Favorite everyday footwear.  

Favorite Boots.  

I posted about my love for these shoes back in the end of September after my brother in law's wedding. Fred kept getting in the way and Kate thought he might want to try them on....

Coming to you live....

Survivor.....

Tom...Now that's what I'm tawkin' about.

Comment -a Thon

Tomorrow, there's a site you should visit. And don't just visit. Comment. And spread the word.

Click here.

Ditching School - Second Grade style

Again, karma, or as Catt calls it- Karmel, has gotten the best of me. Although, it got her - and but good, a few weeks ago.

Son: Mum I don't feel so good, kind of like I'm going to throw up.

Me: Aw honey, you don't feel warm - is it your stomache?

Son: yeah, and my throat feels all thick.

Me: well, strep is going around and you don't look so well, maybe you should stay home.

Fast forward two hours....

Son: Mom, can I play gamecube/gameboy/warcraft? Sister can you get me a popsicle/pencil/paper/marker/whatever.

Daughter: Running to and fro with popsicles for the boy, wrappers for the trash, pencils, markers, lap desk - otherwise known as her brother's every whim.

Me: Feeling better?

Son - slinking down on the couch: well, i don't know, i'm kinda....

Me: You feel fine don't you? Don't you? I need to know.

Son: Yeah.

Me: Stop treating your sister like your own personal gopher then and the new threshold for staying home will be actual vomit or a fever and possibly a broken bone - but don't count on that last one.

So my day, planned for the outdoors, has been summarily cancelled. I've changed my blog, edited my blogroll and surfed through some of your blogrolls for some new reads. I've made beds, cleaned the kitchen, done some laundry and well...I guess that's it.

We can't even go to the library to find a book on brook habitats because we'll get busted by the librarian. That and his class visits the public library every other Thursday and I'm not sure if it's this week or not.

Survivor tonight? I'm hoping so.

Here fishy fishy....

I'm a fool. I can't help it. Fish. We're getting fish. I don't even like fish. Didn't I call my husband something like, suckah! last night? Karma, I guess, because that term totally applies to me today.

Well, the Easter candy is half gone. Sadly it's only my daughter's half that's gone thanks to the dogs. This will go over well when she sees my son busting into his candy after school.

And yes, still crushing on Boston Rob - even after his poor spear throwing attempt and especially because after he blew by the accident scene he says to the host man "Uh, it's a race Phil."

My son has to do a project for Earth Day. He's got to make a habitat. His choice of habitat but he's got to research the environment and wildlife. The only time they have to go to the school library was cancelled to rehearse for the Earth Day show (don't ask....poems about rainfall and songs about garbage) - foolish. I know that I, uh, we could look for information online for him to read through, but maybe a chance to look at an actual book might be helpful.

I clicked and the blogger page loaded. It's about time. Couldn't they warn us or something? What would be the harm in that???

Please, save me from the hell that is this on DVD.

Tonight is two hours of the Amazing Race, hopefully mostly of Boston Rob and then The Shield. A fine, entertaining evening. I've been ODing on Curb Your Enthusiasm and its driving the husband crazy.

I started reading the book club book, the one written by a member of the book club. I'd say so far so good - but that would be a lie. I don't like it. At all. Shit. Might make for an awkward evening.

The husband is filling out his coaching application for next season's hockey program and there's an essay question. HAHAHAHA! Suckah!

One day of eye medication left. One glorious day.

See you all tomorrow....

The hunt is done, and this year we actually FOUND all of the eggs. Last year, there was an egg in the Fisher Price Barn Silo for Ida know, maybe four months. It helps when the Bunny doesn't suffer from short term memory loss.

The kids got candy. Big surprise there. Reese's for the boy and solid eggs for the girlie. Sweet Tarts for both. We got the Sponge Bob Movie Soundtrack for the girl too. Because we're GOOFY GOOBERS - ROCK! The boy got a speedometer for his bike and a football. They both got some Pokemon cards, a paddleball and a SpongeBob ball. A good take. We have two very happy kiddos.

We're heading to the in-laws for dinner and an egg hunt later today. I have no more Easter related responsibilites, which is so very nice. Have a great day all.

Cripes that's alotta diamonds

Up close and personal with the Patriots Super Bowl ring from last year. The ring belongs to 'The Voice of the New England Patriots' and his grandson is on our hockey team. I spotted it and requested a viewing. Gaudy and yet, scarily, beautiful. But I'm biased.

A Friday Meme

For Blackbird's Meme:

The purse, $5.00 at Filenes, which will soon be Macy's. Why, oh why do the anti-trust laws not apply to these types of things.

The contents: small brown bag, came with the $5.00 purse, filled with my driver's license, a credit card, a Dunkin Donuts gift card, one $2.00 winner of a scratch ticket, one subway card, $16.00 and the health insurance cards.

Silver Game Boy with Pokemon Ruby
Directions to today's hockey game.
lime green post - its.
Four pens.
Baseball card of someone named Jones.
Coupon for caterpillars
Work key
Car keys
Empty tic tac case
cell phone, with brown case (also free with the purse). Notice the phone isn't in the case. It's never in the case.
usually my camera but that was what took the picture
and in one of the side pockets there's always chapstick.

I guess I'd have to say I was surprised at just how important your emails and comments were to me the past two days. Lucky is how I felt. Lucky and soothed. Which surprised me, pleasantly. Thanks to all of you who took a minute to jot something down for me. It meant alot.

