My thoughts about a variety of topics, things that I find of interest, and rants for anyone who doesn't get offened easily. These blogs contain fowl language and adult content, so take heed. If you don't like what you read, move along.
Sooo sorry I haven't posted in a few days...I have been so busy its crazy!! Between family functions (woohoo, pft), my son being here, taking down the 7 trees, and all the other damn decorations both inside and out, I've had no time for here! Today was super crazy....after taking ornaments off the trees yesterday, I actually got the trees put away today. On top of that, I got one suitcase packed (no laughing)and 4 loads of laundry done, folded, and put away. In the midst of all that we had to run to town so I could renew my driver's license since I won't be here when its time. I was hoping they could use the old picture I had, but alas, NO. So there I was, no makeup, hair in 'pig tails' and a crappy shirt on. Nice. It looks like SHIT...even my kid was like 'omg mom, that is....um...well here, put it back'. *sigh* what can I say?
Beyond that, I'm just trying to get this house put like I want it when I leave, and get things sorted and packed. Its not the big things, its the little things that I'm scared I'll forget. I've made a list for my lists, but also found that if I'm going along and see something I'll get it packed. I think I'm going to leave my hair extensions behind, since my hair is getting to a length where I can put it up, or whatever.
Anyway, here are some pictures of my boy opening his gifts:
Yes, I watch TV, although not as much as most people I know. My friends think I'm a bit 'off' because I only have a few shows that I watch, and the rest I could care less about. My week usually looks like this:
Monday: CHUCK, Two and a Half Men
Tuesday: Depending on the time of year, either American Idol, or Biggest Loser
Wednesday: Nothing
Thursday: Again, depending on the time of year, Survivor and CSI: Las Vegas
Friday: Used to be Crusoe, but now..????
Saturday: Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader? and Don't Forget the Lyrics and now Crusoe
Sunday: Extreme Home Makeover.....
The only 2 nights that are a 'must' for me are Mondays for CHUCK, and Thursdays for CSI. I'm trying to make Crusoe a habit, but the damn network keeps changing the night on me. I used to watch Moonlight (you know, the one about the Vamp investigator) but that seems to have disappeared.
Anyway, my point is this....so many people are hung up on the dramas. I don't get into One Tree Hill, Gossip Girls, Sex and the City, Housewives, and I HATE soap operas!! I have never understood how people get so obsessed with them. I've been told that they make you think of other things besides your own problems. Okay, but so much so that you worry about these characters more than your own life? I know many folks who just freak out over things that happened on ER, or Days of our Lives. ???? If I'm going to watch something that takes me away from my current problems for 30min or an hour, I damn sure am not going to emerse myself in some fake ones!! Give me a show that makes me think, or makes me laugh. One that really does take my mind off of issues in my life, not one that piles more on!!
Anyway, as you can see, I watch about 6 hours of evening TV per week, if that. Most times its 3 or 4, especially if its reruns.
As for morning TV, when I met the DH I was a staunch Good Morning America watcher. He got me into the TODAY Show, and I'm glad he did. I make it a point to watch it in the mornings, although I cannot stand Merideth Viera. She is a stupid drunk who can't conduct an interview to save her ass. I wish after Katie Couric left that Ann Cury would have taken her place. Whether or not she was offered the position, I don't know, but I really like her. She is sensitive, passionate, and fun. Merideth? LOSER. In my humble opinion, she is a complete idiot. Nobody cares about her opinion, she is supposed to report the news, not give her views on it. Not be accusatory, but give the facts. She just needs to GO AWAY.
After the 'meat' of the TODAY Show, its background noise for me. I really don't care much about the Hoda and Kathy Lee thing they've added, and I occassionally watch Regis and Kelly, either. If I'm really bored, or have a wild hair, I'll watch Dr. Phil, or Oprah, but that is mainly to kill time before my local news comes on at 5pm.
So as you can see, I don't spend too much time in front of the television when compared to some people. And when we start the new job in FL..it will be even less!! I may watch the streaming videos of Chuck and CSI on the internet if I have time, but we'll have to see what time allows.
I've been thinking all day on what to post, but just couldn't think of anything relevant. I figured while I was vacuuming, dusting, sewing a blanket for my in-laws, shoveling the ice off of part of the driveway, or doing dishes, that it would hit me. But alas, no. I even thought I could post something about the children's books I've been writing, and the struggle with finding a publisher. Again, I drew a blank. So I leave you all with this picture of the DH and I at the wedding I blogged about earlier.
