The House of pain

I went to bed last night feeling bad that I hadn't made a post on Sunday. Not bad enough to get up and actually write one, mind you, but bad nonetheless.

Of course, all of my three readers would be not be disappointed as I commonly use the words, "...posting regularly soon..." only to skip a day or seven. I am all about consistency.

This morning, I am a bit disturbed over my sleep. I went to sleep watching "House" last night. This show is a recent addition to my schedule as I could never get into before. The fact that he was Stuart Little's father just kept going through my mind.

(Don't try to analyze my thought processes. It's not worth your own sanity.)

So any rate, I consciously thought last night, "You know, behind that sarcastic, narcissistic, drug-addicted front lies a man that actually has a heart. And isn't hard to look at either."

Wouldn't you know I dreamed I went out with him? And although I didn't dream the actual date, before I woke up I was waiting for him to call me again.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Yesterday, I was asked nicely tricked coerced bribed into going and help with Project Clean Up.

The original plan was that he and the boys were camping out there Saturday night. Only, the big attraction was canceled and all the vendors were packing up and leaving after the concert. This made him nervous that not many people would be milling about. The park is located on the rough part of town. Many people that live in said neighborhood had seen him and his tent. Many of these people were also people that had stolen in his store and he had testified against in court.

You know, that old chestnut.


With that being said, he decided to come home. Which wasn't a big deal to me even though I ended up being up until 1:30. Until the alarm went off at 6:30. And he woke me up.

He needed help tearing down the tent before the guys came with the trailer. In other words, packing and organizing all the bits and pieces.

This bit of information might have been helpful BEFORE I went to sleep. You know, when I fell asleep not worrying about be up so late. As I thought I was going to sleep in and stay at home.





This interior shot taken by one of the boys doesn't even begin to show all the intricate pieces that had to be packed up. I think I have less stuff in my kitchen.

And to be quite honest, not as many people were as gone as he led me to believe on the phone. Now that I think about it, I was duped.

Figures.

At any rate, by the time everything was disassembled, large stuff on a trailer and my Malibu packed to the GILLS, we looked like the Clampett's leaving the park.

It was exhausting. On top of that, we had to go to the grocery store in search of food that I could cook that didn't involve chicken, steak, bacon, and strangely enough, smell like Tex-Mex.

Everyone must have been have having the same problem as it was crazy busy. Plus, the Titans were about to start and that is the WORST time to go to the store.

By the time we got home, it was all I could do to slap sub sandwich together and pour a Diet Coke.

That was my Sunday. Typical really.

For carnies.

Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow

My Beloved;

I promised you weeks ago that things were going to be different this time. You always believe me; I always let you down.

Honestly, I am not sure where things went awry. My intentions were never stronger than they were this time. Each day I vowed that tomorrow would be the start of something new.

Sure, we had a couple of laughs--some unexpected time together like we'd hoped. It's always difficult to work around his schedule. You know, my obligations are to him first.

If you were being completely honest, it wasn't always my fault. There were times when I had made the arrangements, but you were being difficult. You can't blame me for that.

At any rate, I guess this is where we part ways. There is no need to dwell on it.

Goodbye, Summer. I already miss you.

Love,
Heather

And now, a word from the sponsors

I am clipping coupons this morning.

Coming across an ad/coupon set for KY Mine and Yours, went to set it down, (NO WAY I'd buy it now...) and I noticed there was something on the back I had missed.

It was an ad/coupon for Gatorade.

I'll give you a minute to contemplate that.....


Good?

So, what are your thoughts? Marketing genius, inside joke at the Red Plum office, or coincidental placement?

Either way, it got my attention.

Rambles

-Exactly one month from today is the first day of school.

-I am disappointed in the prizes (and I use that word loosely) given to my children for the reading program from the library. One of my children has logged I think something close to 28 hours!! He has more than his fair share of ice cream cone, french fry, and kid's meal coupons. It took something of a small miracle to get them to read but they did because of the prizes that were advertised. I'll never get them to read this much again...