And now, back to the really important stuff.

Boston Rob. How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. Oh, wait. I don't know what comes after 999 kagillion. Seriously, I have a huge crush on a lying, cheating, scheming fellow from down the road a bit.

Survivor. THANK GOD - James is outta here. Phew. He was too much nostril for me to take. I'm also really liking Stephanie and Bobby Jon (also known as Jesus) and hope Stephanie didn't screw herself with the wishy washy vote.

Today is again, busy. Hockey this morning, supposed to go to the movies but the warm weather might dictate an alternate activity (hey, it's supposed to be 55. Don't laugh Kate, it's a heatwave) and then off to Providence tonight to watch the son skate between the periods of a Providence Bruins game. The P. Bruins are the farm team for the real Bruins, which have alot of time off presently. His team is SO damn excited. Me too.

And finally, Blackbird has another photo meme up for today. I'll be posting my pic later, won't you join us?

This morning.

Well, it's done. Phew. She really is quite a champ. She laid down on that operating table smiling and calm. And the surgeon and anesthesiologist, were quite simply, the best. They radiated soothingness (word? probably not.), the surgeon rubbing her tummy while the anesthesiologist laid his cheek against the top of her head and whispered sweet things to her. The only one with tears was me.

Afterwards, a bit of a different story. A girlie possessed. She was a little, heh- ALOT, angry waking up. Just so the world knows SHE HATES JELLO!!!! I think only half the town heard that declaration yesterday. The drugs play a part in this so I wasn't alarmed. Apparently the drugs also play a part in vomiting, which she did every time she ate. But in typical fashion she would beg for a little something else to eat/drink not five minutes later.

Today, she's back to her regular old self except for the ointment and eyedrops she needs. Which are stressing her out to no end. The doctor checked her out this afternoon and pronounced her perfect. So for now, eyesight worries are abated and my stomach can unknot itself.

Home

We are home and she's sleeping soundly....
See you guys tomorrow
Thank you for your words/thoughts and prayers.
Much appreciated.

I know it's not Tuesday madness but I'm late - indulge me.

How Many........
1. ...computer-related gadgets do you own? Related to the PC? Two, A digital camera and binoculars.
2. ...pictures on your living room walls? 11. Sounds like alot, but somehow I think it works.
3. ...magnets on your refrigerator? 19
4. ...reference books in your bookshelves? 13. Does the Star Wars Visual Dictionary count? Yes? Then 14.
5. ...boxes of cereal in your cupboards? 5
6. ...lamps in your house? 3 table lamps and one attached to the wall. Ceiling lights don't count, right?
7. ...times a week do you shop for groceries? just about once every two weeks, with a stop at the veggie store in between.
8. ...magazines do you subscribe to? 3. Family Fun, Entertainment Weekly and Time.
9. ...tv programs do you watch on a regular basis? Amazing Race, The Shield, Survivor, The Apprentice
10. ...items on your bathroom counter that don't really need to be there? 3 extra toothbrushes. The kids have two or three toothbrushes EACH. Why? Wish I knew.

Silly Rabbit.

Well, the girlie got her all clear for Wednesday's big surgery. Well, little tiny surgery but still.
I've got the sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach, so that's good. Not.

I haven't been grocery shopping in two weeks. If I don't go tonight we'll be eating the actual cereal boxes tomorrow.

I forgot that I had any responsibilities where Easter was concerned. I thought I just had to show up for dinner at my mother in laws. Damn rabbit. I would love to drop the Easter Bunny story for my son. He so didn't believe last year and then he kind of got sucked back in. He discovered his mother's coping tool. Denial. Don't think about it and it won't be true. There ya go.

Well, this year it's going to take some major work to keep the bunny story going and I want to give in but I'm afraid Santa will pop into the conversation too. And dammit, he's NOT going to stop believing in Santa. EVER. Because that would mean he's growing up and well, he's not. See, excellent coping skills at work here.

Well, I'm off to check out the son's marathon hockey tryout and then to the grocery store. And I guess Target because I have baskets to fill and how often do I get to go to the store with out the kids. Um....never??? Not true. But it's not often enough that's for sure.

First Terry, then April and now Kate and Tash and always Gemmak, Jen & Lisa. I guess it's spring cleaning time - time to switch up the ole blog templates. I love clicking and finding something new.

Hair dyeing - complete. My daughter freaked and thought she wasn't going to know who I was and then promptly changed tactics and begged my to try purple. Um, no, not this time - but scarily, I find it tempting.

Reptile Show- complete. Money sucking extravaganza is what it should say in parentheses. But whatever, kids liked it and we got to pet an alligator.

Surprise Party - complete. Missed the surprise part and the roast/eulogy but had fun nonetheless.

The dogs are duking it out for the much coveted title of "Biggest Pain in the Ass". Our lab, who we've had from puppyhood, well...we thought he was over all the ridiculously bad dog behavior. HAH. The past month has been non-stop "What in the hell did they get into now?!?!?" in this house. Let me just say the first time I found Fred the Beagle on the kitchen table, licking my daughter's plate well, I had to laugh. A dog. On the table. *hee - small dogs are so funny* The 15th time, not so much.

