Okay, so I've been writing, writing EVERYWHERE it seems lately. I've got like 30 articles on Bukisa and now have 17 articles on Examiner.com and then there's this blog. Do you have any idea how hard it is to come up with content for all of that AND keep up with the voices in my head?? hee, hee, hee!!
So to give my poor fingers a break and to try and earn my penny a page view, I'm posting links to some of my recent Examiner articles. I thank you all that go over and give them a click - you are bringing me one cent closer to getting off of unemployment!
Homeschool Enrichment Classes - click HERE
Pulling your child out of school - click HERE
North Carolina History Field Trip - click HERE
The Home School Dad - click HERE
and Homeschooling Another Family - click HERE
I apologize if I posted these links already. I can't wait to be off of this prescription for the sinus infection - it makes me a little floopy. Anyway, enjoy your weekend everyone!!
Friday, October 30, 2009
Is it November yet???
Seriously, I am so ready for this month to be over!! I apologize in advance because I know that so many of you really, really, really love Halloween but I, for one, cannot STAND it. I've never liked it - not even as a child. I feel like it's kind of a senseless "holiday" and I just don't see the reason to continue it.
I'm tired of seeing pumpkins all over the place. Ours died already and had to be thrown out. Of course, the 80 degree weather didn't help it but... I'm tired of clicking on sites and seeing fake blood drip or flipping through the channels on TV to find horror movie after horror movie in honor of Halloween. The only Halloween movie I want to see is "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown". THAT I can tolerate. The rest of it? I'd like it to be gone now, please!
I enjoy Harvest Festivals. I love driving by the farms and seeing hayrides in action and believe it or not, I do enjoy going pumpkin picking. I'm just tired of the whole spooky, cob-webby, big spider, jack-o-lantern scene.
Sorry. Wake me up on Sunday when it is all officially over, please!
I'm tired of seeing pumpkins all over the place. Ours died already and had to be thrown out. Of course, the 80 degree weather didn't help it but... I'm tired of clicking on sites and seeing fake blood drip or flipping through the channels on TV to find horror movie after horror movie in honor of Halloween. The only Halloween movie I want to see is "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown". THAT I can tolerate. The rest of it? I'd like it to be gone now, please!
I enjoy Harvest Festivals. I love driving by the farms and seeing hayrides in action and believe it or not, I do enjoy going pumpkin picking. I'm just tired of the whole spooky, cob-webby, big spider, jack-o-lantern scene.
Sorry. Wake me up on Sunday when it is all officially over, please!
Thursday, October 29, 2009
So Frustrating!
So yesterday was going to be my "rest" day to try and come out of this haze of icky feelings. I drove Nick to work at 7 a.m., came home, got Michael ready for school and after he left with Frank, I crawled back in to the bed for some uninterrupted sleep. Good plan, right?
At 10:55 (I'm almost ashamed to write that!) the phone rings. I was in a DEAD sleep. It's Michael's school calling. I answer the phone and the woman on the other end tells me that they have Michael in the office because he got stung by a bee at recess. She sees that he is not allergic to bees according to his file but he is pretty upset and being that he's never been stung before (he told her that) she is unsure if we really KNOW that he's not allergic to bees. Plus, he's pretty upset. Okay. So she puts him on the phone and I can tell that he's upset and I tell him to hold on, I'll be there in 20 minutes.
So I jump out of the bed, throw on clothes, brush my teeth and dash out the door with my flowing red cape behind me. I drive like the hammers of hell were after me, I pull up to the front door of the school and almost do a Dukes of Hazzard slide over the hood in my haste to get to my boy. I run through the front doors of the school and in to the office and...
No Michael.
I look around, I go in to the nurse's office (and I use that term loosely because there IS no school nurse) and the lady behind the front desk in the office asks if she can help me. I'm like "I'm here for Michael! He got stung by a bee!" She barely stops what she's doing and is like "Oh, he went back to class. He was fine."
???
REALLY??? I mean, then WHY call me? She's like "You didn't want to take him home, did you?" Which I translated to mean "You didn't want to take him home, right? You big, stupid idiot. And for God's sake put on some make up!" But hey, that's just my interpretation of it. She calls him to come to the office and while yes, his hand was a little red, I think that was mainly from holding a bag of ice on it. I give him a kiss and send him back on his way before turning back to this woman at the desk. She asked if the stinger was out and I'm like, yes. She tells me that they are NOT ALLOWED to take the stingers out! What does that mean exactly? I mean, if I were not home and no one was able to come up there and my child was freaking out with this stinger in his hand and they would just send him on his way? What is going on in these schools?? I don't understand it!
So I leave, drive home at a slower pace but my day was shot. I hate having to jump out of the bed like that and go out without a shower. I felt like a slug all day. The boy came home and all memory of the bee sting was gone. Like it never even happened. WELL I REMEMBER, BUDDY!
I think I just frustrate myself!
At 10:55 (I'm almost ashamed to write that!) the phone rings. I was in a DEAD sleep. It's Michael's school calling. I answer the phone and the woman on the other end tells me that they have Michael in the office because he got stung by a bee at recess. She sees that he is not allergic to bees according to his file but he is pretty upset and being that he's never been stung before (he told her that) she is unsure if we really KNOW that he's not allergic to bees. Plus, he's pretty upset. Okay. So she puts him on the phone and I can tell that he's upset and I tell him to hold on, I'll be there in 20 minutes.
So I jump out of the bed, throw on clothes, brush my teeth and dash out the door with my flowing red cape behind me. I drive like the hammers of hell were after me, I pull up to the front door of the school and almost do a Dukes of Hazzard slide over the hood in my haste to get to my boy. I run through the front doors of the school and in to the office and...
No Michael.
I look around, I go in to the nurse's office (and I use that term loosely because there IS no school nurse) and the lady behind the front desk in the office asks if she can help me. I'm like "I'm here for Michael! He got stung by a bee!" She barely stops what she's doing and is like "Oh, he went back to class. He was fine."
???
REALLY??? I mean, then WHY call me? She's like "You didn't want to take him home, did you?" Which I translated to mean "You didn't want to take him home, right? You big, stupid idiot. And for God's sake put on some make up!" But hey, that's just my interpretation of it. She calls him to come to the office and while yes, his hand was a little red, I think that was mainly from holding a bag of ice on it. I give him a kiss and send him back on his way before turning back to this woman at the desk. She asked if the stinger was out and I'm like, yes. She tells me that they are NOT ALLOWED to take the stingers out! What does that mean exactly? I mean, if I were not home and no one was able to come up there and my child was freaking out with this stinger in his hand and they would just send him on his way? What is going on in these schools?? I don't understand it!
So I leave, drive home at a slower pace but my day was shot. I hate having to jump out of the bed like that and go out without a shower. I felt like a slug all day. The boy came home and all memory of the bee sting was gone. Like it never even happened. WELL I REMEMBER, BUDDY!
I think I just frustrate myself!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
More from the wedding...
Okay, you all wanted to see a few more pictures from the wedding, so here they are! Just know this...I made sure all pictures of me were taken from the waist up! Cute dress, fat body. You do the math!
I have to admit, Frank and I photographed well all day long! I love when that happens! You know when you're dating, you take lots of couples pictures. Then you get married and have kids and all of the pictures become of the kids and you are just background products or doing you're best to stay OUT of the shot because you are a mess. Well, I felt pretty on Saturday and enjoyed once again having my picture taken with my husband!
My boy looked SO HANDSOME!!! I wanted to cry when I
saw him. Then he opened his mouth and made me feel stupid for gushing over him. But all was good...it just made me photograph him even more. Frank warned me before we even got out of the car that I was not allowed to go up to Nick and "fix" him in any way, shape or form. No spitting on a napkin to get a smudge off and anything like that. Please...I SO stopped doing that years ago. I did swipe some sort of fuzzy thing off and got in trouble for it though. He is the third one from the left in this.
The bride was absolutely STUNNING. I know that we are "supposed" to say that about all brides but Laura honestly and truly was. I watched her walk down the aisle and I was just...well, jaw on the floor. It was very sweet watching her dad pace out in the hallway before the wedding. As I watched him I turned to Frank and said "You know, you are never going to know that feeling." I wasn't saying it to be mean, but it just hit me then that we don't have a daughter and we'll never be the nervous ones!
All I can say about these two is that they are just beautiful together. They always photograph well together and as I was taking pictures of them through-out the day, all I could think was they when they get married, they are going to have BEAUTIFUL children. Then I got sick thinking about the fact that I am old enough to have a son who is thinking about getting married and having children!!
This is like the 700th shot of us like this that I have taken in the last two years! We are such hams for the camera and if there is a reason for the camera to be out, eventually we will be face to face like this saying cheese. The weird effect with the lights going across us just make it look more dramatic! I love my boy. I got a little weepy every time he walked across the room looking so grown up. Sure, he refused to sit with us at the reception but...that's a story for another time!
Michael and I don't do the face to face thing AS much, but we sure had fun doing it this night. It is only when I see us this close together that I finally see that he does, in fact, look like me. For most of his life, we've referred to him as a mini-Frank, but there is no denying that I am him mom when we have pictures like this one! This was his first-ever tie. Actually, it was his first-ever REAL dressy outfit that wasn't a hand me down and he looked so grown up too!
Okay, the final act th
at nearly brought me down (after realizing that I'm old enough to have a son that can soon get married, to seeing my 9 year old wearing men's shoes) was when Beckah caught the bouquet and Nick caught the garter. At least they were gracious enough to have pity on the bride's father and NOT go through the ritual of putting the garter on her. I think I would have had to leave the room myself, at that point! You know, I think that it wasn't "truly" rigged, but it seemed like a strange coincidence!
It was a lovely wedding and we did so much enjoy ourselves. Just pray that we don't have to start planning one of our own any time soon!
I have to admit, Frank and I photographed well all day long! I love when that happens! You know when you're dating, you take lots of couples pictures. Then you get married and have kids and all of the pictures become of the kids and you are just background products or doing you're best to stay OUT of the shot because you are a mess. Well, I felt pretty on Saturday and enjoyed once again having my picture taken with my husband!My boy looked SO HANDSOME!!! I wanted to cry when I
saw him. Then he opened his mouth and made me feel stupid for gushing over him. But all was good...it just made me photograph him even more. Frank warned me before we even got out of the car that I was not allowed to go up to Nick and "fix" him in any way, shape or form. No spitting on a napkin to get a smudge off and anything like that. Please...I SO stopped doing that years ago. I did swipe some sort of fuzzy thing off and got in trouble for it though. He is the third one from the left in this.
The bride was absolutely STUNNING. I know that we are "supposed" to say that about all brides but Laura honestly and truly was. I watched her walk down the aisle and I was just...well, jaw on the floor. It was very sweet watching her dad pace out in the hallway before the wedding. As I watched him I turned to Frank and said "You know, you are never going to know that feeling." I wasn't saying it to be mean, but it just hit me then that we don't have a daughter and we'll never be the nervous ones!
All I can say about these two is that they are just beautiful together. They always photograph well together and as I was taking pictures of them through-out the day, all I could think was they when they get married, they are going to have BEAUTIFUL children. Then I got sick thinking about the fact that I am old enough to have a son who is thinking about getting married and having children!!
This is like the 700th shot of us like this that I have taken in the last two years! We are such hams for the camera and if there is a reason for the camera to be out, eventually we will be face to face like this saying cheese. The weird effect with the lights going across us just make it look more dramatic! I love my boy. I got a little weepy every time he walked across the room looking so grown up. Sure, he refused to sit with us at the reception but...that's a story for another time!
Michael and I don't do the face to face thing AS much, but we sure had fun doing it this night. It is only when I see us this close together that I finally see that he does, in fact, look like me. For most of his life, we've referred to him as a mini-Frank, but there is no denying that I am him mom when we have pictures like this one! This was his first-ever tie. Actually, it was his first-ever REAL dressy outfit that wasn't a hand me down and he looked so grown up too!
Okay, the final act th
at nearly brought me down (after realizing that I'm old enough to have a son that can soon get married, to seeing my 9 year old wearing men's shoes) was when Beckah caught the bouquet and Nick caught the garter. At least they were gracious enough to have pity on the bride's father and NOT go through the ritual of putting the garter on her. I think I would have had to leave the room myself, at that point! You know, I think that it wasn't "truly" rigged, but it seemed like a strange coincidence! It was a lovely wedding and we did so much enjoy ourselves. Just pray that we don't have to start planning one of our own any time soon!
Monday, October 26, 2009
The marathon that almost was...
