to close his mouth during class. I'm just glad it's for talking and not chucking someone upside the head. That's good for me. (and him!) I volunteered in the kindergarten computer classrooms today, so got to see him in action...he's just a social little guy. Speaking of volunteering, seems like I (or someone decided I could do more than I said I would) am volunteering in his classroom EVERY Thursday all morning, and with 2 Kindergarten classes teaching Art. (our school doesn't have an art program, so relies on parents to come in and do it). So glad I haven't turned in the lunchtime volunteer sheet...seems like they take the willing ones and run them in the ground! I don't mind, really...this is what I want to do, anyway...just wish I could get paid for it!!!

Time's up...I'm pretty sure I covered almost everything, anyway...there are still some deeper issues to discuss...but we'll cover those at a later time...take care ya'll and have a fantastic weekend!!!

Real quick...

You want to watch something interesting, albeit hearbreaking? HBO's: When the Levees Broke; a Requiem in 4 parts...on for a few more weeks...I HIGHLY recommend watching this...

I'm way tired right now, so am sort of brain dead and blah. So will write more tomorrow, if hubby is asleep/at work...if I'm on here when he's awake and alert, he wants me to be doing something with him...and will constantly ask me what I"m doing, what I'm doing now, how 'bout now, and so on and so forth until I go nuts. SO....will try to m ake time to chat with ya'll tomorrow!!!

What is the deal here? I'm more busy now that both kids are in school than I ever was...maybe 'cause I have all these things I want to get done. I dunno. I DO know that no one is letting me do what I want to do. Yeah, yeah, I know, I can say no. So I've been helping sis move in and unpack, hubby has been spending an extraordinary amount of time at home, and people keep talking to me at the Y. That doesn't sound like such a huge complaint, but when you're spending 3 hours at the gym, and only 1 1/2 hr is spent actually excercising, it can be a little frustrating. I think I might be grumpy right now, though, too. I love talking to these people, they're wonderful, but I don't want to spend all day there. Especially when then want to talk right in the middle of a lap or whatever. Swimming is just like aerobics...you don't want to bring your pulse rate down. I think I'm definitely grumpy. I sure sound like it don't I? What a whiner. I'm also going to start volunteering with Jason's school, Jessi's girl scout troop, and the church youth group. Jason's school I'm going to help out in the library, computer room, and the art program, and possibly a few lunches here and there...also thinking about joining the PTO...not sure about that one, though.

Jessi's youth group...hmmm...having problems with this. Had the chance to observe the group in action the other night. VERY clicky. I DON"T LIKE THAT. Jess doesn't want to go, drags her feet if she knows that 2 or 3 people won't be there. And these girls are SO obvious about it...this is a big meeting, right? The youth council is sitting up in front of all the parents. They're clapping for some of the new elects and not others...waving hi to some kids coming in, and not others...one is taking pics of a girl in the front row with her camera phone...I ask you, isn't church supposed to be a safe place? One where you are free to be who you are and be accepted for that? Not really happy about that and may consider changing churches all together if things don't get better. Granted, she missed most of the summer youth sessions, and didn't really get a chance to know anyone, but the atmosphere should still be a warm one, ya know? Tell me what ya think...

Went to Walmart yesterday and got me some REALLY pretty mums...2 huge baskets, and 2 tiny ones. The huge ones are the orange with deep red inside, and the little are the maroon ones...and the air was perfect today for them too...I stepped outside with my beautiful mums and it felt a little autumny...which is only a few weeks away, by the way...how fast is time going by this year, anyway??? We're supposed to go to the Japanese festival at the Botanical Gardens...hubby is down and out for the weekend it seems...leprosy seems to be acting up again...we may just go on Monday, anyway, if it looks like it's going to be anything like it was today!! Though it will definitely feel like a part of us is missing...we've done that every year as a family since we moved stateside...don't know how I feel about it yet.

That's about it for me tonight I think...sis and bro in law coming down tomorrow again, and lately every time they come I wind up falling asleep on the couch while she and I watch a movie at night...I'm such a lame-o! So I'm going to bed early tonight...and may suggest a card game tomorrow night or something so I don't crash early on her!!!

                                                                  

Here's something that I just dug up....and for all us women at the pool, please listen up men!!!


A few rules for what men can and cannot wear at a private pool.

1) Speedos. Speedos cannot be worn by men under the following conditions:

1A) If when you look down, you can't see the color of your Speedo, you probably should not be wearing one. No matter how manly your chest may be, if your belly exceeds your chest, it is not arousing to women to see your skimpy bathing suit.

1B) If your belly hangs down over the top of the Speedo, you should not be wearing one. No, women are not impressed that you can do finger acrobatics tying up your Speedo with only one hand, as the other hand is being used to lift up the fold of skin of your belly hanging mercilessly down over the top of your Speedo.

1C) If you have one of those penises that kind of stick straight out as opposed to hang down, you should not be wearing one. No, women do not get turned on by 1and a 1/2 inches of pure male passion raging from your loins.

1D) If you have a butt that is larger than most lawn chairs, skip the Speedo.