-'Normal' is not a word in my everyday vocabulary. I should write a post about that.

-I feel like something is missing. Maybe it's money.

-Tomorrow, I am getting with my neighbor and she is going to show me the world of couponing. I can't wait.

-I really miss Diet Coke.

-That Jessica chick posing as Justin's girlfriend on "The Bachelorette" tonight had the most fake cry I have ever seen. I am not even sure why I'm watching that show.

-I finished another book today. To Have and To Hold by Jane Green. If I could write as fast as I read, I'd be golden!

-Tomorrow is the last day before payday. Which means Old Mother Hubbard's cupboards are bare. The Food Network could produce an episode of "Chopped" in my kitchen. Please make an entree out of a jar of pickles, mini-marshmallows, and some fresh thyme...

-I am sort of tired of my layout. But it has been this way since almost the beginning and it seems scary to change it.

-Well, I did change it. (the layout) Any suggestions?

-Why is my mind the most productive when I should be sleeping?

Hit me with your best shot

I am currently stuck in fiction mode, which frankly is so much more exciting than anything I could write as non-fiction.

That is unless you think ants, 498 loads of laundry, soap scum, and cries of "I am bored" or "I am hungry" are interesting.

So, here is my thought:

What do you want to know?

Some of you have known me since way back when, some of you I have only known for a year or so. Maybe less.

Ask me [almost] anything. I am an open book.

Exceptions:
*Big Daddy. He has asked that I don't talk about him much. I have to respect that.

Fire away! I'll be answering questions as they come in....

If I ever had aspirations of having a billion followers and thousands of comments a day, I have pretty much shot that down, right?

I am waiting to make sure I am not going to get called into work before I get busy. I was reading another blog and got all inspired to write a post of my own.

A mish-mash of catching up, if you will.

Life has been okay as of late. And by okay, I mean Big Daddy and I still have jobs, there is food in the pantry, the kids are healthy, and we haven't foreclosed on our house.

Can't ask for much more, can we?

Actually, Big Daddy got a promotion at work. But before you send cards, congratulations, and flowers, you should know that he does the exact same thing he did, for oh, about $20 more a week. Plus he has been working seven days a week! On salary!

The kids are all doing wonderfully at the moment. Nicholas was invited to be in the Beta Club this year. He was so cute looking at the brochure. His selling point that he wanted to do it was, "..And I can apply for $235,000 in college scholarships!"

Please note, he is in the fifth grade.

We just need to get Darrin's grades up, ONE LETTER GRADE, in one subject, and he can be invited next year. I think it would be awesome! That would mean, me and all of my kids are in some sort of Beta Club. :::beams with pride:::

Speaking of Beta stuff (Fiona-please turn away), I guess I shouldn't be bragging....I have been the worst college student this semester. I can't get in the zone. I wait until the last minute to get projects done. I might crack a book before a test. And this semester is the lightest load I have taken so far--seven hours. I need to get my poop in a group before next fall. Actually, before February. I have transcripts and scholarships to gather up, an exit exam and Praxis test to take. Oh, and I should probably turn in my Intent to Graduate....

I would like to say that my lack of enthusiasm is because I am working two jobs. But that sounds like a lame excuse. It's all I've got, though.

That is about all that is going around La Costa Lotta.

I promise my next entry won't be another month from now.

(The phone never rang--I guess I am off this morning. Whoot!)

Childhood dreams

My friend texted me today and said that I she got a 100 on the paper that I she wrote. I was pretty excited for myselfher since I have never gotten a 100 on a paper that was going to be graded for spelling and mechanics as well as content.

***************

It would seem that I have myself a little stalker on facebook. Well, more accurately, Farm Town. If you aren't familiar with either, Farm Town is an application (haha, Sara) game that is the internet equivalent to crack. Once you get set up, you grow crops. As you make money and move up in levels, you can buy more things, and grow more types of crops. The crops have to be harvested in a certain amount of time. You can go to the Marketplace and hire other farmers to harvest for you. Folks pimp themselves out for a few coins...

