All that is left...

is to ring in the New Year. We anticipate, we participate and then we undecorate. It was a nice Christmas but over much too quickly.


Here are highlights from our Christmas card photo shoot. Remember, I told you. They were less than ideal. The lighting was bad. The resolution was fuzzy but you get what you pay :-) and in this case it was a do-it-yourself operation!

I'll be back soon.

And then there was Mario...

in handcuffs. WOW. I watched the, what I am sure is to become a holiday classis, "Christmas in Handcuffs" last night while wrapping gifts until 1:00 a.m. (I'm still not done - those darn curling ribbon bows). Let me just say that My Marvelous Mario has redeemed himself after that whole beauty pagent circuit fiasco. He was cute, he was charming, he was entertaining, he was in a blindfold and handcuffs! Is there anymore to discuss? It's the Christmas present that just keeps on giving :-) So as skeptical as I was about the entire affair I was pleasantly surprised about what a cute little movie it was. Well except the main chicks extremely bad hair at the beginning - very disturbing :-)

I am ready to start celebrating. Presents are wrapped (well almost), cookies are baked, cards are sent, shopping is done. Now all that is left is the good spirits and good cheer!

Here is wishing you and yours the very merriest of Christmas's and great kindness and blessings in the new year!

TTFN!

Mighty Spouse saves the day...

who knew he was such a keeper. The HotY proved his worth once again by taping Christmas in Handcuffs. I still haven't had a chance to review but believe me you will know when I have.

Baking, Shopping, Wrapping and Paryting this weekend. Crazy Crazy Crazy. And you know what - the week is going to pass by in the blink of an eye and we will just be left with dingy snow and cold weather for the next three months. No pretty lights or festive decorations to brighten the day. SIGH - Christmas let-down. I'm already dreading it. But I've got to ignore it - this is the week. The final countdown!

We took the kids' Christmas picture last night. 74 pictures and the one that we got is not the greatest either. I've got a non-smiler, a fidgeter and a poser. The odds were not good. But I found one that should work. I'm picking up the results tonight - we'll see how it turns out. If you get one of these pictures I just want you to keep one thing in mind - 74 pictures and this one was the BEST - just keep it all in perspective :-)

Okay gotta go - on-line last minute shopping to take care of :-)

TTFN - and Merry Christmas to you and yours if I don't make it back this way before the big event!

I don't know how to tell you this...

BUT I missed Christmas in Handcuffs. I don't know how it happened. I mean sure I missed one episode of Mario Dancing with the Stars and I missed that Miss America (but caught it as an encore due to the info from Deb) but Christmas in Handcuffs? How does a person forget something like that. It makes me hang my head in shame - I've failed my magnificent Mario... :-)

TTFN

It's happening again...

Christmas is fast approaching and I'm not ready. I thought I might be ahead this year - but I was wrong. Yesterday I was at a party and they had one of those count down to Christmas signs and at first when I looked at it I was thinking that it was December 17th. I panicked. December 17th? How did that happen? Where was I? You mean we celebrated the HotY's birthday and I don't even remember? WOW that hasn't happened since I was 21! Seriously, for a minute there I was truly wondering where the heck the time went and just where was I? Then I saw it - I realized the error of my ways - it was NOT December 17th - there were 17 days left until Christmas. I felt so much better, I just bought myself 10 more days!

Anyway, I might not post much between now and Christmas - but don't give up on me. Don't forget about me. Don't stop checking in on me. I'll be back really. Besides have you seen the previews for Christmas In Handcuffs? That movie is just begging for my commentary :-) I can only imagine the quality cinematography (really, Mario, shirtless - need I say more?) and riveting storyline...

TTFN

Well, yes...

yes, I am still crabby for those of you who have been wondering. Last night was beyond fabulous and the fun just keeps coming :-) Okay, well maybe I am dwelling on it but it's my blog and I can do what I want!

We got more snow last night. I had to take the girls to dance and it was NASTY! If they hadn't missed last week they would have missed last night. That will teach me for being a lazy mom.

Oh and before I move on please tell me why kids want to eat snow. It's dirty and who knows where it has been before it floats to the ground and I don't even want to think of what happens to it once it hits the ground. Holy Bananas! I hope I instilled the fear of snow into them about this - GERMS - snow is FULL of GERMS! Anyway, I digress.

After dance we went to McDonald's. I know but it was snowing and the HotY was in the Big City for the day so we were at loose ends - I wasn't cooking if I didn't have to. Soooo anyway, got McD's and headed for home with every other insane person on the road. Once home we got stuck in the driveway, almost took out the neighbor's nieces' car who insists in parking in the street directly below our driveway, and finally spun our way up the drive after coming at it from the other direction. Man I was happy. So as we are getting out of the van I drop the bag with the fries - of course. I few hit the ground but I'm not sure how many as the dog was all over them before I even had a chance to look. If I was happy before I was practically giddy now. After supper, since it was snowy and I was in such a delightful mood we made peanut butter star cookies. A fun family event. I was hoping to share some of the cookies with co-workers but that won't be happening. This particular batch of cookies will not be consumed by anyone outside of the family. There was mandatory hand washing before beginning but that was not a deterrent to the licking, smelling, rolling, worm cookie making and tasting that went on during the process. Do you see why I am not sharing? Isn't it bad enough that someone out there had to buy that poor apple bearing the Syd lick of approval? You know in thinking this over I may be blowing that snow eating thing out of proportion considering the other things I have to worry about (did I ever tell you that Syd picked up a jelly bean from the floor of a big box retailer and ATE IT - do you see the pattern here? - Let me give you a hint - starts with an "S" ends with GERMS in the mouth).

So maybe you can understand why I may be a little crabby. MY CHILDREN ARE OUT OF CONTROL and it's all their dad's fault...

I'm CRABBY...

I’m in a bad mood a crabby, don’t talk to me, nothing can go right today mood. Really. I’m not sure what exactly happened. I was running behind, I had a bunch of stuff to drop off at the post office, the bag the packages were in had a hole in it, my pop tart, that staple of the all-American breakfast, was smashed, and it’s cold and snowy and icy. AND despite the ice and snow SOMEONE pulled out right in front of me and then proceeded to drive 10 mph. GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR double GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR. So do you see where I am at?
(Maija, I just want you to know that I know it is warm in AZ and I know your pool is filled and at just the right temperature so I’m coming to visit – as soon as I can get a plane out of this frozen tundra!)

So I’m going to try to get over it. I’m going to try to make the rest of the day better than the start. I’m going to try to smile – I can’t promise I’ll mean it but I’ll try!

Have a GREAT day everyone! Mine’s been fabulous so far :-)

Oh and here are four of the reasons for the post office drop-off.