1F) If you are the type of guy who gets aroused when you see a woman in less than an overcoat and/or if there is a gentle breeze, you should not be wearing one. Teepees are for Indian reservations and not for the pool thankyouverymuch.

2) If you cannot wear a Speedo, and are wearing short type bathing suits, please for the sake of all humankind, wear one with an inner shell. There is nothing sexier than seeing your boys hanging down as you sit in that position that only a man can do so gracelessly, but it is impolite to be the cause of so many women getting so horny at midday, so keep your boys hidden.

3) No thongs under any circumstances.

4) If you wear sandals, do not wear white knee socks.

 

                             

                   

                 

 

Busy, busy, busy.  My sister is moving again...this time closer...she was across town, now she's about a 15 minute WALK away.  Not quite sure how I'm feeling about this yet.  The kids are all excited...they're all "Yeah, Aunt Mindy, now we can just bike over every day!!!"  Me - "Yeah...how 'bout not?" Love them, but can only take them in small doses.  Middle one is tons of fun...very upbeat kinda guy, little one has issues that has unfortunately made her a little more than spoiled sometimes, and oldest is the most negative person I have ever met.  And she must make everyone else know it.  I've laid my rules down on them, and they do get better when they're in my house...no being nasty mean to each other or talk bad about themselves, no fits, and no sassing me.  They're slowly learning I mean it, too.  So, anyway, I"ve been helping her paint her house before we move all the stuff in next weekend...WAY cute house too...though I wish she'd found one with a basement...but those are like gold around here and you certainly pay for it!!! 

Kids have started school...Jess is loving it, though feels she got put in the lower level classes and is trying to move into the honors classes for Literature, Language skills, and pre-algebra.  I really don't understand why she got lower level, either...honor roll 3 quarters last year, and honorable mention the last quarter...one B and it was a 92. What?  Called the school (cause at this point in this school system, you need to start taking the honors classes already...you can start earning college credits in high school) and asked why they had put her in these...answer was placement tests.  OK...so one day of testing can blow an entire years worth of grades?  That's just crap.  So we're fighting this right now...she asked her teachers personally, and the math teacher wants to let her move up already, and the English teacher wants her to prove herself first.  My question is how long does it take one to prove themselves?  She writes stories for fun, now...has one the Young Authors National award in the past, reads stuff like The Hobbit, Watership Down to pass time...come on already. 

My boy...sigh.  I knew school would be like this.  He likes it OK...though he met the principal before school even officially started at the kindergarten popsicle party...for tossing rocks on the playground.  Not huge trouble...though I'm sure the principal filed his face away for future reference. Then on the short day (1 hour)  he got in trouble for hitting a boy BACK...my son doesn't take guff very well...and the second day had to miss part of recess because he didn't want to rest during rest time...he wanted to talk to his neighbor about bugs.  He told me later "mom, I'm just not a very restful person". How cute is that? And true.   Whole bunch of little lectures and a day later...I'm picking him up from school...he runs out of the school door yelling "no yellow light today, mom!!!" All happy....so awesome.  I'm sure it'll get better, right?  I just don't want the school system to stomp the Jason out of Jason, you know what I mean?  He's a very individualistic child...and I don't want it ground under someones toe, because they want conformity.  And I'm not saying that's what schools do...but some teachers do.  SOME.  The ones who are tired and just want all their little sheep to baa the same way.  Give me the teacher who's an orchestra leader in disguise any day...the one who knows how to blend and make beautiful music with what he/she is given...anyway, here's hoping next week is full of green lights. 

This is going to be a super long entry today, I think...I got tagged by azcason...thanks so much...so, in turn, I tag everyone with this who hasn't done it yet...I kinda dropped off the face of xanga there for a little bit, so haven't really kept track...anyhoo, here goes!

1. Grab the book nearest you, turn to page 18, line 4?

"Lets all draw pictures of ourselves"  teacher talking to Christopher Robin in Pooh's First Day of School...

 Reach your arm out as far as you can. What can you touch? 

Daughters keyboard...hubby set up computers in the dining room so he could geek out with friends last night...

 

3. What's the last thing you watched on TV?

I'm embarrassed to answer this one...Season 3 of Paris and Nicole...I didn't want to move to get the remote.  Yes, it was stupid. 

4. Without looking, what time is it?

10:30

5. What time is it actually?

Eh...10:44, but I was pretty darn close.

6. Except for the computer what can you hear?

TV doing a thing on Punky Brewster...still haven't bothered to change the channel. And Jason coughing upstairs. 

7. When did you last step outside and what were you doing?

Went out to help sis figure out what color paint she should get for her bedroom. 

8. Before you started this survey what were you doing?

Paris and Nicole.  WATCHING the show, ya sickos.

9. What are you wearing?

Pooh shirt, jean shorts, Madonna pointy bra...(just seeing if anyone's really paying attention)

10. Did you dream last night?

I'm sure....

11. When did you last laugh?

When I looked at some pics I just got developed after the kids went to bed...I've got this one of Jason floating in the tub...you've got this super tan little body and this glow in the dark white butt...SO FUNNY...

12. What's on the walls in the room you're in?

Japanese painting on one wall...nothin' on the rest.  I suck at decorating.