Anyway, in this meat market chat room, I like to sit there and watch the cropstitution. And if I do say so myself, the quietness works because I get hired a lot. I wished I had never found this little gig.

Yesterday, some little cartoon dude comes up and is all, "You sure look pretty today." I LOL'd him because there are like four options for our "look" so the ladies all look similar.

Make a long story short, he is all mackin' on me. Which is ridiculous. But cute at the same time. Dude sends me a "friends request" for Farm Town. I am thinking there is no harm.

I have recieved EIGHT messages today from him.

I don't think I received eight messages total when I was dating pre-Big Daddy. Sad, really.

************

This whole Facebook/Blogger/Twitter thing has gotten me to thinking about my kids' childhood vs. my childhood.

There are little things that remind me of my childhood when I hear/smell them. Things like Magic Sizing, The Price is Right, the theme song to "Young and the Restless", Dolly Parton songs, machine grease,...the list goes on and on.

Today, as I played on Farm Town, I wondered what would be my kids' triggers to childhood?
"You've Got Mail" when I sign on to AOL? The theme song to "Roseanne"? The smell of snickerdoodles? The sound of the washing machine? Eminem?

I just hope it makes them happy....

There isn't even a title

You'd think that someone that wishes to be a writer would, well, write. Right?

Yeah.

I guess I have let the carefree feelings of summer get away with me. And by that I mean that absolutely nothing worth talking about happens every single day.

I hardly have any readers now as it is and if I start writing about my day, both of you would probably hit the unsubscribe button.

Last week the boys were gone to a VBS, church camp type of thing. They left every morning at 7:30 and arrived home between 3-3:15.

Best $30 and a box a popcicles I ever spent.

The first three days I got the house put in order and had a lot of fun listening to the quiet. On the fourth day, I ended up being gone all day in what turned into Operation What-Was-I-Thinking.

For three days I went in search of the perfect dress to wear to an evening wedding that is due to take place in T minus 12 days. The dress and necklace has been located but the shoes remain MIA.

The stress of trying to find the appropriate attire stress me out, therefore, I want chocolate/cookies/candies/cake/whateverIcangetmyhandson.

The aforementioned confectionery delights is what has caused an extended tour of every store in middle Tennessee. It's a vicious cycle.

I may be wearing silver flip-flops at this point.

In other news, I helped a friend write a paper on diversity in the classroom. She was assigned Educating Esme to read as well. I started it Sunday night and finished it Monday morning (it's a quick read). I highly recommend this book. If you are a teacher, want to be a teacher, or think you know what a teacher has to deal with, READ IT. It will open your eyes to a whole 'nother world.

Love her.

(Click on the link in my sidebar to get to the amazon.com listing.)

Well, that about sums me up. With this exciting life, I am expecting TLC to offer me a show any day now...

All I can think of is...

that I have hit a brickwall. I can't think of a think to write about. Fiction or otherwise. Obviously, I haven't posted here in days, but I haven't written on the book in three.

Over and over in my head today I can hear Jessica singing a cheer she used to do:

Brickwall, waterfall
Girl you think you know it all
You don't, I do
So poof with your attitude...


Vintage or Warner should be calling me any day now.


One last thing, on my last post about Queen B and her Princesa, I think the way I wrote it made it confusing unless you are a reader of hers. If you are not a reader, you are missing some good stuff. In the meantime, if you go to her main page and click on the Guatemala tag, work your way back (since it does bring them up from the most recent post with that tag) and it'll make since. It truly is a beautiful story. (Note to Queen B...it would make a WONDERFUL book.)

This, that, and another

I have clicked on Blogger no less than ten times in the last week only to have written a sentence or two, decided it was too bland, and hit delete. Real life has just not been that interesting. I guess that is why I write fiction.

Last day of school was really nice. I have always worked on the last day, but this one topped them all. I only cried twice and both times it was in the morning. I made them a each a certificate. I wish I could get it to upload here. They were cute.

The boys are really glad school is out. Yesterday they declared they were bored. I fixed that and they probably won't ever say they are bored again in their life.