So it started as a little idea and then it really started to take shape. We trained, we planned, we drove the route. The date was to be November 1st - this coming Sunday. But alas, it is not meant to be.
I went to the doctor today and first, I have a sinus infection. I'm on antibiotics and pain killers. I feel pretty crappy. I had my thyroid re-checked (as I must every 3-6 months) and then my cholesterol (which I have some bad levels) and then finally my chronic anemia. Well, as it turns out, the anemia is at an all time low and the doctor felt like it could be pretty bad for me to do the marathon. With my numbers being that low, something about the oxygen in my blood being bad, I get winded really easily and it would put a lot of strain on my heart. I had open heart surgery at age 4 and while I have no lingering problems from that, I do get breathless pretty fast and always have - thanks to the anemia. I am totally bummed.
I feel like I let my dear friend Danette down. We were going to do this together and although we didn't train the way that we really should have, we were determined to do this together. Now we're not. Sigh. I'm going to get the rest of my lab work on Tuesday and the doctor is going to try and find an iron supplement that I can tolerate - most of them kill me. I'm either nauseous or get other digestive issues. Totally not fun.
Along with the other bad news: I've gained 8 pounds, I'm a half an inch shorter than I thought I was and I have really crappy veins.
I'm going to go and pull the covers up over my head and hopefully wake up when I'm 50!
Today's Examiner.com article is on The Homeschooling Dad. You can read it HERE. Thanks!
I went to the doctor today and first, I have a sinus infection. I'm on antibiotics and pain killers. I feel pretty crappy. I had my thyroid re-checked (as I must every 3-6 months) and then my cholesterol (which I have some bad levels) and then finally my chronic anemia. Well, as it turns out, the anemia is at an all time low and the doctor felt like it could be pretty bad for me to do the marathon. With my numbers being that low, something about the oxygen in my blood being bad, I get winded really easily and it would put a lot of strain on my heart. I had open heart surgery at age 4 and while I have no lingering problems from that, I do get breathless pretty fast and always have - thanks to the anemia. I am totally bummed.
I feel like I let my dear friend Danette down. We were going to do this together and although we didn't train the way that we really should have, we were determined to do this together. Now we're not. Sigh. I'm going to get the rest of my lab work on Tuesday and the doctor is going to try and find an iron supplement that I can tolerate - most of them kill me. I'm either nauseous or get other digestive issues. Totally not fun.
Along with the other bad news: I've gained 8 pounds, I'm a half an inch shorter than I thought I was and I have really crappy veins.
I'm going to go and pull the covers up over my head and hopefully wake up when I'm 50!
Today's Examiner.com article is on The Homeschooling Dad. You can read it HERE. Thanks!
Sunday, October 25, 2009
I need a vacation!!!
And you know what? I don't even care where it's too! I am exhausted to the point of disbelief. I think I have either a sinus infection or an ear infection but either way, 
I don't feel good.
The Disney workshop went very well. We didn't get as many people as we had hoped for but those who came loved it. It took so long to set the room up just right that I wanted to cry when we were done! Here is what my Saturday looked like: Up at 6:30 to shower, dress, whatnot. 7:40 I left the house. 8:00 I was running around the church campus looking for keys to the sanctuary which was the only locked building! 8:10 we were in and putting the final touches on our room (a lot of stuff fell overnight). 8:20 went to pray as a group and then ran back to the sanctuary to set up a few more things. 8:45 went to breakfast. 9:20 back to the sanctuary and waited for our first attendees. 9:30-10:20 seminar. 10:30-11:30 second seminar. Then lunch break until 1:00. We then broke down the sanctuary and cleaned up, loaded my car and set the room back up for church. 1:20 left the church and arrived home at 1:30.
Finished helping Frank and Michael get ready for w
edding and then did my extreme-make over. Left for the wedding at 2:10. Arrived at church at 2:55. Enjoyed the wedding. 4:00 left for the reception with a raging Migraine so we stopped for me to get some Advil and a coke. 4:45 arrived at reception hall where we hung out in the car for a few minutes waiting for the rain to end. 5:00 went in to the reception. Ate, danced, ate some more and took a TON of pictures. My boy looked absolutely amazing! The bride was stunning and Nick caught the garter and his girlfriend caught the bouquet! We arrived home at 10:00. I spent most of today in my jammies.
All in all it was a wonderful day, Saturday. I wish I had taken more pictures at the workshop. It really was fun but we definitely needed more time. We only had 45 minutes to talk, present and answer questions. We went over both times! You know how chatty I can be!
Would I do another workshop? Absolutely! Would I do another workshop on the same day that we have a wedding? Heck, NO!!
Live and learn.
I don't feel good.
The Disney workshop went very well. We didn't get as many people as we had hoped for but those who came loved it. It took so long to set the room up just right that I wanted to cry when we were done! Here is what my Saturday looked like: Up at 6:30 to shower, dress, whatnot. 7:40 I left the house. 8:00 I was running around the church campus looking for keys to the sanctuary which was the only locked building! 8:10 we were in and putting the final touches on our room (a lot of stuff fell overnight). 8:20 went to pray as a group and then ran back to the sanctuary to set up a few more things. 8:45 went to breakfast. 9:20 back to the sanctuary and waited for our first attendees. 9:30-10:20 seminar. 10:30-11:30 second seminar. Then lunch break until 1:00. We then broke down the sanctuary and cleaned up, loaded my car and set the room back up for church. 1:20 left the church and arrived home at 1:30.
Finished helping Frank and Michael get ready for w
edding and then did my extreme-make over. Left for the wedding at 2:10. Arrived at church at 2:55. Enjoyed the wedding. 4:00 left for the reception with a raging Migraine so we stopped for me to get some Advil and a coke. 4:45 arrived at reception hall where we hung out in the car for a few minutes waiting for the rain to end. 5:00 went in to the reception. Ate, danced, ate some more and took a TON of pictures. My boy looked absolutely amazing! The bride was stunning and Nick caught the garter and his girlfriend caught the bouquet! We arrived home at 10:00. I spent most of today in my jammies.
All in all it was a wonderful day, Saturday. I wish I had taken more pictures at the workshop. It really was fun but we definitely needed more time. We only had 45 minutes to talk, present and answer questions. We went over both times! You know how chatty I can be!
Would I do another workshop? Absolutely! Would I do another workshop on the same day that we have a wedding? Heck, NO!!
Live and learn.
There are no words to describe some people...
Imagine that you are a four year old child of divorced parents.
Imagine that at age 5 your mom (who you live with) remarries.
Imagine that your new step-father is not very nice but now you have a roof over your head and food on the table and so you are told to be thankful.
Imagine that over the years you are told that your biological father is a junkie who is dying of AIDS. You are then adopted by your step-father and thankful to have a dad in your life because your real one is pretty much M.I.A.
Imagine years of abuse - mostly verbal, but some physical - and being told constantly that you are "in the way".
Imagine losing your mother and only having an un-caring step-father to rely on.
Imagine finding out at the age of 28 that not only is your biological father alive and well and wanting to see you, but that all of those years ago he was bullied and blackmailed in to giving you up???
Imagine finally having a family around you who has not only wanted to see you but can't wait until they can freely walk over and see you tomorrow.
True story...
Imagine that at age 5 your mom (who you live with) remarries.
Imagine that your new step-father is not very nice but now you have a roof over your head and food on the table and so you are told to be thankful.
Imagine that over the years you are told that your biological father is a junkie who is dying of AIDS. You are then adopted by your step-father and thankful to have a dad in your life because your real one is pretty much M.I.A.
Imagine years of abuse - mostly verbal, but some physical - and being told constantly that you are "in the way".
Imagine losing your mother and only having an un-caring step-father to rely on.
Imagine finding out at the age of 28 that not only is your biological father alive and well and wanting to see you, but that all of those years ago he was bullied and blackmailed in to giving you up???
Imagine finally having a family around you who has not only wanted to see you but can't wait until they can freely walk over and see you tomorrow.
True story...
Saturday, October 24, 2009
I'm on my way!
Okay, so by the time you are all reading this, I will be fully immersed in Women's Day at my church and leading the seminar on planning an inexpensive Disney vacation. We set up Friday afternoon and that was quite the lengthy process. I mean, it took two and a half hours and then I had to leave. My poor buddy (and partner in Disney fanaticism) A.D. stayed behind and did all of the final touches.
I'm getting old. The whole thing made my whole body ache. I left there and hit the Super Target to get Michael dress shoes for the wedding. The boys' feet are just growing like crazy and luckily they had TWO pairs of shoes in his size to choose from. He chose the pair that I, personally, did not like but he did and so I'll be guaranteed that he'll wear them. I came home, cooked dinner, wrapped wedding gifts, got the rest of my paperwork sorted out for the morning, did my Examiner article, Mapquested directions to the wedding and reception, closed my cafe on Cafe World (That is a post for another time) and cut Frank's hair. I am ready to drop!!
All I can say is that I hope that we have a LOT of people come to our workshop. There are 14 workshops being offered throughout the entire day. Each one is offered two out of the three sessions. We have 54 items to give away - actually we have more than that but those are just the door prizes! Our room looks so pretty and I so desperately want this to be a success and for people to be excited about being there. We hooked up the power point to show pictures from my last trip (the one with mom, sis, aunt and cousin at the Grand Floridian) and A.D.'s last trip last month. I think that will be a nice little perk to have that showing while we're talking.
So I am off to take some Melatonin and a fistful of Advil for my aching legs. Getting old sucks. Wish me luck!!
Today's Examiner.com article is on homeschooling another family beside your own. To read it (and help me earn my penny!) click HERE. Thanks!
I'm getting old. The whole thing made my whole body ache. I left there and hit the Super Target to get Michael dress shoes for the wedding. The boys' feet are just growing like crazy and luckily they had TWO pairs of shoes in his size to choose from. He chose the pair that I, personally, did not like but he did and so I'll be guaranteed that he'll wear them. I came home, cooked dinner, wrapped wedding gifts, got the rest of my paperwork sorted out for the morning, did my Examiner article, Mapquested directions to the wedding and reception, closed my cafe on Cafe World (That is a post for another time) and cut Frank's hair. I am ready to drop!!
All I can say is that I hope that we have a LOT of people come to our workshop. There are 14 workshops being offered throughout the entire day. Each one is offered two out of the three sessions. We have 54 items to give away - actually we have more than that but those are just the door prizes! Our room looks so pretty and I so desperately want this to be a success and for people to be excited about being there. We hooked up the power point to show pictures from my last trip (the one with mom, sis, aunt and cousin at the Grand Floridian) and A.D.'s last trip last month. I think that will be a nice little perk to have that showing while we're talking.
So I am off to take some Melatonin and a fistful of Advil for my aching legs. Getting old sucks. Wish me luck!!
Today's Examiner.com article is on homeschooling another family beside your own. To read it (and help me earn my penny!) click HERE. Thanks!
Friday, October 23, 2009
Weddings, and shopping and Disney...oh, my!
I am gearing up for a wild few days, my friends! This weekend is going to leave me exhausted to say the least. Today I have to go on the hunt for the elusive boy's dress shoe - size 6 - which no one seems to have. Why? Because I need it. Michael's feet grow like weeds and I thought that we were good with the shoes that we had, but no, his feet have grown again. I've been to three different stores with no luck.
Then, this afternoon, I get to go and set up at church for the Disney talk/workshop that is FINALLY happening tomorrow. I have like four crates worth of stuff to bring with me! I am so excited about this. They gave us the old sanctuary to use as our room so it's pretty darn big and we want to make it look as festive as possible. I've got photo albums, picture frames, wall hangings, heck, I've got sequined Minnie Mouse ears to wear! Dang, I'm gonna look cute! Don't worry, I'll be sure to take lots of pictures and post them as soon as I can.
The workshop tomorrow starts around 8 a.m. We are doing the first two sessions and then will break for lunch. I have to leave at around 1:30 - which will be before the whole thing ends but at least our talk will be done - and head home to do a quick extreme-make-over-Stace-edition and get myself ready for a wedding. Nick's girlfriend's sister (follow that train) is getting married tomorrow and we are invited and Nick is in the bridal party. This will be his first trip down the aisle as a groomsman and thus the first time we will see him in a tuxedo! I'm so excited!! No one else seems to get why I'm so pumped for this, but I think it's a big deal. Weddings in the South are much smaller than what we're used to being from New York but it's still a big deal and I'm looking forward to going. And yes, there will be pictures from that, too.