13. Seen anything weird

I have 2 children.  If I never saw anything weird, I'd be worried...

14. What do you think of this quiz?

What quiz? I have test anxiety, ya know.

15. Last film or video seen?

Oooh... saw Kinsey today...interesting movie.  A little warped here and there, but it is thought provoking.

16. If you became a multimillionaire overnight what's the first thing you'd do?

Move.

17. Tell me something I don't know about yourself?

I have this growth on my...oh never mind...

18. If you could change one thing about the world regardless of politics what would it be?

Everyone has a roof above their heads, food in their bellies, and love in their hearts.

20. Do you like to dance?

Sometimes...depends on what I'm drinking! 

21. What comment would you like to make to George Bush?

Honestly, nothing to say here...sorry to disappoint...

22. Your first child is a girl what do you name her?

Ummm....let's see...how bout Jessica? (though I really wanted Summer Skye...hubby thought that was way to hippie for him)

23. Your first child is a boy what do you name him?

That would be Jason.  (though I loved Zachariah Michael)

24. Would you ever consider living abroad?

been there, done that, loved it, would do it again, especially if they made some sort of gigantic land bridge...I hate to fly and huge metal bridges make me nervous. 

25. What do you want God to say to you when you reach the pearly gates?

"sorry, my mistake...you're not due up here for a couple years yet- go on back"

 

I can so see this being my son...

 

 

63 Things About Me

1) How old do you wish you were?   Ya know...I'm good where I am...wish I was a little less saggy here and there...that does come with age, but I feel pretty good about me now, and that takes YEARS to get there...I don't wanna work back up to it!

2) Where were you when 9-11 happened?  Just turned on the morning news when the second plane went in...called my sister immediately asking what kind of sick joke is this...remember her crying and saying it was real....I couldn't believe it...kids were in school, wanted to run and pull them out and hug them close...this would be when I gave up watching the news...

3) What do you do when vending machines steal your money? I don't like it when ANYTHING steals my money - c'mon...depends if kids are with me...if not, I may try hitting it a couple of times...if so, nice mommy goes to the cashier for her quarters back...

4) Do you consider yourself kind?  yes

5) If you had to get a tattoo, where would it be? outer ankle...just a small one...of Tigger... 

6) If you could be fluent in any other language what would it be? Sign language...to be trapped in a world without sound and most of the population of hearing doesn't bother to learn even a little...no thank you...I know enough to have a VERY general conversation right now, but fluency would be awesome!

7) Do you know your neighbors? I grew up in the country where you ALWAYS know your neighbors, and can just go down the road to borrow a cup of sugar if ya need to....now I"m in the suburbs and seem to be the only one interested in having close relationships...it's weird.  But, yeah, I know 'em.  (whether they want me to or not!)  Unless we get military neighbors in...they know to cherish the neighbor attitude too...

8) What do you consider a vacation? Leaving my house with a bag of clothes to possibly change into.  I'm pretty simple that way. 

9) Do you follow your horoscope? NO

10) Would you move for the person you loved? Of course - and being a military wife, I've had to do it lots.  And am missing it VERY much now that he's out.  Got that 3 year itch to clean house.

11) Are you touchy feely? No, but I am a closet hugger.  I'll ask people if they need a hug rather than just leap in...I'll take a hug anytime.

12) Do you believe that opposites attract? Yep

13) Dream job? Preschool teacher...professional traveler...marine biologist...treasure hunter...millionaire...hmmm....

14) Favorite channel(s)?  Anything with a good reality show.  I'm sick. It's an addiction.

15) Favorite place to go on weekends? Anywhere with the family!. 

16) Showers or Baths? Totally a hot soakier. Make the bath just as HOT as you can possibly stand it...turning skin red kinda hot, ice cold water to drink next to you, a good book, and a good hour or so...nice.

17) Do you paint your nails? not normally, but they do look kinda pretty when they are...should probably do it more....

18) Do you trust people easily? Too easy most of the time...they way I work, I trust first, then if you lose it, it's gone and you gotta re-earn it...if possible. 

19) What are your phobias? I don't think there's enough room on here.  Parasitic bugs, heights (in a major way), anything happening to my kids that I can't prevent or help with.  (better get over this one, right?)  I do, of course, mean life threatening.

20) Do you want kids? Got 2, thanks...I'm done.

21)Do you keep a handwritten journal?  No, used to when I was in high school and college...I kinda like this.

22) Where would you rather be right now? Hunh. Once again, I'm good.  Maybe in a clean house. 

23) What makes you feel warm and safe? When I'm really really sad, my husbands arms.

24) Heavy or light sleeper? Light.

25) Are you paranoid? no

26) Are you impatient? How long IS this thing?

27) Who can you relate to?  Umm...what?

28) How do you feel about interracial couples?  People are people...I agree with KPSmom...why is this even a question???   Now, interspecies I have a slight problem with... 

30) What's your life motto? Just keep swimming....and try to always make the world a better place then it was when you woke up that morning...even if it's just a smile at a stranger...never know what a smile can do!!!