The girl is NOT glad school is out. Well, she is glad the work is over, but school being out meant her boyfriend graduated last night. He is leaving Friday for Michigan and staying the whole summer. (YAY! WHOO-HOO! HALLELUJAH! MY DREAMS HAVE COME TRUE!!)

(sorry)

So she is sullen and moody and I am over that already. We can't get her to see that since he is choosing to leave the state, stay with his grandma so he can play all summer may not be a good choice on his part. Mature folks that aren't self-centered would stay home, get a job, and prepare to start college in the fall. At least that is our opinion.

Yesterday and today are teacher work days. The principal is mixing things up for the next school year and has made some new teacher assignments. Even those staying in the same grade level are moving a bit. The teacher I took over for is one that is moving. So, I have been packing things for her. She called me yesterday and is coming to help me today. Or I am helping her. Something. Anyway, It has been interesting what one accumulates over 33 years of teaching. Not to mention the dust. I have sneezed no less than one hundred times.

Tomorrow is report card day which is actually a "school day". I am excited and nervous at the same time. I don't know why.

My grandmother underwent heart surgery yesterday. She only had a 25% chance of making it through, but she soared right through according to my dad. She'll be in ICU for a couple of weeks. By tomorrow we are hoping to know for sure that she didn't suffer another stroke or any other malady during the 10-hour procedure.

My dad works for GM. I think you all know the trouble the company is suffering. We are hoping his plant is not one that gets shut down. I hope no plant gets shut down. If they could just ride out this bad economy, things will get better. History has shown that.

So, that is the happenings at our house. The excitement is palpable, isn't it?

Have a wonderful Wednesday.

It's the final countdown

One of the benefits of teaching this fourth grade class is that my mind has been kept busy.

Usually at the end of a semester, I go through a couple of weeks of feeling "lost." Feeling like I have something I need to complete/read/research/formulate but end up wandering in circles.

Of course, there is a downside.

Last Tuesday during the kids' Science lesson, my mind started to wander about something. One thought led to another which sparked another...you know what I mean? Here is what I am talking about:

::child reads section slowly, and mind starts to wander. Child's voice fades to the background:: Hmm. There are a lot of subs here today. I had forgotten that some teachers were doing curriculum planning for next year. I wish I could have gotten in on that. What is today's date again? ::glance up to a side board:: I can't believe today is the 12th already. This year is almost done. There is something about the 12th. Birthday? Anniversary? When is Ian's birthday? I remember Sherry calling me and asking me to work a split day. But I had to check on something. One was April 30 and the other was....Oh. My. GOODNESS. The boys had a dentist appointment TODAY. That is why they called the other day. I thought it was next Tuesday. Crap. What am I going to do? Geez we are never going to get through the lesson at this rate....


My mind goes like that all the time. Sometimes I am ok with it, but most of the time it drives me crazy because I can't turn it off.

Final grades came out a few days ago. Most of you know if you are on my Facebook, but for others...I received straight A's. Never was I more proud because this semester was TORTURE. But I learned vast amounts this semester, even more than was in my books.

For those of you that are moms to boys, let me say this in reference to yesterday's entry:

My daughter was easy. Not that she didn't have her moments. And technically she is in a moment right now-has her license, a job, a boyfriend, blah blah blah. She gets moody.

My youngest son is EASY. He is sweet. He is thoughtful. He is predictable. He is mostly level-headed. He is a carbon copy of my husband. (Thankfully.)

However. Nicholas is just the trying child. Of course he is in the middle. But he also thinks he is the oldest. He fullfills either sterotype.

He was sweet as pie all day today. Even though I didn't see him until 3:30, he came to my room in a good mood and was pleasant coming home. At 8:00 I call up the stairs for him to take a bath. He gets huffy and is like, "What? Why?"

"Because we were outside all day and it was warm."

"But it's still light outside!"

Trying to use my patient voice, "Buddy, it's 8:00. You need to get a bath. We have school tomorrow."

