We finally got around to having a campfire in the back yard. Just the two of us.
It was so peaceful and relaxing and we sat around the fire and talked – no music, no tv, no computers, no kids.
After a few hours we put out the fire and laid back on the benches to look at the stars. We were able to pick out a few constellations, saw a few shooting stars and our first satellite.
It was a perfect evening.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Lessons learned in the Girl Guides
There isn’t much here in Vernon.
I slept in the Community Center once.
During the Ice Storm?
No with the Girl Guides. You hang out with them and you get to sleep around.
Yeah – I guess that can be considered a life savings skill.
I slept in the Community Center once.
During the Ice Storm?
No with the Girl Guides. You hang out with them and you get to sleep around.
Yeah – I guess that can be considered a life savings skill.
New Plates Part 2
Ok, here is the fax from Texas and my customs form
What about your safety and emissions test?
Last week I didn’t need one.
Who told you that?
The person sitting where you are now!
Oh – the Texas paper work has to be faxed directly to us.
Fine.
Ok – we checked and you don’t need a safety. But we won’t know if e-test until we try to register the plates.
What?
The system will tell us.
SO I have to get Texas to fax you, then come back again, then you are going to register my plates and it MIGHT tell me to leave and get an emission test and come back a forth time.
Yes, that is correct.
What about your safety and emissions test?
Last week I didn’t need one.
Who told you that?
The person sitting where you are now!
Oh – the Texas paper work has to be faxed directly to us.
Fine.
Ok – we checked and you don’t need a safety. But we won’t know if e-test until we try to register the plates.
What?
The system will tell us.
SO I have to get Texas to fax you, then come back again, then you are going to register my plates and it MIGHT tell me to leave and get an emission test and come back a forth time.
Yes, that is correct.
Friday, August 22, 2008
I don’t think First Aid training is going to help.
I loved my time in the Air Force. Getting to fly around in helicopter and fighters was an awesome experience.
The down side was that I was in long enough to know the pilots and crew when there were crashes. I also worked with the people who did crash recovery and investigations. I heard lots of stories and, thank God, only had limited exposure to the aftermath of an aircraft crash. Stories about the colored flags – one color for aircraft parts and one color for biological parts.
Today my boss informed me that he signed us all (flight test crew) up for 2 days of first aid training - it could come in handy. Um, don’t think they cover the flags in basic first aid.
The down side was that I was in long enough to know the pilots and crew when there were crashes. I also worked with the people who did crash recovery and investigations. I heard lots of stories and, thank God, only had limited exposure to the aftermath of an aircraft crash. Stories about the colored flags – one color for aircraft parts and one color for biological parts.
Today my boss informed me that he signed us all (flight test crew) up for 2 days of first aid training - it could come in handy. Um, don’t think they cover the flags in basic first aid.
I need to wash my hand
I had lunch with D today. That isn’t abnormal – but she invited me to go along with ‘the girls’. I have never been one of ‘the girls’ so I hesitated and she convinced me that they were ok so I went.
They were really nice and normal and we had a good time, until we were half way though. A guy form work came in the restaurant my himself and the other girls invited him to join us. I already knew that D hated him. I used to work with him and got along fine with him, until his wife represented my ex in our divorce and since then he will not look at or speak to me.
Guess where the only spare chair was – yup. Next to me.
He sat down and became very interested in his menu. I really have nothing against the guy, or his wife, she was just doing her job. We had agreed that neither of us were going to use her because we both worked with her husband. But since the Asshole never honored an agreement when we were married, why should I expect him to honor one when we are getting divorced?
So I decided enough was enough and I started asking him about his kids. I have been to his house for dinner and I knew how much he loved to talk about them. The gate opened and he didn’t look back. His daughter went to the same acting school that The Boy is auditioning for so we had lots to talk about. It’s nice to have that awkwardness gone – to bad it still exists with about 50more people.
I stopped by D’s desk and told her she owed me for running interference for her. To reward me she made me touch her pregnant stomach to see if I could tell what baby body part was sticking out. Gross. I am still not one of those kind of girls. I was completely freaked out and felt like I had violated her so I needed to go and wash my hand. Eeewww.
They were really nice and normal and we had a good time, until we were half way though. A guy form work came in the restaurant my himself and the other girls invited him to join us. I already knew that D hated him. I used to work with him and got along fine with him, until his wife represented my ex in our divorce and since then he will not look at or speak to me.
Guess where the only spare chair was – yup. Next to me.
He sat down and became very interested in his menu. I really have nothing against the guy, or his wife, she was just doing her job. We had agreed that neither of us were going to use her because we both worked with her husband. But since the Asshole never honored an agreement when we were married, why should I expect him to honor one when we are getting divorced?
So I decided enough was enough and I started asking him about his kids. I have been to his house for dinner and I knew how much he loved to talk about them. The gate opened and he didn’t look back. His daughter went to the same acting school that The Boy is auditioning for so we had lots to talk about. It’s nice to have that awkwardness gone – to bad it still exists with about 50more people.
I stopped by D’s desk and told her she owed me for running interference for her. To reward me she made me touch her pregnant stomach to see if I could tell what baby body part was sticking out. Gross. I am still not one of those kind of girls. I was completely freaked out and felt like I had violated her so I needed to go and wash my hand. Eeewww.
Texas fights back.
I have been dreading giving up our Texas license plate. It’s cool. I am the only one I know with one. It’s like a na-na-na-na-boo-boo. You can’t have one.
The best part – when I am a loser driver, people think I am visiting and are nice to me and let me merge or switch lanes at the last minute. Soon it will be back to the “you live here, you should have know better, so fuck off.” Driving that I am used to.
It is the last thing I have to do to end out Texas adventure. Off to the License office. No line up, this should be painless.
Clerk: I need your Texas Title.
Me: I was never given one, I don’t have one.
Clerk: You are going to have to get one.
Me: Huh.
Clerk: Also – I need your customs form.
Me: I wasn’t given one.
Clerk: You are going to have to get one.
Me: Huh.
Clerk: Go away and come back with the correct papers.
Ok, the plates expire in 10 days. Or one work week – next Friday will be the last day because of the holiday weekend..
Customs – yes you need the form, just go to the local office, they will help you.
Ok.
Texas
No, we never gave you a Texas Title, it is still in Canada.
Crap – what the hell do I do now.
This is not going to turn out well.
The best part – when I am a loser driver, people think I am visiting and are nice to me and let me merge or switch lanes at the last minute. Soon it will be back to the “you live here, you should have know better, so fuck off.” Driving that I am used to.
It is the last thing I have to do to end out Texas adventure. Off to the License office. No line up, this should be painless.
Clerk: I need your Texas Title.
Me: I was never given one, I don’t have one.
Clerk: You are going to have to get one.
Me: Huh.
Clerk: Also – I need your customs form.
Me: I wasn’t given one.
Clerk: You are going to have to get one.
Me: Huh.
Clerk: Go away and come back with the correct papers.
Ok, the plates expire in 10 days. Or one work week – next Friday will be the last day because of the holiday weekend..
Customs – yes you need the form, just go to the local office, they will help you.
Ok.
Texas
No, we never gave you a Texas Title, it is still in Canada.
Crap – what the hell do I do now.
This is not going to turn out well.
Conversations with The Girl
I had to make a run to the store last night for some basics. The Girl and her friend, A came along and amused themselves with a People magazine while I drove.
The Girl: I want to see The House Bunny.
A: You can’t it’s rated R. They talk about S-E-X..
The Girl: Look – it says it PG 13.
The Mom: Yeah, we took you to Step Brothers and look how that turned out.
The Girl: That Was PG 14. PG 13, PG 14. 13, 14 there is a big difference.
The Mom: Not really, because you are 10.
The Girl: I watched an R show once.
The Mom: Did not.
The Girl: Did too.
The Mom: When? It was at your father’s wasn’t it?
The Girl: No you said I could watch South Park once with The Boy.
The Mom: It’s not R
A: Yes it is.
The Mom: Crap. Now all those people who think I am a bad parent will know for sure.
A: Yup.
The Mom : What?
A: I am just agreeing with you..
The Mom: Evil child.
A: Yeah, I hear that a lot.
The Girl: I want to see The House Bunny.
A: You can’t it’s rated R. They talk about S-E-X..
The Girl: Look – it says it PG 13.
The Mom: Yeah, we took you to Step Brothers and look how that turned out.
The Girl: That Was PG 14. PG 13, PG 14. 13, 14 there is a big difference.
The Mom: Not really, because you are 10.
The Girl: I watched an R show once.
The Mom: Did not.
The Girl: Did too.
The Mom: When? It was at your father’s wasn’t it?
The Girl: No you said I could watch South Park once with The Boy.
The Mom: It’s not R
A: Yes it is.
The Mom: Crap. Now all those people who think I am a bad parent will know for sure.
A: Yup.
The Mom : What?
A: I am just agreeing with you..
The Mom: Evil child.
A: Yeah, I hear that a lot.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Wikipedia Weirdness
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/There_Was_an_Old_Lady_Who_Swallowed_a_Fly
Because D couldn't remember what was swallowed to get the Dog.
She's having a baby in a few months and these things are important.
Because D couldn't remember what was swallowed to get the Dog.
She's having a baby in a few months and these things are important.
I'm a Loser Because
I have been impatiently waiting for The Boys replacement birth certificate to show up so I can get his replacement health card.
I checked to make sure the bastards hadn't charged my visa and not sent anything and no charges had gone through.
I went through the pile of sticky notes on my desk and found the confirmation number for my order and right under that was my note to call back in an hour - oh yeah - their billing system was down and I had to call back to have them process the payment. Explain why I have been waiting 3 weeks for an express order to show up!
Oops.
I checked to make sure the bastards hadn't charged my visa and not sent anything and no charges had gone through.
I went through the pile of sticky notes on my desk and found the confirmation number for my order and right under that was my note to call back in an hour - oh yeah - their billing system was down and I had to call back to have them process the payment. Explain why I have been waiting 3 weeks for an express order to show up!
Oops.
WTF?
You go to the gym every day at lunch. And Every day you come back from the gym and sit at your desk and eat a bag of chips.
The Doctor Called
She wants to discuss my test results.
I have had too many freak outs over that call to start freaking out just yet.