I was part of an ornament exchange hosted by the FABULOUS Deb Damboise. It is hard to tell from the pictures but these are beaded, dangley ornaments. I have these all over my tree and I love them. So shimmery and shiny and glittery. I'm thinking of putting some of these in my Etsy Shop but I'm not sure how much to charge. They are VERY time intensive! Anyone have any suggestions?

It's happening again....

that cold thing. And that snow thing. And that winter coat thing. I don't like it. And it has been happening EVERY year for as long as I have been around and I'm still not used to it when it happens for the first time. YUCK! So yes, it snowed last night. Accumulating snow. Cold freezing snow. Icy, white snow. Dang I hate snow. And we are supposed to get more snow tomorrow. I wish you were here :-)

So I finished a HUGE and AWESOME custom order for 4 Merry Christmas signs. It is going in the mail today. Here is one of the sets - each Merry Christmas set was different. It took a lot of time but I hope the buyer likes it.

The HotY took the pictures while I was trying to get other things together so I can't take responsibility for the set-up or the quality or that pillow in the background. I think he was trying to atmosphere!!!

Okay, have a great weekend. Keep warm.

TTFN

And I was worried...

I really thought I might have to put my DWTS fascination on the shelf because I promised myself that if Marie Osmond won the finale I was going to stop watching (it’s a matter of principal – and I find her to be one of the most annoying people ever not to mention all those teeth and her equally annoying brother Donny). ANYWAY, I was a little worried that I might actually have to follow through on this threat - but thank goodness it was all for naught.

America knew, they knew, that Marie would be the end of DWTS. It would have been all too obvious that DWTS had nothing to do with DANCING and everything to do with STARRING (although that STAR thing – debatable!). I’m so glad I get to keep watching (although I know this is a big disappointment to reader Shirley :-)). And Marie, well she can go back to playing with her dolls…

There was something else I thought I had to say but I can’t think of what it was. I’m already picturing your disappointment! If I think of it I’ll get back to you!

I promised pictures so here they are – nothing spectacular but I wanted to get something out here. It’s been all blah blah blah and not much on the visuals lately.

Crabby - this kid is always crabby these days. I think he believes it's his job as a teenager to be crabby. Get over it - it's Christmas. I'm going to keep taking picture until he smiles. He's gonna love it :-)


Jingly Bells - it's all about the Jingly Bells. We even have Jingly Bell parades - really, I'm not joking about this. And this girl - CAMERA HOG! Get the camera out and she is dancing and posing all over the place - begging to be the center of attention - she is SOOOO like her father.


The one and only picture I got of Syd decorating the tree. Why? Because she was too busy running around being Syd and debating over which ornament was worthy of her attention. If she didn't like an ornament she would hold her hand up and say - I don't care for that one. Again, soooo like her father!


Merry Christmas!

I'm here - I'm here...

Sorry for the lapse in posting but you know it was Thanksgiving and there was cleaning and cooking and eating and shopping! How can five days pass so quickly? I wanna be a kid again when the days between Thanksgiving and Christmas seemed to last FOREVER!

Thanksgiving was at our house. It almost always is. But before you start giving me all kinds of credit for hosting 15 people in my home I have to admit that even though we provide the house my mom and dad do most of the work. They bring the turkey and stuffing and all the other assorted odds and ends. I make the potatoes – but they are good potatoes! Actually this year I did a lot more of the cooking than I usually do – including the potatoes :-) I made Cinnamon Rolls and Banana Bread and Oreo Pie and Pecan Pie and Potatoes and some other things but I’ve forgotten already. All that food has given me a food hangover. The eating frenzy is but a blur :-)

Yesterday we spent several hours decorating the Christmas Tree. Three kids, two pets, two broken ornaments and six timeout threats! The holiday spirit is upon us!

I’ll post more tomorrow – with pictures. In the meantime if you need something to do check out my Etsy Shop – heck check out Etsy in general – it’s a great time waster!

TTFN!

Some days...

Do you have those days, those days when you feel like whatever you are doing is not enough? That you should be making a difference? That you should be helping some one in some way? That you need to know the perfect words to say? The right things to do? The insight to give someone exactly what they need to make it over the hump?

I feel that way. I wish I were Oprah. She seems to do this on a daily basis. But then again, if you make it your occupation - your claim to fame - is it the same thing as feeling it in your soul and just doing it for the sake of doing it - being the right thing? For reaching out simply for the act of giving and not for publicity or fame or glory? I think it must lose something when it becomes contrived.

Regardless, this feeling of needing to do more makes me feel helpless. It makes me wonder what message it is that I am missing. That I'm not hearing and giving. It frustrates me. I don't know what to do with these feelings. What am I supposed to do? Who am I supposed to tell? Let's just say I'm having one of those days.

So if I'm supposed to be helping you - giving you my hand and I'm not, I'm sorry. I'm sorry you aren't hearing the words you need to hear. Feeling the care you need to feel. I'm sorry.

I know this is kind of weird and doesn't make a lot of sense but I feel like I have a responsibility to the world today and I'm not sure what it is so I'm just putting it out there. Maybe it is all because that dang Bachelor didn't pick either woman and they are both heartbroken and I feel like they need a friend. I don't know - I'm grasping - I just know that I feel like what ever it is I am doing with my life it is not enough.

Man, I think I need to go and roll around in some glittery sprinkles for awhile...

Oh and here's my hand ~} take it if you need it, I don't mind.

Out of my element...

It doesn't happen often, but on Friday I had to make a little trip to Menards. Do you have Menards? They are like scrapbook stores for men. There are tools and wood and plumbing fixtures and hunting things. I was totally out of my element.

I was there because I was looking for little hinges. I knew they had them. I bought them there before. So in went in search of and found the hinge section. There were hinges for everything you could imagine – except crafting projects. Now really, I know this is a guys guy store but is it too much to ask for little hinges? I mean guys must make little things too. Besides I KNOW I got them here last time I bought little hinges. So I went in search of a sales person (you know there had to be a plethora of them hanging around because we all know men never ask for directions or where they can find an item). I found a guy and told him what I needed and he looked at me kind of like “no wonder you can’t find them – you’re in paint and you NEED to be in hardware” I told him I just came from hardware and didn’t find what I wanted there. Nevertheless, we traveled back to hardware and he said, while pointing to an entire section of little hinges “there is nothing here that will work?” to which I sheepishly answered “oh I didn’t see those I was looking on the other side”. I was so overwhelmed with all the testosterone hanging in the air I never thought to look on the other side of the aisle. I mean I was looking at an entire wall of hinges why would I think there would be even MORE and that they would be on the other side. Who knew. So I got my hinges and I’m happy but I paid the price I was totally out of my element :-)

In other news, the Etsy Shop seems to be doing okay considering I’m new at this. I have sold three things and have some custom orders. Check out the new stuff I’ve added when you have a chance. I love the SNOW sign if I do say so myself. By the way, I promise I won’t turn into the Etsy equivalent of a pesky Mary Kay saleswoman. You know her, she’s always telling you how fabulous you look BUT that you would look even better with a touch of Mary Kay Magic. Anyway, I might mention the store a time or two but I promise not to make it the topic of the day every day - seriously.