31) What's your main ringtone on your mobile? Some plain ol ring...wish I could figure out how to get the cool ringtones on my new phone...I hate it.

32) What were you doing at midnight last night? Watching a way cool movie...11:14. Very cleverly done... 

33) Who was your last text message from?  the phone company.  We don't do texting.

34) Who's bed did you sleep in last night? mine!

35) What color shirt are you wearing? blue

36) What are you listening to right now? the theme song to Drake and Josh..kids are outside, but TV's still on...

37) Name three things you have on you at all times? ALL times?  Like, never have off?  I'd have to say my hair, legs, arms....no prosthetics here. 

38) What color are your bed sheets? green.

39) How much cash do you have on you right now? About 5 dollars...

40) What is your favorite part of the chicken?  Drumsticks or wings....

41) Whats you're fav city/place?  I hate the city.  My favorite place would be anywhere wide open, with flowers and trees and fresh air!  (kpsmom...once again...great minds think alike!)

42) I can't wait till . . .we move again.

43) Who got you to join xanga? Apie and numberonebrother...who don't xanga any more!

44) What did you have for dinner last night? taco meat with about a cup of cheese and taco bell sauce..still doing the low carb thing...

45) How tall are you barefoot? 5'8

46) Have you ever smoked? Smoked what?  I have never smoked cigarettes.  In my wilder days I may have done other things...

47) Do you own a gun? NO...anti-gun for my family.

48) water or tea? 90 ounces a day, thank you. 

49) What is your secret weapon to lure in the opposite sex? Opposite sex being my husband...cleavage.  Sucker for it everytime. 

50) Do you have A.D.D.? Now, I would have to say about this...oh look...a squirrel...

51) What time did you wake up today?  6 a.m.  This is normally my work out time, but had to get up that early today to get my daughter up for school!!!  She has to meet the bus by 7:10.

52) Current worry? That my son will eat something he's allergic to at school

53) Current want? That he won't. And for my husband to get the job offer he wants that will make all his stress go away.

54) Favorite place to be? with the family!  Love it in the morning when Jason wants snuggles and we just nuggle up on the couch watching Mr. Rogers or Sesame St. 

55) Where would you like to travel in the future? Africa

56) Where do you think you'll be in 10 yrs? Hmmm..I'd be 43...Jess would be in college...Jason would be learning to drive...hopefully in a career at this point of my life...

57) last thing you ate? almonds

58) What songs do you sing in the shower? country...really rings well in there.

59) Last person that made you laugh? My weirdo son. 

60) Worst injury you've ever had?  Motorcycle accident in high school...tore up the front of my shin, cracked my hand, and knocked my noggin pretty good...

61) Does someone have a crush on you? would be nice if hubby still had a nice healthy crush on me!

62) What is your favorite candy? I really try not to think about real candy...sugar free stuff though, Peppermint patties are YUMMY.

63) What song do you want played at your funeral? Something with a good beat.  I want people tapping their toes...

 

 

For some reason, it won't let me put stuff on top...oh well...

Kid's first day of school was today.  They only went for an hour...tomorrow's the big one...hope Jason does OK....I'm sure he will...he'll bring his lunch tomorrow, and Friday eat cafeteria food...Lord, just don't let nuts get near him, please!!!  We're fixin' to go out to dinner in a few minutes, so I'd better head...Probably post tomorrow if I have time!  HA!  Actually, I need to go by the community center pickup paycheck, drop off playgroup proposal, organize Choo Choo cabinets, I WANT to get some cleaning done, work out...we'll see what actually happens!

 Chemistry  Final

Introductory Chemistry at Duke University has been taught for about a zillion years by Professor Bonk (really), and his course is semi-affectionately known as "Bonkistry." He has been around forever, so I wouldn't put it past him to come up with something like this.

Anyway, one year there were these two guys who were taking Chemistry and who did pretty well on all of the quizzes and the midterms and labs, etc., such that going into the final they had a solid A. These two friends were so confident going into the final that the weekend before finals week (even though the Chem final was on Monday), they decided to go up to UVirginia and party with some friends up there.

So they did this and had a great time. However, with their hangovers and everything, they overslept all day Sunday and didn't make it back to Duke until early Monday morning. Rather than taking the final then, what they did was to find Professor Bonk after the final and explain to him why they missed the final. They told him that they went up to UVa for the weekend, and had planned to come back in time to study, but that they had a flat tire on the way back and didn't have a spare and couldn't get help for a long time and so were late getting back to campus.

Bonk thought this over and then agreed that they could make up the final on the following day. The two guys were elated and relieved. So, they studied that night and went in the next day at the time that Bonk had told them. He placed them in separate rooms and handed each of them a test booklet and told them to begin.

They looked at the first problem, which was something simple about molarity and solutions and was worth 5 points. "Cool" they thought, "this is going to be easy." They did that problem and then turned the page.

They were unprepared, however, for what they saw on the next page. It said:

(95 points) Which tire?

 

                                     

                                                         

   

 Time for a happier post.  Though it still hurts ALOT...