I asked the office to check with my doctor - usually it's my iron level and I don't wan to leave work to rush in only to be told to go my a bottle of iron pills.
If they call back and I still have to come back, then I will commence with the freaking.
I have had too many freak outs over that call to start freaking out just yet.
I asked the office to check with my doctor - usually it's my iron level and I don't wan to leave work to rush in only to be told to go my a bottle of iron pills.
If they call back and I still have to come back, then I will commence with the freaking.
Neglected Dog
Hubby was in bed when I got home so I started preparing my lunch.
Then I heard a bark – Jessie Dog was at the back door.
I let her in, gave her a treat.
Turns out she was let out 30 minutes ago and then forgotten about.
Oh well, at least it isn’t winter and we are just returning 2 hours later from watching The Boy play in a hockey game to we find The Dog sitting on the front porch.
Then I heard a bark – Jessie Dog was at the back door.
I let her in, gave her a treat.
Turns out she was let out 30 minutes ago and then forgotten about.
Oh well, at least it isn’t winter and we are just returning 2 hours later from watching The Boy play in a hockey game to we find The Dog sitting on the front porch.
Your Brother is a Goof
The Girl and I chatted on the way home form the movie.
She was complained about her brother. The only advice I could offer:
He’s a goof.
He’s thinks he sooo mature because he is almost 13.
He has no idea what he is talking about.
Just ignore him.
He’s an idiot.
She was happy with that.
Then I quickly remembered to add:
Oh – I tell him the same thing about you.
The Girl “Yes, but when you are talking to him, you are lying”
She was complained about her brother. The only advice I could offer:
He’s a goof.
He’s thinks he sooo mature because he is almost 13.
He has no idea what he is talking about.
Just ignore him.
He’s an idiot.
She was happy with that.
Then I quickly remembered to add:
Oh – I tell him the same thing about you.
The Girl “Yes, but when you are talking to him, you are lying”
Oh Yeah – We got married
We bumped into friends at the movie and hung out with them while they waited for the other half of the family to get out of another movie.
We caught up on all the neighborhood gossip – Scouts, Softball and n Football. Gotta love the small towns.
I gave them an overview of life in Texas and the return home until something caught Mo’s eye:
Mo - What the hell is that?
Me – What?
Mo - Is that a ring?
Me - Oh that. Yeah we also got married.
Mo – Married?
Me - Yeah on the beach in the Bahamas.
Mo - You didn’t tell me that?
Me - I forgot. We also went to Vegas.
Actually the wedding was a personal thing for us a s a family. We had told out parents we were planning on doing it while we were away and that was pretty much the extent of the discussions outside of our house. We did what worked for us and we were thrilled with the results and the memories.
We caught up on all the neighborhood gossip – Scouts, Softball and n Football. Gotta love the small towns.
I gave them an overview of life in Texas and the return home until something caught Mo’s eye:
Mo - What the hell is that?
Me – What?
Mo - Is that a ring?
Me - Oh that. Yeah we also got married.
Mo – Married?
Me - Yeah on the beach in the Bahamas.
Mo - You didn’t tell me that?
Me - I forgot. We also went to Vegas.
Actually the wedding was a personal thing for us a s a family. We had told out parents we were planning on doing it while we were away and that was pretty much the extent of the discussions outside of our house. We did what worked for us and we were thrilled with the results and the memories.
Movie: Get Smart
The Boys went to a movie at the last minute on Sunday so I owed The Girl one. The timings didn’t work out on Sunday so I said I would take her on Tuesday while The Boy was at football.
I forgot it was Tuesday – cheap Tuesday – all the low-lifes come out Tuesday – all the parents drag their kids to the cheap movie night Tuesday – all the icky teenagers can afford a movie Tuesday.
The parking lot was full. The food line up was massive. The Girl went and got seats while I picked up her popcorn. I had already smuggled in the candy and the water.
When I got to the theater The Girl had scored us some awesome seats – in the second row!
We had stupid parents with 10 kids right behind us. As the movie started the mother showed up with all the popcorn and was walking up and down the row dishing it out and hitting my head with her fat ass along the way.
The little shit right behind me kept putting his feet on my seat. Eventually my continuous death stare sent him to the other end of the row to sit with his mother.
The other little shit behind me started throwing up – that is one sound that will never be mistaken for anything else. The father kept yelling at the mother at the other end of the row to ‘get me an empty cup’. I picked up my purse, and my feet. Damn sloped floor.
The movie was ok, better than I expected. I hate Steve Carrel in the Office, but I didn’t mind him in this, he wasn’t completely over the top. The Girl loved it and had a good time.
I forgot it was Tuesday – cheap Tuesday – all the low-lifes come out Tuesday – all the parents drag their kids to the cheap movie night Tuesday – all the icky teenagers can afford a movie Tuesday.
The parking lot was full. The food line up was massive. The Girl went and got seats while I picked up her popcorn. I had already smuggled in the candy and the water.
When I got to the theater The Girl had scored us some awesome seats – in the second row!
We had stupid parents with 10 kids right behind us. As the movie started the mother showed up with all the popcorn and was walking up and down the row dishing it out and hitting my head with her fat ass along the way.
The little shit right behind me kept putting his feet on my seat. Eventually my continuous death stare sent him to the other end of the row to sit with his mother.
The other little shit behind me started throwing up – that is one sound that will never be mistaken for anything else. The father kept yelling at the mother at the other end of the row to ‘get me an empty cup’. I picked up my purse, and my feet. Damn sloped floor.
The movie was ok, better than I expected. I hate Steve Carrel in the Office, but I didn’t mind him in this, he wasn’t completely over the top. The Girl loved it and had a good time.
What do I remember when they were 4-5?
I was asked this today my a parent who lost her 4 year old to cancer a month before his 5th birthday.
The Boy:
Sneaking toys to preschool inside his winter boots and transferring them to his indoor shoes.
Refusing to skate and lying at center ice
Splitting open his eyebrow and refusing to leave school to have it fixed
Make believe monsters in his closet – they were his friends
Hiding eggs in his room so they would hatch into dinosaurs
Meeting Buzz Lightyear at Disney
Blowing up the Death Star at Disney
Star Wars
Being in love with Batgirl – hubba hubba
Lego, lego, lego
Grocery shopping in July while he is wearing his Batman costume
Reading The Cat in the Hat every night for six months
Wanting to grow up to be a T Rex
Sticking a piece of foam up his nose so far that we had to have a doctor remove it.
Sleeping in a race car bed
Sleeping on his pile of stuffed toys in the corner instead of his race car bed.
Trying to fit your grandmother’s fake teeth into your own mouth
Stealing your grandmothers fake teeth to get money for Lego
Trying to pull out your own teeth to get money for Lego
The Girl:
Making her Barbies fight over who was prettier
Princess dresses
Doing my nails and painting them up to my first knuckle, just before I had to go answer a knock at the door
Freaking out because she didn’t get to go to school on her 4th birthday
Her first day of school
Refusing to play hockey because she wanted to dance on the ice
Having coaches pick her out of the skating lesson because they wanted to train her for figure skating
Going downtown for Tea with a neighbor
Telling me I would have to wear a dress if I wanted to go to Tea with her
Wanting us to wear matching dresses
Having breakfast with Cinderella at her castle
Wanting to buy real pearls – not fake ones
Getting her hair braided in Jamaica
Expecting the Captain of the cruise ship to fall in love with her braided hair.
The fanciest dress on the Cruise
Easy bake oven
The Boy:
Sneaking toys to preschool inside his winter boots and transferring them to his indoor shoes.
Refusing to skate and lying at center ice
Splitting open his eyebrow and refusing to leave school to have it fixed
Make believe monsters in his closet – they were his friends
Hiding eggs in his room so they would hatch into dinosaurs
Meeting Buzz Lightyear at Disney
Blowing up the Death Star at Disney
Star Wars
Being in love with Batgirl – hubba hubba
Lego, lego, lego
Grocery shopping in July while he is wearing his Batman costume
Reading The Cat in the Hat every night for six months
Wanting to grow up to be a T Rex
Sticking a piece of foam up his nose so far that we had to have a doctor remove it.
Sleeping in a race car bed
Sleeping on his pile of stuffed toys in the corner instead of his race car bed.
Trying to fit your grandmother’s fake teeth into your own mouth
Stealing your grandmothers fake teeth to get money for Lego
Trying to pull out your own teeth to get money for Lego
The Girl:
Making her Barbies fight over who was prettier
Princess dresses
Doing my nails and painting them up to my first knuckle, just before I had to go answer a knock at the door
Freaking out because she didn’t get to go to school on her 4th birthday
Her first day of school
Refusing to play hockey because she wanted to dance on the ice
Having coaches pick her out of the skating lesson because they wanted to train her for figure skating
Going downtown for Tea with a neighbor
Telling me I would have to wear a dress if I wanted to go to Tea with her
Wanting us to wear matching dresses
Having breakfast with Cinderella at her castle
Wanting to buy real pearls – not fake ones
Getting her hair braided in Jamaica
Expecting the Captain of the cruise ship to fall in love with her braided hair.
The fanciest dress on the Cruise
Easy bake oven
I'm a Loser Because
I hit snooze again for an extra 9 minutes of sleep and it made me 20 minutes late leaving the house for work. Why can't I ever get a time warp in my favor?
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
I want to go away
I am completely spoiled. We did so much travelling while we were in Texas, I don't' know what it is like to stay at home.
We have been going a little stir crazy being at the house all summer with the kids and all their friends, then family coming to visit. We don't have the kids this weekend so we might run away for the weekend or at least get out of town for a nice day trip.
Sounds goods, but...
D and her husband are thinking of going away - to the same place (they don't know about our plans yet).
We could go anywhere that isn't a big problem, but D is my dog sitter. I could leave her with asshole and she should be fine, but after the ear infection I really don't want to.
We have been going a little stir crazy being at the house all summer with the kids and all their friends, then family coming to visit. We don't have the kids this weekend so we might run away for the weekend or at least get out of town for a nice day trip.
Sounds goods, but...
D and her husband are thinking of going away - to the same place (they don't know about our plans yet).
We could go anywhere that isn't a big problem, but D is my dog sitter. I could leave her with asshole and she should be fine, but after the ear infection I really don't want to.
I must have done something right.