Today was not good. Let me start by giving a hopefully brief history/explaination of my house.
It was originally built in 1910, and about 7 years ago was gutted to the studs and redone on the inside. Now, the IDIOT that was contracted to do said redo is a local guy who I'd like to strangle, and he knows it. He fucked up this house! Anyway, nothing is straight, its like living in a freakin carnival Fun House. So needless to say his plumbing is NOT up to standard. First of all, around here everyone knows that the winds come straight out of the west-northwest. So why...WHY on earth would you a) put a bathroom on the northwest side of the house, and b) put the water pipes to said bathroom right against the foundation wall that is EXPOSED TO THE WINTER WINDS?????
That being said, beyond the draftiness of this house, every winter we have to put a heat fan and heat lamp in the basement against these pipes to keep them from freezing. We couldn't insulate them because again, the are right up against the rock wall. Ok, so we have these 2 heating elements in place, and go to bed for the night. We wake up this morning to find that the fan stopped working sometime in the night and the heat lamp just couldn't keep the pipes from freezing when it is -20F (including the 30mph winds coming straight out of the WEST!!!!) So needless to say the pipes to the sink and toilet were froze solid. Fixing the fan, and repositioning the heat lamp, we slowly begin to thaw the pipes. And of course, the pressure causes one to bust and spray water all over the basement. Probably 3 gallons worth by the time I ran from the upstairs down to the basement to get the water turned off. ugh
DH, after much thought and contemplation, decided we don't use that bathroom in the winter anyway (because the damn thing is always so freakin cold!) so he re-routed the pipes so the washing machine and kitchen sink would work, but the sink and toilet are incapacitated for the winter. We'll just deal with it in July when its warm enough to actually fix the problem. I swear, I have many choice words for that contractor. My father is a plumber, and as a child I went with him on more jobs than I can count. If pushed, I can plumb an entire house. I may not know codes, but I DO know you don't put pipes against a wall in the manner that this was done. I just can't believe the sheer ignorance. DUH!! Also, we have a room on the North side of the house that evidently wasn't insulated...or at least not very well. I usually keep the door to that room closed in the winter, only going back there to do laundry. Anyway, I went back to unplug some lights and noticed there was FROST on the fucking outlet!! Again, WTF??? So I came out here to the kitchen, and was sitting at the table contemplating this house when I felt a draft blowing up my back. I got to looking/feeling around and the cold air was coming out from under the door to that room. There is a 1 inch (or more) gap between the door and the floor, and the cold air coming out from there was unbelievable! So I stuffed a towel under that door, and got to feeling around the bathroom door...SAME ISSUE!! Again, towel under the door, but that didn't seem to stop all of the air. After crawling around on my hands and knees, I figured out that the drafts were also coming up from the spaces between the floorboards!! See, when my FIL sanded and put sealant on the floor, he didn't fill the cracks, so air blows right up through the floor. The discription makes it sound like I have these huge gaping ravines in my floor, but I don't. Its just a few spots where the wood planks have contracted and there was nothing put in place to compensate for this. So here I am, going along with clear caulk, filling in these gaps. I can definitely tell a difference, I just wish I'd figured this out earlier...like 5 years ago!! I can be such a dumbass. But at least I don't have cold air blowing across the floor, and the furnace has slowed down as well.
So, thats how my morning went. And to top it off, it seems I'm suffering from some sort of cabin fever, or seasonal depression that makes me a complete freak. I have no tolerance for people, I want to eat and sleep and just be left alone. After doing some reading its some sort of seasonal depression brought on by the cold and grey of winter. All the more reason to get my ass to Florida. Poor DH is suffering from my craziness....in more ways than just mental. I feel so bad but I can't seem to do anything about it right now. I'm just glad we are leaving soon and all this will stop.
Speaking of DH, he has left for OH for the next 2 days. So I have got some major tunes in the stereo cranked up, and am just trying to chill out. I had chips for supper, woohoo.