"But, I'll get done and then you'll tell me to go to bed and I won't even be tired."

Camera gets cut off....


Yeah. Um. Things took a turn and let's just say he got a bath and went to bed at the appropriate time. Nicely.

Three more days of school. The hardest day is over. I am going to miss them.



In other rambling-so-sticking-with-a-theme news, I gave myself a deadline. I want to finish writing one of my books by July 29. I figure I'll put it out there and you all will keep me to it.

It'll be a non-fiction book about good mothering. Reserve your copy now. It's sure to fly off the shelves.


Oh, how I kid....


***Updated to clarify*** There really is a book. But it is a work of fiction. And it is fabulous if I do say so myself. :D

Dear

guy at Game Stop;
I am sure you had the best of intentions when you immediately told your co-worker to assist the customer as she was entering the store. While he is assisting aforementioned customer, don't turn away from me in the middle of my question to start helping said customer. In answer to your snide remark to co-worker, I didn't buy the game BECAUSE OF THAT.

girl that sits behind me in Lit;
You are there. You participate. We get it. Quit clearing your throat every four seconds.

Lit instructor;
Thank-you for allowing me to re-submit my essay. That sentence fragment and possessive noun was bothering me. A lot.

table of students in library;
SHH!

guy walking in the library;
please pick up your feet.

Big Daddy;
I love you. I am sorry you are so tired. I hope your day off Friday is a good one.

Kids;
I love you, too. Please pick up after yourselves. I am your mother, not the maid.

Beef O'Brady's;
the sign should read: Mondays 7-8, not Monday's 7-8. Monday does not own 7-8.

partner in Astronomy Lab;
I am sorry I snipped at you. I wanted to get out as early as you did. But "blah, blah, blah" doesn't tell us where to click.

girl in bathroom;
You didn't wash your hands. Perhaps you forgot? Thank-you for getting your drink out of the Pepsi machine since I was going to the Coke machine. I hope you don't work in food service.

bank;
Help. Need money.

employers needing at-home workers;
Help. Need job.

B.ucky Covington (and fans);
I am sorry that I don't care for Country music. Kudos to you for having the opportunity to do what you love. Everyone should be so lucky.

Sonic;
Less ice is more.

giant chocolate bunny;
Quit calling my name. I am ignoring you for a reason.

Monroe;
Quit knocking my books off the bottom shelf. It isn't cute anymore.


friends;
Thanks for stopping by!

If only

Because I feel like I blog about only one or two things on a regular basis, here is a list of topics I wish I had the experience to blog about:

• winning the lottery
• signing a three-book deal
• making the last payment on the mortgage
• the sights in New York
• our Spring Break at the beach
• buying a new vehicle
• buying a size 6 (for me)
• another pregnancy (again, for me. I guess that would cancel out the size 6.)
  
• our wedding/honeymoon
• buying new bedroom and living room furniture
• pictures with the Canon digital
• having lunch with Fiona, Sarah, Sara, Bridgett, Jenn, Suzy, Rachel, Rachel, Lori, Brandi, Sammi, Queen B, Mimi, Jen, Laura, Holly (and Hazel!), Amy, and Courtney.
• ect...

Last night at dinner, I can't remember what we were talking about, but I told Big Daddy that I felt like at 34 I seriously lacked what I call, "life experiences."

Most of it I allude to the fact that I am moving backward in life. Or at least it feels like it to me.

What do you wish you could write about today? What is on your to-do list?

Calgon, take me away

Today's to-do list:

• Finish this perfectly brewed cup of coffee on the balcony over looking the Gulf.
• Get dressed and head down to my reserved beach chair.
  
• Lay in the sun and capture a perfect glow whilst reading for a couple of hours.
  
• Head to the room to shower and dress for a dinner with the family at Lambert's.
• Take a sunset stroll on the beach with my honey.
  
• (you can imagine what would come next)

Snap back to reality.