I waited for the rain to let up and managed to get out of the building. I reached my truck only to realize that I had forgotten my lunch containers in my desk.
Traffic sucked and one set of lights were on flash – the last set I had to go through so traffic was completely backed up.
It took an hour to get home – usually it is 30 minutes.
While I was sitting in traffic The Girl called to tell me to stay in the truck when I got home and she would come out with an umbrella so I wouldn’t get wet coming into the house.
She’s a keeper.
Traffic sucked and one set of lights were on flash – the last set I had to go through so traffic was completely backed up.
It took an hour to get home – usually it is 30 minutes.
While I was sitting in traffic The Girl called to tell me to stay in the truck when I got home and she would come out with an umbrella so I wouldn’t get wet coming into the house.
She’s a keeper.
Doctors Appointment
Got the dog’s pee collected, now for my turn.
I hate my annual physical jus a much as the next person.
My doctor sends the bottles home so I can at least pee all over myself in my own bathroom and then shower. But then I have to walk into the doctors office carrying my pee – I used to use a brown paper bag, but setting it inot the pee tray with all the other bottles drew even more attention to what I was doing.
The second worst part of the visit s undressing and piling your clothes on the chair. I have to make sure I do it in such a way that my underwear can’t be seen. Yes, she is going to be liking in my nether regions, but god forbid she see my cotton underwear.
I was so worried about my panties that I forgot about my bra and when I jumped up on the examining table I noticed that I had left my bra on top of the pile and I didn’t have a chance to hid it before she came back.
I think it is the lack of food before the appointment that turns me into such a head case. For some reason, as soon as I realize that I am into the fasting time, all I want to do is eat. It is such a long night and then I wake up starving. The worst part – I almost never snack at night and I don’t’ eat breakfast – it’s just my stupid brain playing a dirty trick on me.
I hate my annual physical jus a much as the next person.
My doctor sends the bottles home so I can at least pee all over myself in my own bathroom and then shower. But then I have to walk into the doctors office carrying my pee – I used to use a brown paper bag, but setting it inot the pee tray with all the other bottles drew even more attention to what I was doing.
The second worst part of the visit s undressing and piling your clothes on the chair. I have to make sure I do it in such a way that my underwear can’t be seen. Yes, she is going to be liking in my nether regions, but god forbid she see my cotton underwear.
I was so worried about my panties that I forgot about my bra and when I jumped up on the examining table I noticed that I had left my bra on top of the pile and I didn’t have a chance to hid it before she came back.
I think it is the lack of food before the appointment that turns me into such a head case. For some reason, as soon as I realize that I am into the fasting time, all I want to do is eat. It is such a long night and then I wake up starving. The worst part – I almost never snack at night and I don’t’ eat breakfast – it’s just my stupid brain playing a dirty trick on me.
Dog make up
More dog stories…
When The Girl was turning four she was in full princess mode. The dresses, hair , makeup . I used to keep all her make up in my room so she couldn’t practice without me to supervise.
The night before The Girls big birthday party I was busy running around getting all the last touches done and she wasn’t settling down so I put her in my bed to go to sleep. She quieted right down – I should have known something was wrong but I was preoccupied.
I went up a few hours later to check on her. She was still up and had found her makeup. She was pink. The dark green bed sheets were pink. The black Jessie Dog was pink!
I scrubbed The Girl down, changed the sheets and forgot about the dog. The next day at the party all the parents kept asking about The Dog’s make over. Never a dull moment.
When The Girl was turning four she was in full princess mode. The dresses, hair , makeup . I used to keep all her make up in my room so she couldn’t practice without me to supervise.
The night before The Girls big birthday party I was busy running around getting all the last touches done and she wasn’t settling down so I put her in my bed to go to sleep. She quieted right down – I should have known something was wrong but I was preoccupied.
I went up a few hours later to check on her. She was still up and had found her makeup. She was pink. The dark green bed sheets were pink. The black Jessie Dog was pink!
I scrubbed The Girl down, changed the sheets and forgot about the dog. The next day at the party all the parents kept asking about The Dog’s make over. Never a dull moment.
Dog Pee Sample
The vet asked me to supply a urine sample for the Jessie Dog. The regular fecal sample turns my stomach, I am just not good at that stuff.
Jessie is a girl dog and she squats when she pee s- about 2 millimeters from the ground! She is also very private and does not like to be watched while she does her business. However, she has no trouble being the watcher, and loves to accompany you to the bathroom.
I was given this funnel contraption to stick under her while she was going. It had to be the first pee in the morning and I had to get it to the lab within 1 hour of taking the sample.
So, not only do I have to violate my dog first thing on a weekend morning, but I have to show up at the vet with urine before I can have a chance to shower.
First attempt:
Saturday morning. We put her on a leash so we can control where she goes. Big mistake. She is a free roaming dog so she wouldn’t go while on the leash. We take her of the leash but now she is too traumatized to go.
Three hours later she finally wants to go back outside and I follow her out. As soon as I am I the backyard with her she thinks it is play time and she forgets she needs to pee and wants to play with the ball. I ignore her long enough - except I am actually shouting ‘go pee’ at a deaf dog – that she finally goes. She has her back to me and I am able to shove the funnel under her and get the sample! Score!
Hubby was heading into town to run some errands so he agreed to drop it off at the vets. Except I forgot to mention that all important 60 minute thing and the vet was his last stop. Need another sample. Fuck.
Sunday we repeat the process. I follow Jessie out first thing, but when I shove the funnel under her it startles her and she wont go. Another 3 hour wait until she wants to try again. Got it.
Off to the vet. Sunday: CLOSED. Double fuck.
Luckily the clinic was open so I go over to that building and they agree to test the sample. Not how I had pictured spending my weekend.
Jessie is a girl dog and she squats when she pee s- about 2 millimeters from the ground! She is also very private and does not like to be watched while she does her business. However, she has no trouble being the watcher, and loves to accompany you to the bathroom.
I was given this funnel contraption to stick under her while she was going. It had to be the first pee in the morning and I had to get it to the lab within 1 hour of taking the sample.
So, not only do I have to violate my dog first thing on a weekend morning, but I have to show up at the vet with urine before I can have a chance to shower.
First attempt:
Saturday morning. We put her on a leash so we can control where she goes. Big mistake. She is a free roaming dog so she wouldn’t go while on the leash. We take her of the leash but now she is too traumatized to go.
Three hours later she finally wants to go back outside and I follow her out. As soon as I am I the backyard with her she thinks it is play time and she forgets she needs to pee and wants to play with the ball. I ignore her long enough - except I am actually shouting ‘go pee’ at a deaf dog – that she finally goes. She has her back to me and I am able to shove the funnel under her and get the sample! Score!
Hubby was heading into town to run some errands so he agreed to drop it off at the vets. Except I forgot to mention that all important 60 minute thing and the vet was his last stop. Need another sample. Fuck.
Sunday we repeat the process. I follow Jessie out first thing, but when I shove the funnel under her it startles her and she wont go. Another 3 hour wait until she wants to try again. Got it.
Off to the vet. Sunday: CLOSED. Double fuck.
Luckily the clinic was open so I go over to that building and they agree to test the sample. Not how I had pictured spending my weekend.
The Girl’s Swimming Lessons
The Girl is like a fish in the water. When she was three I stopped to pick her up at our care giver’s house after work. They were in the pool as usual and Cathy asked if she could try something. Sure.
She took off The Girl’s floaties and threw her into the pool. The Girl sunk 4 ft to the bottom and sat there. Cathy jumped in and plucked her out. She blinked the water out of hr eyes and smiled. Cathy said to ‘get the kid some swimming lessons’ since she had absolutely no fear of the water.
I quickly enrolled her in some private lessons and she went for almost a year. By the time she turned four she was diving into the deep end and swimming to the length of the pool. She stopped going because she was too young to start the next class that she had to be 5 for.
She is still part dolphin and seems to spend more time under the water than above it.
She took off The Girl’s floaties and threw her into the pool. The Girl sunk 4 ft to the bottom and sat there. Cathy jumped in and plucked her out. She blinked the water out of hr eyes and smiled. Cathy said to ‘get the kid some swimming lessons’ since she had absolutely no fear of the water.
I quickly enrolled her in some private lessons and she went for almost a year. By the time she turned four she was diving into the deep end and swimming to the length of the pool. She stopped going because she was too young to start the next class that she had to be 5 for.
She is still part dolphin and seems to spend more time under the water than above it.
Fire pit
I finally finished a project. The fire pit area is done. I put the last piece of lattice up and re-routed the vines to it. The firewood is all stacked and organized and we even had a fire on Saturday Night.
The Girl made the fire – the first time on her own. She did a great job, but then she had to be stopped form the constant poking of the fire.
Some of the kids friends joined up ad we all hung out nicely until Hubby asked who ate all the cookies. I fessed up to eating three- I was working hard! Then the boys all started making piggy noises – little bastards.
The Girl made the fire – the first time on her own. She did a great job, but then she had to be stopped form the constant poking of the fire.
Some of the kids friends joined up ad we all hung out nicely until Hubby asked who ate all the cookies. I fessed up to eating three- I was working hard! Then the boys all started making piggy noises – little bastards.
Monday, August 18, 2008
I'm a Loser Because
I am trapped at work by the mother of all thunder storms and I don't want to get soaked walking to my car.
This is what I get for staying late to finish up a task that I promised myself I would complete before going home today.
Fuck! D just e-mailed - I have a bassinet that I am supposed to throw in their truck on the way home tonight.
This is what I get for staying late to finish up a task that I promised myself I would complete before going home today.
Fuck! D just e-mailed - I have a bassinet that I am supposed to throw in their truck on the way home tonight.
Watch Me Dive
One of The Boy’s friend did a back dive off the board so, not to be undone, The Girl has pent the summer perfecting hers.
I have a choice of viewing, the regular dive, the sideways dive, or the backwards dive. I get to rate the splash. She usually has very little, I am not sure if it is because her dive is so good or she is so small.
I mentioned that she was getting pretty good and she should take some diving lessons.
“No Mommy, I don’t want the other divers to feel bad since I am so good.”
I guess I should tone down the compliments for awhile. At least she is no danger of drowning with that big head of hers.