By the way , this post is dedicated to Shirley, who claims that I talk entirely too much about DWTS. I don’t, really, I don’t. Oh by the way – it’s the dancing show night. There, I’m not obsessing, I’m simply informing. Really Shirley, it’s the truth :-)

Did I tell you...

that my super special ESP does not carry over to DWTS. Jennie is safe - this week. I was a little worried for a moment there. I'm getting concerned though, I really don't know if she is going to make it through to the finals. And if Marie wins the whole tamale I am not sure I will continue to watch. I mean really, Marie, with the silver disco ball trophy? And yet, my magnificent Mario when home with NOTHING??? That's what I'm saying!!

I'm getting excited about Thanksgiving and Christmas. WooHoo! I might even be okay with a little snow. I noticed that we have these VERY tall posts marking the curbs in the parking lot at work. I can only surmise that these are so the snow plows know where to go - but man they must be expecting A LOT of snow. I hope those pole placers are just overly optimistic - or pessimistic depending on what season you are :-)

Short and sweet today. Sometimes it just works that way.

Have a great day and don't forget to buy your turkey!!!

TTFN.

One week and two days...

Am I living in some surreal world because I just cannot believe that Thanksgiving is almost here. When did this happen? The last time I checked my kids were looking for their swimming suits – oh wait my kids will wear their swimming suits anytime – weather is NOT a factor (I’ve told you it is all about picking my battles – right?)

We will be having Thanksgiving at our house. My family will all be present. I love it. Thursday will be a hub-bub of family activities and Friday – well we will brave the shopping. We don’t take it too seriously so it really is fun. Some people might call us crazy but that’s okay I’ve been called worse :-)

Thanksgiving dinner at our house means one thing - house cleaning and grocery shopping – but I’m telling you I like all that busy hustle and bustle this time of year. It adds to the anticipation(I’m okay with Holiday anticipation – it’s just that surprise anticipation that drives me over the edge)-.

I am afraid my friend Jenny Garth may be departing DWTS this week. Not that I think she deserves to go – but I have a feeling that the Marie Osmond fans of the world have joined forces this week and it’s all but over for Jenny. We’ll see how I do with this prediction. So far my DWTS super special ESP has not been super special OR accurate!

I have sold one item from my Etsy Shop. I can’t believe it. Now just to sell about 200 more :-) If you haven’t checked it out – please do so. If you have suggestions please tell me. I’m all about making things better.

Have a great day and do a little thanksgiving of your own this week.

TTFN

I told you...

I was tired. So tired that I haven't blogged since last Wednesday. I hadn't even realized it had been so long. Life, it gets in the way every time! :-)

BUT just because I have been tired it doesn't mean I haven't been productive. I've been busy - really. I went to the grocery store, did some laundry, played a little wii, made manicotti (which really is a job in itself - manicotti, my go to dish when I really want to impress someone or when I'm just feeling particularly domestic - it's a good thing). Oh and I FINALLY opened that Etsy Shop I have been talking about for a month and a half! Yes, it's true I'm a procrastinator, but I eventually get to it all, really, just ask anyone. I might not be fast but I'm reliable! Seriously
(the HotY asked me to quit saying "seriously" so often and I've been trying but every once in awhile you just have to do it - go with the seriously thing - Seriously :-))

So according to the rules of Etsy you do not want to flood your shop right away, you want to gradually add things so that you get exposure on the home page etc. There are only three things in my shop right now but I will be adding 2 or 3 new things every day so please check it out. Let me know what you think. Tell your family, friends and neighbors because really, wearing glitter to work every day has to have some payoff :-)

Alright, here it is - the Etsy link. http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5389774
I'll put a link over on the side so you can find it easily.

Okay so now, go, shop!!!

TTFN

Tired...

I am so dang tired tonight I can barely keep my eyes open. I hope you all appreciate the effort I am making for you. Sitting here, typing, holding my eyelids open and yawning every sixteen seconds just so you, my loyal readers, have something to look at instead of the bed :-) And you know that is really where I want to be - in bed and I'm going to be - soon, so don't be expecting anything too great.

Okay, let's get to the good stuff so I can lay my head down.

Jane Seymour - DWTS - GONE!!! Gone Gone Gone!

And Marie Osmond's dad passed away. What is this some kind of weird and macabre contest between she and Jane? I can tell you one thing, when, Mario calls and asks me to be his partner for the show I'm declining. I don't want anyone I know dying!

I've been thinking about who my dream DWTS contestants would be and here is my list:

Jimmy Smits
David Beckham
Eddie Murphy
That short little gruff kind of guy that is married to Rhea Perlman - I can't remember his name.
Bruce Willis
Conan O'Brien
Elle McPherson
Keri Russell
Valerie Bertonelli
Tiffany Thiesen
Gwen Stefani
Jennifer Love Hewitt

So that's the list and I had to be somewhat realistic and not pick any big superstars because really have you seen any big stars on the show yet? What do you think? Additions? Revisions?

Okay that's it, I'm off to bed. That list took entirely too long and I'm not even going to bother to make sure I have the names spelled correctly so if you have a correction pass it along.

Good Night.
I'm going.
I've lingered too long.
TTFN...

The Bed. Thebedthebedthebedthebed The.Bed.

The Bed. So did that title exhaust you and make you want to crawl into a nice warm, flannel sheet covered bed? Because really I can’t think of many things that feel better than a good bed. Seriously. But that isn’t really what this post is about. This post is about THIS Bed.



This bed which has been in my family for five generations. This bed, which is an original craftsman style. This bed, which has seen many transformations through the years. This bed, which is one of my most treasured possessions.