Today's ACTUAL to-do list:

• Finish up this cup of coffee with my less than favorite creamer.
• Get dressed and clean the upstairs followed by a dusting and vacuuming of the downstairs.
• Schlep the boys to the library to return books and wander the same three shelves so Darrin can finally decide on one book that he'll probably not read in the three week allotted time while Nicholas tries in vain to find a Star Wars movie to check out.
• Take the same two boys to Game Stop where we can look at all 10,000 titles they have on display only for the older boy to proclaim, "They don't have any good games."
• Avoid walking into Books-a-Million.
  
• Grab lunch at McDonald's or if I am lucky, Sonic because I am lazy like that.
  
• Run into the store and attempt to purchase a week's worth of necessities with $40.
• Make something healthy and chock-full of vitamins to counteract all the junk food they have had in the last two days. (It's Weenie Wagon Weekend.)
  
• Study chapter 6 in Astronomy, Chapter 25 in History, Chapter 15 in Music, and read 432 poems for Lit.
  
• Be asleep before the husband gets home at 11:30 tonight.

Have insomnia? Read this.

I saw something today that I never thought I'd see.

I mean, I had heard rumors and had seen pictures, but in the back of my mind I thought it was all fiction; the figment of someone's imagination.

Y'all, today I saw the SUN. It was a glorious sight. Not to mention, we needed something to burn off the thick blanket of fog we chopped our way through this morning.

We had early dismissal today. Never was I more thankful than I was today. I was in a fifth grade class that apparently has given up on ever.shutting.their.mouths. What was clearly laid out first thing this morning (once we got the 'there will be NO pinching' business out of the way) to be a good day was ruined by their incessant talking. I tried to reason with them, but they made their choice. They'll be sorry tomorrow. They were warned....

Taking my med at night seems to be ok so far. Last night I took the first one, and I got the usual 'headache' that I have been getting, but it was stronger. Then my arms and legs felt as if they were separate from my body. It was a surreal feeling; it totally freaked Big Daddy out. Within the hour, I was feeling better and by 9:15 was asleep.

Sounds glorious, doesn't it?

Did you know that it is still dark at 1 am? And 2? 3? 4? I woke up and COULD NOT GO BACK TO SLEEP.

I was hot..BD was snoring (how does he snore ON HIS STOMACH?)...I kept dreaming about electrons and photons...I was thirsty...The cat was determined to lay on my legs... It was just not a night for sleep. Finally, I gave up at 4 and got up-made coffee, checked email, and watched the news. I looked up the info on my medicine again. I thought it was supposed to keep me awake, but it said it may cause sleepiness. I mis-read that last week. It seems to rev me up, which may be another reason I couldn't sleep well. We'll see how it goes tonight. Of course, I took advantage of being home early and may or may not have taken a nap.

If I wake up tonight, I'll read Oedipus the King again, which I blame for making sleepy this afternoon.

I hope everyone had a Happy St. Patty Day. I am part Irish (surprised?) so go ahead and kiss me.

*wink*

::Smooch!::

I need to find my Heatherness

I want to thank all four? five? of you that gave me ideas (and encouragement) for this story. Ironically, the morning after I wrote the last post, I had an idea hit me. But when I was first rolling it around my brain, I thought, "Nah. That's a book. I can't condense that into a short story that is 2000 words or less." Later in the afternoon, I figured it out and got started. It's totally different than any of my other characters or plot lines. When I told my husband about it, he was really impressed. That is saying something. It's pretty raw, but I am hoping to give y'all a sneak peak here pretty soon.

I am in a mood, and that is affecting my blogging. I like to keep this upbeat and positive, but that would be the polar opposite of how I am feeling.

I usually don't worry about what I dream about, but I know that most of my dreams tend to have some sort of significance.However, I thought it was very strange this morning though when my mom called. My dad left this morning to go to my grandmother's in Kentucky. Later in the conversation, I found out my uncle had been there for a couple of days and the other uncle was also on his way. Well, last night (not knowing what was going on in KY or my grandmother) I dreamed that these uncles, my aunts and cousins had gathered but it was my other grandmother that was sick. I couldn't figure out why my dad's side of the family was there for my mom's side.