Last night we went to a wedding. First of all, call me crazy (we've already established that but go ahead) why on earth would you have a winter wedding? I can kinda understand the whole "oh the snow and ice are so pretty!"...personally, I think it sucks but whatever. Here is my major hang up....why in the hell would you have it 5 days before Christmas???? Don't you think that puts a burden on people who are already strapped financially for Christmas??? Now you want expensive gifts? And you want people to drive in this shitty ice and snow because you think its 'pretty'???? WTF??? We all froze our asses off!! ugh......sigh
Sooooo....On Thursday we have a gathering at my MIL's sister's place on Christmas Day, then DH and I go opposite directions to get our kids on Saturday. On Sunday is a gathering at my MIL's, and who knows at this point when the stepson will have to go home. His mom is a complete psycho (no exaggeration on that one)and doesn't even want him down here, so its always a fight. That puts us on Monday the 29th, and my son goes back on the 3rd, then DH and I leave for Rockford, IL on the 4th. I wouldn't stress so much but just to take my son back is a 10 hour drive round trip and in this weather, probably longer. I just hope there isn't another ice storm, he is so looking forward to coming! Oh, and on Friday the 26th we take the DH's rig back up to Jacksonville, IL. This run he is making will be the last.
So here are some of the songs I've got cranked on the stereo:
Nickleback: Figured you out Buckcherry: Crazy Bitch Staind: Believe Hinder: Better Than Me Nickleback: Far Away Pink: So What Duffy: Mercy Nickleback: This is how You Remind Me Saving Abel: Addicted Natasha Bedingfield: Pocket Full of Sunshine Kid Rock: All Summer Long Jesse James Dupree: Rev It Up and Go Go Shinedown: Simple Man Nickleback: Rockstar Flo. Rida: Low Buckcherry: Sorry Pink: U & Ur Hand Staind: So Far Away Nickleback: Saving Me
Can you tell I like Nickleback? LOL I made a CD with all of these on it (duh) and I wish it would play in the car. But...my Buick won't allow it. Seems some cars, regardless of make or model, just won't play burned CD's. My ex's Toyota truck is like that as well. Sucks.
Anyway, I'll leave you with a song that I play when I'm feeling just....well...the music helps, LOL.
Ok, so I think I've got enough luggage. In the one large suitcase we have, I managed to get the following:
9 pairs of jeans
4 sweaters
3 long sleeve t-shirts
4 pairs of shorts
3 pairs of capris
3 denim mini skirts
3 pairs of nice slacks
1 pair of leggings
1 pair of 'lounge' pants...comfies
The damn thing will weigh a ton, but in all reality, I think I can fit a few more small things in it. So....I don't think I'll need to get more suitcases. woohoo!
As a follow-up to the weather from the earlier post.....nothing. No rain, no snow, no sleet, nothing. We are still in an ice storm warning it seems, but I doubt anything will happen.
So my countdown is starting....Today is 18 Dec 2008....I start working in FL on 21 Jan 2009...that is 33 days away! Now, I've got the week of training in Rockford, IL from 5 - 9 Jan 09, and the week of OJT from 12 - 16 Jan 09 in Muscatine, IA. But that Friday, the 16th, we get off at 1430 and then its southbound baby!!!! woooooo!!!! Did I mention, or did anyone notice how excited I am???
Soooo, yesterday I went to my closets and started a 'packing list' of sorts. One for DH, one for me. Of course, it goes without saying that mine was quite a bit longer than his. :p
Anyway, it got me thinking about what I am packing, exactly. I mean, I'm a woman, and I've had a kid, so naturally I'm going to pack for every possible event, mishap, weather change, and anything else that may come along. The military taught me, if nothing else, to pack lots of socks and underwear. Got that covered, and they don't take up much room. Its the jeans, shirts, skirts/dresses(yes, I said both), and lets not forget...SHOES. I also had to take into consideration work clothes. We are only allowed to wear Docker's* style pants...like work slacks I guess you could say. DH and I have those and polo type or decent button up shirts that will be worn daily. The rest will be 'play clothes'.
Now, take into consideration we are going to Florida...FLORIDA!! (yes, I'm excited)...and watching the weather there, its been in the mid 60's during the day. Also remember, we won't be back here in IL til July. I'm obviously packing shorts, but my delima is this....we only have a limited amount of suitcases, and a limited amount of space.
1 Large 2 Mediums 2 Smalls 1 Duffle style
I also have to consider DH's jeans, and casual shirts, and last but not least, all of the bathroom stuff. Mainly, my hair care junk. The longer my hair gets, the more stuff I need for varying activities. I can't just 'let it fly' as it just won't work. So I've been contimplating another, smaller set of luggage. Khol's seems to be having some good sales on a 2 or 3 piece set, so I may look into that. Also, I can wait til the after-Christmas sales and hopefully get a way better deal.
This afternoon I'm going to do a 'pre-pack test" of sorts. I'm going to see exactly how things fit (the bulk of it anyway). I need a bag that has our work clothes in it, and the rest can be distributed accordingly. I figure I can take a couple of hoodies, and a couple of light sweaters, and that should be plenty. I don't think I'll really need my heavy wool coats, or my Carharts. A jean jacket, and a couple of dress coats that will go with anything I wear.