This bed belonged to my Great Grandfather; I don’t know when he got it. I don’t know if it was new or used or something he shipped over on a boat from somewhere – but it was his and maybe my Great Grandmother’s but again, I don’t know (why hasn’t anyone bothered to inform me of the little details about the bed? Doesn’t my family know I want to know about stuff like this? Details, I’m all about the details). Eventually the bed belonged to my mom (and I have no idea what happened to it from the time my great grandfather stopped sleeping in it until my mom started but let’s just say it went from him to her). And then when I was about 11 my sister and I started sleeping in it – with striped sheets because really a person needs to know if they are over the line and using more than their share of the bed! Ultimately, when I got the Brat (said in the most loving of voices – really) to realize she was old enough to sleep by herself in her own room the bed became mine – and mine alone – no more striped sheets either. I loved my bed. I loved the way it looked all dressed up with a fluffy comforter and a pile of pillows, sunlight streaming through the window and settling on the warm wood. My bed…


A few years ago the bed went to Alex where he slept in safety and comfort for three years. His time with the bed was short-lived. He graduated to a bigger bed last Spring when the bed became the property of the Lauren & Sydney and is once again sporting striped sheets (I’ve noticed Syd has a hard time staying on her side of the line – so far Lauren isn’t complaining but I know the day will come).


I can’t tell you how much this bed means to me. It is part of my heritage, a big part of my life and the lives of my friends. My closest friend, Roxann, cannot step foot in my home without visiting the bed and talking about all the days and nights we spent lying there planning our futures and spinning our dreams and talking about BOYS! The Bed – it’s been there through it all. It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy knowing it carries my family’s history. I hope the bed will accompany at least one of my children to adulthood I’m not sure who is going to inherit the bed or if there will be a fight for it. My sister and I never fought for the bed – it is as if the bed adopts its new owner and from there it is just a given. The bed knows


So the bed, it’s been a big thing in my life and last night, after a long absence, I slept in the bed and it felt like home. Lauren has a terrible cold and she crawled into our bed. It wasn’t long before Syd was crying and wanting me to sleep with her. So rather than fight the battle at 1:00 a.m I crawled in with her and realized that the bed was still a good fit. I had a hard time falling asleep because I was so busy remembering bits and pieces of my life from when the bed was still mine. I mean technically it is still mine. I see it every day and lovingly dust and polish the headboard and foot board but it’s been a long time since I have actually spent a night in the bed and it really doesn’t BELONG to me anymore - today it belongs to my girls’. I hope they have as much fun as I did planning their lives and dreaming of their futures while lying in the bed. It’s a good place.

TTFN. May you have sweet dreams in your own little bed.

Fear of failure...

and other reasons for doubting myself.

Okay so I had this great idea that I would craft some things and open an Etsy shop. For the past three weeks I have been working on items to put into the shop. My craft room is a mess. Every flat surface is covered. I've got glitter in my hair. And every night I have the same second thoughts and plaguing doubts.

What if no one likes my stuff? What if they think the quality is bad? What if it doesn't sell? What was I thinking?

It really shouldn't be a big deal because it isn't like I have invested hundreds of dollars into these projects - although I have invested hundreds of hours.






So I don't know quite what I am going to do yet. And the Etsy thing, when I think about it, is really just an illustration of my chronic procrastinating when I am on the verge of putting myself out there regardless of the situation. I mean really, what if it doesn't work? What if I am a failure? What if I offend someone? What if someone rejects me, doesn't like me, scoffs at my ideas? Those are the fears that hold me back, that become greater than the anticipated success. Ugh.


Sooooooooo, as far as this Etsy thing is concerned I'm just going to do it and hope that people realize that my items are handcrafted and not machine made perfect and that I'm a beginner and learning as I go. Who knows - my embracing this one little thing and just doing it instead of throwing it away may start an entirely new phase in my life - or maybe I'll just make a couple of bucks...


TTFN.

Halloween reflections...

• The kids had a blast.


• The candy will be going to work on Monday. All the best stuff will be weeded out by then anyway.


• Lauren walked behind me and said "BOO! Did I scare you" no less than 10 times today. It is a good thing it was so darn cute otherwise it would have been darn irritating.


• Pictures were taken.


• Begging and whining reigned.


• Arguing over Halloween candy ensued.


• Another Halloween present and accounted for - bring on the turkey baby!

ARE YOU KIDDING ME????

I mean really, this has to be a joke right?

• Jane Seymour still in competition on DWTS.
• Marie Osmond still in competition on DWTS.
• The Cheetah Girl - OUT?

Let me just say again - ARE YOU KIDDING ME! Even the judges could not contain their disgust over this result. I am beyond shocked. I am so apalled I can't even think of anything else to write. I don't know how long it is going to take me to get over this travesty. OMG - what were people thinking. Yes, I know my life will go on but the injustice of it all just ticks me off. And we all know how darn crabby I can be. GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR.

That's it. I'm out of here. Shaking my head. Man, there are a lot of people who should be ashamed of themselves! And I thought Walmart shoppers were annoying :-)

It's the same thing every year...

My kids love Halloween. It rates right up there with Christmas and their birthdays. I love to see their excitement even it if it noisy!

The festivities begin with the two days before Halloween pumpkin carving - which we did tonight. Usually the HotY goes all over the top on this and picks out these complicated carvings, hands me one and a pumpkin and tells me to get busy. Ummmm have I failed to mention to him less than 100 times that I don't really like to carve pumpkins. I will do the "gutting" and scraping - but I really don't like the carving - it's only a matter of time before I slice off a finger - really, just ask around, my grace and coordination are no secret :-) Anyway, this year I put my foot down and said no fancy designs we are letting the kids tell us what they want and that's it! And he listened - probably because he got to go over the top with this:



ANYWAY, I digress :-) - sorry, some days I can't help myself. So even more important than the carving is our own special family tradition. EVERY SINGLE YEAR Alex wants us to take a picture of him "eating" the pumpkin guts. He thinks it is the photo opportunity of the century - so we took the obligatory pumpkin gut eating picture tonight - and then of course the girls wanted theirs too - so here are our fabulous pumpkin gut photos.





Some people have nice traditions, like making popcorn balls, or building a bomb fire (huh, McHubby while doing his proof-reading duties just informed me that it is not BOMB fire it is Bonfire - who knew - and to think some days I think I'm so darn smart :-)), or making sweet little Halloween treat bags - but my kids - they want to pretend they are eating pumpkin guts. I have no idea why they are so quirky - it must be the HotY!

Here are our pumpkin creations - mine is the kitty - I think it is the best :-)



TTFN.

I have a warning...

DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT purchase apples from a certain new Super Target in a certain upper Midwest city which sometimes receives snow in October. And it is all because of THIS GIRL:



This girl who looks all sweet and innocent in this photo - which by the way, is false advertising.