And now Baxter the Lab has been lured to the dark side. There is simply no other explanation for finding the leftover macaroni and cheese, which was left to cool in a tupperware dish - pushed up against the back edge of the counter!- empty and on the floor. And three separate tubs of butter, or margarine or whatever.... gone. From the counter to the floor and licked clean by the time I return from the bus stop. Unless Fred has mastered the use of a step stool our well behaved dog has turned a new leaf.

Last night, Fred decided that we had made him wait long enough for dinner. An entire sub, except for some spinach, gone. Then comes the fun. Big bloated beagle. Take him out a million times, pray he doesn't have an accident on the floor. At least this time I knew what he ate. A game I don't like to play is "Why is Fred all bloaty and fat looking and why can't I find any evidence of his gluttony???"

The son had his first playoff hockey game. They got smoked 12-0. The other coach apologized. The kids didn't seem to mind too much, they're a good bunch. We have a green patch of grass showing through. Grass. Real, live grass. Amazing.

See what happens if I read even one news website? Sorry.

Somehow, this never occured to me...

And maybe, just maybe, the government could stay out of this....
And it all started because of Jose Canseco??? I mean c'mon.

Why aren't they tested? Civil liberties? Home Depot drug tests their employees. If you don't want to be tested, work elsewhere. Right? Well, if you don't want to be tested Mr. McGwire, go elsewhere. Does he still play? I don't even know. But I'm sure he could find a job doing something else. It's not his godgiven right to play baseball. Or maybe he can, but just in a saturday softball league somewhere. Tighten up the reins pro baseball. The players have too much power.

Other than those pressing issues, not much happening here. Going to color my hair today, a reptile show at the school, a surprise birthday party for a friend. That's it.

Do-It-Yourself Meme

For Blackbird, who gently suggested that I had exceeded the quota of spring/summer pictures and discussion for the week. And by gently suggesting, I mean not so gently and with exclamation points. The meme, per her suggestion, is a pic of your kitchen sink....so c'mon and play along...(this could be an easy way out of Photo Friday Kate :) )



Well, here it is in all its glory. My kitchen sink. A note to anyone thinking about remodeling....a tall faucet and a deep sink equal alot of splatter. Be prepared for the constant wipe down. That being said, I love my kitchen. I wish I had a scanner so you guys could see what it used to look like. Mauve wallpaper, awkward corner, plywood cabinets with no insulation so that when opening a cabinet door a cool breeze would waft out. Did I mention the random lightbulb in a bottom cabinet? It worked. But why? Never mind all that...it's all gone now. The mickey mouse glass. From McDonald's. It's my favorite. I have no great love for Mickey or McDonalds but I love that damn cup.

This is a close up of the girlie. This time in my in-laws pool. Nice goggles.  

The daughter is much, much better. Very stuffy with a heck of a cough but better. Of course the cough and stuffy nose may mean that we have to postpone the eye surgery but we'll find out more about that on Thursday.

The hockey tryouts were great. He skated like a defensive mainiac. He held his own and exceeded my expectations by a mile. Very proud last night. Naturally, afterwards, some parents were saying that the tryouts are just a formality and that the coaches already know who they want on the team. Damn sports politics. So we'll content ourselves with just hoping for the best.

Looking forward to The Shield tonight. That show's been gone for awhile.

Trying to plan a trip up to Maine and just checked the town website - 50 inches of snow on the ground. Never mind. The plow stops a mile before the property so we'd have to snowmobile in and our 1979 snowmobile died over President's day weekend, just like my car. Maybe the two were somehow connected. Whatever the case, the snowmobile isn't working and I'm not snowshoeing in with two kids in tow and heading to a place with no heat or water. We'll wait for the thaw.

Other than that I'm now debating between the Outer Banks and Hilton Head. The Outer Banks will save us four 1/2 hours worth of driving and looks very laid back and relaxing but the place in Hilton Head looks bee-yoo-tee-ful. We're also looking through the RCI book Terry, so many choices. Too bad Hawaii for us is about a 125 hour plane ride. And even if it isn't we'd get there and only be able to afford a box of cereal for our meals. *sad face* So the east coast it is.

Monday

Ugh. Sick Patrol again. This time it's the girl. Cough, Fever, ThrowUp. Repeat.

How many times can someone watch the SpongeBob Squarepants movie without their brain turning to jelly?

Productive woman has gone over to Tash's. It's 11:05 and I'm still in jammies. I've done laundry, well, I've washed and dried it but it sits all jumbled up in way too many baskets downstairs. Out of sight, out of mind.

Tonight the son is trying out for the A Team (no, not with Mr. T and George Peppard) for next year's season . The hockey A Team. I'm nervous for him. These kids can skate. They skate alot and the coach this year - he's all business. I think he's out of his league a little bit, but he's really wanting to give it a shot so we're letting him. Worse can scenario is that he'd be on the B Team, which he's totally capable of. *Fingers Crossed*

Gah. The office just called. Why is it every piece of paper that gets misplaced somehow become my responsiblity. I work 9 hours a week. And the amount of paperwork in this office is mindboggling. And two other people work out of the same office. Not to mention the people that work for the town that just come in to grab paperwork for site visits and such. Apparently the logic is - if you have even laid eyes on it then you own it. Personally, I don't subscribe to this, but because I'm not there due to the girlie's condition I am now the misplacer in question. Pfft.