I had an AWFUL time trying to find something to wear mainly because I don't really wear dresses. They annoy me. Remember? Not a girly-girl? So I shopped and I shopped and I shopped. Nothing thrilled me and no one seemed to have anything that I wanted. So the other day I'm out with Michael getting some supplies for a project that he had to do and there was this store right next to the dollar store called Cato's. I don't hardly EVER go in there because they never have anything that I like (I don't do prints and they DO!). At of pure desperation, I went in. I walked right to a clearance rack and there, right on the end was a dress, IN MY SIZE, marked down to $4.99. SOLD! And, it looked good. Yeah, me! Then I got the shoes on clearance for $7.99. Now that's shopping I can get on boared with!
And with all of this life continues. There's still laundry, dishes, food shopping, sock matching...it never ends. But tomorrow I will be up before the sun, singing "Zip-a-dee-do-dah!" and on my way to my happy place. Even if it's only a room that I decorated to LOOK like my happy place.
Disney? Come on...you've GOT to hear me now!!!!
Today's Examine.com article is on Spice-line, the homeschool e-loop for our area. To read it click HERE. Thanks!
Then, this afternoon, I get to go and set up at church for the Disney talk/workshop that is FINALLY happening tomorrow. I have like four crates worth of stuff to bring with me! I am so excited about this. They gave us the old sanctuary to use as our room so it's pretty darn big and we want to make it look as festive as possible. I've got photo albums, picture frames, wall hangings, heck, I've got sequined Minnie Mouse ears to wear! Dang, I'm gonna look cute! Don't worry, I'll be sure to take lots of pictures and post them as soon as I can.
The workshop tomorrow starts around 8 a.m. We are doing the first two sessions and then will break for lunch. I have to leave at around 1:30 - which will be before the whole thing ends but at least our talk will be done - and head home to do a quick extreme-make-over-Stace-edition and get myself ready for a wedding. Nick's girlfriend's sister (follow that train) is getting married tomorrow and we are invited and Nick is in the bridal party. This will be his first trip down the aisle as a groomsman and thus the first time we will see him in a tuxedo! I'm so excited!! No one else seems to get why I'm so pumped for this, but I think it's a big deal. Weddings in the South are much smaller than what we're used to being from New York but it's still a big deal and I'm looking forward to going. And yes, there will be pictures from that, too.
I had an AWFUL time trying to find something to wear mainly because I don't really wear dresses. They annoy me. Remember? Not a girly-girl? So I shopped and I shopped and I shopped. Nothing thrilled me and no one seemed to have anything that I wanted. So the other day I'm out with Michael getting some supplies for a project that he had to do and there was this store right next to the dollar store called Cato's. I don't hardly EVER go in there because they never have anything that I like (I don't do prints and they DO!). At of pure desperation, I went in. I walked right to a clearance rack and there, right on the end was a dress, IN MY SIZE, marked down to $4.99. SOLD! And, it looked good. Yeah, me! Then I got the shoes on clearance for $7.99. Now that's shopping I can get on boared with!
And with all of this life continues. There's still laundry, dishes, food shopping, sock matching...it never ends. But tomorrow I will be up before the sun, singing "Zip-a-dee-do-dah!" and on my way to my happy place. Even if it's only a room that I decorated to LOOK like my happy place.
Disney? Come on...you've GOT to hear me now!!!!
Today's Examine.com article is on Spice-line, the homeschool e-loop for our area. To read it click HERE. Thanks!
Would someone please tell me how to comfort this child?
So as another way to make a little extra income, I am helping out with the local MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group at my church doing childcare twice a month. I am working in the room with the 12-18 month old children. This is a pretty fun age because everything is so new to them and they are still snuggly.
They also have extreme separation anxiety.
Seriously, I had forgotten about this phase and how traumatic it can be. The look on their little faces as mom hands them off and waves good-bye is just heartbreaking. Today was our second meeting. Most of the mom's learned from the last meeting's experience and brought some comfort items for their children - a stuffed animal, a blanket, a favorite snack, etc. But there was one mom who was not here the last time so this was the first time she was dropping her child off. As she's handing the child to me she tells me, "Oh, she just has shots so she's pretty cranky and she's cutting like five teeth and it's her nap time. I'll give her some Tylenol." Then hands me the child and leaves. Can I just tell you what a MESS this poor little person was for two and a half hours??
So when the mom came to pick her up, I told her how upset her child had been and how we tried rocking her, pushing her in the stroller, playing on the floor with her and the woman just nodded and left. Um...HELLO??? A hint or two on what we can do to lesson your child's trauma would have been nice! I mean SERIOUSLY??
I help clean up the room and I walk out to the lobby and stop to speak to another mom from my group of kids and this same rude woman just comes over and pulls the mom I'm speaking to away! I mean, physically grabbed her by the arm and pulled her away! Honestly, I'm ready to slap this woman! So basically, not only is she seemingly unconcerned about her child, she clearly is just a selfish individual all around.
Charming.
They also have extreme separation anxiety.
Seriously, I had forgotten about this phase and how traumatic it can be. The look on their little faces as mom hands them off and waves good-bye is just heartbreaking. Today was our second meeting. Most of the mom's learned from the last meeting's experience and brought some comfort items for their children - a stuffed animal, a blanket, a favorite snack, etc. But there was one mom who was not here the last time so this was the first time she was dropping her child off. As she's handing the child to me she tells me, "Oh, she just has shots so she's pretty cranky and she's cutting like five teeth and it's her nap time. I'll give her some Tylenol." Then hands me the child and leaves. Can I just tell you what a MESS this poor little person was for two and a half hours??
So when the mom came to pick her up, I told her how upset her child had been and how we tried rocking her, pushing her in the stroller, playing on the floor with her and the woman just nodded and left. Um...HELLO??? A hint or two on what we can do to lesson your child's trauma would have been nice! I mean SERIOUSLY??
I help clean up the room and I walk out to the lobby and stop to speak to another mom from my group of kids and this same rude woman just comes over and pulls the mom I'm speaking to away! I mean, physically grabbed her by the arm and pulled her away! Honestly, I'm ready to slap this woman! So basically, not only is she seemingly unconcerned about her child, she clearly is just a selfish individual all around.
Charming.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Enough with the Balloon Boy Hoax!!
I remember being on line last week and seeing this story unfolding all over the internet. Then I ran to the living room and turned on the TV. An out of control weather balloon that looked like a flying saucer was spinning around in the sky and the last anyone knew, a six year old boy was in the basket that was attached to it.
It was horrifying because as you watched the footage, suddenly you were like "Where's the basket?" Now you feel sick because you're thinking "OMG, it's GONE! That boy is probably dead somewhere from falling out of the sky!!" I was near tears watching this drama unfold, holding my son close to me and thinking that I would never let him out of my sight again.
But then, miracle of miracles, the boy is found ALIVE! In a box! In his...attic?? What in the world? As it turns out, this whole thing was a hoax made up by the family who was desperately trying to get their own reality TV show! They had already been a part of one, and now they wanted one of their own and so what better way to ensure that than to create your own overly dramatized, grab the attention of the world, media stunt.
YOU PEOPLE MAKE ME SICK!!!
I mean, REALLY??? Now they are all over the news, it comes out that it was a hoax, the cops are pissed, the media is pissed and yet...they are STILL all over my TV. Now there's talk of the children being taken away and this sparked a HUGE debate in my home. Frank says no, I say yes. Why? Well, first their is contributing to the delinquency of a child. Frank says no. I say, if you teach these kids (who the youngest is 6!) that it is okay to lie and get the cops and the media involved just to get attention, who KNOWS what these kids will grow up doing! I know that none of us are the perfect parent, but for crying out loud, I don't know anyone who actually ENCOURAGES their kids to lie to authorities so that they can get attention!
Frank's theory is that the kids live in a nice home, they look well taken care of so we should just leave them alone. The parents should have to pay for all of the expenses utilized when they were "searching" for their child but other than that, let them be. Okay, fine. So the kids LOOK okay? Did we not just learn anything from the Duggard case? People SAW those kids, social services came to the house! And NO ONE seemed to notice that they were living in tents in the backyard and that their mother was a victim of kidnapping! But as long as the kids LOOK okay, well...I'm sure then they're fine! I know, I know, I'm over exaggerating here but I think that if these parents are so concerned with getting famous that they would go to these lengths, are they even paying attention to the kids except to prompt them to lie??
Don't we have enough dishonest adults wandering the earth? Most of which are running this country and the big corporations? Do we really need to keep feeding that beast?
Today's Examiner.com article is on volunteer opportunities while homeschooling. You can read it HERE. Thanks!
It was horrifying because as you watched the footage, suddenly you were like "Where's the basket?" Now you feel sick because you're thinking "OMG, it's GONE! That boy is probably dead somewhere from falling out of the sky!!" I was near tears watching this drama unfold, holding my son close to me and thinking that I would never let him out of my sight again.
But then, miracle of miracles, the boy is found ALIVE! In a box! In his...attic?? What in the world? As it turns out, this whole thing was a hoax made up by the family who was desperately trying to get their own reality TV show! They had already been a part of one, and now they wanted one of their own and so what better way to ensure that than to create your own overly dramatized, grab the attention of the world, media stunt.
YOU PEOPLE MAKE ME SICK!!!
I mean, REALLY??? Now they are all over the news, it comes out that it was a hoax, the cops are pissed, the media is pissed and yet...they are STILL all over my TV. Now there's talk of the children being taken away and this sparked a HUGE debate in my home. Frank says no, I say yes. Why? Well, first their is contributing to the delinquency of a child. Frank says no. I say, if you teach these kids (who the youngest is 6!) that it is okay to lie and get the cops and the media involved just to get attention, who KNOWS what these kids will grow up doing! I know that none of us are the perfect parent, but for crying out loud, I don't know anyone who actually ENCOURAGES their kids to lie to authorities so that they can get attention!
Frank's theory is that the kids live in a nice home, they look well taken care of so we should just leave them alone. The parents should have to pay for all of the expenses utilized when they were "searching" for their child but other than that, let them be. Okay, fine. So the kids LOOK okay? Did we not just learn anything from the Duggard case? People SAW those kids, social services came to the house! And NO ONE seemed to notice that they were living in tents in the backyard and that their mother was a victim of kidnapping! But as long as the kids LOOK okay, well...I'm sure then they're fine! I know, I know, I'm over exaggerating here but I think that if these parents are so concerned with getting famous that they would go to these lengths, are they even paying attention to the kids except to prompt them to lie??
Don't we have enough dishonest adults wandering the earth? Most of which are running this country and the big corporations? Do we really need to keep feeding that beast?
Today's Examiner.com article is on volunteer opportunities while homeschooling. You can read it HERE. Thanks!
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
I think I have a problem...
It started out as mild curiosity. I just wanted to see what all of the fuss was about. But one glance wasn't enough. I found myself unable to look away. I didn't see this as a problem because I had clicked on other sites before - sites that showed things that I enjoy doing (and some things that I was curious about trying) but I was able to turn away and move on with my life. Unfortunately, this little secret hobby has started to take over my life.
I knew I had a problem when I stopped to talk to some friends after church and upon getting in my car, I looked at the clock and nearly screamed. I quickly grabbed my cell phone and made the call. I was cutting it too close and now I needed to drag someone in to my dark world to help me out.
Frank picked up the phone and I asked him what he was doing. He was tuning his drums. Thank God he wasn't taking up space where I needed him. I told him , "Listen very carefully. I need you to do something very important. It will require your full concentration. Are you ready?"
I needed him to get on to my Facebook account and update my Cafe World cafe because I was about to have food ready to serve!!!
How pathetic am I??? I mean, I don't get this upset about feeding my own family and yet here I am, a grown woman, freaking out in the car because my IMAGINARY cafe is getting ready to have fake food go bad on the FAKE stove!!
Clearly, I need help. But I can't get it right now because my jumbo shrimp cocktail is about ready to be served...
I have no idea what I'm making my real, three-dimensional family for dinner. Is that wrong?
Today's Examiner.com article is on Homeschooling on a single income. Click HERE to check it out! Thanks!
I knew I had a problem when I stopped to talk to some friends after church and upon getting in my car, I looked at the clock and nearly screamed. I quickly grabbed my cell phone and made the call. I was cutting it too close and now I needed to drag someone in to my dark world to help me out.
Frank picked up the phone and I asked him what he was doing. He was tuning his drums. Thank God he wasn't taking up space where I needed him. I told him , "Listen very carefully. I need you to do something very important. It will require your full concentration. Are you ready?"
I needed him to get on to my Facebook account and update my Cafe World cafe because I was about to have food ready to serve!!!