Yesterday, after the candy incident at Michael's, where she opened a piece of chocolate candy at the checkout and I had to hand it sheepishly to the clerk and say "I'm sorry" because I didn't have 39 cents in cash, we went to Target where she practically drowned in a sea of sadness when the bakery girl handed her sister a pink frosted cookie and she got a plain one (the poor bakery girl took one look at her pitiful face and RAN to get another pink frosted cookie - seriously the sad look SHE pulled out of her hat would have melted the most hardened heart) We were almost ready to check out and IT happened. SHE picked up an apple from the produce bin which she proceeded to smell as if it were ambrosia, and then SHE LICKED THE APPLE. And I, in my haste to control the situation actually PUT THE APPLE BACK in the bin. Yes, I put the apple back in the bin. I wasn't thinking. I'm sorry. I think by Monday that apple will have made it's way to some unsuspecting shoppers home so the apples should be safe by then but in the meantime I feel terrible. I'm sorry and remember always wash your fresh fruits and veggies.

TTFN

Sometimes I actually surprise myself...

like last night while catching the last minute action on DWTS. I saw them announce that the Millionaire and the I Dream of Jeannie chick were done and I found myself actually crying out "NOOOOOOOOO" and then I stopped and thought WTH - you have been wanting this guy out for six weeks and now you are moaning because he is going? What is the matter with you? And then it happened, I realized that I dislike watching Jane Seymour even more than Mark Millionaire. WOW, I didn't even know until that moment. It was an epipheny. Maybe I should write Mr. Millions an apology letter.

Dear Mark,

I would like to apologize for my disparaging remarks regarding your
performance on DWTS. Don't get me wrong, I don't think you stood a chance,
but I didn't realize that I despised Jane Seymour's dancing even more than your
own. So for that I am sorry. When I was criticizing you it should have
been all about Jane. I hope you can forgive me. Take care.

Sincerely,

Cupcake Girl

What do you think? As apologies go it may be a little weak :-)

Anyway, after last night's big news I'll be hoping Janie girl is the next to go, then Marie and after that I don't know who it'll be - I'll have to wait and be surprised, by myself, again, even though I hate surprises, although when you surprise your self it isn't so bad - no anticipation :-)

While figuring out how I really felt about Jane was big the surprises just kept coming. This morning, although I haven't said anything, or really even given it much thought, I realized that I am darn sick of the construction that has been happening on my on the way to work 40 mph frontage road. They were supposed to be putting in a bike path not building a super highway. Holy bananas. You would think that it was an 8 lane interstate overpass considering the length of time and all the crap they have laying around. Not to mention that with the mess and the clogged storm sewers and all the rain the road is flooding out. Nice. Grrrr. So listen guys, finish it up already - okay, I'm sick of you. I'm sick of the mess. I'm sick of the 10 mph posted speed. You KNOW some old lady is going to remember that 10 mph forever after and I'll be stuck behind her chanting "it's 40 it's 40 it's 40" over and over and over again. I mean really, just get yourself to Walmart and quit wasting my time! :-)

So it has been 24 hours of mind shattering revelations, life as I know it has changed. From acknowledging my dislike of Jane Seymour to recognizing I am darn crabby about this ongoing, never ending, traffic disrupting road construction. Believe me - it's been a tough morning.

TTFN - and be open to new revelations - surprise yourself :-)

Gloating - the other unattractive behavior...

I know I have a lot of annoying habits (but really don't we all - it is what makes us humans - right?) but I think one of my least attractive personality traits is the pleasure I take in gloating when I realize that one of my rambling thoughts has been validated by another source. For instance take this post - where I noted that the blond DWTS chick reminded me of I Dream of Jeannie. It was just a casual observation but did you see DWTS last night? DID YOU? Did you see that costume she was wearing? Did you hear the song? YES - she WAS I Dream of Jeannie and even danced to the theme song. So I feel so so so - gloaty :-) The HotY was sick of me by the time we went to bed because, well, I felt the need to continue to glorify in my validated observation ALL NIGHT LONG. Oh, don't shake your head and feel sorry for him, he has his quirks too :-)

And if that were not enough gloating for one day I just have to share this... Remember, remember when I talked about physical attractiveness and how personality has a lot to do with who I feel is attractive and who I feel is not - well here it is - in black and white, scientific proof that once we know a person physical attractiveness cannot be limited to body characteristics and facial features it has much more to do with what kind of person we THINK they are.

I feel so smart! I feel so validated! I'm queen of the world! :-) Really, it's true - just ask those people that think I am high maintenance :-O

Oh and I still think Jenny Garth has got to be one of the sweetest people I have ever had the pleasure of not knowing. I still want to be her friend. If you see her could you please tell her to call me - we can do lunch!

Okay, sorry for the gloating. I told you it wasn't attractive but some days I just can't help myself - is it any wonder the HotY is crazy about me :-)

Planes, Trains and automobiles...

Okay, really just automobiles :-)

Somehow the HotY’s car has become my primary mode of transportation. I don’t know how this happened. Fine, I do know how it happened, and it has to do with daycare drop-off and car seats, but regardless, I’m not happy about the change. And his car - it confuses me. It’s a Hyundai and everything is backwards. All the knobs and switches work the opposite direction than what you would think. Want to turn on the windshield wipers? You don’t push the thingy down you push it up. WHAT? I mean really, I’m still working on that right hand/left hand thing and you want me to try to manipulate these controls backwards? Right. But the good thing about this car – it’s paid for and I don’t worry about someone dinging my door! So I guess I’ll live with it, but just so you know, I’m not happy about it. And now I feel so much better :-)

Have a great Monday.

TTFN!

Hey, guess what???

It’s raining! Who would have guessed!

I wasn’t going to post today because I wanted to post pictures but right now – no pictures to post. But here I am posting anyway.

Hey how many times do you think a person can say post in one post? Hmmmm how many? I think you can say post in a post 8 times. :-)

I am looking forward to the weekend. The house is clean (a BIG Hooray). There is laundry to do, but that’s okay (shhhhhh don’t tell anyone but I don’t mind doing laundry, I KNOW it’s my dirty little secret). I’m going to be doing that scrap thing with friends tonight and probably tomorrow. And I made yummy caramel brownies and taco dip. Oh and I get to sleep in the bed ALL BY MYSELF. I wouldn’t want to make a habit of that but every once in a while – it’s a good thing.

By the way, as long as I have your attention :-) I’m thinking of opening a Etsy shop. What do you think? I have a few creative items under my hat and I thought it might be fun to see if anyone else likes them. So all in favor say yeah.

That’s it. Gotta go. Things to do. People to see. Places to go!! Have a quirkily good Friday!!!!

TTFN

If this is Thursday it must be raining...

because lately every day is a rainy day! I have always wanted to visit Seattle, and possibly even live there, but now, now after days and days and days of mostly overcast skies I'm not so sure. I'm starting to feel water logged. And really do you know what all that humidity does to scrapbooking supplies. YUCK! I don't like limp paper.