Well, I'm off to shower and finish watching Spongebob and Patrick get rescued by David Hasselhoff. Yeah, I know. Jelly.

 

The pond. August 2004. Aahhh, Summer. To be tired of grilling out and hot days. Sick of going to the pond every night after dinner and wishing that the lawn would mow itself.  

Friday's Feast

Appetizer - Where do you go when you want to relax? Nowhere. Home is where I like it best. I find it most relaxing when I'm here alone, but can't spend life chasing pipe dreams now can we? :)

Soup - Tell about something that made you laugh this week. Connor and his cow-o-phobia. Thanks Jen, that was wicked funny.

Salad - What is your favorite texture? soft flannel sheets.

Main Course - If you were to publish your autobiography, what would the first sentence be? Here's the story of a lovely lady, who was bringing up two very lovely kids.

Dessert - Do you celebrate St. Patrick's Day? If so, how? Well, on St. Patrick's Day eve we set out a trap, a leprechaun trap, to catch those little buggers who cause mischief in the house. My son gets this elaborate thing going and we leave bait all over the house in the form of gold coin type chocolates. The dastardly leprechan usually leaves green hershey's kisses and shamrock glitter in all the places he's been. And mischief everywhere. Chairs layed on their sides, books stacked askew. Toothbushes hidden, that type of stuff. The kids wear green, we have corned beef and cabbage for dinner and I'll usually try to grab a Shamrock Shake.

And no, we're not at all Irish.

Ah, the smell of 409 and Endust....

Kate's friend, Productive Girl seems to have paid me a visit.

I am possessed with cleaning. I know it is a temporary affliction because the novelty has already worn off and it's only day two. I am just finding it hard to stop. Where do I draw the line? The kids rooms, those are a must. The kitchen and bathroom also musts. So that leaves the living room and minature play room. Well, the mini play room doesn't have much to clean and I don't want to watch Ray tonight in a sloppy room so the entire house is now under seige.

Alas, I have no lawn to mow but it seems that there will be more shoveling after tonight.

Good gawd, I just wrote alas. You can be sure I do NOT talk like that.

Oh, I'm trying to plan a vacation for next spring. Late spring, like May. We're driving and the in-laws are giving us a week of their time share allotment. Whatdya think - Virginia Beach or The Outer Banks? We've never been to either and I'm wanting beach and husband wants fishing.

Is it just me or is blogger comment thing not working?

For Connor...

Poor guy...

Real time blogging, Blackbird style:

Tom is bleeding....damn those Ulong.

*Well, this would have been real time if blogger wasn't so damn slow....

Things I'm loving...

This smell

This guy

This game

This show


Things I'm not that crazy about

This

and

This

Okay sorry. The bunnies are a little to cutsie poo for me but I've run out of time and now have to go catch the bus. Jumping bunnies. Pah.

And of course I'd rather have snow. Cold rain. Blech. 

Up close and personal with a coyote. Newly taxidermied and waiting for me at the office yesterday when I arrived.  

Windfall

I found fifty dollars, yep five zero, in my old car while I was cleaning it out.

So it wasn't the lottery, but I didn't have to buy a ticket and I got $50. Sweet.

The book club was it's usual success. The book, 100 years of solitude. Well, let me just say that I read half of it and only two people out of 15 finished it. Neither one being the hostess who chose it. Difficult and homeworkish, although it was beautifully written. Do you care? Nah, proably not.

Our next book choice was written by one of the members of our book club. She just got it published and it's listed on Amazon. I've linked her over in my sidebar. I guess she had a publishing deal and she was unhappy with it so she decided to self-publish. She's only been coming to our group for the past 3 or so meetings but I cannot wait to read it. I hope it's good. What if it isn't?? Gak! That's my worry for her. She swore that she wants to know what we really, really think.

If I like it I'll let you all know and then you can all order it and make her very, very happy. And if you don't want to wait for my opinion then just go ahead and order it anyway :)

The girls in the book club are trying to get me to scrapbook. I am like a cat, legs outstretched, claws out-clinging to everything in sight as someone tries to stuff me into a car carrier. Resistance is futile they tell me. We shall see....

How is it that I'm thirty three and CANNOT fold a fitted sheet?

I apologize in advance for the colors-a-plenty to be found on my blog today. Sadly for you guys I've found html color codes and went a little wacky. I'm sure they'll be changed soon but it won't be today. :)

Sweet Victory

A few weeks ago a little team from my area won something we like to call THE BIGGEST GAME OF THE YEAR. But to get to that game we had to do something I will refer here to as - wipe the floor with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Mission accomplished. Prior to the game a friendly wager was waged with (have some w's why don't I?) Tara. Not Tair-a as I was erroneously calling her for the past 8 months. Sorry, 'bout that. Well, the Patriots came, saw and conquered.

Now, those guys get these huge fancy 20 carat diamond rings for their wins. Blah, blah, blah. Kind of big and gaudy for little 'ole me. I got something better. Kitsch. For my Fridge. It hangs proudly holding up my daughter's snow man picture. Thanks Tara. Same time next year???

The Grand Prize. 

Book club this evening. I'm at the halfway point and I know that I'll never finish. Finishing isn't a prerequisite for attendance though, so I'm good. But I must come up with a snack and because the son is sick and the husband has the new truck while his gets fixed, it must be made from things I already have. Hmmm....

