Sometimes it works against me…

This super special ESP thing. Really. Just the other day I was thinking how long it had been since I heard that annoying Sheryl Crowe song. Why did I do this? I should have known better. Not only have I heard that song once since that thought but I have heard it TWICE – Friday and this morning. So that’s it – no more thinking about Sheryl Crowe – EVER. I know she is going to be upset to hear this but she just has to understand that you cannot underestimate the power of the super special ESP!

In other news let’s talk about the weather shall we? Let’s talk about the fact that I actually had tears in my eyes when I looked at the 10 day forecast because it is so dismal and cold and rainy and depressing. SERIOUSLY. When I saw that forecast my heart fell to my knees and an overwhelming sense of wanting to cry washed over me. I’m so sick of this CRAPPY WEATHER and I can’t do a thing about it. Do you think Mother Nature knows Sheryl Crowe? Maybe it’s a conspiracy to ruin my day for the next fifteen years :-) Okay - okay so I’m a little dramatic this morning but this weather really is depressing me beyond all reason. Maybe I need a vacation…

That’s it. I’m out. Nothing left to say and really I need to run to the bathroom and wipe the mascara smears from under my eyes before someone thinks my cat died or something – it might be a little hard to explain that I am crying over the weather…

Why do I feel like the weather…

I know, what a weird statement, but it’s true. Don’t you ever feel like the weather? Happy and bright and full of energy on the sunny warm days and sluggish and crabby on the cold winter days? Well today it is gray and raining and that is exactly how I feel – gray and raining, which is just my clever way of saying I feel all weepy today. Who knows why. God knows I don’t. It could be the weather, it could be the sad blog I’ve been reading, it could be bad hair, or short pants, or spilled milk. Pick your theme I can make the tears flow for any of them *sigh*

Okay, moving on… the girls have been planning their birthday for months and have finally decided on a Little Mermaid theme – or at least Syd has settled on the mermaid. There has been much lobbying and coercing from her to convince Lauren that Ariel is “THE” theme for the year. Lauren has decided it can work for her, she goes with the flow like that, just as long as there is a plan and she gets to make some of the important decisions like what color the balloons should be and how high they should float.. Of course all this planning on their part has required them to cut things out of the party catalogs that show up in the mail at regular intervals. You know, just in case I would happen to forget what the theme is going to be. All this cutting means thousands of little pieces of paper are all over my house because cutting anything requires the extra curricular activity of making confetti out of any remaining paper scraps – what a super activity – I highly recommend it to anyone who likes to vacuum oh I don’t know 40-50 times a day… . AND along with the paper confetti I am also finding grass clippings (yes, I said GRASS CLIPPINGS) in the house, all over the house which is the result of a nature class they took about a week ago. They planted pots of grass seed which have since sprouted and grown. This growing seems to require daily “mowing”. Nice. Oh well at least they are having fun and really how long can the grass live anyway???

So that’s it. It’s not exactly crying over mermaids but something like that...

TTFN…

I'll be back...

to write more later - well maybe not later - maybe tomorrow but I'll be back. BUT I listed several new things in my Etsy shop. I really like the "FAMILY" one I did - great colors! So if you have a chance take a look and let me know what you think - and you know I'm always looking for new ideas... Glitter Me!

Oh and I do have one more thing to say - the Hoe Down Hee Haw number on Dancing With The Stars - SUCKED! And one other thing. That Shane chick on The Bachelor might be crazy but I've decided she comes by it naturally after seeing her mom. Actually she, Shane, seemed more normal than usual last night and I'm thinking she probably only sees her dad about oh once every five years considering how uncomfortable they seemed with each other - but he does seem to acknowledge he is/was a smuck.

Okay that's it. I'm done. Really. Nothing more to say. Well except maybe have a good day and drive safe and don't take candy from strangers or offer rides to hitch hikers or forget to put on clean underwear - you know all that useful advice...

Jury Duty...