Anyway, I'm sure I'll post again on the result. Schools are getting out early again today. Seems we have a pretty severe ice storm on the way. I'm hoping my power doesn't go out. I really hate it when that happens. Not to mention if it does, my BIL's hog barn is in jepardy...5,000 hogs in the freezing weather...not good.
For as long as I can remember, I have thought of being a writer. When I was a teanager, I wrote a story, but promptly put it away....don't ask me where it is now, although I'll always have a copy in my head.
Anyway, over the last year or so, I have messed around on a 'hit and miss' basis with not only re-writing that story, but also writing an autobiography of sorts. I also have been dabbling in children's stories. The target age group being from age 4- 8...or around there. They are stories to teach morals, respect, tolerance, and general life lessons for children. I have completed 2 stories in the series, although I don't know how many there will end up being. At the moment my struggle is with publishing. I'm not exactly sure how to go about it, and all of the sites I go to want a paper, or resume stating your 'credentials'. Hell, let's see....
Housewife Mom occasssional dog trainer
Thats it...nothing more. Somehow, I don't think thats what they are looking for. Other sites want a fee, and there is obviously no guarantee that the book will make enough to break even for that. I know, I know, its a dog eat dog world. I also know that it will take work, and there is no guarantee on any of it. I realize that, and accept it. That doesn't, however, deminish my hope or vision of seeing my books on the shelves of bookstores and libraries everywhere. :) People write books all day long, and especially ones for children. And it seems all a celebrity has to do is think of a book and its published the next day. What credentials do they have? No more than me, really. The can act or sing...so can I. The only difference here is they get paid, and I don't.
Anyway, that's what I've been doing today. The Adventures of Annabell will continue until I find a way to get them on the shelves! :)
As I lay in bed last night, mind racing as it usually does, I got to thinking about what people believe. Many people say they have a 'faith', and believe in something, but beyond that, what do you really believe?
Do you just believe in God? Or in general, a 'higer power'? Are you a staunch Darwin believer, or do you combine the two? How about the gods and goddesses from Pagan and Wiccan beliefs? Or maybe the gods from the ancient Romans or Egyptians? Maybe you are Native American and have your beliefs with your family and tribe traditions? What about mystical creatures? Dragons? Unicorns? Fairies? What about Vampires and Werewolves? And if you are a believer that Vamps exist, are they like the ones in Twilight or the ones made popular by Anne Rice with Lestat and The Vampire Chronicles? Or maybe you believe there is a secret world of Witches and Wizards like in the popular Harry Potter books by J.K. Rowling.
Me personally, I've run the gammit. As a very young child, I wanted to believe there was a God, but soon decided that there was not. Personal choice. I never have believed in the traditional God as people refer. I tried to go the Wiccan route, but it quickly became too complicated for me. I jest quite often, saying "The Lottery Gods need to smile on us" or "Wow, I need to talk to the rain gods for the garden". But I don't think I've really ever believed in a higher power.
For me, there is just too much scientific proof that Darwin was right. The Theory of Evolution has, and still is, proven itself time and again. Now please understand, I'm NOT trying to start a major religious debate, I'm not condeming those who go to church or believe in God. I think its wonderful that you have a faith and a strong belief. I am glad that this faith gets you through your hard times, and gives you joy. We all have our ways of being happy, and for me, the traditional God and faith don't do it for me. I don't bash those who are religious, and I fully expect the same respect. I don't want to be converted, or for people to tell me how I am living a sad, hopeless existance doomed for Hell. Be and let be.
I was just wondering, out of sheer curiosity, how far people were willing to go in their beliefs. Mystical, or mythical creatures. Magic. Heck, lets even go as far as Extra-Terrestrials. Personally, I think that this entire universe is just too vast to not think there is another planet of life somewhere out there. As for the term UFO....its just that....an UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT. It doesn't mean "ALIEN". It simply means something flying by that isn't easily identifiable at that moment. And with today's kids, it could simply be an old WWI bi-plane. But I DO believe there is other life out there. Do I believe people have been abducted? Hmmm, maybe. Sometimes I think the evidence it too overwhelming over the last 50 years, but I also sometimes think "ok, its a bandwagon thing". Depends on my mood I guess.
Lots of things have happened, yet it seems nothing is really going on. So I'll drone on and bore you with the little things, and if I feel up to it, the recent drama in my life.