Made chewy peanut butter cookies yesterday. A big hit. I monkeyed with the recipe a bit because well, because I wanted more peanut buttery goodness. Plus I ran out of vanilla last time I baked and had nothing to subsititute. They might be the go-to snack for tonight.

And Survivor.... gah! Keeping the weak, lazy, non-skilled type is NOT usually the brightest move.

It feels like noon

We began our day at 2:30 a.m. with puking. The son, not me. The sun is out. Things are looking up.

On the way to work. I think I am the only person in the Northeast that is not at all sick of the snow.


*Update: I just got the weekly paper (news doesn't happen every day in these parts :) ) and it said we've had 92 inches of snow since January 1st.

The view from the office as of yesterday.
Click here to see my view in the summer. A bit different, eh?

Another foot of snow on Monday night. No school Tuesday. Again. Guess when my son gets out for the summer. June 28th. That's right three days before JULY.

I've fallen asleep at 7:30 p.m. for two of the past three nights. Missed the Oscars. Even the red carpet stuff was dull and after ten minutes I lost interest. I knew I'd get the best possible recap on Go Fug Yourself anyway. Those girls are great.

Unfortunately the one night I did stay up was Monday. I wasted most of an evening on a pile of crap called The Bachelorette. Ugh. Of course you cannot MAKE someone fall in love from a group of twenty five men, but do you then have to pretend to have to think about an engagement when it's pretty clear that you're not totally "committed'' to the guy. And then to them pretend to have her break the news on the live show. Uh, okay. Did everyone NOT hear her whispering to him when she came out? Was that ABC or really Jen's call, who knows. Ugh, the whole premise of the show has always kind of bugged me but I watched anyway. By the end of the show though, I end up seriously disliking the bachelor/ette because they just lead that second place contestant right on. Here's a hint: Quit with the making out with the second place contestants after they profess their love for you. Do them and yourself a favor. It's just plain cheesy.

And on the parent front...they called Sunday morning for directions to the rink. No phone calls or hints from us. They went to the game. My son impressed his grandparents with his hockey abilities. They cheered. At dinner that night my mom proceeded to ask him if he really, really likes it or just goes. Again with the question. It's the question that bothers me, coupled with the comments she's made to me in the past, more than the lack of attendance. Whatever mom. He's psyched for next year's tryouts if that means anything. Which it doesn't because according to her he plays just to please us. Grrr.

But seeing as I posted about the hockey issue and then it all happened of its own accord I will now rant about not winning the lottery. Can't hurt right? Okay, I can't even rant. According to the commercials - "You can't win if you don't play". Ah-ha. That's the trick, eh? Well, I don't play so apparently no amount of posting will make lottery winnings fall into my lap.

See, I'm corrupting my daughter too. She looks positvely miserable, eh?

I would've posted a pic of my son but he's wearing his game jersey with the team name and his name on it and sorry, can't have that. Plus, my husband is flogging him because he's NOT SKATING FAST ENOUGH!! (kidding! sheesh)

Therapy for Hockey Families 101

The end of school vacation looms large on the horizon. There have been no wild and crazy filled with misbehavior days, just a tired mum who is looking forward to a quiet day.

Hockey season is winding down, two regular games left. And here's what's bugging me. My parents. My boy, their grandson, has been playing since August. Games have been on the average, every week. They have not come to even one. Nor have they even expressed any support or interest in this whole thing. Now, I'm not saying that they should love hockey. It's not about loving hockey. When he tells them about goals he's scored or plays that he's made, he'll get a polite nod and maybe, maybe, a 'hmm that's good'.

My mother had dropped hints repeatedly to me about too much sports and pushing him too hard to love hockey and how he only really plays because my husband loves it. Insinuating that my son does not (love it) and only plays to make us happy. I tell her that they're outside shoveling off the pond and skating for three hours all due to the incessant begging of the son - she says 'Really?' and in her voice I can see the unimpressed face she's making.

At dinner, about a month ago, she asks him - out of the blue- if he plays hockey because he likes it or plays because he has too. (The answer was: 'Because I like it') Of course, there are days that he doesn't want to go to practice or get up at 5:00 a.m. but he does and hardly complains. We ususally let him skip the weekly, optional skills clinic because it's on a Monday and after a weekend of hockey and going back to school we feel it might be too much.

My mother in-law always asks him about his games/goals/plays and listens intently as he tells about the deke this and the assist that. My father in law sort of listens and since it isn't about my nephew, tunes him out quickly (that's a WHOLE 'nother story). They've come to a game or two. But that's my husband's issue and since this isn't his blog, well then he get's no blogspace today.

Today is one of the last games of the season. About a month ago the parents made some noise about trying to come to one of his games, but it was so far away... (about 45 minutes) so I suggested that they come to one at a closer rink (about 20 minutes) and was told, by my mom, that she doesn't get up before 8 on the weekends. Now, this from someone who will get up at 5:00 a.m. to make the three hour drive to Maine for the day.

I have never officially invited them to a game. I feel, that being adults and grandparents, they can certainly just ask when a game is and show up if they feel inclined. My son wants them to come. I want them to too, but I feel like I might be trying to prove to them that he really does love it, so then the stubborn side of me says F*ck them, I don't need to prove anything- why do I care what they think of this whole hockey thing. But I don't want this to be at the expense of my son wanting them to come.