I have a choice of viewing, the regular dive, the sideways dive, or the backwards dive. I get to rate the splash. She usually has very little, I am not sure if it is because her dive is so good or she is so small.
I mentioned that she was getting pretty good and she should take some diving lessons.
“No Mommy, I don’t want the other divers to feel bad since I am so good.”
I guess I should tone down the compliments for awhile. At least she is no danger of drowning with that big head of hers.
WTF?
The cubicle mate farter has been on vacation for 2 weeks. He is back today and just struck again.
Monday Madness
I popped in The Girl’s room before leaving for my doctor’s appointment. She rolled over and said ‘bye’ and ‘can you turn the TV on?’ I guess my expression said it for me because she added ‘the remote need new batteries”
So I turned it on, and then played the human remote s I went through the channels to find what she was willing to watch before I left.
The guilt of a working mom.
So I turned it on, and then played the human remote s I went through the channels to find what she was willing to watch before I left.
The guilt of a working mom.
Jessie Dog
After 13 years I thought she would like a kong toy. We picked one up and filled it with peanut butter. It took her a while to get the hang of it – she preferred we hold it for her while she liked the peanut butter out of it. We finally grew tired and put it down and she figured it out herself. Then she took it to the backyard and buried it.
Only the 3rd object in 13 years to be buried.
First – the stump of her rawhide bone
Second – a real bone from a steak.
The Girl went and dug it up and we ran it though the dish washer. The Girl filled it and Jessie licked out all the peanut butter and then went out in the back yard and buried it again.
Only the 3rd object in 13 years to be buried.
First – the stump of her rawhide bone
Second – a real bone from a steak.
The Girl went and dug it up and we ran it though the dish washer. The Girl filled it and Jessie licked out all the peanut butter and then went out in the back yard and buried it again.
I'm a Loser Because
The mosquito bites I got working in the yard yesterday didn’t start to itch until I sat down at my desk today – with no anti-itch crap in sight.
The Girls in the Nice Black Sportscar
While we were in Texas the kids care giver had knee surgery and getting into her truck was too hard so she traded it for a beautiful black convertible mustang.
She offered to swing by on the weekend and take The Girl for a ride in the afternoon. The Girl approved of this so much that she got up, got dressed and as soon as she finished eating she wanted to call Cathy to tell her she was ready.
Cathy did show up right after lunch and we chatted for a few minutes and then they took off for the afternoon. I figured I would take some pictures when they got back, but as they pulled out I realized that you couldn’t even see The Girl sitting in the front seat! A little hand poked up to wave good bye as they sped off down the road.
As they let I said to hubby – she is going to want a red one.
That night I asked The Girl what she though of the car. “Love it, I want one, but in red.” Do I know my baby or what?
She offered to swing by on the weekend and take The Girl for a ride in the afternoon. The Girl approved of this so much that she got up, got dressed and as soon as she finished eating she wanted to call Cathy to tell her she was ready.
Cathy did show up right after lunch and we chatted for a few minutes and then they took off for the afternoon. I figured I would take some pictures when they got back, but as they pulled out I realized that you couldn’t even see The Girl sitting in the front seat! A little hand poked up to wave good bye as they sped off down the road.
As they let I said to hubby – she is going to want a red one.
That night I asked The Girl what she though of the car. “Love it, I want one, but in red.” Do I know my baby or what?
Mini Me
The Girl had the same care giver form the time she was 9 months old until we left for Texas. She is The Girl’s other mom.
On Friday The Girl was bored so I told her to bike over to visit Cathy. She left before lunch and never came home. I stopped by on my way home form work and found her soaking in Cathy’s hot tub. All the babies were only allowed to sit on the edge and dip their feet in. Finally, she got to be the big kid.
One of the littles looks just like The Girl as a toddler – same red hair in the same pig tails that stuck straight out from her head. I squealed when I saw her – it’s the Girls’ Mini-me!
Cathy said she had to get out The Girls photos and prove that she used to look just like her. Too funny.
Some parents started showing up to get their kids so I hauled The Girl out and took her home, but Cathy promised to stop by on the weekend to take her for a drive in the convertible.
On Friday The Girl was bored so I told her to bike over to visit Cathy. She left before lunch and never came home. I stopped by on my way home form work and found her soaking in Cathy’s hot tub. All the babies were only allowed to sit on the edge and dip their feet in. Finally, she got to be the big kid.
One of the littles looks just like The Girl as a toddler – same red hair in the same pig tails that stuck straight out from her head. I squealed when I saw her – it’s the Girls’ Mini-me!
Cathy said she had to get out The Girls photos and prove that she used to look just like her. Too funny.
Some parents started showing up to get their kids so I hauled The Girl out and took her home, but Cathy promised to stop by on the weekend to take her for a drive in the convertible.
Friday, August 15, 2008
I'm a Loser Because
I have scratched my still itchy water park sunburn raw and now I have a big blood stain in the center of the back of my WHITE shirt. I am not made for white clothes.
Wikipedia Weirdness
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irish_names#First_or_given_names
D thinks that the unnamed baby may get an Irish name.
D thinks that the unnamed baby may get an Irish name.
The Principal’s Office
I was one of the teacher’s pet straight A type kids so why is it, that whenever my boss want to talk to me I always feel like I am being called to the principals office?
I was just about to head/sneak out to get my driver’s license. I had to get a new Ontario one because work sent me to Texas and I had to get a Texas one to register my truck – work related.
My boss pops by. I hate drop-in’s.
Just wanted to touch base (what the fuck I have done now?).
I have approved your course in California (Yes!)
You have a Sudoku calendar – how do you get work done? (Fuck – I’m screwed!)
I do Sudoku all the time. (close call)
I’m ok with the other team borrowing you when needed because you have been producing well (even though I have already wrote one test this week?)
OK, it went well, I am doing ok. Why do I feel so guilty then? Is it my thoughts screaming – get the fuck away from me so I can go get my driver’s license. Preferably without being scene leaving the building so when I come back 2 hours later it looks like I just ran out to pick up some lunch?
Due to the level of guilty and anxiety I vow to finish the test I am working on before leaving work today.
I was just about to head/sneak out to get my driver’s license. I had to get a new Ontario one because work sent me to Texas and I had to get a Texas one to register my truck – work related.
My boss pops by. I hate drop-in’s.
Just wanted to touch base (what the fuck I have done now?).
I have approved your course in California (Yes!)
You have a Sudoku calendar – how do you get work done? (Fuck – I’m screwed!)
I do Sudoku all the time. (close call)
I’m ok with the other team borrowing you when needed because you have been producing well (even though I have already wrote one test this week?)
OK, it went well, I am doing ok. Why do I feel so guilty then? Is it my thoughts screaming – get the fuck away from me so I can go get my driver’s license. Preferably without being scene leaving the building so when I come back 2 hours later it looks like I just ran out to pick up some lunch?
Due to the level of guilty and anxiety I vow to finish the test I am working on before leaving work today.
TGIF
Log on
Fill up water bottle
Check E-mail
Check Favorites
Sign up for electronic utility bills
E-mail co-worker for coffee
Get coffee
Read Blog
Open Application
E-mail latest baby name suggestions to co-worker
Write a few test steps
Look up outline
Look for notes n log book
Find Sudoku calendar page in log book
Do puzzle
It’s10AM and I have written 2 lines in a test I should have finished 3 days ago.
I think it’s going to be a crappy day.
Fill up water bottle
Check E-mail
Check Favorites
Sign up for electronic utility bills
E-mail co-worker for coffee
Get coffee
Read Blog
Open Application
E-mail latest baby name suggestions to co-worker
Write a few test steps
Look up outline
Look for notes n log book
Find Sudoku calendar page in log book
Do puzzle
It’s10AM and I have written 2 lines in a test I should have finished 3 days ago.
I think it’s going to be a crappy day.
The Girl is a geek in training
The Girl did some normal 10 yr old girl stuff. She used the beach towels and lawn chairs to build herself a fort on the back deck. She lugged out blankets and pillows and stuffed animals.
Then she tool out a laptop and e-mailed her Step-Daddykins who was in the family room.
He was so proud.
Then she tool out a laptop and e-mailed her Step-Daddykins who was in the family room.
He was so proud.
I'm a Loser Because
I have been trying to be so good today.
I got myself settled down and ready to work only to find out I was the Pilot today.
My the time we crashed it was lunch time.
Then e-mailing with Denise.
I got settled down again and Tony popped by – he’s in town for 2 weeks.
By the time we finished talking it was time to meet Penny.
Now all I can think about is going home.
I suck.
I as telling Penny about Tims the last couple of day – guess what? She had a runner yesterday as well! Very weird.
I got myself settled down and ready to work only to find out I was the Pilot today.
My the time we crashed it was lunch time.
Then e-mailing with Denise.
I got settled down again and Tony popped by – he’s in town for 2 weeks.
By the time we finished talking it was time to meet Penny.
Now all I can think about is going home.
I suck.
I as telling Penny about Tims the last couple of day – guess what? She had a runner yesterday as well! Very weird.
Baby Pilots
We have run out of show to watch while we are watching for fall TV season to kick in. Hubby agreed to watch Gray’s Anatomy with me and last night we started working our way through last season.
I burst out laughing when the Attendings yelled at the interns to get away. It reminded me of my posting in Comox when we would yell at all the baby pilots (pre-flight training) to get away from us in the Officer’s Mess.
I burst out laughing when the Attendings yelled at the interns to get away. It reminded me of my posting in Comox when we would yell at all the baby pilots (pre-flight training) to get away from us in the Officer’s Mess.
I'm a Loser Because
I eat at me desk and I just knocked my lunch all over the floor of my cubical. Fuck.
I guess I deserve a candy bar form the lunch room now!
I guess I deserve a candy bar form the lunch room now!
Babies
Thank god I had my kids when I was young and stupid.
D needed a ride to work this morning. She is 7 months pregnant and just realizing that something has to come out of her – the still unnamed baby.
Since I had a c-section and vaginal birth I could field most of the questions. She found a book that actually tells her all the icky stuff that no one else has the guts to tell you. So yes, I had to talk about shit, hemorrhoids, monster periods and leaking nipples. Great start to the day. I can’t wait for the ride home.