We'll start with the fact that it is just fucking COLD outside! Yesterday it was a whopping 3 degrees! If I wanted or enjoyed those temps, I'd move to Alaska...sigh. I absolutely HATE the cold. Today isn't much better...13! Obviously I'll be staying inside today.
The Open House went well. Most folks showed up around 6, which is what I figured would happen. Of course the in-laws stayed well after everyone left, finally going home around 8:30pm. There wasn't much to do as far as cleaning up. We basically covered things or put things in Ziploc bags and it was cold enough in the garage that we could store things out there as well. Our fridge is packed, and the card table out in the garage is covered, lol. Some things weren't good the next day, like certain salads went soggy...the chickens had a great feast! Sunday, aka, 'the day after', was spent laying around, eating and napping all day. I was just exhausted and really in no mood to do a damn thing. I was so bloated by the time I went to bed on Sunday night I was just miserable! Yesterday, (Monday) I took a friend to the Dr. for her colonoscopy....ewww. Left here at 7:30am and didn't get home til almost 3pm. The greatest thing....I came home and all the dishes were done, roaster pans, silverware, plates, etc....counters were cleaned, and spare tables taken down and put away. I was greatly impressed! DH had also found a home for the remaining 5 layer hens. There is a man in Burlington, IA that is planning to come get them at some point, so I feel better.
In other news, our boys will be able to come visit from the 27th to the 3rd. I know its cutting things really close as far as us leaving, but its the only way we could see them this year. Next year they will (should)be able to be here on Christmas day. Its an every-other-year thing. I can't decide if I'm going to leave all of the trees up for when they come, or just the one in the front room. I'm so NOT in the mood to take them down, but also not in the mood to keep looking at them or walk around them anymore. Sad to say, I know, but thats why I don't like to put them up so early. It just gets old. DH suggested we just leave them up til next year, but I am really not wanting to come home in July to see Christmas trees all over my house. So while the boys are here, they will help take them down.
I've decided not to blog about the other drama just yet. Maybe I'm avoiding it, maybe I'm thinking it will go away if I just don't talk about it. Either way, I'm leaving it where it is, and that is on the far back burner, or actually, out with the trash. I'm sick of the lies and bullshit, and I have way more important things going on in my life to even acknowledge this. So out it will stay....for the moment.
Jumping topics, I'm thinking about SpaceBags for packing some of our stuff. Being that is in the mid 60's to low 70's in Florida, I'm thinking I don't really need my heavy sweaters just yet. The only problem with that idea is getting it sucked back down after its opened. I have a small vacuum, but I don't think it has the power to get the bag back down flat. After some discussion, we may just only pack 1 or 2 sweaters, and a couple sweatshirts and call it good. Its going to be Spring down there after all!! So this week and next I think I'm going to go through my closets/drawers and make a specific list of what I need/want to pack. Specific numbers...socks, underwear, etc. I've also got to figure out a way to pack all of my shoes. I'm taking them all, hehe. We are also taking a small electric skillet, but debating on also taking a crockpot, aka slow cooker. I think that might come in handy. I'm trying not to get carried away with things to take, as there is limited room and some things I just won't have time for. DH would also like to get a couple of bicycles when we get down there. I think that is a fine idea, and would help get us up and moving on our down days. But I want to wait til we really get to know what is what down there.... a sort of routine I guess you could say. I know one thing that is going to happen upon our arrival is our eating habits. Better foods and portion control is my mission. I have gotten a bit out of control with my eating, and its beginning to show. I have GOT to cut back and really pay attention. Anymore I eat for something to do and I can't do that anymore. 'Nuff said.
I was reading a blog the other day, and the person mentioned how 'friends come and go' in her life. Friendships 'burn out' as she put it. I guess that got me thinking about my own friendships, the one with her in particular. I don't know what has happened, or why, and I don't know what causes it, but she was right...at least about us anyway. Our friendship seemed to start out great and strong, then things in life happened, and I admit now as I did then that I did and said some hurtful things, but I had thought we agreed to continue the friendship and rebuild it. Seems that idea has floated away...or burned itself out. It happens I guess. People have their own lives, and their own priorities. We all do, and if someone falls off that list or just isn't needed anymore, then there is really nothing that can be done. There are really no hard feelings I guess. I'm used to it...and NO, that IS NOT A GUILT TRIP OR PITY PARTY. Its an acknowledgement of the events and life in general. I admit I am a bit sad that I've fallen away, but again, 8 years in the military taught me that people come and go in your life. Some are good, some not so good, and some leave you wondering wtf you did to cause the distance. But all in all, it taught me to just let them go and move on with your life. You'll either see them again or you won't. I guess that is why I don't get too attached to people, as it will only hurt you in the end. Shit happens.