How pathetic am I??? I mean, I don't get this upset about feeding my own family and yet here I am, a grown woman, freaking out in the car because my IMAGINARY cafe is getting ready to have fake food go bad on the FAKE stove!!
Clearly, I need help. But I can't get it right now because my jumbo shrimp cocktail is about ready to be served...
I have no idea what I'm making my real, three-dimensional family for dinner. Is that wrong?
Today's Examiner.com article is on Homeschooling on a single income. Click HERE to check it out! Thanks!
Monday, October 19, 2009
Sorry, but this one's a "ladies only" post...
Okay, so when I am PMSing, one of two things is going to happen. One: I will cry at the drop of a hat; I will be extremely depressed to the point of suicidal and begin planning my own demise. Or, two: I will have such rage that anything within reach will get thrown at something or someone. I almost threw my computer monitor out the window the other day.
Guess which mode I am in?
So being a good wife, I gave my husband the "heads up" warning about how I was feeling. I'm like "Look, I have unreasonable rage right now due to PMS. I'm not TRYING to argue with you, but really, I cannot help it." His response? "Well, that's no excuse! You can't use PMS as an excuse."
He's lucky that he's larger than I am otherwise he would have been launched out the window.
I mean, REALLY???? I can't use PMS as an excuse for having some rage issues for a few days but he can use "I'm not a morning person" as an excuse to be mean and nasty every morning for the last twenty years? I don't think so. Gentlemen, if any of you decided to stay on and read out of curiosity, let me give you a bit of advice: PMS is a REAL condition with REAL issues. If your wife tells you that she is dealing with unreasonable rage, do not TRY and provoke the rage. This would be a good time to just smile and go about your business or you might just find yourself getting beaned in the head with a blunt object.
I'm just saying...
Guess which mode I am in?
So being a good wife, I gave my husband the "heads up" warning about how I was feeling. I'm like "Look, I have unreasonable rage right now due to PMS. I'm not TRYING to argue with you, but really, I cannot help it." His response? "Well, that's no excuse! You can't use PMS as an excuse."
He's lucky that he's larger than I am otherwise he would have been launched out the window.
I mean, REALLY???? I can't use PMS as an excuse for having some rage issues for a few days but he can use "I'm not a morning person" as an excuse to be mean and nasty every morning for the last twenty years? I don't think so. Gentlemen, if any of you decided to stay on and read out of curiosity, let me give you a bit of advice: PMS is a REAL condition with REAL issues. If your wife tells you that she is dealing with unreasonable rage, do not TRY and provoke the rage. This would be a good time to just smile and go about your business or you might just find yourself getting beaned in the head with a blunt object.
I'm just saying...
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Um...who's day is it exactly??
Okay, so I'm flipping through the channels on the TV last night in pure boredom and the only thing that I can find that doesn't make me want to stab myself in the brain with sharp objects was "Say Yes to the Dress". Has anyone seen this show?
If you have not, let me give you an ultra brief description: Brides looking for dresses in this one exclusive bridal boutique. Got it? Okay. So the problem with this show, the MAIN problem I have with this show, are the mothers of the bride. Look, lady, you HAD your day! Sit in the chair and shut IT! I mean, last night this one bride found her dream gown. She was downright giddy about it and her mother sat there and pouted because she liked a different gown. Are you for real???
You know my feelings on weddings; I've mentioned them often enough. I just don't see why these women behave this way. I know that there are some crazy brides out there (um, Bridezilla anyone?) but I think that it is just horrible that women who have already HAD their day in the spotlight and probably got to wear their dream gown would purposely try and tell their daughter's what to wear.
My sister is in the catering business and does a LOT of weddings. She's amazing at what she does and when she does weddings, she does BIG, New York weddings. The stories I hear about what people do and have at these receptions is mind boggling. And the attitudes are huge. So while I apologize right now to my sister but I'm saying "Mother of the bride? If you want to hassle someone, hassle the caterer. Hassle the photographer. But leave the damn bride alone. It is HER day, not yours!"
I don't know why this bothered me so much, but it did.
Note: Examiner.com article of the day HERE. Thanks!
If you have not, let me give you an ultra brief description: Brides looking for dresses in this one exclusive bridal boutique. Got it? Okay. So the problem with this show, the MAIN problem I have with this show, are the mothers of the bride. Look, lady, you HAD your day! Sit in the chair and shut IT! I mean, last night this one bride found her dream gown. She was downright giddy about it and her mother sat there and pouted because she liked a different gown. Are you for real???
You know my feelings on weddings; I've mentioned them often enough. I just don't see why these women behave this way. I know that there are some crazy brides out there (um, Bridezilla anyone?) but I think that it is just horrible that women who have already HAD their day in the spotlight and probably got to wear their dream gown would purposely try and tell their daughter's what to wear.
My sister is in the catering business and does a LOT of weddings. She's amazing at what she does and when she does weddings, she does BIG, New York weddings. The stories I hear about what people do and have at these receptions is mind boggling. And the attitudes are huge. So while I apologize right now to my sister but I'm saying "Mother of the bride? If you want to hassle someone, hassle the caterer. Hassle the photographer. But leave the damn bride alone. It is HER day, not yours!"
I don't know why this bothered me so much, but it did.
Note: Examiner.com article of the day HERE. Thanks!
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
So What'cha Been Doin'?
I'm still basking in the afterglow of unemployment - NOT! Seriously, I'm in to month number five of being at home and I have the extra weight that I've gained to prove it. I have applied for jobs, I have scanned the papers and Craigslist. Nothing.
I've mentioned before that what I really want to be is a writer. I have manuscripts all over the daggone house if only I could find an agent. Apparently, they are extremely hard to find and very fickle. I'm wanting to take a class on how to find one of these elusive people - perhaps I should watch for the latest "Endangered Species" list. Maybe I'll find one there! Anyway, about a week ago I wrote here about how I am doing some freelance writing for Bukisa.com. I'm actually having fun with it but until I really build up my content, I'm not making anything - like less than a penny per page view. I've made a dollar this month so far. WOO-HOO!!
The gal who hooked me up with Bukisa then sent me a link for another writing gig; this one was a little more promising. It was for Examiner.com. You have to actually APPLY for this one (and it was a rather lengthy application process) and they have a team of people on hand to help you as a writer. You get an editor and everything. Examiner.com in nationwide so you can write about things going on in your own city. I am now the homeschool Examiner for the Raleigh, North Carolina edition! Check. Me. Out!! I am a journalist! Who knew? What I love about writing for them - and this is pure vanity talking - is that my picture goes up on every article acknowledging me as the author and Examiner on my topic. How cool is that? I have to admit, I get a little excited every time I click on one of my pages and see me.
By now you're probably thinking "Um, Stace, you can come to your BLOG and see your own damn face, too!" Sure I can, but I started this blog by myself. I didn't have to prove myself and while, yes, some people have complained about the content, for the most part, no one is looking over my shoulder telling me what to do or what to write because they are paying me! Wouldn't THAT be nice? Sure, in a perfect world I'd actually be making money at this! I know I'm going to start hearing about all of the ways that I CAN make money on my blog but if it involves ME laying out any money first, keep it to yourself. The well is dry. I have nothing to invest (re-read the above paragraph on my big ONE dollar earnings).
The problem with the Examiner thing is - like Bukisa - you have to build up a readership. The more people that look at your page, the more money you will make. I get it. I'm not happy about it, but I get it. I've made almost a dollar there, too. Now I can get a burger AND a coke at McDonalds! Yea, me!
The thing is, this is my dream. Writing has been my dream since I was in junior high! I mean, yes the pay sucks, but it has the potential to get better. Plus, all this freelance writing might look good on some sort of resume/query to an agent. Who knows?
So if you happen to BE an agent looking for women's fiction writers, HERE I AM! Or if you know one, send them my way! In the meantime, go and check out some of my stuff over at Examiner.com even if you're not in to homeschooling. My profile picture was taken at a Sarah Palin rally here in North Carolina last year. I was sitting on the floor after waiting for six hours in a massive crowd. Not fun, but I looked good.
Click here for my article on How to get started in homeschooling.
If you are interested in writing for Examiner.com in your area, click HERE. When you fill out your application, it will ask you who referred you. You will need to click on "Search for Your Examiner" or something to that effect. Search for me so that I not only can get credit for you, but also, so I can see what you're writing and support you!
I've mentioned before that what I really want to be is a writer. I have manuscripts all over the daggone house if only I could find an agent. Apparently, they are extremely hard to find and very fickle. I'm wanting to take a class on how to find one of these elusive people - perhaps I should watch for the latest "Endangered Species" list. Maybe I'll find one there! Anyway, about a week ago I wrote here about how I am doing some freelance writing for Bukisa.com. I'm actually having fun with it but until I really build up my content, I'm not making anything - like less than a penny per page view. I've made a dollar this month so far. WOO-HOO!!
The gal who hooked me up with Bukisa then sent me a link for another writing gig; this one was a little more promising. It was for Examiner.com. You have to actually APPLY for this one (and it was a rather lengthy application process) and they have a team of people on hand to help you as a writer. You get an editor and everything. Examiner.com in nationwide so you can write about things going on in your own city. I am now the homeschool Examiner for the Raleigh, North Carolina edition! Check. Me. Out!! I am a journalist! Who knew? What I love about writing for them - and this is pure vanity talking - is that my picture goes up on every article acknowledging me as the author and Examiner on my topic. How cool is that? I have to admit, I get a little excited every time I click on one of my pages and see me.
By now you're probably thinking "Um, Stace, you can come to your BLOG and see your own damn face, too!" Sure I can, but I started this blog by myself. I didn't have to prove myself and while, yes, some people have complained about the content, for the most part, no one is looking over my shoulder telling me what to do or what to write because they are paying me! Wouldn't THAT be nice? Sure, in a perfect world I'd actually be making money at this! I know I'm going to start hearing about all of the ways that I CAN make money on my blog but if it involves ME laying out any money first, keep it to yourself. The well is dry. I have nothing to invest (re-read the above paragraph on my big ONE dollar earnings).
The problem with the Examiner thing is - like Bukisa - you have to build up a readership. The more people that look at your page, the more money you will make. I get it. I'm not happy about it, but I get it. I've made almost a dollar there, too. Now I can get a burger AND a coke at McDonalds! Yea, me!
The thing is, this is my dream. Writing has been my dream since I was in junior high! I mean, yes the pay sucks, but it has the potential to get better. Plus, all this freelance writing might look good on some sort of resume/query to an agent. Who knows?
So if you happen to BE an agent looking for women's fiction writers, HERE I AM! Or if you know one, send them my way! In the meantime, go and check out some of my stuff over at Examiner.com even if you're not in to homeschooling. My profile picture was taken at a Sarah Palin rally here in North Carolina last year. I was sitting on the floor after waiting for six hours in a massive crowd. Not fun, but I looked good.
Click here for my article on How to get started in homeschooling.
If you are interested in writing for Examiner.com in your area, click HERE. When you fill out your application, it will ask you who referred you. You will need to click on "Search for Your Examiner" or something to that effect. Search for me so that I not only can get credit for you, but also, so I can see what you're writing and support you!
What's with all the ingredients?
I was out food shopping with Michael yesterday and I had forgotten my list so that meant that I was running all over the store in no particular order as I remembered things that I needed. He's an observant little man and noticed some different items than he normallly sees in our house and he'd ask "What's that for?" and I'd tell him it's for a recipe. I guess I had said that on our last shopping trip a couple of days ago because after I said it AGAIN yesterday, he's like "What's with all the ingredients? It's like I can't eat anything because you're using it for something!" Poor child...having to deal with a mother who...GASP...cooks!! Oh, the horror! Why, oh, why must the children suffer???
Actually, I am a little weird because I love the cold weather in a way that just makes me want to cook differently. I get in to food ruts and then I can't even stand myself and the food I make. I feel like everything is the same. So a couple of times a year, I break out of said rut and go wild. You see how appreciative he is, right? No, no, I'm just kidding. The boy eats better than any of us and every night he compliments me as if I am filling his plate with gold. I normally have to ask Frank and Nick what they think of the meal whereas Michael just offers his praise as I am serving the food. Love him!
So what have I been making? Actually, a lot. I'm going to self-promote now and give you the links to the recipes so that you can try them out, too!
Stuffed Cabbage (my mom's recipe)
Cocktail Meatballs (compliments of my good friend Kim)
Beer Bread (compliments of my wonderful friend Carol)
Peach Dumplings (honestly, I can't remember who gave me this one!)
Cheesy Pineapple (compliments of my friend Billie)
Cream of Vegetable Soup (all me, people...all me!)