We're watching my sister's dog for her while she's out visiting in Colorado...this dog is crazy.  Every time you put her leash on she plays tug of war with the part that connects her collar to the leash.  EVERY time.  She'll also pick out one little piece of food out of her dish, deposit it on the floor, THEN eat it.  One by one. So she basically looks like she's having some kind of fit, 'cause it's not just carefully depositing it...it's flinging it with her head.  Im kinda liking this dog.  My kinda freak. 

                      

School starts next week. My oldest goes into 7th grade...jr. high.  AAAACCCKKKK!!!!  Jr. High is no fun.  Hope she lives through it.  Jr High is the age/school where kids are the meanest, most horrible of their young lives...not knowing who in the heck they are, trying to figure it out...usually at the expense of others feelings.  Can you tell I hated Jr. high?  And I did my share of downing other kids then too...let's be honest, we all did...some more than others.  I apologized to my target at our 5 year reunion...I still feel bad for making his life hell for a couple of years.  Well, probably not really hell, I've never been THAT mean, but a few names and pranks were done.  And at that age, (jr high age), looking at someone cross eyed can damage them psychologically for weeks.  My daughter is already going nuts.  Very mild mannered Jess flings off the handle at the drop of a hat lately.  She actually gets angry at us, stomping up the stairs...cries if we even get a stern voice...my hubby and I have bets as to when she'll start her period...I say in the next 2 months...he's called 3 weeks.  Fun times. And she's so sensitive right now...jr. high may eat her alive if she's not careful.

                         

     Jason, MY BABY BOY, goes off to kindergarten next week too.  What's a mom to do????  Go nuts, I think.  The first couple of days are reserved for crying around the house bemoaning the loss of children...then I'm gonna live it up.  Such a lie.  Told my hubby the house would probably never be cleaner. May even paint a couple of rooms...do some volunteer things around his school, alot of time at the Y...woohoo...just a regular party animal, me! Actually, I'm thinking it might be time to start my business here...start working hard time on my business plan, work on getting a huge loan, finding a building...I think it's time.  SO, if you live around the St. Louis/Illinois area, start looking for a Kidz @ Play near you!!!

                                                                

Did I mention camp was over?  Great run, this year.  And great counselors...only one's not invited to come back next year...waste of space. Losing one to college...bummer. He's been with us for 2 years, and quite an integral part of our backbone.  He will be missed ALOT. We creamed him on his last day...literally.  I went out and bought 20 cans of whipped cream and we got 'em pretty good.  Did you know that if you sit out in the sun with that stuff on you, you start smelling like baby spit up?  I don't recommend it.

So, with our week break between camp and school, we have crammed a summers worth of fun into this week.  We did 6 Flags on Tuesday, the pool on Wednesday, the Lake on Thursday, Splash City on Friday, Homecoming parade and carnival yesterday...and today we're taking it a little slower...though Jess went with a friend to the Air Show on base and then a youth group function.  Whew!  I've decided next year at the parade however, it would be neat if our camp made a float and had it in the parade...how cute would that be?  Make it look like a little choo choo train...have some little campers riding in the back with their hats on...(camp was called Camp Choo Choo by the way)...

                                                  

Speaking of camp and the rec center...idea for me to return to...note to self, if you will...preschool science play group..."The Investigators"...weekly meeting of preschoolers and their parents (though not necessary for parents) to do basic science experiments to explore world around them.

                                                                     

'Nother note to self:  DO NOT SELL HOUSE IN AUGUST.  We are right under the normal flight pattern for the air base, anyway...we see landing gear come down and everything...during the Air Show, however...it gets just a little loud here...F-16's doing rolls right over the house...and yes, I DO mean RIGHT over...we see the camoflauge paint and everything.  So nice. 

                                         

Well, that's it in a nutshell right now...Nutshell...that's about right.  Let me leave you smiling...I don't think I"ve done that in awhile!

>> WHENEVER A WOMAN LIES?
>>
>>
>>
>> One day, a seamstress was sewing while sitting close
>> to a river and her thimble fell into the
>> river.  When she cried out, the Lord appeared and
>> asked, "My dear child, why are you crying?"
>>
>> The seamstress replied that her thimble had fallen
>> into the water and that she needed it to
>> help her husband in making a living for their family.
>>
>> The Lord dipped his hand into the water and pulled up
>> a golden thimble set with pearls.
>>
>> "Is this your thimble?" the Lord asked.
>>
>> The seamstress replied, "No."
>>
>> The Lord again dipped into the river.  He held out a
>> silver thimble ringed with sapphires.
>>
>> "Is this your thimble?" the Lord asked again.
>>
>> The seamstress replied, "No"
>>
>> The Lord reached down again and came up with a leather
>> thimble.  "Is this your thimble?" the Lord asked.
>>
>> The seamstress replied, "YES."
>>
>> The lord was pleased with the woman's honesty and gave
>> her all three thimbles to keep and the
>> seamstress went home happy.
>>
>> Some years later, the seamstress was walking with her
>> husband along the same riverbank and
>> her husband fell into the river and disappeared under
>> the water.  When she cried out, the Lord
>> again appeared and asked her, "Why are you crying?"
>> "Oh Lord, my husband has fallen into the river!"
>>
>> The Lord went down into the water and came up with Johnny Depp. "Is this your husband?" the Lord asked.
>>
>> "Yes," cried the seamstress.
>>
>> The lord was furious. "YOU LIED!  That is an untrue!
>>
>> The seamstress replied, "Oh, forgive me, my Lord. It
>> is a misunderstanding.  You see, if I had
>> said 'no' to Johhny Depp, you would have come up with
>> Hugh Jackman.  Then, if I said 'No' to him, you
>> would have come up with my husband and had I then said
>> 'yes' you would have given me all
>> three. Lord, I'm not in the best of health and would
>> not be able to take care of all three
>>
>> husbands, so that's why I said 'yes' to Johnny Depp."
>>
>> The moral of this story is:
>>
>>
>>
>> WHENEVER A WOMAN LIES, IT'S FOR A GOOD AND HONORABLE
>> REASON AND IN THE BEST INTEREST OF OTHERS.
>>
>>
>>
>> THAT'S OUR STORY, AND WE'RE STICKING TO IT.