Well my fellow bloggers, I must close this entry out for now. I may blog later today, or I may be lazy. Its snowing like mad out and I am only doing some laundry today. DH is leaving probably later this afternoon, heading for Kansas City. He'll be home tomorrow evening, so I'm just really going to work on the little things to get ready to leave in January.
Tomorrow is the day! I've been working my ass off getting things ready, decorating and cooking. Today I've been pretty much cooking all day. DH got folding chairs, and another long table from the in-laws, and helped me put the leaves in the dinning room table. He also did a lot of chopping...onions, chicken, cucumbers, etc. And he also finished the cheeseballs, plus went to the grocery. He is currently making fudge.
As for me, well, I've been all over the house doing any number of things. Yesterday we got some ornaments for another tree that is going in the boys' room...a Harley tree...I believe I've already discussed it. Today I managed to get pictures of it all decorated. I still have pumpkin bread to make yet this evening. I also made 2 pumpkin pies, 2 pecan pies, and a cucumber salad.
Anyway, here are some pictures for your enjoyment...
My god will it ever end? I am just totally worn out these days. Yesterday I layed down on the bed for a nap and stayed there for 2 hours! I couldn't believe it. Today, I was going along pretty good, but just pooped out. I swear I just can't wait to be GONE from here. The wind, ice, snow, cold temps and over all bullshit is obviously wearing on me. I'm hoping to be better after Saturday, but who knows. By then I'll really have to kick into gear for all of the family gatherings, the boys coming, and then going to the new job. *sigh*
On another note, isn't it funny how people just fall out of your life? Its like they just 'go away' for no reason. When you try to talk to them, whether its email, text, or whatever, they act like its a huge problem. Like you are taking up their precious time to be selfish. They can't seem to find the time to get back to you, they blow you off, or just drop away. Family will do that, too. Don't get me started on that. I just find it funny how you can go through so much with people and they just....disappear. Ah well, I don't have time for that drama. I have lots of things going on, and if my communications are ignored, so be it. I can be selfish, too. If you're too busy on MySpace, Facebook, TV, video games, or whatever, then I'm too busy as well. Hell, when this new job starts, my hours will be crazy, but I WILL get back to people when they talk to me. *insert head shake and eye roll here*
And one more rant....all you moms out there. Would you ever deny clothing to your children? Would you ever tell your friends and family "don't buy my kid clothes, I'm sick of them having so many" WTF? Who does that? ....um, HELLO! That means you don't have to spend YOUR money on these expensive clothes they wear...where is the fucking problem? And NO, I'm not going to tell the people here who care about him to NOT buy him clothes. They are adults and can buy him whatever the fuck they want. It is not YOUR place or MINE to tell them what they should or shouldn't buy.
Ok, I'm off to try to do more work, but I swear, its killing me today. I just don't have the time to NOT do anything.
In the past couple of weeks, I've been back in contact with several people from my high school days. Now, I really don't want to remember that time in my life, as it is strewn with bad times. However, amongst the debris of shit, there are a few good memories that surface, and with them come the people who were involved.
First and foremost, my best friend then, DWK....funny, after 20 years of no contact, we slipped right into our 'groove' and its like we never lost each other. (There is a long story behind that, which includes that ohsowonderful bitch of a woman that gave birth to me) She then in turn got me back into my Facebook page, which then in turn got me in touch with some other people I went to HS with. LW, BE, and PB. Crazy really, how some people never change....at least in the looks department. All of them look like they just stepped off of the graduation stage..not a day older. I'm not sure if I am going to be able to make it to the reunion, as I have to see where I am with the new job. I'm hoping too, but not holding my breath.
So anyway, that is my trip down memory lane. It was brief, but nice. I enjoy talking to the folks I've reconnected with, seeing where they are and what they are doing now. Pretty cool.