Jury duty. I’ve been called for Jury Duty. Do you think blogging about it will dismiss me? I’ve never been called for jury duty before. I’m not even sure what I’m supposed to do. I mean sure I got a card with instructions and a number to call but do you really think I read it all that well? I’ll have to be on the hunt to find the information the night before I’m supposed to call because really why would I want to be prepared when I could just wait until the last minute and then get all crabby because I can’t find what I need? I’ve got expectations to meet you know :-)

You know maybe they should start holding court cases like they do the reality talent shows (American Idol, Dancing with the Stars, etc.). The trial could be televised. The lawyers, the defendants, the criminals and whoever else is involved in this court room drama stuff could all give their performances and then the public could register their vote. Maybe the judge could be – well you know the judge and his vote would carry 50% of the weight. What do you think? At least it would do away with the jury and then I wouldn’t have to be worried about trying to find that darn card with the information I need!

Call - Vote - NOW

For Marissa and Tony. I know they aren't the best but I like her, she's really trying and I really like Tony. So call, vote - really. I just wish I felt more excited about one of these couples. Other than Tony and Marissa, I'm just not feeling anything strong one way or another. Could I be becoming mellow? Man I hope not, sometimes my passion is the only thing I've got going for me... Speaking of passion I think Tony and Marissa should have a fling. Maybe he could get her to do something about that big hair!

Speaking of dance - Saturday was dance picture day. Have you ever participated in dance picture day? It's an experience. Anyway, since I seem to be out of fresh ideas and witty comments (I can't even think of anything pithy to say about the "professional" dance moms - can you say Prima Dona) so tonight I'll leave you with pictures.

I can't look...

well maybe look isn't exactly the right word - watch would be more appropriate - I can't watch. Do you know what I am talking about? If you have been paying attention you might have an inkling but for those of you without Super Special ESP here it is - I can't watch Dancing with the Stars tonight - I just can't. Now here is the super bonus part of the post - do you know why I can't watch? Give me your best guesses and I'll send a little SPRING sign to the person with the first correct answer. Okay? You have until April 9 - 7:00 a.m. CST.

So about that dancing show. I know I haven't had much to say and that is soooo unusual - but frankly I'm underwhelmed. Kristy Yamagochi (and I don't care if it's not spelled right) has the moves but NO passion. Adam Corolla is funny (very funny) but he isn't even trying and I don't think he and Julieann (isn't that her name) really like each other very much. I like the tall football guy but he isn't knocking my socks off or anything and I like the Hairspray chick but she isn't knocking my socks off either. I think she needs to put herself out there more. The other Mario is okay but again, no socks flying for him either. So do you get the picture here? No one is doing it for me. But at least the voting seems more honest this time and we aren't having to deal with the whole Marie Osmond fiasco again. And have you seen her advertising for Slimfast and claiming she lost 40 lbs on their product? Ummmm you lost 40 lbs cause you were dancing your little toes off and really, if you would have been voted off when you should have you'd have only lost 15 - MAYBE 20. I know I know I sound bitter but I'm still not over that whole season of the Stars - Dancing - Live :-)

So that's it for today. Read. Guess. Comment. Win.

What have I created?

If you know me at all, you will know that I LOVE clothes. LOVE them. Before Children - eating not a big deal - a new outfit, that was a big deal. I know I am not unique in this but being a clothes lover and then having twin daughters was like having my prayers answered - buying cute clothes without the agony of the dressing room. It was heaven for about 3 years and then Syd grew big enough to change her own clothes and life has become a series of wardrobe changes.

At first I couldn't figure out where this came from - changing clothes 20 times a day - but then my sister was very quick to remind me that I had taught her this behavior since I changed the girls' outfits three, four, maybe five times a day when they were babies - so many clothes so little time (don't tell the HotY I said that - he already thinks the clothes thing is a problem). So fine, maybe it is my fault but holy bananas the girl can't keep an outfit on for more than fifteen minutes. And the things she picks out. Let's just say I wish that the Little Mermaid had a Little Less influence because Ariel's wardrobe choices are not always the most appropriate! You know what I mean, you've seen her hiding behind that rock while spying on Eric - she's not wearing much! I'm not surprised he bundled her up and whisked her off to his castle - are you?!

Anyway, I'm never quite sure what Syd is going to be wearing at any given time. It could be a swimming suit, a leotard, a fairy dress, a set of seashells and a mermaid fin - you just never know. Last night when I went up to bed I checked on the little cherubs and there laid out all very nicely by the door was a raincoat opened up with a dress inside, tights underneath all tucked into the shoes. Guess what she wore today - yep! She's such a Syd.