 

                                           

>>
>>

Sorry it's been so long, folks.  No song today, either.  None fit the post.  Last Saturday (not this past one, but the one before that), we buried our kitty Chako. Just took me awhile to be able to post about it...still kind of makes my throat get tight...still a little fresh, ya know?  Still see a black object maybe lying around the house, or a shadow in the back yard, and think "oh, look, there's Chako...wait a minute..." nope.  He was our counter kitty, too.  Bad kitty...in this regard, though still crafty as hell.  Kiya (the oldest) would wait at the bottom (smart cat...she knew better) and wait for Chako the daredevil rebel cat to leap up there and grab the goodies to bring down to her.  He'd always get in SO much trouble for that...now we're missing that tell-tale thump of the jump down...missing the possible mess of the food dragged down...who knew we'd be so messed up to miss THAT?   Kiya's missing him too....she does a nightly yowl looking for him...used to she'd just lay by my side 'til the lights went out, then she'd go down and snuggle with him by my feet...now she doesn't move from my side all night.  She's 15...I don't want to do this again soon.  But yeah, his cancer got the best of him.  Stupid cancer.  Cancer sucks.  SUCKS.  And that is SOOOOO putting it WAY lightly. So we had taken him in and found out he had this tumor in his stomach, right?  Weighed in at that appt. at 7 lbs (down from 16)...tumor the size of a small peach...the very next week, 6 days later, 6 pounds -  tumor the size of a large peach...2 days later we "assisted" him with the vet to move on.  Assisted.  That sucks too.  My husband and I both took him in to the vet that day...vet said the shot usually took about 20- 30 minutes so they could just drift off into sleep...he was so far gone already he took 3 minutes tops. Still kills me, though, thinking about it...we took him to my parents house and buried him in the little pet cemetary they have out in the back yard...this house we have now won't be our forever house, and we want to be able to know he's in a good resting place...Crap. Bawling like a baby again.  He was a member of our family...nursed him from a kitten over in Japan...I have pics somewhere of how tiny he was..gonna have to dig them out and post them for you...paid huge money to ship them (Kiya and Chako) over from Japan...hubby griping the whole way, as he always did about the kitties...but he was right there crying with me saying goodbye. Made many moves with Chako...such an easy going kitty...He had attended many many tea parties with Jess growing up, necklaces, tiaras, the works...tackled by Jason, carried around like a football...and always always gentle...purring the whole time, even.  In June he finally caught his first bird too...a baby, actually...it had fallen out of it's nest...and yes, I rescued it, but  I stilll remember how proud he looked strutting up to the porch to show us his treasure..if I'd have know it was a final hurrah for the guy I'da let him have it...really.  He's always just watched the birds before, in that stalking cat kind of way...never doing anything about it...he was so proud.  'K...I'm gonna go.  As my son put it so perfectly, my heart is crying....again.

                 

                 

                  

                 

 

                                     

Goodbye, Chako-lako...we love you and miss you....

I must be crabby...all I want to do right now is complain about most everything.  First of all, Sprint (cell phone) is REALLY irritating me right now, my daughter is begging to go somewhere 'cause she's bored...she sprained her ankle Monday at a friends house, decided to not let me know, hobbled around on it 'til she came home late Tuesday, took her to ER, BAD sprain, air cast, total foot up rest for a week.  Counselors at camp just need to go...one TOTALLY not welcome to come back next year...don't need a bump on a log sitting around at camp...need someone who works...sweet person, but non-motivated...gotta go vent outside...might come back.

Feeling a little better...it's a few hours later...still have stuff to get ready for work tomorrow, and need to go let out my friends dog for a little bit...hmmm....15 minutes 'til I want to get to bed...what on Earth am I doing on here, for goodness sake? 