In other news, DH and I cut some more pine bows today, and also put up another tree. The boys' room just looked naked with the little 4ft tree in the corner. So we broke out a scrappy looking 6ft tree, and I 'enhanced' it by filling in all the gaps with the left over pine bows from today. It actually didn't turn out too bad, and it also has blinking colored lights on it. This week I will take a trip to Hobby Lobby and get some large black and orange balls (yes, I said BALLS, lol) to hang on it...it is in the boys' room, which is also the Harley Room. The top half of the walls are HD orange, and the bottom half of them are black. There are t-shirts pinned to the walls, and the curtains are silver. So I think the additional tree in there will make a nice addition. I also drapped pine bows and sprigs of cedar along the railing at the top of the stairs. I wouldn't call it a railing, more like a 1/3 wall that keeps you from falling down the steep ass stairs, lol. That also has some colored lights woven through it. These same lights also run down the banister to the front room. I'll have to take pictures tomorrow and post so you get the idea.
Today was actually nice...45 degrees F...so I was able to completely clean out the car. Man, the amount of shit I accumulated! Anyway, I cleaned every window inside and out, vacuumed the floors and seats, hauled out all the trash, and any other junk that didn't need to be in there.
Tomorrow I am going to get the front room cleaned up.....it has scrap pine all over it, cedar sprigs, tape, wire, cutters, gloves, etc. Its a freakin obstical course just to get from the kitchen to the couch! I will also put some lights on the front of the house, since the DH mentioned he should have done it today...it will be a nice suprise for him. :) I guess I should also get the rest of the house cleaned up, since I'm only 4 days away from the party. My problem is I am too fast. I get up and get more shit done by noon than most people get done in 3 days. I crank up the tunes and just GO. I hate waisting time on work, so why not get it done so the fun can start? :)
Anyway, thats all I've got for today...time to go watch one of my favorite shows....CHUCK!!!!
I should be resting, or doing something "fun", but there is just no time for it. I need to go get more supplies for the food I'm cooking for the 13th, and I still have some bows to make. Not to mention the continuous cleaning up after each project. We still have a few gifts yet to get, but it won't be this week....funds are skimpy this week.
Last night we got our schedule for the new job...I was so excited! The first week in Jan is spent in Rockford, IL at the main office for paperwork, training, and other mandatory BS. The next week will be in Muscatine, IA helping another team and getting some major On the Job Training. And then *drum roll please*...
FLORIDA!!!! Wooohoooo!!!!
We will be in Jacksonville, FL from 19 Jan 09 - 30 Jan 09. OMG I am so stoked! By the time we get there, I'm sure we'll have the schedule for February. We even did a MapQuest search, and its only a 6 hour drive to see my dad in NC. That will work out great when we have a long weekend to go ride with him. He's pretty happy about that part, LOL.
The DH's family is pretty mellow about it all. I'm sure his middle brother is happy we are leaving, because he's so much better than us, ya know. His youngest brother I'm sure is kinda sad, simply because he likes having the DH around for helping out, as does his dad. DH's sister is excited for us, simply because she does know how we like to be going all the time. And finally I think his mom has just decided to be 'ok' with it because she knows there isn't a thing she can do. I think what keeps her being ok is that we are keeping the house here and will be back at some point (July and December).
I have decided that when it comes to buying gifts (birthday and Christmas) for the nieces and nephews....well, lets just say there is going to be a new way of doing things. In the past we have been careful about how much we spend, making sure not to 'offend' anyone. But it always seemed that the attude was pissed off because we spent too much, or pissed off because we didn't spend enough. So fuck it....I told the DH that if I see something for them that I think they'll like, and its $100, I don't care, I'm getting it. Parents be damned! LOL If they don't like it, I don't care because none of them have the balls to say something to me....they can all kiss it as far as I'm concerned. Its not about them, anyway. I can spend what I want, and if they don't like it, tough shit.
Anyway, thats all I've got for the moment. I may write more later, I may not...depends on the day! Lucky you, right? :)
HELLO!! What has happened to people these days? I know they weren't raised to be assholes, or in general, just rude. But what the fuck has happened to common fucking courtesy?
Let me explain, as it goes beyond the 'excuse me' issue. If I send you and your family of 5 an invitation with an RSVP, why can't you do just that? Is it so fucking hard to call or hell, EMAIL and say "yes, we'll be there" or "fuck you, we ain't comin" ??? Its not like I invited 500 people and your measly 5 don't matter....no, I invited 60. So yes, your 5 DO MATTER when it comes to planning a meal!! Hell, the old woman down the road, who is just ONE person, had the COMMON COURTESY to call me and say she would come!! For gawd sakes people! How hard is it? And don't give me the "I've been busy" or "work and kids"...because I see your ass on the freakin computer every fucking day!!!! Am I supposed to assume you will be there?