I have to qualify by saying that I'm pretty close with my parents (mom and stepdad) and while we've got a few issues (this being one and the property we own in Maine being the other) we get along well.

GAH! So much venting. So much indecision. Do I invite or ignore? Must go fold clothes. Thanks for listening. Again.

The best laid plans

I had plans. Big plans. Jammies all day or if not jammies than a hoodie and track pants and super fuzzy socks. And now.....clothes and *gasp* shoes.

And actually ice skates. The pond is frozen solid, the husband shoveled off a HUGE rink for us to skate on and the kids cannot get enough. And with 8 more inches of snow on the way this might be the last of the pond hockey. My skates are hand me downs from my mom. She got them for Christmas one year when I was about 9. They freakin' kill my feet. How can a hockey mom who lives on a pond not have good skates? A mystery to me too.

Got a peanut butter cookie recipe, I'll let you know how I fare.

May go see a show at a local library. But I might be feeling a bit too ambitious. That's, like, 7 miles away.

I've been snooping around some knitting/crafting blogs and, dagnabit, the bug may have bitten me. I am not knitty or crafty, but I'm green with envy over the projects that are flying around out there. Maybe I'll start with one of those scarves......

*note: This is the second thursday in a row that i've clicked on Friday's Feast and cannot for the life of me figure out why there aren't any new questions. Duh.

Two Memes for the price of One

I saw that Tash and Jennifer had done this and Iwanted to get in on the action so here goes:

Juneau, Alaska
Essex Railroad
New Hampshire, all over the place
New York, New York
Icy pond outside my house
Florida, Port St. Lucie
Eastham, Cape Cod
Ralph's-the accountant.

Take each letter of your name and use it to spell out places that you've been. It's that easy.

Tash also had this meme up too:

Here are the rules:
1. Grab the nearest book.
2. Open the book to page 123.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the text of the next 3 sentences on your blog along with these instructions.
5. Don't you dare dig for that "cool" or "intellectual" book in your closet! I know you were thinking about it! Just pick up whatever is closest.

Well, sadly, my book club book is closest. Quite frankly, I don't enjoy a reading challenge. Especially when it comes to book club. Too much like homework. The title and link are over there in the sidebar. Here goes:

Arcadio had seen her many times working in her parents' small food store but he had never taken a good look at her because she had that rare virtue of never existing completely except at the opportune moment. But from that day on he huddled like a cat in the warmth of her armpit. She would go to school at siesta time with the consent of her parents, to whom Pilar Ternera had paid the other half of her savings.

It really isn't that bad, but I'm not all into symbolism when I'm reading and this book is filled with it. Hidden meanings, blah blah. Not that I read drivel. Just that Colombian literature isn't my bag. It is written beautifully though, so it has that going for it.

Must go look for a recipe for peanut butter cookies. A good one, where they come out a little bit chewy. Know of any? I promised the girlie that would be our mission tomorrow. Such yummy missions.

The vehicles, in review

The old car. I'm not even a little bit sad.

See, bad car luck runs in our family. Meet my husband.  

The new vehicle. Well, new to me. :) 

Okay, I've been a bad, lazy blogger.
The car needs a water pump. The truck needs a muffler. I need a drink.

Actually, I may have new regarding a new and improved driving machine tomorrow. The deal is being worked out around 10:30 a.m.

Wish me luck.

The post that should be all caps - because YES, I AM THAT MAD.

Ugh. Whoever came up with the same shit, different day, well that's my new favorite quote even though I never say it. Except for right now, because it totally works here.

My car. A belt that flew off. Antifreeze sprayed all over the engine and inside of the hood. Loss of power steering, temperature skyrocketing suddenly and a bright red battery warning light.

Sound like a post from two weeks ago? HAH. Well, I had nothing original to say so I went and had my car break down again just as I was pulling into the hockey rink tonight. Look, even my bad luck is not original.

I am PISSED. The husband is in Maine. Wanna know what he said? Do ya? "Oh yeah, I heard that rattley sound before I left."
Huh? Funny, don't I drive my car with two kids buckled into the back and wouldn't it be, say, dangerous to have the power steering just LET GO when I'm trying to make a turn (Which is EXACTLY what happened) Or maybe it would be better to break down at night as I leave the hockey rink, in the dark, and we could spend our evening huddled together while waiting for the tow truck driver to come and get us. (It was still light out and a teammate's dad brought us all home) "I heard that rattly sound before I left."

Funny coincidence: Before I left for the rink I called him to let him know that the SUV we were looking at had gone down in price by about $1500.00 and I was going to take a ride down to the dealership to check it out and make him an offer. Okay, says the husband, try to get him down to XYZ dollars and see how you make out. I get home from the rink tonight, steaming, and I call him. He tells me now how totally irresponsible it would be to buy something in a fit of anger and basically how I'm not capable of 'The Art of the Deal'. Hey Buddy...I wasn't mad BEFORE I went to hockey. And now I am. The SUV guy doesn't know this stuff, what's it matter? Grrrrr..

Yes, I'm ranting AND bashing the husband a bit. Too bad. He may have a point about the whole wheelin' and dealin' thing. But don't think I'll tell him that. Amazing how I became a blithering idiot after I got mad that he admitted that he had heard the rattle and went on his merry way. Again, grrr.

Off to jammie up the posse and send them off to bed. G'nite.

Ah, free therapy thanks to blogger. Am feeling better already.