I just didn’t think about when I had The Boy. You just ‘had them’. I was the first one in my family to have a c-section, so I totally wasn’t expecting that. Plus the complications that no one warned me about – not the baby class or the epidural class. Guess what – epidurals can wear off during a c-section. Very small percentage. Why can’t I ever be in that small percentage that wins the lotto?
D needed a ride to work this morning. She is 7 months pregnant and just realizing that something has to come out of her – the still unnamed baby.
Since I had a c-section and vaginal birth I could field most of the questions. She found a book that actually tells her all the icky stuff that no one else has the guts to tell you. So yes, I had to talk about shit, hemorrhoids, monster periods and leaking nipples. Great start to the day. I can’t wait for the ride home.
I just didn’t think about when I had The Boy. You just ‘had them’. I was the first one in my family to have a c-section, so I totally wasn’t expecting that. Plus the complications that no one warned me about – not the baby class or the epidural class. Guess what – epidurals can wear off during a c-section. Very small percentage. Why can’t I ever be in that small percentage that wins the lotto?
I'm a Loser Because
Even though I scrubbed my feet in the shower this morning. My toes are poking out of my sandals and flecked with deck stain. They are a nice cedar color this morning.
WTF?
Another asshole ran by me to get to Tim’s ahead of me. And this one had a list of coffees and food! I only wanted one coffee – in and out in less than 1 minute, but no he is far more important than I am. If he was that important, he should have had someone getting his coffee for him.
Getting it done…
The drive way has been sealed – looks awesome – it needed it five years ago, so it is a huge improvement.
Hubby installed new lights at the end of the driveway and on the garage. I found a set that was bought a few (8?) years ago for the back of the house and they happen to match the design of the new ones so they will be going on the house today. All nice black coach lights. Ugly fake-brass crap stuff is gone.
The new drive way lights are the coach style as well. Replaced the ugly globes, which everyone else on the street still has, so now I am in globe watch. I think hubby and I might start a pool to see who switched their lights out next.
And last but not least – the deck got stained last night as well – 2 hours of three of us working. Ok. 2 and ½ or 2 and ¼ because The Girl was helping us. She finally got to use a roller and decided that it wasn’t nearly as much fun as she thought it was. After 10 minutes she needed to cool off in the pool.
We had the last laugh because the deck leads up to the pool gates. Once we got it stained we told her she was trapped for the night. Ha ha!
I guess she forgot about the small gate that leads to the side of the house.
We managed to torture her for 30 min.
Hubby installed new lights at the end of the driveway and on the garage. I found a set that was bought a few (8?) years ago for the back of the house and they happen to match the design of the new ones so they will be going on the house today. All nice black coach lights. Ugly fake-brass crap stuff is gone.
The new drive way lights are the coach style as well. Replaced the ugly globes, which everyone else on the street still has, so now I am in globe watch. I think hubby and I might start a pool to see who switched their lights out next.
And last but not least – the deck got stained last night as well – 2 hours of three of us working. Ok. 2 and ½ or 2 and ¼ because The Girl was helping us. She finally got to use a roller and decided that it wasn’t nearly as much fun as she thought it was. After 10 minutes she needed to cool off in the pool.
We had the last laugh because the deck leads up to the pool gates. Once we got it stained we told her she was trapped for the night. Ha ha!
I guess she forgot about the small gate that leads to the side of the house.
We managed to torture her for 30 min.
Wikipedia Weirdness
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_the_Tank_Engine
D and I are trying to come up with names for her no-name baby. I suggested Thomas the Tank, she said no Thomas was a train. Officially –It’s Thomas the Tank Engine.
Name already exists in her family, so it is out.
D and I are trying to come up with names for her no-name baby. I suggested Thomas the Tank, she said no Thomas was a train. Officially –It’s Thomas the Tank Engine.
Name already exists in her family, so it is out.
WTF?
D emailed- she was fading and wanted to go for coffee early. I walked over to her office and we headed for Tim’s. Since we were early we avoided the 2PM rush, there was no one ahead of us.
As we walked across the parking lot some woman actually ran to get ahead of us and got the Tim’s first. There was NO LINE in the store. It is just a counter service, no tables, glass walls. You could see that there was no one there.
She also had gotten out of her car to run past us – the place has a drive through. With no fucking line up! What is it with the people around me lately?
As we walked across the parking lot some woman actually ran to get ahead of us and got the Tim’s first. There was NO LINE in the store. It is just a counter service, no tables, glass walls. You could see that there was no one there.
She also had gotten out of her car to run past us – the place has a drive through. With no fucking line up! What is it with the people around me lately?
WTF?
People are stupid.
I meet my friend for coffee. We sat in out picnic area next to her building.
While we were sitting there some woman walked between the bushes and sat next to me at our table and opened a book to read.
It’s a company area.
She does not work for our company
There are four table and the other three are empty!
Very creepy. We stopped talking and stared at her, but she just didn’t get it.
I meet my friend for coffee. We sat in out picnic area next to her building.
While we were sitting there some woman walked between the bushes and sat next to me at our table and opened a book to read.
It’s a company area.
She does not work for our company
There are four table and the other three are empty!
Very creepy. We stopped talking and stared at her, but she just didn’t get it.
Kids drive me insane
The Boy: Can E sleep over.
Me: You are supposed to be at your Dad’s tonight.
The Boy: He won’t let me have sleep overs so we want to stay with you.
Me: Ask your Dad.
The Ass: Yeah, they can just stay at your house.
Me: Why don’t’ you take them – they both have to get up and go to camp in the morning.
The Ass: But then I would have to arrange to get E‘s clothes for tomorrow.
Me: If he stays at my place, I would have to get his clothes for tomorrow – they can stay at your place.
The Ass: But I told them that they can’t have sleep overs during the week.
Me: Special circumstances due to camp.
The Ass: Ok.
The Ass: Ok you guys can come.
The Boy: E can’t, he has baseball tonight. Can J come instead?
The Ass: No.
Me: J is away for another week.
The Ass: He doesn’t think things through.
Me: Wonder where he got that from?
Me: You are supposed to be at your Dad’s tonight.
The Boy: He won’t let me have sleep overs so we want to stay with you.
Me: Ask your Dad.
The Ass: Yeah, they can just stay at your house.
Me: Why don’t’ you take them – they both have to get up and go to camp in the morning.
The Ass: But then I would have to arrange to get E‘s clothes for tomorrow.
Me: If he stays at my place, I would have to get his clothes for tomorrow – they can stay at your place.
The Ass: But I told them that they can’t have sleep overs during the week.
Me: Special circumstances due to camp.
The Ass: Ok.
The Ass: Ok you guys can come.
The Boy: E can’t, he has baseball tonight. Can J come instead?
The Ass: No.
Me: J is away for another week.
The Ass: He doesn’t think things through.
Me: Wonder where he got that from?
Task of the Day
Tree removal – call about the three elm trees to be cut down. We had 20 removed last year – dead elms and storm damaged. Crap. At least we also plant trees – more due to be planted this fall.
8-10 weeks before they can get to us. At least I have done my part.
8-10 weeks before they can get to us. At least I have done my part.
I'm a Loser Because
I am peeling from the Mont Cascade sunburn and it is severely itchy. My desk is covered with shedded skin. I am lizard woman.
Monday Blahs
Back to work sucks.
I have no interest in doing anything. I am so bad at getting back into the groove once I fall out of it.
The Boy picked out some clothes when he got to our place – I guess he looked good. Hopefully he will still be dressed when I get home.
The boys had a good day so hopefully camp will be a success.
The Girl liked the way we rearranged her room. She found the phone outlet and plugged in a phone and is overjoyed at having a phone in her room. Shudder.
I have no interest in doing anything. I am so bad at getting back into the groove once I fall out of it.
The Boy picked out some clothes when he got to our place – I guess he looked good. Hopefully he will still be dressed when I get home.
The boys had a good day so hopefully camp will be a success.
The Girl liked the way we rearranged her room. She found the phone outlet and plugged in a phone and is overjoyed at having a phone in her room. Shudder.
Movie: Batman the Dark Knight
Since Batman has been out for a few weeks we though it would be safe to try and see it. I have gotten so antisocial in my thirties. We even picked a show at supper time on a Sunday. It was still crowded – not packed, people sitting right next to you, but people one seat away and directly behind you, touching the back of your chair. Fuckers.
It was worth it though. It rocked. It was long, but I didn’t mind. The only complaint was that it was so damn loud! I actually left the theatre with a migraine.
Heath Ledger did a great job as the Joker, but he didn’t live up to all the hype. Christian Bale makes a great Batman and I enjoyed the twists in the movie.
It was worth it though. It rocked. It was long, but I didn’t mind. The only complaint was that it was so damn loud! I actually left the theatre with a migraine.
Heath Ledger did a great job as the Joker, but he didn’t live up to all the hype. Christian Bale makes a great Batman and I enjoyed the twists in the movie.
Dress code for a 12 year old?
Ok – just a few errands to run. Nice quiet day. Start with paying for The Boy’s golf camp which starts tomorrow.
What? A dress Code? No t-shirts or jeans. But that is all the little bastard will wear. And the small fortune I just spent on his back to school crap did not include nice preppy golf shirts and dress shorts.
Off to Walmart. On a Sunday afternoon. Feeding time at the zoo.
We managed to find a few shirts and a couple of shorts that will have to do.
I am so ready to go back to work tomorrow and relax.
What? A dress Code? No t-shirts or jeans. But that is all the little bastard will wear. And the small fortune I just spent on his back to school crap did not include nice preppy golf shirts and dress shorts.
Off to Walmart. On a Sunday afternoon. Feeding time at the zoo.
We managed to find a few shirts and a couple of shorts that will have to do.
I am so ready to go back to work tomorrow and relax.
Quiet
Sis and family got away ok. Shithead has been here to pick up the kids.
All is quiet in the house.
Of course I have sore throat and feel like crap. Looks like my body if forcing me to spend the weekend sitting on the couch with Hubby watching movies.
Sweet.
All is quiet in the house.
Of course I have sore throat and feel like crap. Looks like my body if forcing me to spend the weekend sitting on the couch with Hubby watching movies.
Sweet.
Movie: Mummy 3
For the last night of Sis in town we all went out for dinner and a movie. Since there were such a broad taste in movies and we were not willing to try anything risqué with the kids after Step Brothers, we picked 2 movies that played at the same time. Most opted for The Mummy 3 while the Sis and a niece went to Get Smart.