Big plans for the weekend? I am planning on scrapping with Amy and Heather at my house on Friday night and hopefully Saturday (Amy, Heather - did you hear that - the Saturday thing?). And if your name is Wendy (and you will know if you are THE Wendy) and you want to join us you know you are welcome! Just let me know - oh and bring treats :-)

Here are some highlights from our trip last Saturday. And as you look at these pictures I want you to notice one thing - see those trees, the ones in the background. Do you see them? And what do you notice about them? THEY'RE GREEN! I told you!

This was NOT the peak weekend...

The HotY has been watching the leaf report for 3 weeks now waiting for that “peak” time to view the fall colors along the banks and bluffs of the Mississippi. Last Thursday he proclaimed that the time had come – Saturday would be the prime leaf viewing day. Leaves were to be 75%-85% changed and that’s good enough because if you know the finer points of leaf viewing you know that if you wait too too too long that you run the risk of all the leaves being blown from the trees. So 75% is good. And Saturday was a beautiful day. The sun was shining the temperature was perfect, the kids were excited about finding pumpkins. As we started out and traveled closer to the river we noticed something – there were still A LOT of green trees – like mostly, surely the colors would become more vibrant as we got nearer The River. Ummmm no! But there was an entire myriad of GREEN to view! Whoever writes the leaf report is obviously not looking at the leaves or color blind! Grrrrrrr.

So along with tracking the perfect leaf viewing weekend the HotY also did a search for pumpkin patches and apple orchards along our route (can you tell he’s a planner – me not so much – well at least not for this kind of stuff – I mean why do I need to be a planner when I have the Lewis and Clark of modern civilization to lead the way). ANYWAY, the first town promised what SOUNDED like a great pumpkin patch, with hayrides, and mazes and pumpkins and apples. So we set out, totally ignoring the local art fair which took over the entire downtown area, traveling along washboard gravel roads nearly being run off the road by the rural post man and backtracking when we came to a dead end in our quest to find the ultimate pumpkin patch. Then we saw it – the sign – the dilapidated apple covered with NO HUNTING signs. I guess we should have taken that as a clue but we didn’t. We drove up the bluff and came to – NOTHING! I mean there was a house and barns and a dog barking at the driveway but it was not the Autumnal playground that was advertised. Let’s just say there was much whining and crying in the van as we turned around and said “no pumpkins here”. We did find a pumpkin patch within a reasonable amount of time and paid $5.00 a pumpkin. What the heck. Pumpkins should be free. Anyway, by that time no price was too great to stop the incessant asking of “when will we find the pumpkins?” So all in all our trip wasn’t quite as expected but it was still good – sometimes it is just about the ride. And hey we got cheese curds and good ice cream - what else does a person need?

I think that the millionaire/billionaire is being booted out of DWTS tonight. That’s my prediction. We’ll see…

TTFN.

I'm consistently inconsistent :-)...

I meant to post the very next day after the big ole blogiversary - but - well I didn't. But I'm here now and we will be reviewing your answers.

You did pretty good - all except for one little area (well two but we'll get to the other not so obvious answer in a minute).

I know I have gone on and on and on about My Magnificent Mario - BUT if you have been reading closely you know that the CORRECT answer to Rob Lowe or Mario Lopez is in fact Mr. Lowe. Could I please direct you to this post as the supporting fact. So maybe it was a trick question but really I thought you knew!

And NOW let's talk about that high maintenance thing shall we :-) There seems to be overwhelming consensus that I am in fact a high maintenance girl. And fine, there may be times when I might be a little - well - over the top - but really, I don't try to be high maintenance - it just happens somewhere along the way - I'm not kidding it just happens because I really am a roll with the punches type - well except for restaurants and seating arrangements -ask Amy she can explain...

As for the other questions - here are the correct answers:

1. Cupcake
2. HotY
3. Rob Lowe
4. Pink
5. Todd Rundgren
6. Dancing with the Stars
7. Exclamation points
8. Target
9. Scrapbooking
10. I'm not answering this one on the grounds that it may incriminate me :-)

And the winner of the Target gift card is Ms. Jenn Jones. WooHoo girl. I know where to find you :-)

That's it for today.

Thanks for playing. Thanks for posting your comments and making my day. Thanks for passing the word about my blog. Thanks for being good friends!

TTFN.

It's a big day....

today is my blogiversary. Yes, it's true. I've been here for a year. In the past 12 months I have done a lot of crabbing and revealing and rambling BUT how much have you really been paying attention??? So here is a little quiz - provide your answers in the comments (no cheating by looking at other's comments first) - refer my blog to a friend - have them document their visit by leaving a comment and your name as the referral and SOMEONE (a random drawing from the comments) will receive a $10 Target Gift Card. I know it's not much but hey, $10 in the $2.50 spot can get you four things :-) So get your #2 pencils sharpened and take the quiz.

Please select MY preference for each question

1. Crabby or Cupcake?

2. HotY or McHubby?

3. Rob Lowe or Mario Lopez?

4. Pink or lavender?

5. Todd Rundgren or Sheryl Crowe?

6. Dancing with the Stars or America's Top Model?

7. Emoticons or exclamation points?

8. Target or Walmart?

9. Scrapbooking or knitting?

10. High Maintenance or no special handling required?

Good Luck!!!!

TTFN.

And the wound is ripped open...

Sorry about the graphic title but watching Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) last night was like tearing the scab off a wound. I mean really, did you see Wayne Newton? Did you see the geek millionaire guy? And these two men are there over Model Man because????? That is what I am asking you. WHY. WHY would those two "dancers" remain when Albert, Albert who knows how to move, Albert who is young and energetic, Albert who does not have hip injuries or stiff bones, Albert who is the superior dancer, Albert who was an Ambercrombie & Fitch model for gosh sakes, is gone? I am less upset over Walmart Drivers than I am about Model Man moving on. It's a travesty :-) The women were okay, well my friend Jenny Garth was her adorable self (okay fine, she might not acknowledge the friendship YET, but I know if she met me, we'd be friends :-)) - but the rest of the chicks, eh, even the Cheetah girl didn't knock my socks off. We'll see what happens - but one of those two men better be gone this week or I'm not watching anymore!!! I'm just saying...

That's it for today. Short and sweet. I'm too distressed about the whole dancing fiasco - it's given me writer's block :-) Oh and one comment about The Bachelor last night - BORING.

Have a fabulous day!

TTFN

It's all for the kids...