Hubby was irritating me too.  Actually got downstairs fairly clean...he stays home for 2 days and it's all shot to heck.  Man can't seem to EVER pick up after himself.  Now, as you ladies are all shaking your head in understanding, tell me if you have it this bad.  He will drink his Dews and leave his cans laying.  On the floor, next to the couch.  He has a nest right next to his couch.  A nest.  I'm serious.  His book, food wrappers, Dew cans, computer crap he might be working on, remote control, video game controls...makes me sick.  Plus he was looking for a certain video game and just left all his games all over the floor in front of the TV.  Yes, I'm talking about a grown man.  THEN he has the balls to get irritated with ME when I ask him to clean up his stuff...he looks at my little pile of work stuff I left on the floor.  I told him, when you bother to clean the house, THEN you can tell ME to clean up MY stuff.  Grrr....

Also, is it weird to ask ya'll to pray for my kitty?  Chako, my 13 year old black kitty cat has cancer.  Lymphoma of the tummy.  He has lost SO much weight...he's pretty much just a fur covered skeleton at this point.  He used to weigh in at 16 lbs...and not chubby...more like a little panther...BIG kitty.  Now he's 7 lbs.  We found out last Thursday, because he just totally stopped eating...he's eating a bite every now and then, now, and we're doing steroid therapy.  They asked if we wanted to try chemo...he's just not able to do that, I think.  And when I told them our decision, they shook their heads in agreement, so...my poor kitty.  We nursed him from a baby baby...brought him back from Japan...which wasn't cheap, let me tell you!  He's our Halloween kitty, our car trip kitty, our cuddle under the covers kitty.  I don't think he's gonna make it too much longer...he's not suffering...still cuddles with us, purring loud enough to hear in the other room, still loves laying in the sunshine...I dunno.  What do I do if they suggest putting him down?  I don't think we could do that.  I just don't know...the very thought breaks my heart.  I told the kids (Jess in a little more detail than Jason) that Chako wouldn't be with us to much longer...Jason looks at me, pets Chako, and tells me "but mama, that would make my heart cry..."  How sad is that?  And how fitting. 

otta think for today's post...Kween of the Queens has posted a new challenge for us...list 12 qualities we like about ourselves...NOT related to family...just us.  Wow.  My kids ARE a part of me right now...I seem to have lost my identity somewhere along the way, though my camp does bring a little of it back for 8 weeks out of the year.  But I'll give it a good try, anyway...

1.  my ability to always keep my house clean no matter what...OH MY GOSH!!! Just couldn't keep that one straight!!!!  Holy cow!  Umm...not.  Those of you who know me personally are wiping the tears of laughter out of your eyes now....

2.  I make a mean curriculum for my camp kids....they have alot of fun with it...good organizational skills for the kiddos....

3.  I have great patience with OTHER PEOPLE"S KIDS.  (Note NOT MY KIDS )

4.  Pretty quick learner when I want to learn how to do something...i.e. xanga stuff!!!  (hey, that's important, right?)  Nah, good example too, is when I decided to go swimming every day starting last January, I had to teach myself to swim to do it...didn't really know how before...now I swim for about 1 hr every day...look like a drowning victim, probably, but I"m swimmin'!

5.  My ears.  Great lobes.

6.  I think I'm a pretty nice person, generally, unless you're a rude idiot, then I've got an issue with you. 

7.  When I make friends, I tend to make friends for life.  I don't piddle around with general acquaintances alot...small talk gives me hives. 

8.  I have a great imagination...sometimes a little too active...especially after reading a good scary story at night...

9.  I make excellent food...when I try. I'm really good at hitting the deli department and just ordering it too. 

10.  I'm a great camp director...I think.  Though lately I've had to jump my counselors quite a bit it feels like.  Good Lord, I mean, if you see something that needs done, do it people, don't just sit there!!!

11.  I take pretty decent pictures.  Have considered getting the fancy camera and doing it right, but I think some of mine look pretty darn professional.

12.  Pretty good at picking up people's vibes.  If someone's angry, even just a tad, I can usually "feel" it, and I think I'm pretty decent at diffusing situations too...

OK....hope that's good...wow...had to start reaching around #5 and really thinking.  Ouch. 
Today's camp was SO much better than yesterdays. Yesterday was the day from HELL.  Honestly.  First the powers that be decided to put our preschool camp out in a large pavilion during a THUNDERSTORM.  Morons.  Kids were out of control, counselors (yes, even me) were grumpy...5 kids had major emotional issues all morning (including mine), and the counselors were basically useless.  Jess was great.  She saw kids getting bored from the game I was playing with them (some kids hadn't had a turn yet and wanted to keep going...I was even tired of the game at this point), and she took control BY HERSELF and started up a game of "red light-green light" with them.  That's m'girl!!! I was so proud of her...too bad she has to wait til 16 to actually get paid from this...she deserves it more than some of the paid staff this week.  Today was Easter at camp.  We had an Easter egg hunt, did a cool "Eggs"speriment with Pepsi and eggs, and made Easter egg hunting bags.  And back in our normal place, too.  So wonderful today.  Tomorrow is Halloween...gotta make dirt pudding tonight for snack...we're gonna make paint blot monsters, go trick or treating, human spiderweb, and ghost footprints...fun stuff!!! 

That's about it for now...Jason says he wants to make some soup all by himself...which means mom needs to get up off her tuckus and make dinner...have a great weekend folks if I don't get on here before that!!!

                                                    

       WHY WE LOVE OUR KIDS...