I absolutely love the first 2 Mummy movies. I watch them every time I have a sick day – not the mental health days, but a real sick day when I am curled up on the couch.
I also love Jet Li so I was really looking forward to this one.
It was ok. Action packed but a bit disappointed. I didn’t like the new Evelyn or the actor that played Alex. I loved the Yeti’s and The Girl and I had a laugh about her Halloween yetis.
I absolutely love the first 2 Mummy movies. I watch them every time I have a sick day – not the mental health days, but a real sick day when I am curled up on the couch.
I also love Jet Li so I was really looking forward to this one.
It was ok. Action packed but a bit disappointed. I didn’t like the new Evelyn or the actor that played Alex. I loved the Yeti’s and The Girl and I had a laugh about her Halloween yetis.
Family Vacation – Rock Climbing
On thing all the girls wanted to do was go to the indoor climbing gym. We were bugged all week about it. Sis stayed an extra day so they could go. Do you think the gym could make an exception and open at a decent hour? No it opened at 2PM? Didn’t help us as 11am when we stopped by.
So, we decided to take them to laser tag instead – it’s just across the road (commerce screaming – nooooo, we want to go rock climbing). Didn’t matte r- laser dorks were in cahoots with the rock jocks and they didn’t open until 2pm either.
Back to the house, regroup ad try again. Sis took all the girls rock climbing. I headed to the Dr’s with The Boy – ear infection, nice memento from the water park, kept him up all night in pain!
So, we decided to take them to laser tag instead – it’s just across the road (commerce screaming – nooooo, we want to go rock climbing). Didn’t matte r- laser dorks were in cahoots with the rock jocks and they didn’t open until 2pm either.
Back to the house, regroup ad try again. Sis took all the girls rock climbing. I headed to the Dr’s with The Boy – ear infection, nice memento from the water park, kept him up all night in pain!
Got Grubs
The lawn people came by – I was still in my pj’s, but I am on vacation so I don’t really care.
Our dead section of grass is not form the rotting roots of the dead tree.. We got grubs. Too late in the season to do anything about it now – add it on the spring treatments.
And the crab grass – that’s a special treatment you have to call and order. Even though I call every fucking year and what the stuff gone!
Might as well add de-thatching and aeration.
I hate the word aeration. I have cancelled services with lawn companies over this word. When I was having a lot of contracting work done around the house, some trucks had to use the yard so that year I just got the weed control stuff and explained to the lawn company when all the construction was done, I would take care of the lawn then.
I guess that seemed like a lie because they called my 3 times a week for the entire summer suggesting that I have the lawn fucking aerated. It didn’t matter who I talked to or what they put into my file, they kept calling.
Finally I switched to a company and explained that if I got a call from them once I would cancel my service and demand a refund. I can read the notes on my invoice that the nice service men leave when they treat the lawn.
Mostly I hate aeration because it looks like thousands of little turds all over your lawn and that is just gross.
Our dead section of grass is not form the rotting roots of the dead tree.. We got grubs. Too late in the season to do anything about it now – add it on the spring treatments.
And the crab grass – that’s a special treatment you have to call and order. Even though I call every fucking year and what the stuff gone!
Might as well add de-thatching and aeration.
I hate the word aeration. I have cancelled services with lawn companies over this word. When I was having a lot of contracting work done around the house, some trucks had to use the yard so that year I just got the weed control stuff and explained to the lawn company when all the construction was done, I would take care of the lawn then.
I guess that seemed like a lie because they called my 3 times a week for the entire summer suggesting that I have the lawn fucking aerated. It didn’t matter who I talked to or what they put into my file, they kept calling.
Finally I switched to a company and explained that if I got a call from them once I would cancel my service and demand a refund. I can read the notes on my invoice that the nice service men leave when they treat the lawn.
Mostly I hate aeration because it looks like thousands of little turds all over your lawn and that is just gross.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Family Vacation – White Water Rafting
Ok – how to prepare to leave for a white water rafting trip – you go looking at hot tubs!
We were supposed to be getting ham and eggs for breakfast, but we stopped to get a new pool light on the way, and they had hot tubs on display. It make sense. It does.
Got breakfast cooked, got everyone ready, traumatized the dog my packing bags in front of her and got out of the house on time.
We got to the river, got checked n, briefed, fitted for wet suit jackets, bussed to the launch site, met out guide Lars, and the thunder and lightning started. And that didn’t stop them form putting us n the rafts and pushing us out into the open water! That is when I was sure that this was a past time invented by psychos.
It didn’t take long to figure out something was up. The other two rafts went to the side of the rapids while we went straight through the middle. Sis and I were screaming. On the last one a wave hit me from behind and knocked me to the bottom of the raft. It was either a monster wave or the back end of the raft was under water because when I finally opened my eyes there was still a foot of water in the self-draining raft. Sis and The Boy almost fell out, both were hanging on my one hand with portions of their bodies dangling outside the raft.
Highlights of the trip:
- beautiful scenery on the Ottawa river
- watching the kids jump off the rocks
- watching the guys jump off the rocks
- kids and guys using the front of the raft as a diving board
- Lars teaching the kids bacon and eggs
- Lars rocking the raft so the Girl fell into the Raft every time she tried to do Bacon and Eggs
- Lars picking the kids out of the water by their life vest straps
- Lars picking BIL out of the water by his life vest straps
- All the boys being unhappy with their happy straps after Lars picks them out of the water
- The Boy getting to paddle the raft
- The burnt burgers on the pontoon boat that tasted so good
- The Boy paddling a canoe by himself
- Finding out BIL had convinced Lars to show us a good time
- nice warm shower and crawling into bed when we got home to the emotionally wounded, abandoned puppy
We were supposed to be getting ham and eggs for breakfast, but we stopped to get a new pool light on the way, and they had hot tubs on display. It make sense. It does.
Got breakfast cooked, got everyone ready, traumatized the dog my packing bags in front of her and got out of the house on time.
We got to the river, got checked n, briefed, fitted for wet suit jackets, bussed to the launch site, met out guide Lars, and the thunder and lightning started. And that didn’t stop them form putting us n the rafts and pushing us out into the open water! That is when I was sure that this was a past time invented by psychos.
It didn’t take long to figure out something was up. The other two rafts went to the side of the rapids while we went straight through the middle. Sis and I were screaming. On the last one a wave hit me from behind and knocked me to the bottom of the raft. It was either a monster wave or the back end of the raft was under water because when I finally opened my eyes there was still a foot of water in the self-draining raft. Sis and The Boy almost fell out, both were hanging on my one hand with portions of their bodies dangling outside the raft.
Highlights of the trip:
- beautiful scenery on the Ottawa river
- watching the kids jump off the rocks
- watching the guys jump off the rocks
- kids and guys using the front of the raft as a diving board
- Lars teaching the kids bacon and eggs
- Lars rocking the raft so the Girl fell into the Raft every time she tried to do Bacon and Eggs
- Lars picking the kids out of the water by their life vest straps
- Lars picking BIL out of the water by his life vest straps
- All the boys being unhappy with their happy straps after Lars picks them out of the water
- The Boy getting to paddle the raft
- The burnt burgers on the pontoon boat that tasted so good
- The Boy paddling a canoe by himself
- Finding out BIL had convinced Lars to show us a good time
- nice warm shower and crawling into bed when we got home to the emotionally wounded, abandoned puppy
I made Strawberry Shortcake
Hubby wanted to have his parents over while my sister was in town – it was the first meeting of the families. At our house. Fuck.
I hate cooking and I hate entertaining. It is so stressful.
Everything actually turned out really well. Sis and I prepped everything and the guys handled the BBQ. I had decide don strawberry shortcake for dessert. Sis said that you can buy the Tea Biscuits, but I couldn’t find them so I got a box of Bisquick mix and managed to make a couple of patched without burning them – thank you Pampered Chef stoneware!
At the end of the night when I was patting myself on the back it came out that I had never make strawberry shortcake before. Seems like I missed some right of passage and skipped a step to my adult/wife/mother status because of the horrified looks I got. Good thing I didn’t screw it up.
I hate cooking and I hate entertaining. It is so stressful.
Everything actually turned out really well. Sis and I prepped everything and the guys handled the BBQ. I had decide don strawberry shortcake for dessert. Sis said that you can buy the Tea Biscuits, but I couldn’t find them so I got a box of Bisquick mix and managed to make a couple of patched without burning them – thank you Pampered Chef stoneware!
At the end of the night when I was patting myself on the back it came out that I had never make strawberry shortcake before. Seems like I missed some right of passage and skipped a step to my adult/wife/mother status because of the horrified looks I got. Good thing I didn’t screw it up.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Back to School shopping
We took a break in vacationing to take the kids for some more back to school shopping. Sis et al were almost done, I haven’t started. Sis took the 3 girls to La Senza Girl while The Boy hit three different stores. We got him all outfitted and went to check on the girls. My Girl was only half way through trying on the clothes. OMG, it was a long day.
Gone are the days when I could just pick them up clothes and they were happy. Somehow I have lost all my taste and they both need to pick out their own clothes now – even The Boy – this is his first year, but he has discovered girls and there is no going back.
Pretty much done. At least I am still allowed to buy the school supplies without them being present. Shopping with children is an advanced form of hell.
Gone are the days when I could just pick them up clothes and they were happy. Somehow I have lost all my taste and they both need to pick out their own clothes now – even The Boy – this is his first year, but he has discovered girls and there is no going back.
Pretty much done. At least I am still allowed to buy the school supplies without them being present. Shopping with children is an advanced form of hell.
Why won’t our Mom get wet?
Sis refused to go on any rides. About half way through the day we thought she had relented when she changed into her bathing suit – nope, she just wanted to sun tan.
While we were in line my nieces cornered me;
Ns: Why won’t mom get wet?
Me: I don’t know.
Ns: did you do something to her?
Me: No!
Ns: Are you sure? She says you did something to her in the swimming pool?
Me: We never had a swimming pool!
The kids are familiar with the stories of us as kids. Sis used a metal lawn dart to check my reflexes/stab me in the knee. Since she was afraid I would tell or retaliate, she locked me into our tree house for the afternoon.
I used to hide under her bed and reach out and grab her ankles when she walked by.