Now Lauren is a very practical girl when it comes to clothes - one outfit a day is a good plan with appropriate attire a plus! Syd is always trying to get her to change clothes - which Lauren just ignores her - she's good at that ignoring thing especially is she is ignoring Syd. And you know what, now when I think about it, Alex is kind of a clothes guy. He likes clothes and has been known to change several times in one day. And then there was that whole garage sale clothing bin deal (small clothes, tags attached) which became his entire trousseau until I figured out where he had the thing stashed and I put it back in the garage - where it belonged!

So maybe it is my fault - but they could have worse habits - like feeding their vegetables to the dog.

TTFN...

This is no April Fool...

we have snow and ice and slush and school delays. Believe me when I say that this kind of weather in April is no laughing matter. I’m so darn irritated with Mother Nature right now. I mean really SNOW.IN.APRIL. Who thought up that swell idea?

Anyway, regardless of the snow it is April and not just any day in April but April Fools’ Day or the day better known as My Brother’s Birthday.

Happy Birthday Sean!

So because of the birthday boy April Fools’ Day was kind of a big thing in our house while growing up. Of course I teased him mercilessly about being born on Dum-Dum Day (I mean really what are older sisters for if not to make a younger siblings life miserable?) but it was only because I loved him - seriously.

Actually my brother and I are only 2 years apart and we got along pretty well if you overlook his irritation with my driving. In high school he would ride with me to school and it usually wasn’t good. Of course he thought it was all me but he was wrong. I mean it wasn’t my fault we ran out of a gas - a few times. We all know when the gas gauge says empty there’s still some gas left in there and besides sometimes we ran out of gas right in front of the gas station so how hard was that? AND as for missing the corner to school 15 times in a row, that wasn’t my fault either, the roads were slippery how was I supposed to know I had to slow down? So see none of it was my fault but he acted like I as a bad driver – shesh! He’s lucky he didn’t have to walk fifteen miles in the snow – uphill or worse yet, RIDE THE BUS! Now that would have been irritating.

So that’s it for today. Snow which is no April Fool. My brother’s birthday which some might call an April Fool (I love you Sean) and my driving skills with which you should not fool!

Have a great day.

TTFN…

Make new friends...

but keep the old one is silver and the other gold.

My friend Beth, who has been one of my closest friends since Jr. High, spent the day yesterday. We had so much fun. There is something to be said about someone who knows your entire history. No need for explanations - they already know who you are and why you do what you do. They know your family. They even know things you would rather they forget! There are years of shared experiences. It was a very good day and I was sad to see her go – her 7 year old son wasn’t too sorry to be leaving as I think he had enough girl stuff for one day (before they arrived Syd was wondering what princess gown he would like to wear when they played dress-up). You would think my girls never see people. They were all over that poor boy. They wanted to show him their room and their toys and their Wii. I don’t think they left him alone for two minutes. I’m sure the fact that he is a cute boy didn’t hurt either! GIRLS!

Oh one other thing about the little ditty at the top - I remember learning that song in grade school and being absolutely amazed that my Great Grandma (at whose house my brother and I stopped for milk & cookies every day after school – I know it sounds so Little House on the Prairie but it’s true – every day milk and cookies – and not just any cookies but Archway cookies - with our great grandma) knew the same song. And now I hear my girls signing it too. It must be a childhood staple J

We are supposed to get more SNOW today. I can’t even think about it anymore – but at least those slow Walmart shoppers may go back into hibernation for a day or two!

Have a great day and call an old friend. They would love to hear from you and talk about things old and new.

TTFN

Double Whammy...

this morning I encountered the "double whammy" when I entered the Walmart Zone (I'm telling you, it's the warmer temps - as in slightly above freezing because really I'm not talking about 70 degrees - but this sucky weather - that's an entirely different subject). Anyway... first there were the two cars that pulled out mere inches in front of me and then proceeded to go 20 mph. I guess their big hurry to get on the road after the shopping extravaganza at Walmart became less critical once they had actually ticked me off (because really it's all about me :-)) Which brings me to something I have to tell you about me and it's not good. I'm going to say this very quietly,
when someone is behind me and I know they are in a hurry (proven by their lack of stopping for stop signs, tailgating and just general bad driving) I may, depending on my mood and sense of urgency, go a little slower than the person behind me may desire. I KNOW! I told you it was bad! And once I even stopped at the stoplight while it was still yellow just to annoy the person behind me (I told you I can be crabby). So this makes me wonder - those Walmart shoppers - do you think they were just trying to annoy me this morning? Would someone actually do that to ME? Maybe, in the future, I should just act like I have all the time in the world and approach the Walmart Zone with a smile on my face and a foot on the brake. Would that fake them out and cause them to speed up? Hmmmm, now that's something to think about for the rest of the day.