*sigh*....Ok, now that my blood pressure is through the roof, this rant goes for EVERYONE. If you are invited to a function, let them know you are coming or not. They took the time to write out and mail the invitation, the least you can do is reply. Otherwise, don't expect another invite. And when you don't get one, don't get pissed, because its your own un-doing.
drinking hot cocoa, at my kitchen table with the tv on the Christmas at Rockafeller Center special on. Its more like background noise, to tell the truth.
I feel like I have been busting my ass, and yet I can't see the progress. Yesterday I cleaned...I mean cleaned the kitchen....well, most of it anyway. The floor will wait. Today I cleaned the downstairs bathroom, went with the DH and cut fresh pine bows to make wreaths and swags (all of which is piled on the kitchen floor), unpacked the grocery bags that have been sitting in the back room for 2 weeks (they contained the supplies to make this huge supper for the Open House, nothing parishable), rearranged the Santa display in that room, cleaned the foyer enough to get the 1940 stove moved into it for decoration, put some pine bows and a ribbon in the bottom drawer of that, erected the lifesize Santa for that room, and well, thats about it for today. Oh yeah, I made one wreath and one swag...still have a bunch of pine left...and made a batch (24) oatmeal cookies...ugh. Tomorrow is another busy day. I need to vacuum upstairs, get the closet locks covered (they are pieces of wood that will keep the door from sliding open), and try to get a few more things off the menu made to save time. If this weather would let up, I could fix the lights outside.
Wow, that was a huge, seemingly run-on paragraph, lol. I have also added more songs to my 'swingin christmas' collection, and need to get a disk burned. Today I listened to the 40's channel on Sirius. Its great music and I have yet to hear a repeat. Love it! I know the DH is thinking I've lost my brain, but eh, he knew that before he married me!! lol
In other news, I've managed to reunite with the few friends I had in High School through Facebook. Its been cool chatting with them and catching up. Not many left the immediate area, but I guess that happens.
My poor son tonight.....I had to tell him about Carlo and Elite. He was really fond of Elite, and it literally broke his heart when I told him they had to cross the Rainbow Bridge. Nothing worse than hearing your 9 year old cry over the phone and there is nothing you can do to console him. Poor guy. But I felt I had to tell him before he got here for Christmas...I think it would have been worse on him to wait. He is such a sensitive soul...always caring more than he should...gotta love him for that.
Anyway, thats all I know at the moment....just seem tired all the time. But again, stress does that to me. Top that with the "I hate winter" attitude, and I am not exactly the most pleasant person to be around these days.
Ok, I'm inside my warm house, but its 28 degrees F outside....eeewwww!! All I keep thinking is "just a few more weeks and I'll be in the south!" I know, I know, it gets cold down there, too, but not 28! Anymore, I hate the cold, I hate the snow, and I hate the wind that makes it all worse! And it doesn't help that I know I'm leaving soon for warmer weather. I swear I'm like a bratty little kid! LOL
Things around here are coming along. We found some extra luggage on sale at JCPenney's, so that will be good for when we leave. We've got most of the trees up and decorated. The big ones anyway....DH left out today for trucking, which means maybe I can get more done here, LOL. Seriously though, I just have the smaller trees left and when I turn on the music and get in 'the zone' I get tons of shit done. So this afternoon I'm going to do just that. I have a long list of small things that need to get done besides just the trees, and today will be a good day to get started on them.
Hee hee....being the bitch that I am, I was going to make a sign for my front door about unruly and unattended children, but couldn't think of something that hadn't been used already. The best one I have seen was "All unattended children will be fed chocolate and given a puppy"...HA! I guess I could have one that says "Let your children run crazy in my house, I'll let my chickens run crazy in your car" I know its mean, but my nieces and nephews are the most unruly bunch of heathens I've ever come across. Would you believe I had to devise a way to lock my closets so they wouldn't get into them? Mind you, this will all be during the Open House....I am just expecting disaster. The last time we had a big gathering here, 2 nephews just waltzed up and opened my closet doors in the bathroom. I almost died. Then 2 other ones were crawling around on the kitchen floor (they are 4 and 6) all under the table and around people's feet...one person almost tripped and fell. Where are the parents, you ask???? "Oh honey, now lets not do that, ok? Please?" UGH That is the only thing I don't like about things like this. The kids are out of control. So, I am just waiting for something bad to happen, at which point I will ask them to leave. I've already informed the DH that I will not hesitate and he was fine with it. I have put in too much work around here for some little shit to break something, spill something, or whatever. gggggrrrrrrr
ANYWAY....I'm off to work on my house. Maybe when its all done I can post pictures. :)