She had nightmares about a pack of devils with pitchforks chasing her and I was leading the pack.
I am missing a piece of my ear – I have no idea why, but I tell everyone my sister bit it off and they believe me. Sis goes along with it, she likes instilling fear in people, especially small children!
While we were in line my nieces cornered me;
Ns: Why won’t mom get wet?
Me: I don’t know.
Ns: did you do something to her?
Me: No!
Ns: Are you sure? She says you did something to her in the swimming pool?
Me: We never had a swimming pool!
The kids are familiar with the stories of us as kids. Sis used a metal lawn dart to check my reflexes/stab me in the knee. Since she was afraid I would tell or retaliate, she locked me into our tree house for the afternoon.
I used to hide under her bed and reach out and grab her ankles when she walked by.
She had nightmares about a pack of devils with pitchforks chasing her and I was leading the pack.
I am missing a piece of my ear – I have no idea why, but I tell everyone my sister bit it off and they believe me. Sis goes along with it, she likes instilling fear in people, especially small children!
Family Vacation – Mont Cascade Water Park
I absolutely hate water parks. I hate being wet, but it more than that. Years of being visually impaired – I couldn’t’ go down the slides without my contacts because I wouldn’t be able to see. I tried to do them wearing contacts, but I had to either keep my eyes closed or hold my hands in front of the eyes so the water would not splash my contacts out. Either way I could not see.
Everyone wanted to go so I relented.
We grabbed The Boy’s friend E since The Boy was feeling a little outnumbered. The Tens took off and that left Niece E upset and feeling left out. So what would make her feel better? If Aunt J went with her. Shit.
Ok, so I am a sucker. I agreed and we went on a ride with the Guys. We were on a tube that sat four people and we flew – the stupid tube was gong over the edges of the slide. I freaked out. It was wild.
After that I was kind of hooked and we did all the rides. The big Tornado was the worst – we went right up the side and I thought we were going to flip. I was at the bottom of the ring and looking up and Mike who was at the top. I guess I was a bit vocal and when I came out everyone was pointing at me. Yet, I still went two more times. Stupid, stupid, stupid.
I felt a little better when we were lines up to go again and we could here all these girls screaming – but when they came out of the tube 0 it was actually 4 12 year old boys. Oops.
Everyone wanted to go so I relented.
We grabbed The Boy’s friend E since The Boy was feeling a little outnumbered. The Tens took off and that left Niece E upset and feeling left out. So what would make her feel better? If Aunt J went with her. Shit.
Ok, so I am a sucker. I agreed and we went on a ride with the Guys. We were on a tube that sat four people and we flew – the stupid tube was gong over the edges of the slide. I freaked out. It was wild.
After that I was kind of hooked and we did all the rides. The big Tornado was the worst – we went right up the side and I thought we were going to flip. I was at the bottom of the ring and looking up and Mike who was at the top. I guess I was a bit vocal and when I came out everyone was pointing at me. Yet, I still went two more times. Stupid, stupid, stupid.
I felt a little better when we were lines up to go again and we could here all these girls screaming – but when they came out of the tube 0 it was actually 4 12 year old boys. Oops.
Movie: Step Brothers
We had a quite relaxing day. We figured out what we were gong to do for the week. Zipline was the top priority, but The Girl has not grown enough and is not tall enough to do any of the adult courses. No one wanted to go without her so we ended up deciding to go to a Water park instead.
We managed to find a family white water rafting trip and will be doing that later in the week. The only other thing is the indoor climbing gym – all the girls want to go, The Boy isn’t too fussy on it, but that is ok.
To kill some time we decided to go to a movie – we ended up picking Step Brothers. OMG. It was soooo funny and the whole ‘Are they real’ scene – unbelievable, and yes they were fake. All the girls had their hands over their eyes and a huge course of ‘eeeewwwws’ were let out.
I told The Boy he is going to have to move out next year. I don’t’ want to take any chances that he would hang around until he was 40.
We managed to find a family white water rafting trip and will be doing that later in the week. The only other thing is the indoor climbing gym – all the girls want to go, The Boy isn’t too fussy on it, but that is ok.
To kill some time we decided to go to a movie – we ended up picking Step Brothers. OMG. It was soooo funny and the whole ‘Are they real’ scene – unbelievable, and yes they were fake. All the girls had their hands over their eyes and a huge course of ‘eeeewwwws’ were let out.
I told The Boy he is going to have to move out next year. I don’t’ want to take any chances that he would hang around until he was 40.
Family Vacation – Tent
What do you do after spending the night in Montreal and coming home with 4 house guests?
You set up a new tent.
Sis, the two Ten year olds and me spread it out and try to find where the front door is, which pole goes where. How the hell does the fly work.
Ok and I haven’t actually unpacked the camping stuff since coming back form Texas so where are the air mattresses, sleeping bags and all that other crap.
Mission successful. Four kids sleeping in the new tent tonight.
The guys – they sat on the deck making cracks about my butt crack. Shorts went into the garbage the next morning. Assholes.
You set up a new tent.
Sis, the two Ten year olds and me spread it out and try to find where the front door is, which pole goes where. How the hell does the fly work.
Ok and I haven’t actually unpacked the camping stuff since coming back form Texas so where are the air mattresses, sleeping bags and all that other crap.
Mission successful. Four kids sleeping in the new tent tonight.
The guys – they sat on the deck making cracks about my butt crack. Shorts went into the garbage the next morning. Assholes.
Family Vacation – Montreal China Town
We all got up at a reasonable hour and enjoyed our free breakfast in the hotel restaurant.
After that we found China Town where BIL was charged extra to park his truck. Too funny – but he didn’t think so.
We strolled around the shops for an hour – the kids loved it and then hit the road for Ottawa.
I love GPS – TomTom got us out of Montreal without getting lost – a first for me.
After that we found China Town where BIL was charged extra to park his truck. Too funny – but he didn’t think so.
We strolled around the shops for an hour – the kids loved it and then hit the road for Ottawa.
I love GPS – TomTom got us out of Montreal without getting lost – a first for me.
Family Vacation – Montreal Hotel
The hotel we stayed in only had valet parking. We were only there for a night so we grabbed out overnight bags and gave them our car. Sis et al had packed for 2 weeks so they gave them their truck and decided to dig through their bags later. Their truck was considered oversized so they had to take it to another hotel a block away.
When we got back to the hotel BIL was told that there was no one available to get his truck so he could get his bags. The guys took off – got the run around to get access to his truck, finally got the bags, had to take them through a wedding reception happening at the other hotel, wheel them a block to our hotel and boy was he in a foul mood when he arrived.
He had a word with the manager and we didn’t have to pay for parking and we all got free breakfasts.
When we got back to the hotel BIL was told that there was no one available to get his truck so he could get his bags. The guys took off – got the run around to get access to his truck, finally got the bags, had to take them through a wedding reception happening at the other hotel, wheel them a block to our hotel and boy was he in a foul mood when he arrived.
He had a word with the manager and we didn’t have to pay for parking and we all got free breakfasts.
Family Vacation – La Ronde, Montreal
We actually got on the road at a decent time, although a bit late. My fault. I woke up exhausted and I just couldn’t haul my ass out of bed.
Mike: Get up.
Me: No.
Mike: Get Up now.
Me No.
Mike: I’ll get The Girl.
Me: Noooooo.
(Mike leaves and heads down to The Girl’s room)
The Girl: Get Up or I will push you out of bed.
Me: Noooooo
The Girl pushed me out of bed. I am lying on the floor and she is in my spot reaching for the TV remote. Life just isn’t fair.
We drove form Ottawa while Sis et al headed up form somewhere in the US. We actually met at the hotel within 10 minutes of each other. Nice. I have learned to factor in Sis’ lateness.
We got checked in ad headed to La Ronde. Hubby and Kids were able to use there passes form Six Flags over Dallas. I had thrown mine out in an effort not to resort to my pack-rat-ness, so I had to buy my way in.
We all got the flash passes, but didn’t shell out for the gold – big mistake. We managed to get on a few rides, but then the thunder and lightning started – of course they had to shut down the rides when we were at the front of the fucking line!
We waited for the storm to pass and when it did we lost our reservation for our ride so we had another hour to wait. The kids were all getting grumpy so we force-feed them fries to perk them up. The kids all lined up for a ride while we waited for our other reserved ride.
The kids were almost at the front of the line when it started raining again and the rides got shut down – again.
We gave up and went back to the hotel.
Mike: Get up.
Me: No.
Mike: Get Up now.
Me No.
Mike: I’ll get The Girl.
Me: Noooooo.
(Mike leaves and heads down to The Girl’s room)
The Girl: Get Up or I will push you out of bed.
Me: Noooooo
The Girl pushed me out of bed. I am lying on the floor and she is in my spot reaching for the TV remote. Life just isn’t fair.
We drove form Ottawa while Sis et al headed up form somewhere in the US. We actually met at the hotel within 10 minutes of each other. Nice. I have learned to factor in Sis’ lateness.
We got checked in ad headed to La Ronde. Hubby and Kids were able to use there passes form Six Flags over Dallas. I had thrown mine out in an effort not to resort to my pack-rat-ness, so I had to buy my way in.
We all got the flash passes, but didn’t shell out for the gold – big mistake. We managed to get on a few rides, but then the thunder and lightning started – of course they had to shut down the rides when we were at the front of the fucking line!
We waited for the storm to pass and when it did we lost our reservation for our ride so we had another hour to wait. The kids were all getting grumpy so we force-feed them fries to perk them up. The kids all lined up for a ride while we waited for our other reserved ride.
The kids were almost at the front of the line when it started raining again and the rides got shut down – again.
We gave up and went back to the hotel.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
HellBoy 2 **1/2
We are heading to Montreal tomorrow morning to meet my Sister and her family who are them coming to stay with us for a week.
We have fallen a bit behind in our movies so we took the kids to see Hellboy 2. We watched the first Hellboy a few weeks ago so The Girl could see it. She was fine with it and wanted to see the new one.
It was definitely an average sequel. Predictable, but we enjoyed the special effects.
We have fallen a bit behind in our movies so we took the kids to see Hellboy 2. We watched the first Hellboy a few weeks ago so The Girl could see it. She was fine with it and wanted to see the new one.