TTFN!

Oh and FYI - Blogger spell check does not recognize Walmart - I'm just sayin'...

Here it comes again...

Monday.

I really want to be a Monday lover - really I do - but it just doesn't happen. I go to bed thinking about how bright and cheery and happy I am going to be when I wake up in the morning. How I am going to sing "Climb Every Mountain" to my children as they rise from their beds and get themselves dressed while joining in on the chorus. How I am going to be full of domestic bliss and joy. Then reality sets in and the alarm goes off and the HotY hauls himself out of bed takes his shower and then wakes me up. No matter how he wakes me up I am generally not very happy about the entire concept of early morning wakage :-) (yeah yeah yeah, I know it's not a word but so what it's my blog). A couple of weeks ago he asked me what the appropriate way to wake me might be as he had tried several variations all resulting in the same thing - CRABBY! I didn't have a good answer. Actually I'm better with an alarm clock than I am with a human. Anyway, I believe I've digressed. The point is I don't like Monday's even though I try, really, really, really hard.

Oh and one other thing, I have a confession. We missed Mass on Easter Sunday :-O We were at my parents, home of the ultimate shower, when plans on Saturday night changed slightly. But it was all good. It was family, and family is just as important as church as far as I'm concerned because really isn't that what church is all about? Family and community and belief? I think so. Besides we had a little bread and wine. Just ask Kerrie. She'll tell you about the wine. :-) Oh and Ms. Kerrie I'm sorry I was not up to say goodbye. For some reason I got to bed REALLY LATE and then in the morning my children pinned me to the bed and forced me to cuddle with them so by the time I got out of the shower you were gone :-( Sorry, really!

Man I think this is the most I have written in three months. WOW! Of course it is riveting stuff and all...

Okay, I'm out.

TTFN

And this is why...

we didn't bother to buy a picture package from the bunny visit...

HAPPY EASTER!!!!

I was right...

and it had nothing to do with the super special ESP I am always bragging about. Nope, this simply had to do with knowing my kids because last night we WERE that family at the mall. After hurrying to eat dinner, get dressed and do hair I think we spent a total of 2 minutes with the bunny. These two minutes were proceeded by 15 minutes of whining and crying about not being able to play in the kids area which we made the mistake of walking by when we entered (there should be a warning on the doors about this - CAUTION PARENTS WITH CHILDREN: CHILDREN'S PLAY AREA AHEAD DO NOT ENTER IF IT IS NOT YOUR INTENTION TO STOP") and followed by another half an hour of pleading and crying for the Ariel "Polly" doll (which to those of you not able to interpret Syd-speak means the small Polly Pocket size Disney dolls). Which was then followed by the continuing saga of the Ariel-less Syd when we arrived home which continued THIS MORNING as soon as the "Little Mermaid" herself woke because as she told me "I want what I want". Ummm sorry little girl - it doesn't work like that. Oh and I did buy the dang doll (and the Belle doll for Lauren) which the Easter Bunny will bring but I am almost tempted not to put it in her basket because I don't want to reinforce the behavior. If she doesn't mention it again the Easter Bunny will deliver but if there is any more whining and crying - NO ARIEL FOR YOU! At least not for a while anyway. She wore her Ariel socks today - pulled up OVER her pant legs because she wanted to be able to look at "the face" all day long - *sign* she looked like a nerd but at least there was no whining and I'm afraid I'm probably going to hear about the Polly Ariel again tonight since she will have the visual reminder ALL DAY LONG but I had to pick my battles and this time the socks won. When does this stage end??? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller????

Okay gotta go. TTFN!

Here comes Peter Cottontail...

hmmm, is it Peter Cottontail? Or is he hyphenated Peter Cotton-Tail? Or Peter C. Tail? Or maybe in real life he simply goes by Pete Tail???? It is all a mystery to me!