P.S. When I got home I found the chicken I had planned to use for dinner was spoiled and I'm outta milk. Got any Paxil Kate?

Friday's Feast

Appetizer - Name 2 things you do that you consider beneficial to your health. I eat whole wheat bread and just bought a treadmill so I can run to nowhere right in my very own home.

Soup - If you made a New Year's resolution, how's it going so far? I made one. To yell less. And it's working. Shhhh, don't jinx me.

Salad - Name something that has happened lately that bothers you. These 10 pounds that seem to have just appeared all of a sudden. Ugh.

Main Course - What is your favorite quote, and who said it? "Shut. Up." Elaine, from Seinfeld.

Dessert - What do you collect? I have no collections, the only thing even remotely close would be the treasures my husband has unearthed while working (he's an equipment operator), alot of old glass thingies, they're all on top of my kitchen cabinets.

Didya watch Survivor?

It's too bad Warbling Wanda had to leave so early. No, it really isn't.

The husband is ice fishing for four days, leaving me to fend for myself. How is it that when he's gone the kids are fed, the kitchen is cleaned, baths and showers are done and they're reading books together by 7:00 p.m.?

And Tedy Bruschi, number 54, the heart of the Patriots defense (and to those of you out there that just watched the Super Bowl, he's the guy that soaked the coach and his dad with gatorade after the game) suffered a mild stroke the other night. He's 31. 31. It was minor as far as strokes go, he'll be home from the hospital in the next day or so, but my god, A STROKE. He's got three small kids(the youngest was born in December) and the greatest smile in pro sports.

Here I am. And truly, really, really....I wasn't on any Valentine related lovey dovey break. Sorry to disappoint. :)

The computer is running at warp speed. Apparently, like it should've when I first got it but the techie man worked his magic and get this - when I click on something, it responds. Like, right away. You can't know how happy I am right now. Well, maybe you can, but whatever.

I was going to take pictures all weekend, like a little photo diary, but the batteries in the camera were dead and I was too lazy to charge them. But with all of this newfound speed I just might get ambitious tomorrow.

I missed both 24 and the Bachelorette on Monday so now I've gotta go check their websites, real quick like :) and catch up....

Okay blogging friends....
I will be on hiatus while my PC gets cleaned up and gets a little bitta speed. Am planning to return on Tuesday or Wednesday. See you then. Oh, and Happy Valentines Day :)

I have zip, zero, zilch to blog about.

I've been work, work, working. Days and nights, well, not nights but evenings. The weather is cold, wet and dismal. The house is warm, smelling like chocolate peanut butter chip cookies, and needs to be vacuumed. Two outta three ain't bad :).

Husband has tomorrow off, trying to make a plan for the boy to skip school and go on a mini adventure. Which has to be 'mini' due to the whole 'save your money while you look longingly at vehix for the perfect SUV' thing. Wanna come over and watch the dogs?

Co-Co-Co Colon

The latest vocabulary word for the seven year old: Colon.

Who knew it would make such an excellent song?

*Colon, colon, Freddy's colon's stinky, I've gotta colon, colon, colon- We've all got colons*

I don't think he wrote it in time for the whole Grammy Award submission. There's no particular tune. Sing along...you know you want to. :)

Too much work and not enough play makes Jenny a grouchy girl. :(

Although, cheering me up is the fact that when I get 23 more visits my hit counter will reach 5,000.

Lords of the Rings

Well, the game. Of course we watched and of course we celebrated. It wasn't pretty, at least in the beginning. Penalties, hardly any first downs in the first half. But the Pats are ususally a second half team. And we have Rodney Harrison. Think you'll remember his name now, Freddie Mitchell?

And if you weren't a fan I would have to say it might have even been *gasp* dare I say ...dull? But to hell with all that - because in case you can't tell - I AM A FAN. :)

And we don't need our own celebratory dance. We'll just take theirs.

We headed to the stadium last night to welcome the team home. To heck with parades and million people pep rallies. This is where it's at. A spot in the front row, my new Willie McGinest jersey, hand warmers in my mittens, a sharpie and a new hat. A recipe for success.

High fives from Tedy Bruschi, Troy Brown, Matt Light, David Givens, Romeo Carnell, Bob Kraft, Matt Light, Josh Miller, Joe Andruzzi, Larry Izzo and the man of the hour Bill Belichick. There were more, but I'm rushing between the pictures and the posting this seems to be taking forever.

Signed by the MVP.

Almost got Matt Light (in his bathrobe). 

Ooops. Missed Bob Kraft and the trophy.

And I know these pictures stink. I had a choice good pictures or high fives and hand shakes and congratulations and thank yous. I chose the latter.

Tonight's the night. The big game. Mexican is the menu. Faces will be painted. Pats gear will be worn. Jumping out of your seat when they score - mandatory.

"TGIF" she says, her voice dripping with sarcasm

Did I say broken belt? My mistake. What I meant was *tinkatinkatinka* = two metal parts that should never touch were totally touching. There is now a big gouge in one of them because the huge bolt that held it on broke and it moved like four inches from where it originally sat. These are engine parts. Never a good thing. And the belt, it had enough of the incorrect touching and just flew off. Off to check vehix.

Today was a half day of school and to celebrate the half day extravaganza I took the kids here.
Why? Because what could be better than an enclosed, cramped, loud area with flashing lights, electronic beeps and kids running pell mell? I'll tell you what, nothing.