Yeast Rolls (again...all me!)
Those are just the ones that I have recipes written down. Last night I made a meatloaf that the whole family loved and for the life of me, I didn't measure a thing! I'm just glad that they liked it. Actually, for the first time ever I used the specialty meatloaf mixture with beef, veal and pork and it really was much tastier than the regular ground beef that I normally use. Who knew?
We're getting take out tonight because it will just be me and my boy. Tomorrow night is beef stew. I LOVE homemade beef stew that cooks in the crock pot all day. Yummy! I'd like to find bread bowls to serve them in but so far no such luck!
Actually, I am a little weird because I love the cold weather in a way that just makes me want to cook differently. I get in to food ruts and then I can't even stand myself and the food I make. I feel like everything is the same. So a couple of times a year, I break out of said rut and go wild. You see how appreciative he is, right? No, no, I'm just kidding. The boy eats better than any of us and every night he compliments me as if I am filling his plate with gold. I normally have to ask Frank and Nick what they think of the meal whereas Michael just offers his praise as I am serving the food. Love him!
So what have I been making? Actually, a lot. I'm going to self-promote now and give you the links to the recipes so that you can try them out, too!
Stuffed Cabbage (my mom's recipe)
Cocktail Meatballs (compliments of my good friend Kim)
Beer Bread (compliments of my wonderful friend Carol)
Peach Dumplings (honestly, I can't remember who gave me this one!)
Cheesy Pineapple (compliments of my friend Billie)
Cream of Vegetable Soup (all me, people...all me!)
Yeast Rolls (again...all me!)
Those are just the ones that I have recipes written down. Last night I made a meatloaf that the whole family loved and for the life of me, I didn't measure a thing! I'm just glad that they liked it. Actually, for the first time ever I used the specialty meatloaf mixture with beef, veal and pork and it really was much tastier than the regular ground beef that I normally use. Who knew?
We're getting take out tonight because it will just be me and my boy. Tomorrow night is beef stew. I LOVE homemade beef stew that cooks in the crock pot all day. Yummy! I'd like to find bread bowls to serve them in but so far no such luck!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Okay, Here's a Dilema...
So I'm on the phone Sunday with my beloved mother-in-law and we're chit-chatting and she gets very serious and says "I need to talk to you about something". Ominous music plays in my head and I'm like "Oh?" She asked me to get a paper and pencil and to hear her out.
Sigh.
It turns out that one of my sisters-in-law (is that right?) has a timeshare and she is using it this year to get two 3 bedroom condos in Orlando for the week between Christmas and New Years - December 26-31. Everyone else in the family is on board about meeting down there and doing this, how about us?
Give me a minute while I GROWL in frustration....
Okay, let's think about this. First, I am unemployed and have been since May. Second, my husband is self-employed and has had about half of the amount of work that he usually does. This is not NEW news to the family. So WHY? WHY? WHY????? Would anyone think that going away would be in our budget right after Christmas??? The most expensive holiday of the year - and the slowest work time of the year for a house painter???? I mean, REALLY?? I listened patiently while she went on about the wonders of this and how because it is under the SIL's timeshare, each family would only have to contribute $100 towards housekeeping. Sure, when you put it like that, like "You can spend five days in Orlando for $100" it sounds great but the reality is this: Gas to drive to and from Florida from North Carolina, wear and tear on my car, food for the week, money to actually DO anything while we are there, and the potential of both Frank and Nick missing out on much-needed work.
Okay, then there's the ME aspect in all of this. As you regular readers may remember, there was the in-laws 50th anniversary cruise fiasco that we got excluded from because this SAME sister in law planned it in a way that excluded us and when we said we could not do it, we were made out to be the villains. Our first concern about the cruise was that it was slated to happen on Nick's first week of school. When I voiced my concerns about Nick missing school, essentially I was told to stop being such a selfish jackass and let him miss school. Why is this Orlando thing happening the week between Christmas and New Year's? Because sister-in-law does not want HER precious child missing any school!!! You have NO IDEA how my head almost exploded when I heard that reasoning! I mean, I know I'm being petty and what's in the past should stay in the past but this WITCH (and I mean the kind that begins with a "B") had the audacity to make me feel like crap because I was concerned about my child's education but is now using the same excuse for hers? I don't think so.
Bottom line here is that we can't do it. It would take DIVINE intervention for this to happen for us. We would need like $1,000 to drop out of the sky to cover the cost of the trip and to have money waiting at home to cover our bills for that week. Frank is not close with his family and while we speak to his parents every week and we visit them at least every other year, he has one sister that we have not seen in 15 years (we've spoken to her maybe a half a dozen times in that time span), his youngest sister we usually see once a year or at least every other year and then there's THAT sister in law...well, the last time we saw her was seven years ago and it's been heavenly. I know it's not nice, people, but sometimes THAT'S the way it is! So I know that we can't do it but here is what is eating at me the most: Should we not have been able to go because we didn't WANT to, I would be fine with that, but the fact that we CAN'T go because we are too poor, well, that just MAKES me want to go! How stupid is that??? I mean, what kind of logic is flying around in my head!!
I've had too much time on my hands...I don't know what to do with myself any more! Someday, I'll have peace. Maybe...
Sigh.
It turns out that one of my sisters-in-law (is that right?) has a timeshare and she is using it this year to get two 3 bedroom condos in Orlando for the week between Christmas and New Years - December 26-31. Everyone else in the family is on board about meeting down there and doing this, how about us?
Give me a minute while I GROWL in frustration....
Okay, let's think about this. First, I am unemployed and have been since May. Second, my husband is self-employed and has had about half of the amount of work that he usually does. This is not NEW news to the family. So WHY? WHY? WHY????? Would anyone think that going away would be in our budget right after Christmas??? The most expensive holiday of the year - and the slowest work time of the year for a house painter???? I mean, REALLY?? I listened patiently while she went on about the wonders of this and how because it is under the SIL's timeshare, each family would only have to contribute $100 towards housekeeping. Sure, when you put it like that, like "You can spend five days in Orlando for $100" it sounds great but the reality is this: Gas to drive to and from Florida from North Carolina, wear and tear on my car, food for the week, money to actually DO anything while we are there, and the potential of both Frank and Nick missing out on much-needed work.
Okay, then there's the ME aspect in all of this. As you regular readers may remember, there was the in-laws 50th anniversary cruise fiasco that we got excluded from because this SAME sister in law planned it in a way that excluded us and when we said we could not do it, we were made out to be the villains. Our first concern about the cruise was that it was slated to happen on Nick's first week of school. When I voiced my concerns about Nick missing school, essentially I was told to stop being such a selfish jackass and let him miss school. Why is this Orlando thing happening the week between Christmas and New Year's? Because sister-in-law does not want HER precious child missing any school!!! You have NO IDEA how my head almost exploded when I heard that reasoning! I mean, I know I'm being petty and what's in the past should stay in the past but this WITCH (and I mean the kind that begins with a "B") had the audacity to make me feel like crap because I was concerned about my child's education but is now using the same excuse for hers? I don't think so.
Bottom line here is that we can't do it. It would take DIVINE intervention for this to happen for us. We would need like $1,000 to drop out of the sky to cover the cost of the trip and to have money waiting at home to cover our bills for that week. Frank is not close with his family and while we speak to his parents every week and we visit them at least every other year, he has one sister that we have not seen in 15 years (we've spoken to her maybe a half a dozen times in that time span), his youngest sister we usually see once a year or at least every other year and then there's THAT sister in law...well, the last time we saw her was seven years ago and it's been heavenly. I know it's not nice, people, but sometimes THAT'S the way it is! So I know that we can't do it but here is what is eating at me the most: Should we not have been able to go because we didn't WANT to, I would be fine with that, but the fact that we CAN'T go because we are too poor, well, that just MAKES me want to go! How stupid is that??? I mean, what kind of logic is flying around in my head!!
I've had too much time on my hands...I don't know what to do with myself any more! Someday, I'll have peace. Maybe...
Monday, October 12, 2009
I Care
I don't care if my house is messy.
I care that it is lived in.
I don't care if every meal is healthy and balanced.
I care that we eat it together.
I don't care if my laundry is folded and put away.
I care that we can afford to have clean, decent clothes to wear.
I don't care that my house is cluttered.
I care that we have treasures.
I don't care that we don't live in "THE" neighborhood.
I care that my neighbors smile and wave and know our names.
I don't care if I have a fancy car to drive.
I care that we can afford the note.
I don't care that I've made mistakes.
I care that I've learned from them.
I don't care if my dreams don't come true.
I care that my kidss dreams do.
I don't care that my kids might be spoiled.
I care that they are loved.
I don't care about our differences.
I care about how we are the same.
I don't care what people think of me.
I care about what I think of myself.
I don't care about the state of my life.
I care about the state of my soul.
I don't care that the mountain is steep.
I care that the valley is wide.
I don't care if it storms tomorrow.
I care that God promises sunshine after the rain.
I don't care that life is short.
I care that I have a promise of life everlasting.
I care that it is lived in.
I don't care if every meal is healthy and balanced.
I care that we eat it together.
I don't care if my laundry is folded and put away.
I care that we can afford to have clean, decent clothes to wear.
I don't care that my house is cluttered.
I care that we have treasures.
I don't care that we don't live in "THE" neighborhood.
I care that my neighbors smile and wave and know our names.
I don't care if I have a fancy car to drive.
I care that we can afford the note.
I don't care that I've made mistakes.
I care that I've learned from them.
I don't care if my dreams don't come true.
I care that my kidss dreams do.
I don't care that my kids might be spoiled.
I care that they are loved.
I don't care about our differences.
I care about how we are the same.
I don't care what people think of me.
I care about what I think of myself.
I don't care about the state of my life.
I care about the state of my soul.
I don't care that the mountain is steep.
I care that the valley is wide.
I don't care if it storms tomorrow.
I care that God promises sunshine after the rain.
I don't care that life is short.
I care that I have a promise of life everlasting.
**I got this from Jen over at Momma Made it Look Easy. Thanks, Jen!!
Sunday, October 11, 2009
I Know I'm a Girl, but...
You know, my husband tells me all of the time that I am a "girly-girl". I guess in some ways I am - I point my toes a lot, I twirl, I wear make up, I hate bugs... but for the most part, I think I am lacking something in the genetic make up of being a girl. For example:
I don't get what the big deal is about shoes. That was one plot line from "Sex and the City" that always escaped me. Personally, I'd rather be barefoot or in flippy flops all the live-long day. I don't love shoe shopping and I don't sigh and press my face up against the shoe-store windows dreaming of owning them all. Oh, and I hate wearing high heels too!
I don't like wearing dresses. Never have. Never will.
Flowers don't excite me. Sure, it's nice getting a bouquet every now and again but it's just depressing watching it die. Slowly. Getting uglier by the hour... And you know what? I don't have a favorite flower! Whenever I get one of those "getting to know you" e-mails and it asks for your favorite flower, I say Lily, but honestly, it doesn't really matter.
Jewelry. If I measured how much someone loved me by the jewelry they gave me? I'd feel a little shallow. Sorry. I've seen people go WILD over the jewelry ads and demand that their husbands buy them this or that from the jewelry store. Really? So if a man who truly, and I mean honestly and truly loves you, cannot afford the two carat diamond, you can't love him? Sorry, but I've had the jewelry (not from my husband but from my dad) and you know what? I ended up having to hock it all and it really doesn't phase me that I don't have it anymore and I'm not looking to replace it.
Perfume. I don't have a favorite. I enjoy smelling nice and all that, but I don't have a "signature" scent or anything like that. Heck, as long as I don't smell BAD, I'm doing okay.
Sad movies? Sorry, I've never seen the Notebook and I don't want to.
So that's it. I guess I'm sort of girlie. I'm certainly no tom-boy. I hate sports and I can't fix anything. But all those things I just mentioned? They seem to be all of the things that make someone truly feminine. Funny but I don't feel like any less of a woman but maybe I am...
I don't get what the big deal is about shoes. That was one plot line from "Sex and the City" that always escaped me. Personally, I'd rather be barefoot or in flippy flops all the live-long day. I don't love shoe shopping and I don't sigh and press my face up against the shoe-store windows dreaming of owning them all. Oh, and I hate wearing high heels too!
I don't like wearing dresses. Never have. Never will.
Flowers don't excite me. Sure, it's nice getting a bouquet every now and again but it's just depressing watching it die. Slowly. Getting uglier by the hour... And you know what? I don't have a favorite flower! Whenever I get one of those "getting to know you" e-mails and it asks for your favorite flower, I say Lily, but honestly, it doesn't really matter.