So the Easter excitement is reaching epic proportions at our house. The kids are all excited about meeting the Bunny at the mall. I've never bothered with the meeting of the Bunny before but someone put the bug in their ears and now there is no going back. Although I will admit visiting Peter, or the lack thereof, has been a threat almost as effective as calling Santa to put certain someones on the naughty list! I know, my parenting skills abound :-) I'm going to have to come up with new consequences tomorrow as the visiting is taking place this evening. Yes, we'll be THAT family at the mall. Enough said!

Speaking of kids, I've got some work to do with Miss Syd regarding giving. She seems to have an issue with not having everything belong to her - FOREVER. On Sunday she actually cried when she put her quarter in the collection basket at mass. It was her quarter, she loved that quarter, she had plans for that quarter. I sternly whispered "put the quarter in the basket NOW or there won't be any Peter Cottontail for you" - see above :-) It worked but she wasn't happy. And the weird thing is that she is a good sharer but she is not a good giver. I'm not sure what that is all about - control maybe? I think I am going to have some work to do with her on this because I really do not want selfish, spoiled kids (remember that chick from Willy Wonka - not the one that blew up like a blueberry but the other one - the "I want it now" one, I can't remember her name - anyway, I don't want kids like that!). Maybe I'll make her give away an unloved toy every month. I don't know. Suggestions????

Okay I've rambled enough today. I mean I could start in on how the sister of the non-giver is a good giver and BAD sharer but really the story's the same only the names have been changed :-)

TTFN!

Well at least it's not Monday...

feeling sort of out of sorts today but it's sleeting and snowing so I'm blaming it on the weather!

My super special ESP has been on the fritz for a while but I'm happy to say it is back. After Friday's post (I think it was Friday - I can barely keep track of my kids how do you expect me to keep track of the days...) guess what song I heard on Sunday? Yep, Hello It's Me, and it's not like it is a much played song so you know it was me - me and my blog :-) Anyway, I was on my way home from Target and I was almost home and it came on the radio so I had to drive around my neighborhood like a Sunday open house hunter until it was over. Ahhhh it was a good thing! Now if I could only direct my super special ESP in a productive direction - like predicting the Power Ball numbers or when a Walmart shopper is going to pull out right in front of while I'm on the frontage road. That would be useful information!

Have a great day.

TTFN

Ahhhhhhhhh...

it's Thursday. The sun is shining, the birds are singing, the temperature is above freezing so snow is melting. The only thing that could make this day better is Todd Rundgren singing a little Hello It's Me. Really some days it is the little things that are pure bliss!

But alas, (I love that phrase "but, alas" - not that I would ever utter it in real life but on my blog I feel free to use obscure vocabulary with great zeal :-)) so anyway, but alas, melting snow, singing birds and rising temperatures are not the only harbringers of spring - but it seems that slow drivers on the frontage road are like the first robins of the season. During the winter months they all but disappear but bring on a little sunshine and temps above 40 degrees and out they come - robins and slow drivers. I don't mind the bird thing (as long as they aren't pooping on my windshield) - but those slow drivers - grrrrrrrrrr.

Okay gotta run. I promise more frequent posting and pictures to come.

I'm out. TTFN!

Really, it's like feeding the lion (or an open letter to Wendy)...

You see I can be a little overly sensitive about things but I realize it and I adjust and go with the flow - but when it comes to my age you don't mess with me. Which my friend WENDY knows full and well yet she INSISTS on leaving these comments which she knows are the equivalent of FEEDING THE LION or POKING THE BEAR as her husband calls it. And really if you know Wendy she just can't help herself, it's part of her charm, when really she should know oh so much better. SO... I have been deleting her comments but she keeps beating me at this game. So here's the deal, I won't tell you my age because I tell very few people my age, because really at the end of the day it's just a number and why should I pin myself into a box when I can just give an entire range (30-40). But I will tell you this I AM NOT FIFTY nor am I anywhere near that age (and the HotY - who is 36 - can verify this). So those comments from Wendy - ignore them, really, she'll never know. And Wendy, you know I love you but you are poking the bear girl and I can't be responsible for the repercussions!