It was definitely an average sequel. Predictable, but we enjoyed the special effects.
WTF?
People are stupid
We went and got some groceries. Loaded everything onto the belt and put the bar up for the people behind us. I walked to the cart to load the stuff and the people behind me moved right up too.
They seemed normal but just acted like cattle fallowing a line. Do not move up until I pay because your dumb asses are now blocking the debit machine.
The cashier gave me the total.
I yell out that I am going to pay with debit. No movement.
I have to reach behind them and turn the machine towards me before they finally get the hint.
They did act embarrassed and moved away when they realized what they were doing. But come on, have you never bought groceries before?
We went and got some groceries. Loaded everything onto the belt and put the bar up for the people behind us. I walked to the cart to load the stuff and the people behind me moved right up too.
They seemed normal but just acted like cattle fallowing a line. Do not move up until I pay because your dumb asses are now blocking the debit machine.
The cashier gave me the total.
I yell out that I am going to pay with debit. No movement.
I have to reach behind them and turn the machine towards me before they finally get the hint.
They did act embarrassed and moved away when they realized what they were doing. But come on, have you never bought groceries before?
I'm a Loser Because
I completely forgot to make plans for The Dog when we go away overnight to Montreal. Crap. Thank God for good friends who like The Dog.
Happiness is…
The last day of work before a week long vacation.
Especially when you work on a combo Friday – a compressed Friday and the Friday before a long weekend. It’s like a mini vacation without using the hours!
Especially when you work on a combo Friday – a compressed Friday and the Friday before a long weekend. It’s like a mini vacation without using the hours!
Can't pick your kid's friend's parents
I have heard a lot of people talk about their relationships – how one partner always seems to work harder than the other at maintaining the relationship – whether it is a marriage or a friendship.
The same goes with your children friend’s. One set of parents always seems to do more for the kid’s than the others.
The Boy is in golf camp this week. At the request of his friend’s mom – so E didn’t have to go by himself.
She can drop them off, her husband does shift work and is available to pick them up most days, but will Hubby be available to help with the pick up? The Boy is at his dad’s this week so I should be off scott free. No. I end up mediating between the two families. Ass is going to drop The Boy off himself. Ok.
I call E’s Mom on Sunday night – I leave a message – The Boy is going to be dropped off at camp – who is picking them up at noon. 11:45AM on the first day – nothing. So Hubby goes to get the boys. E doesn’t know what is going on – he calls his dad who is on his way but says E can go home with us. Oh – and E has baseball so can you drive him home because we don’t have time to go and get him. Ok.
So last night I talk to E’s mom – what is the plan for tomorrow. E”s Dad is gong to get them and they can go to E’s house tomorrow for the afternoon. Ok.
12:15PM – The Boy calls. E’s been picked up by his dad and they left The Boy at camp. WTF? Fine – Hubby went and got The Boy.
Why can’t they have one friend with parents that I can count on?
The same goes with your children friend’s. One set of parents always seems to do more for the kid’s than the others.
The Boy is in golf camp this week. At the request of his friend’s mom – so E didn’t have to go by himself.
She can drop them off, her husband does shift work and is available to pick them up most days, but will Hubby be available to help with the pick up? The Boy is at his dad’s this week so I should be off scott free. No. I end up mediating between the two families. Ass is going to drop The Boy off himself. Ok.
I call E’s Mom on Sunday night – I leave a message – The Boy is going to be dropped off at camp – who is picking them up at noon. 11:45AM on the first day – nothing. So Hubby goes to get the boys. E doesn’t know what is going on – he calls his dad who is on his way but says E can go home with us. Oh – and E has baseball so can you drive him home because we don’t have time to go and get him. Ok.
So last night I talk to E’s mom – what is the plan for tomorrow. E”s Dad is gong to get them and they can go to E’s house tomorrow for the afternoon. Ok.
12:15PM – The Boy calls. E’s been picked up by his dad and they left The Boy at camp. WTF? Fine – Hubby went and got The Boy.
Why can’t they have one friend with parents that I can count on?
Back to School
I absolutely hate this time of year. I feel like I don’t get my life back until October.
Get the clothes, shoes, backpacks – first year that they both cared what they wear – The Girl has cared for years, but no more Wal-Mart for The Boy. I figure the clothes will be cheaper than the therapy for being picked on. They will learn enough life lessons, don’t need that one. Find the school supply list that came home with their last report card – easier for me to call the other, more organized, parents (SAHMs rock!). Buy the supplies, half of which never seem to get used by the stupid schools. Then once school starts I spend the first 2 weeks writing checks. Agendas, milk programs, hot lunch programs, field trips.
Next, figure out what activities the little bastards want to do and try to fit it into our schedule. Then the dilemma. Use up more nights or drive to opposite ends of the city on the same day. Plus we have the kids 2 weeks to 1 so it is more running around for us. And yes, I have picked activities based on the TV schedule, but that was pre-DVR.
Then there are the dreaded weekend activities which means we can have no life because we spent a fortune to sign the kids up so we will not miss it to spend another fortune to go away for the weekend.
Divorced bonus - It gives me one weekend a month without kids.
Activates for the fall
The Boy:
Football - left over from summer,
Scouts - going into his 8th year
Acting - preparing to audition for an elite theatre arts high school.
The Girl:
Figure Skating
The Girl got picked off the ice when she was 4 by a skating coach and has private lessons ever since. Her choice. She has medaled in every competition she goes in, even though she spends half the time on the ice as the other kids. Again – her choice. She took the year off while we were in Texas, and is ready to go back. She is not pushed into it by anyone, she does it because she loves it. She will get up at 6am to be on the ice before school and she will cry if she is too sick to miss a lesson.
Once the registration is done, then the equipment must be purchased. Uniforms, skates, and all the other crap.
Once the money runs out I have cold arenas and wet football fields to look forward to. Plus the various equipment bags for each activity piled up at the door. And the other parents. Lets not forget about them. Ugh. They are the reason I no longer coach.
Martial Arts – 4 years (my passion so that is ok, besides parents don’t complain when you are wearing a black belt)
Baseball – 6 years (3 years later my boys are still asking for me back)
Soccer – 2 years (stupid sport)
Girl Guides – 4 Years (I had to leave the county to escape the organization– I still get e-emails – ‘my daughter won’t go unless you are her leader’
Other activities tried by kids:
Gymnastics – 2 years each kid (they wanted to ‘train’ The Boy. He was 5.)
Hockey – 4 years
Swimming – 2 years each kid
Dance – 4 years (Ballet, Highland, Hip Hop)
I need to have me head examined. Oh that’s right – I did, and got placed on the 10 step program to say NO to volunteering. Now to deal with the guilt…
Get the clothes, shoes, backpacks – first year that they both cared what they wear – The Girl has cared for years, but no more Wal-Mart for The Boy. I figure the clothes will be cheaper than the therapy for being picked on. They will learn enough life lessons, don’t need that one. Find the school supply list that came home with their last report card – easier for me to call the other, more organized, parents (SAHMs rock!). Buy the supplies, half of which never seem to get used by the stupid schools. Then once school starts I spend the first 2 weeks writing checks. Agendas, milk programs, hot lunch programs, field trips.
Next, figure out what activities the little bastards want to do and try to fit it into our schedule. Then the dilemma. Use up more nights or drive to opposite ends of the city on the same day. Plus we have the kids 2 weeks to 1 so it is more running around for us. And yes, I have picked activities based on the TV schedule, but that was pre-DVR.
Then there are the dreaded weekend activities which means we can have no life because we spent a fortune to sign the kids up so we will not miss it to spend another fortune to go away for the weekend.
Divorced bonus - It gives me one weekend a month without kids.
Activates for the fall
The Boy:
Football - left over from summer,
Scouts - going into his 8th year
Acting - preparing to audition for an elite theatre arts high school.
The Girl:
Figure Skating
The Girl got picked off the ice when she was 4 by a skating coach and has private lessons ever since. Her choice. She has medaled in every competition she goes in, even though she spends half the time on the ice as the other kids. Again – her choice. She took the year off while we were in Texas, and is ready to go back. She is not pushed into it by anyone, she does it because she loves it. She will get up at 6am to be on the ice before school and she will cry if she is too sick to miss a lesson.
Once the registration is done, then the equipment must be purchased. Uniforms, skates, and all the other crap.
Once the money runs out I have cold arenas and wet football fields to look forward to. Plus the various equipment bags for each activity piled up at the door. And the other parents. Lets not forget about them. Ugh. They are the reason I no longer coach.
Martial Arts – 4 years (my passion so that is ok, besides parents don’t complain when you are wearing a black belt)
Baseball – 6 years (3 years later my boys are still asking for me back)
Soccer – 2 years (stupid sport)
Girl Guides – 4 Years (I had to leave the county to escape the organization– I still get e-emails – ‘my daughter won’t go unless you are her leader’
Other activities tried by kids:
Gymnastics – 2 years each kid (they wanted to ‘train’ The Boy. He was 5.)
Hockey – 4 years
Swimming – 2 years each kid
Dance – 4 years (Ballet, Highland, Hip Hop)
I need to have me head examined. Oh that’s right – I did, and got placed on the 10 step program to say NO to volunteering. Now to deal with the guilt…
Friday, August 1, 2008
TGIF
It's Friday. I survived another week.
Today is supposed to be my compressed Friday off, but I am swapping it for next week so I can get a whole week off with only 3 vacation days. Sweet!
Not a bad day in all.
Six months about I married my wonderful Hubby on a beach in the Bahamas. It' s been a good six months and we are looking forward to the next 6 months and 30 years (or more!)
The task of the day was to look into acting school for The Boy. Fortunately, or unfortunately there is still space available so we gt to fork out $1500 to prep him for his audition. The little bastard better end up famous and be a good mama's boy!
Today is supposed to be my compressed Friday off, but I am swapping it for next week so I can get a whole week off with only 3 vacation days. Sweet!
Not a bad day in all.
Six months about I married my wonderful Hubby on a beach in the Bahamas. It' s been a good six months and we are looking forward to the next 6 months and 30 years (or more!)
The task of the day was to look into acting school for The Boy. Fortunately, or unfortunately there is still space available so we gt to fork out $1500 to prep him for his audition. The little bastard better end up famous and be a good mama's boy!
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