Jewelry. If I measured how much someone loved me by the jewelry they gave me? I'd feel a little shallow. Sorry. I've seen people go WILD over the jewelry ads and demand that their husbands buy them this or that from the jewelry store. Really? So if a man who truly, and I mean honestly and truly loves you, cannot afford the two carat diamond, you can't love him? Sorry, but I've had the jewelry (not from my husband but from my dad) and you know what? I ended up having to hock it all and it really doesn't phase me that I don't have it anymore and I'm not looking to replace it.
Perfume. I don't have a favorite. I enjoy smelling nice and all that, but I don't have a "signature" scent or anything like that. Heck, as long as I don't smell BAD, I'm doing okay.
Sad movies? Sorry, I've never seen the Notebook and I don't want to.
So that's it. I guess I'm sort of girlie. I'm certainly no tom-boy. I hate sports and I can't fix anything. But all those things I just mentioned? They seem to be all of the things that make someone truly feminine. Funny but I don't feel like any less of a woman but maybe I am...
Saturday, October 10, 2009
I've Come to Realize...
I know, I know, I'm getting lazy lately and soon I will explain what has been taking up so much of my time. But in the meantime, I found this over at Secondary Roads and thought it sounded thought-provoking. Enjoy!
1. I’ve come to realize that my chest-size … annoys me but my husband loves it!
2. I’ve come to realize that my job …. is my responsibility alone.
3. I’ve come to realize that when I’m driving … I enjoy the silence more than the radio.
4. I’ve come to realize that I need … More than 6 hours of sleep per night!
5. I’ve come to realize that I have lost … Weight only to find it again (and some extra!)
6. I’ve come to realize that I hate it when … Evil wins. (I had to agree with Chuck on this one)
7. I’ve come to realize that if I’m drunk … something must be seriously wrong because I don't DO drunk.
8. I’ve come to realize that money … does not equal happiness.
9. I’ve come to realize that certain people … are not necessary to have in my life.
10. I’ve come to realize that I’ll always … be the oddball in my family - and that's a good thing.
11. I’ve come to realize that my siblings … are much more enjoyable from 600 miles away.
12. I’ve come to realize that my mom … has lead a very difficult life.
13. I’ve come to realize that my cell phone … will NEVER stay charged for very long even if I don't use it.
14. I’ve come to realize that when I woke up this morning … that nothing horrible would happen if I decided to shut off the alarm clock and let everyone sleep and be late. I didn't do it, but I realized that I COULD.
15. I’ve come to realize that last night before I went to sleep … that there never is a good time to eat pizza, mozzerella sticks, buffalo popcorn chicken, Greek salad and double-stuff Oreos...even if it was for a fun night with my son.
16. I’ve come to realize that right now I am thinking … what should I make for dinner tonight?
17. I’ve come to realize that my dad … is really a sad individual who deserves my pity and prayers, not my anger and hatred.
18. I’ve come to realize that when I get on Facebook … I am going to smile and be brainless for a little while.
19. I’ve come to realize that today … I have a lot to get done.
20. I’ve come to realize that tonight … will get here eventually.
21. I’ve come to realize that tomorrow … will be hot again.
22. I’ve come to realize that I really want to … be nothing more than a writer! That is my dream job and I don't want to settle for anything less!
23. I’ve come to realize that the person who is most likely to repost this is … Probably pretty darn awesome (and not just because they read my blog!)
24. I’ve come to realize that life … is way too short.
25. I’ve come to realize that this weekend … will be here before I know it and the weather will ruin it.
26. I’ve come to realize that marriage … is wonderful when you find that perfect person for you. And I have!!
27. I’ve come to realize that my friends … are the family of my heart.
28. I’ve come to realize that this year … Has been pretty difficult but God always provides.
29. I’ve come to realize that my ex is … too far in the past to even think about.
30. I’ve come to realize that maybe I should … get serious and stop sabotaging my health
31. I’ve come to realize that I love … My husband, my kids, my friends and suddenly...sandwiches. Go figure.
32. I’ve come to realize that I don’t understand … why some people are mean.
33. I’ve come to realize my past … made me who I am today - the good and the bad in me.
34. I’ve come to realize that parties … can be fun no matter what the size or the location.
35. I’ve come to realize that I’m totally terrified … of something happening to my children.
Feel free to pick these questions up and post them on your blog with your answers.
1. I’ve come to realize that my chest-size … annoys me but my husband loves it!
2. I’ve come to realize that my job …. is my responsibility alone.
3. I’ve come to realize that when I’m driving … I enjoy the silence more than the radio.
4. I’ve come to realize that I need … More than 6 hours of sleep per night!
5. I’ve come to realize that I have lost … Weight only to find it again (and some extra!)
6. I’ve come to realize that I hate it when … Evil wins. (I had to agree with Chuck on this one)
7. I’ve come to realize that if I’m drunk … something must be seriously wrong because I don't DO drunk.
8. I’ve come to realize that money … does not equal happiness.
9. I’ve come to realize that certain people … are not necessary to have in my life.
10. I’ve come to realize that I’ll always … be the oddball in my family - and that's a good thing.
11. I’ve come to realize that my siblings … are much more enjoyable from 600 miles away.
12. I’ve come to realize that my mom … has lead a very difficult life.
13. I’ve come to realize that my cell phone … will NEVER stay charged for very long even if I don't use it.
14. I’ve come to realize that when I woke up this morning … that nothing horrible would happen if I decided to shut off the alarm clock and let everyone sleep and be late. I didn't do it, but I realized that I COULD.
15. I’ve come to realize that last night before I went to sleep … that there never is a good time to eat pizza, mozzerella sticks, buffalo popcorn chicken, Greek salad and double-stuff Oreos...even if it was for a fun night with my son.
16. I’ve come to realize that right now I am thinking … what should I make for dinner tonight?
17. I’ve come to realize that my dad … is really a sad individual who deserves my pity and prayers, not my anger and hatred.
18. I’ve come to realize that when I get on Facebook … I am going to smile and be brainless for a little while.
19. I’ve come to realize that today … I have a lot to get done.
20. I’ve come to realize that tonight … will get here eventually.
21. I’ve come to realize that tomorrow … will be hot again.
22. I’ve come to realize that I really want to … be nothing more than a writer! That is my dream job and I don't want to settle for anything less!
23. I’ve come to realize that the person who is most likely to repost this is … Probably pretty darn awesome (and not just because they read my blog!)
24. I’ve come to realize that life … is way too short.
25. I’ve come to realize that this weekend … will be here before I know it and the weather will ruin it.
26. I’ve come to realize that marriage … is wonderful when you find that perfect person for you. And I have!!
27. I’ve come to realize that my friends … are the family of my heart.
28. I’ve come to realize that this year … Has been pretty difficult but God always provides.
29. I’ve come to realize that my ex is … too far in the past to even think about.
30. I’ve come to realize that maybe I should … get serious and stop sabotaging my health
31. I’ve come to realize that I love … My husband, my kids, my friends and suddenly...sandwiches. Go figure.
32. I’ve come to realize that I don’t understand … why some people are mean.
33. I’ve come to realize my past … made me who I am today - the good and the bad in me.
34. I’ve come to realize that parties … can be fun no matter what the size or the location.
35. I’ve come to realize that I’m totally terrified … of something happening to my children.
Feel free to pick these questions up and post them on your blog with your answers.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Thanks, Lola!!
1. What was the last thing you put in your mouth? Melatonin
2. Where was your profile picture taken? In my room
3. Can you play Guitar Hero? No and I have no desire to
4. Name someone who made you laugh today. Frank - we were laughing about how the life of someone we do not like is about to change drastically and how long it will be before he bails on the relationship just so that he won't have to change. Wuss.
5. How late did you stay up last night and why? 11:15 pm which is my normal bedtime. My nick-name has been the 11:30 woman for about 20 years!
6. If you could move somewhere else where would you and why? Okay, to be silly and if money were no object, I'd live as close to Disney World as you were allowed. More realistically, but again if money were no object, I've always been fascinated with Montana. I don't know why.
7. Ever been kissed under fireworks? Actually, I don't think I have. Weird!
8. Which of your friends lives closest to you? Danette
9. Do you believe ex's can be friends? With benefits? Hell to the no! Ex's should disappear of the face of the planet. Can you tell that I've never had a good breakup?
10. Do you like Dr. Pepper? No.
11. When was the last time you cried really hard? Really hard as opposed to just sniveling? When my grandma died back in January.
12. Who took your profile picture? I took it myself, can't you tell?
13. Who was the last person you took a picture of? Michael
14. Was yesterday better than today? Why? No, they were pretty equal - on the go a lot, tired the whole time, and nothing special going on. Same old, same old.
15. Can you live a day without TV? I think so. Tuesday's preferably now that I won't watch the Biggest Loser!
16. Are you upset about anything now? Finances are always on my mind, my weight is really upsetting me lately because I can't seem to lose any no matter what I do and so I've stopped doing anything and I feel crappy.
17. Do you think relationships are ever really worth it? Absolutely!
18. Are you a bad influence? Every once in a while...
19. Night out or night in? I'm a homebody.
20. What items could you not go without during the day? My thyroid medicine, the computer...those are the items, but I could not go without talking to Frank, either.
21. Who was the last person you visited in the hospital? Nick, but he was only in the ER (that was when he had Mono)
22. What does the last text message in your inbox say? I don't do texting.
23. How do you feel about your life right now? It's kind of crappy right now but that's nothing new and it's all the economy's fault!
24. Do you hate anyone? I'd like to say no, but I'd be lying.
25. If we were to look in your Facebook inbox, what would we find? Tons of old messages.
26. Say you were given a drug test right now, would you pass? Hell YES!
27. Has anyone ever called you perfect before? Yes, Michael does almost every night when I make dinner! I love that curly headed little boy!!
28. What song is stuck in your head? The theme song to The Big Bang Theory
29. Someone knocks on your window at 2 a.m., whom do you want it to be? NO ONE!! I'm sleeping!!!
30. Do you (or did you) want to have grandkids before you’re 50? Yes, I would
31. Tell us your Saturday night. This last Saturday night we had the house to ourselves. We bought two huge steaks and some bakes clams and had a romantic dinner. But I still wasn't feeling great so I was in bed by 10:30. Nothing like keeping the romance alive!
32. Do you think too much or too little? Way to much.
33. Do you smile a lot? Yes I do!!
2. Where was your profile picture taken? In my room
3. Can you play Guitar Hero? No and I have no desire to
4. Name someone who made you laugh today. Frank - we were laughing about how the life of someone we do not like is about to change drastically and how long it will be before he bails on the relationship just so that he won't have to change. Wuss.
5. How late did you stay up last night and why? 11:15 pm which is my normal bedtime. My nick-name has been the 11:30 woman for about 20 years!
6. If you could move somewhere else where would you and why? Okay, to be silly and if money were no object, I'd live as close to Disney World as you were allowed. More realistically, but again if money were no object, I've always been fascinated with Montana. I don't know why.
7. Ever been kissed under fireworks? Actually, I don't think I have. Weird!
8. Which of your friends lives closest to you? Danette
9. Do you believe ex's can be friends? With benefits? Hell to the no! Ex's should disappear of the face of the planet. Can you tell that I've never had a good breakup?
10. Do you like Dr. Pepper? No.
11. When was the last time you cried really hard? Really hard as opposed to just sniveling? When my grandma died back in January.
12. Who took your profile picture? I took it myself, can't you tell?
13. Who was the last person you took a picture of? Michael
14. Was yesterday better than today? Why? No, they were pretty equal - on the go a lot, tired the whole time, and nothing special going on. Same old, same old.
15. Can you live a day without TV? I think so. Tuesday's preferably now that I won't watch the Biggest Loser!
16. Are you upset about anything now? Finances are always on my mind, my weight is really upsetting me lately because I can't seem to lose any no matter what I do and so I've stopped doing anything and I feel crappy.
17. Do you think relationships are ever really worth it? Absolutely!
18. Are you a bad influence? Every once in a while...
19. Night out or night in? I'm a homebody.
20. What items could you not go without during the day? My thyroid medicine, the computer...those are the items, but I could not go without talking to Frank, either.
21. Who was the last person you visited in the hospital? Nick, but he was only in the ER (that was when he had Mono)
22. What does the last text message in your inbox say? I don't do texting.
23. How do you feel about your life right now? It's kind of crappy right now but that's nothing new and it's all the economy's fault!