A boss wondered why one of his most valued employees had not phoned in
sick one day. Having an urgent problem with one of the main computers,
he dialed the employee's home phone number and was greeted with a
child's whisper. "Hello."  "Is your daddy home?" he asked.  "Yes,"
whispered the small voice. 

"May I talk with him?" The child whispered, "No." Surprised and wanting
to talk with an adult, the boss asked, "Is your Mommy there?" 

"Yes."  "May I talk with her?" Again the small voice whispered, "No." 

Hoping there was somebody with whom he could leave a message, the boss
asked, "Is anybody else there?"  "Yes," whispered the child, "a
policeman." 

Wondering what a cop would be doing at his employee's home, the boss
asked, "May I speak with the policeman?"  "No, he's busy", whispered the
child. "Busy doing what?" 

"Talking to Daddy and Mommy and the Fireman," came the whispered answer.
Growing more worried as he heard what sounded like a helicopter through
the earpiece on the phone, the boss asked, "What is that noise?" 

"A helicopter" answered the whispering voice. "What is going on there?"
demanded the boss, now truly apprehensive.  Again, whispering, the child
answered, "The search team just landed the helicopter." 

Alarmed, concerned, and a little frustrated, the boss asked, "What are
they searching for?" 

Still whispering, the young voice replied with a muffled giggle:  "ME." 

EDIT:  we must all say our goodbyes to Box.  After 2 years of wonderful play, Box went to the big recyclery in the sky today. Jason had me drag it outside for a parking garage for his 4 wheeler, and we had a big storm...without saving Box.  2 years ago we replaced our water heater and we had our Box ever since as a permanent fixture in our living room.  It has been doodled on, crawled in, on, and around, hidden in, gone to Jupiter in, you name it, Box has done it.  Goodbye Box.  We shall miss you.
                                                         

Wow.  I finally actually watched this video up there all the way
through.  She's got some big ol' ta-ta's doesn't she???  Oh
my.    Let's see what the
googlers make of that one!  "big ol ta-ta's"  What some
people search for on google...weirdos.  I still like the beat and
the rhythm, though...and that little ding is cool too. I'll probably
get rid of it soon, though, as my music attention does seem to
wander...I recently discovered this guy named Alexis Murdoch...very
cool music, or India Arie...also good...unfortunately the site I find
my videos at doesn't have either one of them yet...sigh. 

Camp is good...this week is Holiday Mix-Up...today we celebrated
everyone's birthday and the 4th of July.  Tomorrow is Valentines
Day, Wednesday is Easter, Thursday is Halloween, and Friday is
Christmas.  We'll have an Easter egg hunt on Wednesday, and go
trick or treating on Thursday (through the bigger camps), and on
Friday, Santa will visit us.  So much fun...the kids totally dig
this week.  Counselors do too....I make some YUMMY snacks...dirt
pudding for Halloween, Christmas cookies, jellybean jigglers...good
stuff.  Kids are a little active this week...I use the term
"active" loosely...though I was WAY impressed with one kid...4 1/2 yrs
old...did a treasure hunt today where we have to find written clues to
find the "treasure" (a bag of tootsie roll pops)...this kid read every
clue... one saying "go to the biggest pavilion on the stage"...he read
this with NO errors.  IMPRESSIVE.  His whining was a little
excessive, however...my sucker is bluuuueeeee...wahhhh..."  me-
"don't you like blue?" HIm- "yeah, but I had blue earlierrrrrr". 
Ummmm....this was at 9:30 a.m.  He needs a sucker for
breakfast?  What?  Oh well...

My girl is back, by the way...so good to have her.  Missed her
SOOOO much...though she did ask to go stay the night at a friends the
night we got back....love you too, babe. 
She had a good time at Granma and Papa's...though they did have to bury a kitty while she was there...broke her heart. 

'K...I'm gonna head...need to check the weather...DARE is hosting a
swim party for the 7th and 8th graders at the community pool and it
looks like rain....so take care and talk atcha all later!

                                         
Your First Mammogram

Many women are afraid of their first
mammogram, but there’s no need to worry. By taking a few minutes
each day for a week preceding the exam, and doing the following
practice exercises, you will be totally prepared. And you can do
this right in your own home!

 

Exercise 1

Open your refrigerator door and insert one
breast between the door and the main box. Have one of your
strongest friends slam the door shut and lean on the door for
good measure. Hold that position for five seconds (while you hold
your breath). Repeat again, in case the first time wasn’t
effective enough.

 

Exercise 2

Visit your garage at 3 am when the
temperature of the cement floor is just perfect. Take off your
clothes and lie comfortably on the floor with one breast wedged
under the rear tire of the car. Ask a friend to slowly back the
car up until your breast is sufficiently flattened and chilled.
Turn over and repeat for the other breast.

 

Exercise 3

Freeze two metal bookends overnight. Strip
to the waist. Invite a stranger into the room. Press the bookends
against one of your breasts. Smash the bookends together as hard
as you can. Set an appointment with the stranger to meet next
week and do it again!!

 

CONGRATULATIONS! Now you have nothing at all
to worry about when you go for your mammogram!