You know there are MANY days when I question my ability to be a good mother. I don't think I am unique in this, but in this case there is no comfort in numbers. Although today, today, while it was POURING rain, pouring rain so hard that the windshield wipers could not even keep up, I opened my window ALL THE WAY, allowing rain to come in and soak my sleeve so that I could wave and blow kisses to those two little faces peeking out the window and enthusiastically waving their arms and blowing kisses back. And I didn't even consider not doing it because that is the kind of thing a mom (and dad) will do for their kids. Put their own comfort aside just to bring a smile to a little face. So today, at least for now anyway, I feel competent to be a mom. By tonight that could all change, but for right now I'm just going to go with it and feel all warm and motherly inside.

Don't forget it's all about the dancing tonight!

TTFN.

Peace be with you...

that isn't such a bad way to start a Sunday - right? And NO we did not make it to church today but we thought about it and I did pass on that Peace Be With You thing so I'm going to say I'm good :-)

So although I didn't save my soul I did clean out my refrigerator and freezer. I removed all the food, took out the shelves and washed and wiped and reassembled. It looks fabulous, although it is glaringly clear that I need to make a trip to the grocery store -except for condiments - we're good on the condiments!








I don't know what is happening to me. I seem to be returning to my domestic roots. I mean really, it wasn't all that long ago that I actually ironed AND cleaned my appliances. Oh and just for the record, I don't have the stainless steel refrigerator yet. The one I want is still wayyyyyyyy to expensive for me to convince the HotY that I need it so I'll just have to wait - one of them has to give sooner or later and I'm hoping it will be the price, even I recognize when an item is overpriced.

So that's it. That's what I've got for a Sunday. No church and a clean refrigerator. And don't worry, it hasn't been an all work and no play weekend - yesterday I had a Design Team obligation in the morning, lunch and shopping with Amy and Heather, followed by Halloween crafts for the kids. It's been a good weekend :-)

TTFN!

NO NONONONONONONONO NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

That was me - hearing Albert had been voted off DWTS. WHAT? Wayne Newton stayed and Albert WENT? Okay who of you voted for Mr. Las Vegas? And WHY - WHY would you do such a thing? Please make some sense of this crazy, mixed-up decision. Even the judges were shocked and amazed. I don't get it. Okay first of all, I normally don't even watch the elimination show because frankly I think it is a little bit too cheesy. I had just told Amy I NEVER watch the elimination show - I just wait for the news to filter to me - but last night I turned on the tv three minutes early to get ready for Boston Legal and it happened, I saw it, the demise of Model Man! I just sat there in shock. This was almost as bad as Emmett Smith winning over My Mario. I just can't even process this information. And if you were one of those "people" that voted for Wayne Newton you can just leave right now. Really. Shesh.

So while DWTS was moving along and Albert and I were oblivious to his upcoming shake down I was TRYING to play Dance Dance Revolution (DDR) on the wii. They just came out with the wii version. Well mii didn't do so good at the wii DDR. It was a sad little show. I was booed and hissed and and and I got a failure. I mean really, I can totally understand how Albert felt when he got "the last dance". And the thing is, I have rhythm, I have dancing skills, I can read a chart, but, well I guess it is fair to say I don't have a lot of coordination and I do have to look at my rings to determine my right from my left (you think I am teasing about this? - just ask the HotY that's all I'm going to say...) STILL, you think I could have pulled this together but NOPE. It wasn't happening. So while the DWTS are perfecting their foxtrots and tangos and mambos I'm going to be working on learning my right from my left and trying to beat those dang arrows. Seriously!

TTFN

Clarifications and affirmations...

Before I even begin to go on about the glorious sunrise this morning I have one or two things to clear up!

1. The Model Man - his name is Albert. I know that isn't even close to Ryan but what can I say. I told you I hadn't reached the name point yet :-)

2. Still like "Albert". I love that naughty boy thing he has going on (and I don't mean that in a nasty way - but in a - he is mischeveous way).

So now that we have that straight - other DWTS observations:

I kind of like the Brazilian race car driver (except for that missing tooth thing - or maybe it is just a crooked tooth but I can't help but notice it every time they show a profile view of him).

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE get rid of the millionaire, billionaire - whatever he is. I'd rather watch Wayne Newton.

I still like Jenny Garth. I want to be her friend - do you think I should email her
:-) And the Cheetah girl - she's still the best dancer. Just think what she and My Mario would be able to do together (and did you hear it - the main host guy mentioned Mario last night - did you hear it? Did you? Did you?).

And about that Bachelor thing - well I still think he is okay. He didn't give a pity rose to the chick that took the tumble. That almost made up for the fact that he gave a rose to the body shot chick - guess he thinks someone might be a "sure thing"!

Oh and about that sunrise this morning. It was fabulous. All oranges and pinks and purples. The sky was glowing. It made being an early morning girl worth the trouble. Seriously it was absolutely fabulous!!!

Another tick of the clock...

and the month has passed. I am continually amazed by the speedy passage of time. A wink or two and I'm going to be 60! Okay well maybe not quite that quick - but sometimes it certainly feels that way. I'm blaming it on my kids :-)

So yesterday while we were in church, (we made it on time too - barely, but anything before the first song begins counts as making it on time) Syd was playing with her Ariel, Eric and two Polly Pockets (I know - toys at church but some days you pick your battles and yesterday's battles did not include fighting over 5 inch dolls) As I glanced behind me I noticed something - I noticed that Eric and Ariel were doing a lot of KISSING! Syd is 4 what does she know about kissing? NOTHING - that is what she should know about kissing! Anyway, after mass I asked her what Ariel and Eric were doing - she answered "Kissing". So I asked why they were kissing - well of course the answer was because "they're in looooooove" I mean why else would they have been kissing - it was all so clear to her. And then she piped up to add "they are married, mom". At least she recognizes that marriage is a good preliminary to the kissing stuff! But it made me think - when and how do we talk about this stuff - this grown-up kissing and etc. stuff? I am hoping to postpone the conversation until they are at least 12 years old but I'm thinking that may be too late. Shoot. I'm not ready for this - at least not this year!!! That darn Little Mermaid, I knew she was trouble!

Dancing show tonight!!!

TTFN

The family bed...

about once a month or so it seems like everyone ends up in our bed. I don't know how it happens. There must be some kind of family ESP that travels through the house. This morning was a Family Bed day. Everyone was there, the HotY, Alex, Syd, Lauren, myself, the dog AND the cat! Let's just say it is very cozy - and no one EVER wants to leave. Ummm, excuse me, it's morning, there are things to do, let's get out of bed people. But no one listens to me - and you won't find me kicking and screaming to be let out either. Sure one or two of them may take off for a minute or two - but then they are back, crawling and kicking and trying to find their way into the middle of the heap - since that seems to be the coveted spot - right in the middle. It's like the Holy Grail of the family bed.