24. Do you hate anyone? I'd like to say no, but I'd be lying.
25. If we were to look in your Facebook inbox, what would we find? Tons of old messages.
26. Say you were given a drug test right now, would you pass? Hell YES!
27. Has anyone ever called you perfect before? Yes, Michael does almost every night when I make dinner! I love that curly headed little boy!!
28. What song is stuck in your head? The theme song to The Big Bang Theory
29. Someone knocks on your window at 2 a.m., whom do you want it to be? NO ONE!! I'm sleeping!!!
30. Do you (or did you) want to have grandkids before you’re 50? Yes, I would
31. Tell us your Saturday night. This last Saturday night we had the house to ourselves. We bought two huge steaks and some bakes clams and had a romantic dinner. But I still wasn't feeling great so I was in bed by 10:30. Nothing like keeping the romance alive!
32. Do you think too much or too little? Way to much.
33. Do you smile a lot? Yes I do!!
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Snarky Celebrity Roundup...
I think this was sort of a David Spade skit on SNL back in the 90's, but I'd like to bring it back. I admit, my guilty pleasure is reading the Star magazine and going on People.com and watching Entertainment Tonight or E! Celebrities fascinate me; not because they are beautiful or talented - because apparently you no longer have to be talented to BE a celebrity - but because I am a people watcher and it's interesting to see how the other half life and why.
Okay, so first up is my issue with celebrity couples who you NEVER see together. For example, Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck. I mean, I cannot remember the last time I saw these two in a picture together. You see Jen all over the place with one of their two daughters but Ben? MIA. Then there's Gwenyth Paltrow and Chris Martin of Coldplay. Honestly, I don't think I have EVER seen a picture of these two together. I see them at different events, alone, but never at the same one together. Why is that?
And the whole David Letterman thing? Let me just say that I think that this has just gotten WAY out of control. I mean, I don't approve of sex in the workplace or cheating on your spouse but it does happen. Like this woman (his assistant) is the first woman EVER to sleep with her boss? I think it's disgusting, personally but the media is focused on the wrong thing here - isn't extorting two million dollars from someone a bad thing anymore?
And the Kardashian's? What exactly are they famous for? Um, their dad was on OJ's murder defense "dream" team and Kim was a celebrity "shopper". Last I checked, that's nothing to even earn a small round of applause for! These three sister's have no talent yet they have their own reality show and you know what? They're not even believable doing that!! One's pregnant by and ex-boyfriend who was a notorious cheat, one married an NBA star after only knowing him a month so that the network would pay for the wedding and the other is famous for a sex tape. If their dad was still alive...well, it's my opinion that right now he's probably turning in his grave. Shame on you, girls!
Oh, and here's a reality show pet peeve of mine (okay, one of many): On Dancing with the Stars, am I the only one that has had enough of these dancers hooking up with the stars? It started after season one when Cheryl Burke was accused of having an affair with MARRIED man Drew Lachey. But the one that takes the cake at this point is that Karina something-or-other! First it was Mario Lopez then it was one of the other dancers now it is a really YOUNG Aaron Carter. Give me a break, please. And to distract the public, now it's like "Oh, Karina was just diagnosed with adult ADHD". REALLY?? Now I care even less.
And Jon & Kate? Please, please, PLEASE just go away. How does being fertile make you famous and why should I have to see you all over the place. Enough. Be gone.
Okay, so first up is my issue with celebrity couples who you NEVER see together. For example, Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck. I mean, I cannot remember the last time I saw these two in a picture together. You see Jen all over the place with one of their two daughters but Ben? MIA. Then there's Gwenyth Paltrow and Chris Martin of Coldplay. Honestly, I don't think I have EVER seen a picture of these two together. I see them at different events, alone, but never at the same one together. Why is that?
And the whole David Letterman thing? Let me just say that I think that this has just gotten WAY out of control. I mean, I don't approve of sex in the workplace or cheating on your spouse but it does happen. Like this woman (his assistant) is the first woman EVER to sleep with her boss? I think it's disgusting, personally but the media is focused on the wrong thing here - isn't extorting two million dollars from someone a bad thing anymore?
And the Kardashian's? What exactly are they famous for? Um, their dad was on OJ's murder defense "dream" team and Kim was a celebrity "shopper". Last I checked, that's nothing to even earn a small round of applause for! These three sister's have no talent yet they have their own reality show and you know what? They're not even believable doing that!! One's pregnant by and ex-boyfriend who was a notorious cheat, one married an NBA star after only knowing him a month so that the network would pay for the wedding and the other is famous for a sex tape. If their dad was still alive...well, it's my opinion that right now he's probably turning in his grave. Shame on you, girls!
Oh, and here's a reality show pet peeve of mine (okay, one of many): On Dancing with the Stars, am I the only one that has had enough of these dancers hooking up with the stars? It started after season one when Cheryl Burke was accused of having an affair with MARRIED man Drew Lachey. But the one that takes the cake at this point is that Karina something-or-other! First it was Mario Lopez then it was one of the other dancers now it is a really YOUNG Aaron Carter. Give me a break, please. And to distract the public, now it's like "Oh, Karina was just diagnosed with adult ADHD". REALLY?? Now I care even less.
And Jon & Kate? Please, please, PLEASE just go away. How does being fertile make you famous and why should I have to see you all over the place. Enough. Be gone.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Biggest Disappoinment - Biggest Loser Edition
So you all know of my love of NBC's "The Biggest Loser", right? Well, I am here to tell you that I will no longer be watching it. That's right, I am done.
**WARNING: SPOILER ALERT AHEAD!! IF YOU DID NOT WATCH LAST NIGHT'S EPISODE, DON'T READ ANY FURTHER!!!**
I GET the whole thing with reality shows that they think it's more fun to have someone to hate thrown in to the mix, and yes, sometimes it is. But here's my thing, I just cannot watch someone week after week that I find totally contemptible and watch this show reward them for it. I just can't. I don't find that entertaining and I have no need to waste two hours of TV time just to be aggravated. Maybe those of you who have been watching haven't been as annoyed, but me? I was flat out sick to my stomach last night.
Okay, to recap in case someone out there is shaking their heads as to what I'm talking about, here it goes: In the first week, a contestant (Tracy) collapsed on the first challenge. They had to air lift her to the hospital. She was in pretty serious condition and the man who they paired her up with on the show did everything humanly possible for HER so that she would get her chance to stay on the ranch and get the help that she needs. Quality guy. Week two, she is released from the hospital but with limited conditions - she cannot work out like the others. I'm sorry, but right there she should have been replaced and allowed to come back next season. I mean, CLEARLY she has some serious health issues and cannot compete like the others. But no, she was allowed to stay. At this point, you still kind of had sympathy for her.
Week three had her in full out crazy mode and this was the beginning of the end for me. These contestants are part of TEAMS and yet this woman kept making decisions that effected her team but without consulting her partner and he was stuck with her bad choices. She was reprimanded by the trainers for her actions and then, sure enough, next challenge comes up and she does it again. THEN as if that wasn't despicable enough, she is a liar. She flat out lied to other contestants in a way that was hurtful and then tried to play the victim. And whenever she's confronted, she starts to cry. Give me a break!!!
Last night, she's back and has even more health issues and pretty much is allowed to do no more than walk from her room to the living room! EXCUSE ME... at this point what is the purpose of her being on the show? Wouldn't it be in HER best interest to have her in the hospital? I mean, if you are not allowed to do more than simply walking from the bed to the couch, aren't you putting her in danger by leaving her there? I don't get it. And if she were even REMOTELY likable, I would probably have sympathy for her. But she is not. At the elimination round last night she and her partner were torn on who to vote off and she was rather adamant on her stand. As her partner I would have been like "LOOK! You have screwed with me for WEEKS. This time, I GET TO MAKE THE DECISION!" But he didn't and so he had to vote his friend off rather than make her do what she doesn't want to do! So not only is this guy doing the workouts for two people, but he doesn't even get a say in how they vote!
Sorry, but I am done. I can be annoyed and aggravated in SO MANY other ways. I do not need to sit in front of the TV for two hours to do it. Next week's show promised more of the same so sorry, Biggest Loser, you just lost a viewer.
**WARNING: SPOILER ALERT AHEAD!! IF YOU DID NOT WATCH LAST NIGHT'S EPISODE, DON'T READ ANY FURTHER!!!**
I GET the whole thing with reality shows that they think it's more fun to have someone to hate thrown in to the mix, and yes, sometimes it is. But here's my thing, I just cannot watch someone week after week that I find totally contemptible and watch this show reward them for it. I just can't. I don't find that entertaining and I have no need to waste two hours of TV time just to be aggravated. Maybe those of you who have been watching haven't been as annoyed, but me? I was flat out sick to my stomach last night.
Okay, to recap in case someone out there is shaking their heads as to what I'm talking about, here it goes: In the first week, a contestant (Tracy) collapsed on the first challenge. They had to air lift her to the hospital. She was in pretty serious condition and the man who they paired her up with on the show did everything humanly possible for HER so that she would get her chance to stay on the ranch and get the help that she needs. Quality guy. Week two, she is released from the hospital but with limited conditions - she cannot work out like the others. I'm sorry, but right there she should have been replaced and allowed to come back next season. I mean, CLEARLY she has some serious health issues and cannot compete like the others. But no, she was allowed to stay. At this point, you still kind of had sympathy for her.
Week three had her in full out crazy mode and this was the beginning of the end for me. These contestants are part of TEAMS and yet this woman kept making decisions that effected her team but without consulting her partner and he was stuck with her bad choices. She was reprimanded by the trainers for her actions and then, sure enough, next challenge comes up and she does it again. THEN as if that wasn't despicable enough, she is a liar. She flat out lied to other contestants in a way that was hurtful and then tried to play the victim. And whenever she's confronted, she starts to cry. Give me a break!!!
Last night, she's back and has even more health issues and pretty much is allowed to do no more than walk from her room to the living room! EXCUSE ME... at this point what is the purpose of her being on the show? Wouldn't it be in HER best interest to have her in the hospital? I mean, if you are not allowed to do more than simply walking from the bed to the couch, aren't you putting her in danger by leaving her there? I don't get it. And if she were even REMOTELY likable, I would probably have sympathy for her. But she is not. At the elimination round last night she and her partner were torn on who to vote off and she was rather adamant on her stand. As her partner I would have been like "LOOK! You have screwed with me for WEEKS. This time, I GET TO MAKE THE DECISION!" But he didn't and so he had to vote his friend off rather than make her do what she doesn't want to do! So not only is this guy doing the workouts for two people, but he doesn't even get a say in how they vote!
Sorry, but I am done. I can be annoyed and aggravated in SO MANY other ways. I do not need to sit in front of the TV for two hours to do it. Next week's show promised more of the same so sorry, Biggest Loser, you just lost a viewer.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Why do they stay??
Okay, I've got a rather deep topic here today. This morning Frank and I were sitting watching Good Morning, America, and they were interviewing a woman who was the step-daughter of accused murderer, Drew Peterson. This man is accused of killing his third wife and his fourth wife has been missing for years. This woman's mother was Peterson's second wife and they were married for around ten years - so her daughter grew up with him from the ages of 8-18.
Her memories were of an abusive man who was controlling and manipulative. She told several stories to elaborate. So we're sitting there and my first thought was that she should NOT be doing this interview. Why? Because she didn't sound overly confident in the things she was talking about. She knew how he was towards HER but when asked about how the man was towards her mother in their marriage, she could not give a definitive answer. I voice this opinion out loud and then Frank adds that what this woman doesn't realize is that her mother stuck it out for her sake - so the child would have a home, security.
Now this sparks a debate: Sitting on the outside looking in, it is very obvious that just because someone puts a roof over your head and food on the table does NOT mean that it is best for the child. I've seen first-hand what that can do. So what makes a person stay? What kind of reasoning goes on in someone's mind where they give up one way of life (and it may be a good life or a struggling one) to go to one that is either equally hard, or worse? Granted, I think that some of these men do not show their true colors until AFTER the ring is on the finger. Again, I've witnessed this first hand, too, with my mom. She dated a man who seemed wonderful - until she moved in to his home. Then he became controlling and verbally abusive.
I never thought of myself as an overly strong woman, but I also knew what I wanted in life. I always knew that I wanted to be married, but I did not marry the first man that asked me. And thank GOD for that because he's on wife number three and has like 8 kids! Yikes! I married a man who I love and he loves me. He is not perfect, but neither am I. We have never been financially secure, and while I don't like it, it wasn't the reason that I married him! I've watched so many women marry someone for financial security and they are miserable. News flash people: MONEY DOES NOT EQUAL HAPPINESS!!! Sure, it makes things easier but you are basically selling your soul for the almighty dollar. What does THAT teach our children?