Yeah, right.

Okay, so it's almost 1/2 hour from my house and my car has had a little squealy belt sound for a few weeks, no biggie. Again - yeah, right.

Just as I'm stopping at the last set of lights before the parking lot I hear *tickatickaticka*, the battery light comes on and whoopsie the power steering shuts off. Apparently the belt has broken. I struggle to turn into the lot and park the car (or pahk the cah, as that is closer to how I really sound). I put ten dollars aside in case we have to buy supper at Subway and tell the kids to have a blast- we may be there awhile. The blast is had, my father in law comes to bail me out and now I'm home and wishing like hell a free car would fall out of the sky and land in my driveway.

Friday's Feast

Appetizer - If you were a dog, what breed would you be, and why? Pomeranian. KIDDING. Sheesh, how annoying would that be? Apologies to all of you out there that think Pomeranian would be the perfect answer to that. What was Benji? I loved Benji. Am too distracted to think, sorry.

Soup - What does the color purple make you think of? A comforter. Is making sense a requirement? I think not.

Salad - Approximately how long does it take you to get ready each morning? Me? 45 minutes. With the kids? One hour.

Main Course - How many cousins do you have, and are you close to them? I have ALOT of cousins, no idea how many, am guessing, like 35. My dad was one of thirteen. I haven't seen or heard from even one of them since his funeral. Only three on my mom's side and haven't seen them for a few years.

Dessert - Take your initials (first, middle, last) and come up with something else those letters could stand for. (Example: SFO = Sweet Funny Otter) Jazzy Ass Jelly.

Courtesy of: Friday's Feast

*Warning - Soap boxy rant*

I basically never post about my job, because

A. It's kind of dull. I mean do you care if the FEIR exempts a proposed housing development from the rivers act or the fact that the septic line remediation will be paid by the other ongoing school project? No? I didn't think so. Although Blackbird enjoys workish lingo so maybe it won't go unappreciated.

B. I don't want anyone I know to find me. Ever.

But tonight I'm working for a committee and they're finishing up the construction of a new school in our town. The school is already open and they're discussing the DVD/VCR players in the classrooms. EVERY classroom. Half don't work, but that's besides the point. They use these things, all the time because, apparently, almost every text book issued comes with a DVD for classroom use.

The project manager and I (who don't have a child this age-yet) both stop what we're doing and look at each other - DVDs? For every text book? Huh? Isn't there some worry about kids watching too much TV? Even if it's educational? I mean is there no other way for these textbook publishers to get their ideas across than to include a DVD? I don't know what it says about our teachers, maybe nothing, because they don't have muc, if any, choice in choosing textbooks.

I'm no crazy 'never watch TV' kind of girl and of course movies can be used to further a point or help kids understand a concept or for a special event (or in the case of highschoolers to provide a much needed nap or opportunity to do the homework you should have done the night before), but with every textbook? Is that so necessary?

Hellbound

The Dante's Inferno Test has banished you to the Fifth Level of Hell!
Here is how you matched up against all the levels:

Level	Score
Purgatory (Repenting Believers)	Very Low
Level 1 - Limbo (Virtuous Non-Believers)	Very Low
Level 2 (Lustful)	Very High
Level 3 (Gluttonous)	High
Level 4 (Prodigal and Avaricious)	Low
Level 5 (Wrathful and Gloomy)	Very High
Level 6 - The City of Dis (Heretics)	Very High
Level 7 (Violent)	Moderate
Level 8- the Malebolge (Fraudulent, Malicious, Panderers)	Very High
Level 9 - Cocytus (Treacherous)	High

Take the Dante's Inferno Hell Test

At least Kate and Terry will be there. I didn't know there were levels. It's hell so there probably won't be any elevators. C'mon and join us, don't let eternal damnation scare you away.

Apparently, under all of this white stuff on the ground is a little something I fondly remember as being green. I could be wrong. I'll let you know in April. My son wants me to sign him up for Little League. Do you need grass for this? Maybe not and I'll save $25.00 on cleats.

I think the boy just wants to play more sports and Red Sox fever was contagious. Now he'll be lamenting his fate as he sits on the bench waiting for the minute and a half at bat he'll get. He's used to a sport with a little more action. Oh well, at least it won't take 20 minutes to put all of the equipment on. And maybe he'll love it.

Had his parent teacher conference. She said it might be easier on us if he weren't so smart. SO SMART. My son. My little wise ass at home, all particular about his school work, cannot fathom misbehaving in school, son. SMART. See my grin? No? Well, that's because after congratulating him on his good work he asked me what the cash value of such good hard work would be. Maybe it would be easier if he weren't so smart. He's not even that smart, he didn't even capitalize Super Bowl in his post, did he? See. What kind of son of mine wouldn't know to capitalize the biggest game of the year? :)

Maybe the teacher just left off the ass. As in, it would be easier for us if he wasn't such a smartass. Because, I have to say, I would agree. Then again, the whole apple not falling far from the tree thing might apply here. You reap what you sow. Is that how it goes? Or how about 'what goes around comes around'. Or ' you get what you deserve'.

But the teacher would not know to leave the ass off of that comment because he is SO perfectly behaved in school. Perfect. As in "An example to the rest of the class" perfect. I'm still reeling.