It's almost that time again...

only a short week until my birthday - AGAIN - which means by this time next week I will be a year older. It isn't nearly as exciting as when you are getting ready to turn 5 or 10 or 15 or even 20. THEN comes 25 and the party's over baby! And when is it that a person stops feeling like they are 18 on the inside? Because seriously I am always surprised when I realize that I am not 18 but instead something in the 30-40 range! And I won't even get started about the age regression that happens when I am in my parents home :-) So that's the agenda for this week - prepare for the birthday - which means having to remember I'm a new number. Which is another weird thing - sometimes I have to actually FIGURE OUT how old I am. That never happened when I was in my 20's - I always knew how old I was - no math required! Shesh. I know isn't it amazing how well I cope with this getting older stuff :-) Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

Oh and the other thing about my birthday - as far as I'm concerned by the time it is my birthday Spring is here. No more snow. No more cold. No more winter coats. SPRING HAS SPRUNG. There is no need for winter to make an appearance after March 9th. It's amazing how frequently this does not happen the way I think it should in my mind yet I continue to give Mother Nature that deadline. You think she'd want to be on time once in awhile - I mean it's my birthday after all it's the least she could do - especially after the winter we have endured this year! I can't even think about it without getting crabby.

So that's it. That's what I've got for a Monday. I'm out!

TTFN...

One of these days...

I'm going to wake up in a good mood again, I just know it. I don't know when it will happen - you can't force these kind of things you know - but I have every confidence that I can do it. Go Me Go!

Seriously, I don't know if it is the winter that would never end, or all these changes in my life or just the bad drivers and stupid parkers that I encounter on a daily basis - maybe all of the above! Anyway, I guess it is fair to say that lately I have had a BAD attitude and even I'm getting sick of myself. It's time to shape up. It's time to start looking for the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. It's time for change! Although did I just say you can't force these things - well maybe you can a little bit (hey, I'm a woman, I'm entitled to change my mind!) So tomorrow - tomorrow I'm taking a walk on the sunny side of the street. I'm putting on my rose colored glasses and my happy face. Because really, if I'm brave enough to put 15 cliches in one post I can do something simple like put my best foot forward and face the world with a smile. :-)

So there you have it - the weather report (winter, winter, snow and winter) the attitude update (poor) and the action plan (smiles everyone smiles). I'll get back to you later this week to let you know how it all turns out.

That's it - I'm out...

I know it's Friday...

but I'm still feeling a little annoyed and do you want to know why? McDonald's - it is because of McDonald's and it has nothing to do with the fact that their french fries don't taste good anymore (has anyone else noticed this????). No my issue with McDonald's is one of their radio ads. It's the one where some chick is telling her boyfriend or husband or significant other about all the great girlie plans she has for the day and he is agreeing with her and can't wait to get started. WELL while listing her inane itinerary she says "and then we will go to my grandma's and she is going to teach us how to KNIT a QUILT". Ummmm McDonald's advertising people you might want to consult with someone, anyone who knows something about knitting or quilting because obviously you know nothing about either activity. A quilt is NOT knitted. I'm not a quilter so I don't know the entire myriad of terms associated with MAKING a quilt but I do know that knitting is not one of them. Maybe piecing, maybe quilting, maybe sewing, but NOT knitting. And when you knit a warm, rectangular item the size of a bed it is NOT called a quilt it is called an AFGHAN. Duh! Anyway, it may sound trivial but I hear this dang commercial EVERY MORNING and it is more irritating than Sheryl Crowe trying to have fun on a Monday. Seriously!

Oh and while I'm on my soap box... :-) There is a local commentary writer in our newspaper who writes an article which is published a couple of times a week. Generally I find him annoying and a bit of a hot air blow hard (did I mention I'm feeling a little bloated and irritable today) but the other day he really irritated me. He was criticizing people who write like they talk. People who use CAPITAL letters and exclamation points as if they were actually communicating with PEOPLE! WOW!!!! I can't imagine wanting to write like I talk. I mean really why would I want to be an interesting, intriguing and/or entertaining (really pick your own adjective - they all work for me :-) writer when I could be dry, dull-witted, opionated newspaper journalist who reads like a textbook? I mean really the choice is obvious - but you know to each his own - AND if you like dry, dull-witted, opinionated newspaper journalists I've got a guy for you...



That's it. It's all I've got. I know I know WAH WAH WAH, it was all about the whining today :-)



TTFN...