I don't really know where I am going with this - our conversation was very deep but I think it best if I not share it all here because you never know when the "crazy" is reading and ready to pass on what I write to the family. Which brings up another point: Do you marry someone who is crazy just to have someone to sit at the dinner table with? I guess I don't understand loneliness but I KNOW that I would rather sit with the TV on 24/7 then have to live my life with someone who has no respect for me.
Okay, one more point that just came to mind...this one sort of ties in - friends. I've had several conversations with people who say that they have no friends. Seriously, they don't. If the only person in your life is the person that you are dating or your MOM, then you need to get out!!! Why aren't you putting an effort in to making friends? Making friends and KEEPING friends does take an effort. There is no doubt about that. Me? I would be lost without my friends. I moved 550 miles away from my family and everyone that I had ever known and I thank GOD for the friends that I made here because they have become my family. From Danette who brought me my Nyquil the other day, to Donna who forced me to get off my lazy butt and swim with this summer, to Cathleen who can whip my butt in Math but I kick hers right back in Scrabble, to Michelle who just makes me flat-out laugh! These are my girls! And I am a firm believer that we all need a core group of friends like this! Better yet, we DESERVE to have a core group like this who you know will have your back at all times!
So if you are contemplating staying in a negative relationship? GET OUT!! There is nothing worth that and if there are children involved, they will THANK YOU for getting out. And if you are sitting home alone? Take that first step and get out there and meet some people! Go to church, join a book club, heck...go on Facebook and look up an old friend, but don't spend another night being lonely!!
Whew...okay, that is my opinion of the day.
Her memories were of an abusive man who was controlling and manipulative. She told several stories to elaborate. So we're sitting there and my first thought was that she should NOT be doing this interview. Why? Because she didn't sound overly confident in the things she was talking about. She knew how he was towards HER but when asked about how the man was towards her mother in their marriage, she could not give a definitive answer. I voice this opinion out loud and then Frank adds that what this woman doesn't realize is that her mother stuck it out for her sake - so the child would have a home, security.
Now this sparks a debate: Sitting on the outside looking in, it is very obvious that just because someone puts a roof over your head and food on the table does NOT mean that it is best for the child. I've seen first-hand what that can do. So what makes a person stay? What kind of reasoning goes on in someone's mind where they give up one way of life (and it may be a good life or a struggling one) to go to one that is either equally hard, or worse? Granted, I think that some of these men do not show their true colors until AFTER the ring is on the finger. Again, I've witnessed this first hand, too, with my mom. She dated a man who seemed wonderful - until she moved in to his home. Then he became controlling and verbally abusive.
I never thought of myself as an overly strong woman, but I also knew what I wanted in life. I always knew that I wanted to be married, but I did not marry the first man that asked me. And thank GOD for that because he's on wife number three and has like 8 kids! Yikes! I married a man who I love and he loves me. He is not perfect, but neither am I. We have never been financially secure, and while I don't like it, it wasn't the reason that I married him! I've watched so many women marry someone for financial security and they are miserable. News flash people: MONEY DOES NOT EQUAL HAPPINESS!!! Sure, it makes things easier but you are basically selling your soul for the almighty dollar. What does THAT teach our children?
I don't really know where I am going with this - our conversation was very deep but I think it best if I not share it all here because you never know when the "crazy" is reading and ready to pass on what I write to the family. Which brings up another point: Do you marry someone who is crazy just to have someone to sit at the dinner table with? I guess I don't understand loneliness but I KNOW that I would rather sit with the TV on 24/7 then have to live my life with someone who has no respect for me.
Okay, one more point that just came to mind...this one sort of ties in - friends. I've had several conversations with people who say that they have no friends. Seriously, they don't. If the only person in your life is the person that you are dating or your MOM, then you need to get out!!! Why aren't you putting an effort in to making friends? Making friends and KEEPING friends does take an effort. There is no doubt about that. Me? I would be lost without my friends. I moved 550 miles away from my family and everyone that I had ever known and I thank GOD for the friends that I made here because they have become my family. From Danette who brought me my Nyquil the other day, to Donna who forced me to get off my lazy butt and swim with this summer, to Cathleen who can whip my butt in Math but I kick hers right back in Scrabble, to Michelle who just makes me flat-out laugh! These are my girls! And I am a firm believer that we all need a core group of friends like this! Better yet, we DESERVE to have a core group like this who you know will have your back at all times!
So if you are contemplating staying in a negative relationship? GET OUT!! There is nothing worth that and if there are children involved, they will THANK YOU for getting out. And if you are sitting home alone? Take that first step and get out there and meet some people! Go to church, join a book club, heck...go on Facebook and look up an old friend, but don't spend another night being lonely!!
Whew...okay, that is my opinion of the day.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Okay, I'm Back!!
Praise the LORD, I am feeling better!!! I am almost 100% back to normal today. I went to church for both services, manned the women's ministry table, and was in my social glory. It's a good thing that I wasn't seriously ill because the men in this house are NOT nurturing at all! I cannot even begin to tell you how un-helpful they were. But I love them anyway...most of the time. No, just kidding, I love them all of the time!
So what's new? What's going on? What has my life been like? Well, let's see... Oh, I know, first up is Entrecard. Boy, oh boy, are people in a tizzy over the new changes. Out of the 300 sites I drop on each day, there have been at least two dozen that are flat out outraged and who will no longer have the EC widget on their sites. I will miss them. I really will. You see, I had JUST figured out how to have the perfect "Favorites" list and now with people leaving, I don't know how the heck to get them off of that list. It's not like I dont WANT to read their blogs anymore but to be honest, some of them I really just glanced at and moved on. So how can I remove them from my favorites if they are no longer even listed on the EC site? I'm so confused.
And speaking of EC, I was blessed this weekend with an abundance of free EC credits compliments of Margie & Edna and Lola's Diner. I thank you all so much that was quite a nice treat.
Okay, here's something to ponder: We have some friends who are in business for themselves and they have family that are in business for themselves and sometimes the two businesses come together on a project or two. Now we all know the "never work with family" rule, but sometimes it can work. Well, what do you do when there comes a time when it doesn not work so BADLY (meaning, one of the family businesses messes up a job with their total lack of professionalism) that it now affects YOUR business? Do you confront? Do you just shrug and vow to not work together again? Personally, I advised my friend to sort of confront her brother on his poor work habits and make him take responsibility for where things went wrong. What would you do?
I'm hoping to go out walking tomorrow and figure out the pedometer issue. Thank you to all of you with the advise. I'll let you know how it turns out.
Thank you to my girl, Danette, who, in my hour of need, ran to the CVS for me and got me Nyquil and ginger ale. You are my angel. :-)
All of my friends from my Disney group are just now getting back from their trips. We're getting together on Thursday so we can hear all of the details. I have to admit, I'm not feeling very gracious right now. Okay, I'm acting like a spoiled brat! I wanted to go!!! Why can't I go??? Poverty sucks!!! I need a vacation!!! Why is life so unfair??? Why hasn't Disney granted me a vacation prize??? I deserve it!!! WAAHHH!!!!!
Okay, I'm off to do laundry. Have a great Sunday!
So what's new? What's going on? What has my life been like? Well, let's see... Oh, I know, first up is Entrecard. Boy, oh boy, are people in a tizzy over the new changes. Out of the 300 sites I drop on each day, there have been at least two dozen that are flat out outraged and who will no longer have the EC widget on their sites. I will miss them. I really will. You see, I had JUST figured out how to have the perfect "Favorites" list and now with people leaving, I don't know how the heck to get them off of that list. It's not like I dont WANT to read their blogs anymore but to be honest, some of them I really just glanced at and moved on. So how can I remove them from my favorites if they are no longer even listed on the EC site? I'm so confused.
And speaking of EC, I was blessed this weekend with an abundance of free EC credits compliments of Margie & Edna and Lola's Diner. I thank you all so much that was quite a nice treat.
Okay, here's something to ponder: We have some friends who are in business for themselves and they have family that are in business for themselves and sometimes the two businesses come together on a project or two. Now we all know the "never work with family" rule, but sometimes it can work. Well, what do you do when there comes a time when it doesn not work so BADLY (meaning, one of the family businesses messes up a job with their total lack of professionalism) that it now affects YOUR business? Do you confront? Do you just shrug and vow to not work together again? Personally, I advised my friend to sort of confront her brother on his poor work habits and make him take responsibility for where things went wrong. What would you do?
I'm hoping to go out walking tomorrow and figure out the pedometer issue. Thank you to all of you with the advise. I'll let you know how it turns out.
Thank you to my girl, Danette, who, in my hour of need, ran to the CVS for me and got me Nyquil and ginger ale. You are my angel. :-)
All of my friends from my Disney group are just now getting back from their trips. We're getting together on Thursday so we can hear all of the details. I have to admit, I'm not feeling very gracious right now. Okay, I'm acting like a spoiled brat! I wanted to go!!! Why can't I go??? Poverty sucks!!! I need a vacation!!! Why is life so unfair??? Why hasn't Disney granted me a vacation prize??? I deserve it!!! WAAHHH!!!!!
Okay, I'm off to do laundry. Have a great Sunday!
Friday, October 2, 2009
I'm Sick!
Okay, so I'm sick and I'm not happy about it. That stupid walk in the park totally kicked my butt and I was hurting from that (shin splints) and then yesterday I just got progressively worse. I've had all over body aches, chills and a headache, but no fever. What's up with that?
So to all of my EC people who I normally chat with, I am so sorry. I managed to do my drops today but just don't have it in me to comment. Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day.
I have to go and pick the boy up from work because sick or not...he still can't drive. Sigh. After that, it will be time for a Nyquil cocktail. Nighty-night.
So to all of my EC people who I normally chat with, I am so sorry. I managed to do my drops today but just don't have it in me to comment. Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day.
I have to go and pick the boy up from work because sick or not...he still can't drive. Sigh. After that, it will be time for a Nyquil cocktail. Nighty-night.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Walking Away the....Marathon??
Okay, so one month to go to the half marathon. I've been doing my Walk Away the Pounds, I had mastered the 5-mile an hour walk. I was feeling good. Feeling healthy. I went out and purchased a good pedometer - not a cheapy Wal Mart one that both Danette and I agreed was not a good one. I set it up...well, Frank set it up and got down to walking.
And wanted to chuck it right out the window.
I have no doubt that this is a great pedometer. I researched them and found one in my price range that had all great reviews on Amazon. I think that the Walk Away the Pounds is lying! That's right, I said it! My five mile walk only registered 3.28 miles! So I thought about it and said, well maybe all the kicking, knee lifts and back kicks don't count for full steps so I skipped them the next time and no! I still come up with only 3/4 of a mile for her every mile! How can that be??
I'm sure that right now some of you are saying "Gee, Stace, maybe you're not doing it right!" IT'S WALKING!!! HOW CAN I NOT DO IT RIGHT??? I keep pace with her and sometimes even go faster because I'm in the zone! And I'm STILL not making her mile.
So I'm putting it out there to you, friends. What are your thoughts? I have a month to go and my confidence is SHOT! I went out walking yesterday on the trails of a new park. It was a beautiful day for walking. And in one hour...I manage 2.68 miles. Granted, it was very hilly terrain which I was not used to and my body is complaining BIG TIME today. But I'm curious for your ideas on which should I trust here: the new pedometer or the DVD?
Anyone? Anyone?
And wanted to chuck it right out the window.
I have no doubt that this is a great pedometer. I researched them and found one in my price range that had all great reviews on Amazon. I think that the Walk Away the Pounds is lying! That's right, I said it! My five mile walk only registered 3.28 miles! So I thought about it and said, well maybe all the kicking, knee lifts and back kicks don't count for full steps so I skipped them the next time and no! I still come up with only 3/4 of a mile for her every mile! How can that be??
I'm sure that right now some of you are saying "Gee, Stace, maybe you're not doing it right!" IT'S WALKING!!! HOW CAN I NOT DO IT RIGHT??? I keep pace with her and sometimes even go faster because I'm in the zone! And I'm STILL not making her mile.
So I'm putting it out there to you, friends. What are your thoughts? I have a month to go and my confidence is SHOT! I went out walking yesterday on the trails of a new park. It was a beautiful day for walking. And in one hour...I manage 2.68 miles. Granted, it was very hilly terrain which I was not used to and my body is complaining BIG TIME today. But I'm curious for your ideas on which should I trust here: the new pedometer or the DVD?
Anyone? Anyone?
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