So even though it is very cozy and every once in a while someone takes a jab from an elbow and the cat isn't super crazy about the entire arrangement I secretly wish every morning was a family bed morning. All snuggled together, laughing and tickling and fighting for the middle. BUT it's one of those things that just happens, and if it happened every day the magic of the moment might be lost. So I'll take the family bed mornings when I get them - pets and all!

TTFN

Two words...

I have two words for last night's male performances on Dancing with the Stars - "Model Man"! Is his name Ryan? I can't remember, and at this point - names - not that important - I'm still being wooed. So did you see him? Not only is he somewhat adorable in an almost geeky kind of way but he is funny (haven't I told you this is a big thing with me???) AND that boy can move! WOW!

Regarding the other contenders. Well, I'm not sure what to say but I would like to know why they pick competitors who are geriatric, have been injured, or are recovering from some kind of surgery or trauma. Please explain this to me. Is it sympathy? Is it the Heather Mills complex? Is it fair? I mean really WHAT IS THE POINT! This makes me a little crabby. I hate it when things don't make sense to me :-) So if you have the answer please enlighten me because right now it's all a mystery and I don't like mystery any better than I like surprise!

Before we get into the obvious topic...

I need to discuss something. On pre-school days the HotY works from home until drop-off time. That means that the girls are usually still sleeping when I leave for work and are in his hands to get ready for school. And he does a fine job of it - seriously. But this morning as I was picking out outfits for the day I realized that having him dress the girls in new clothing (the previously worn stuff - not such a big deal) causes me great distress. What if adjustments need to be made? What if he doesn't know what needs to be tucked or untucked? What if, heaven forbid, the girls decide to make a change to the previously arranged wardrobe? And accessories - what about accessories??? I know I know but really what is the point of cute clothes if dad doesn't know what he is doing? Yes, I know this sounds incredibly shallow - and on this one point you are probably right. BUT I have a thing for clothes. And when you have little girls - well it is like having your own lifesize Barbies without having to pick up all those annoying little shoes . So if you see my girls and they don't look quite as put together as you would expect - if the shoes they are wearing are screaming out "take off the socks" you know it was a dad day - really!

Okay so I guess I have procrastinated long enough (alright fine, I just didn't want to be too predictable and lead off with TV news - I mean really you would have expected that).

I'm not even sure what to say about DWTS (Dancing with the Stars) except Jane Seymour and Marie Osmond need to GO! I don't mean to be a wench, but really if I wanted to see that kind of dancing I'd just head down to the senior citizen center. Don't get me wrong I appreciate what they are doing but, um, did you check out that Cheetah girl chick? They think they are going to win over that???? I'm just saying... And don't try to pretend you weren't thinking the same thing :-) Personally I really like Jennie Garth. She is a little stiff but I think she is a sweet person and surprisingly not full of herself. Well see how it all shakes out in the next couple of weeks.

And The Bachelor. Oh man. My feelings about the entire night can be summed up in six words - THIS SHOW MAKES WOMEN LOOK BAD! Seriously. I mean, fine, I may have been known to wear my heart on my sleeve a time or two, but I have NEVER stripped down to a bikini and taken a little dip in the pool while everyone else was parading around in their evening gowns. Holy Bananas woman. But I see she did get a rose so maybe her tactics weren't totally in vain. WOW. As for Brad Womack - he looks vaguely familiar and his name sounds familiar too. Was he in Cosmo or Glamour or something as an eligible bachelor? Why do I know this man??? I haven't totally made up my mind about him. He could win me over yet. I did give him a few more points when he recognized how hysterically funny it was that some chick thought her greatest asset was her webbed toes. That sense of humor will get me every time - and those pecs - well that didn't hurt.

Oh and one last note on the Bachelor. Did you see that one chick that got a rose. She had an off-white short dress on with spangles hanging on it. Did you see her? Okay did you see the dress? LOVED that dress. I want that dress. If this dieting thing keeps paying off, I'm getting that dress. Seriously!

It is almost obscene...

how excited I am about the new season of TV beginning this week. And it all starts tonight with Dancing with the Stars. Who will be my dancing diva this year? I don't even know who the contestants are. I know I know - but I'm not so much on the background details until I know what it is I want to know. KWIM? I'll be sure to get back to you on my initial favorites tomorrow - of course my favorite NEVER wins but still I keep hoping (and really, I'm not bitter - it's not like they hip-hopped right over my Rob Lowe).

And then as if that weren't enough for a Monday Dancing with the Stars is followed by The Bachelor. This season they have the sexiest bachelor yet - or so the hype goes. Every season it is something - and every season I am disappointed (well except for Andrew Firestone - now that Bachelor - he was - something. I might have to add him to the list, I wonder what is happening with Andrew? Is he still making wine? Living on his 15 minutes of fame? Trying to find the true love of his life? Anyone???). ANYWAY, we'll see what happens this season - the previews I have seen - I'm not thinking sexy but I'll give him a chance. I'd hate to make a snap decision.

And if my excitement over the upcoming week in TV is not proof enough of the sad and boring suburban life I lead this will seal the deal. Friday night the HotY and I had to attend a wake (this has been happening all too often lately - at one time in our lives it was weddings and then baptisms but lately it has been wakes and funerals as the parents of our friends are aging - I have a lot more fun at weddings). After the wake we went on a "date". Out to dinner at a very nice, local Italian restaurant (and NO I'm not talking about Olive Garden) to be followed by an evening out. Well after dinner the HotY looked at me and said what do you want to do? Go out for drinks? Go for a walk downtown? Sit by Silver Lake and watch the moon reflect off the water? Dancing? Shopping? The world is your oyster. Do you want to know what we did - my choice of oyster? We went HOME! To our nice quiet, clean, temporarily kidless house where we lit some candles, poured some wine, read our books and, ummmmm took a little cat nap! I KNOW! But really at that moment in time there was not one thing I would rather have done. I don't know if it was the carb overload at dinner, or the night air, or just the end of a long week but regardless of the reason I think it was just what was needed...

Maybe this should be my mantra....

I saw this in my Oprah magazine last night. It really struck me...

"I must learn to love the fool in me - the one who feels too much, talks too much, takes too many chances, wins sometimes and loses often, lacks self-control, loves and hates, hurts and gets hurt, promises and breaks promises, laughs and cries. It alone protects me against that utterly self-controlled, masterful tyrant whom I also harbor and who would rob me of human aliveness, humility, and dignity but for my fool". -Theodore I. Rubin, MD-

It's an extravagenza...

A layout plethora for your viewing pleasure :-)