Strange.

Is it just me, or does Lisa Renna look like a Bratz doll?























That felt good to get that off my chest....I've only been thinking about it since the Golden Globes.

Happy Birthday to Evie. I am pretty sure her birthday is any second. Hopefully, she doesn't receive one of those vile Bratz dolls.

Big Daddy is off tomorrow. Good things.

In with the new

The husband and I are sitting here and we have decided to move. Want to see our new house??

click here


Now, I realize that it may seem we won't get this house, but I am all about the power of positive thinking.


Today was a good start to a new year.

*The boys spent the night next door and didn't come home until 11am only to go outside and play.

*I finished my ironing with my fancy new iron purchased just last night. And yes, it is pink--my signature color. Sorry, Boo.

*I started a "new book"--The Wonder Spot by Melissa Bank. It's really good so far.

*We managed to get the Christmas decor put away in just over an hour. Neatly, I might add. This may be a new record.

Well, now that I look at it, it doesn't seem like much. It was just a good day--I don't feel stressed out, panicked,or worried.

I think it may be time for bed. Didn't get to sleep until 1am this morning, then was awoken by a crazed man ringing the doorbell and knocking on the door at 5:30am. Big Daddy had forgotten the keys, he had locked the door behind him, and the vehicles were both locked preventing him from using the garage door opener.

I am certain that it won't be happening again anytime soon.

Welcome, 2009.

Out with the old

Dern.

Ten posts shy of one-hundred. Oh well.

Truth be known, once the in-law and wannabe left on Saturday afternoon, I sort of shut down. Not really sure what that was all about, but it put me behind all things bloggy.

Christmas was awesome, though; don't get me wrong.

Here were my favorite quotes:

Nicholas, "I didn't get many presents. I must not have been as good as I thought. I'll have to work on that."

Jessica, after opening yet another envelope of money, "Oh yay! I have made back what I spent."

Darrin...well. He is a man of few words. But he is lovin' his Mp3 player he got.

Notice the lack of photos? Yeah. For some reason I used my regular camera. Mostly because my digital blows and by the time the photo is taken, the moment has passed. I will probably get the film developed by next Christmas, if I am motivated.

Here is is the last day of 2008. I wish it wasn't Wednesday. A new year should start on Monday, if you ask me.

Queen B had an awesome post today. She got the idea from another blogger...posting our top 10 favorite photos of the year.

I just uploaded something like 600 photos. You know, so I would have an empty memory card for Christmas.

Without further ado...





(no comment needed.)


Jessica and her boyfriend off to the Military Ball. I think this was in May.


Never has this little boy been more excited about something. Here he poses with his webkins pal, Shep, now referred to as "Doggie."


Tom and Huck painting the fence.


Juicy gets a car.


Ms. March. Part of the Hooters Girl Calendar shoot.


Big Daddy and I. A rare sighting.


Technically, Nicholas took this with his SpyGear secret camera at one of the never-ending weenie wagon weekends. I smile whenever I see it.


He was built in January/February. We didn't even miss school the next day (slight miracle.) He was about 12 inches tall and lasted all of 12 hours. Welcome to winter in Tennessee.



Monroe redefines lazy.

2008 wasn't one of our best years, but it wasn't the worst. Here's to the friends I have made along the way...

::raises glass of preferred beverage::

Bring the change.

Random is the theme

Hey look! A blog post at a normal hour!

Really, it was do it now, or try and stay awake later. I didn't get back to sleep until after two, then was back up at five-thirty. Kids weren't out of school either. I think we got four drops of rain and the only ice in the county was on my windshield, which the wipers took care of easily. Perhaps calling it a "slush" would be more appropriate.

I finished New Moon today. I guess I am in the minority on this book. There was a part about 3/4 of the way that got me snoozing (Jacob) but once he was mostly out of the picture, I was better. If I weren't so lazy, I would have ran to Target to pick up the next one. But, I don't have that much free time until the weekend. I actually have to teach the next two days. Can you imagine? That will keep my mind distracted until Rachel sends me my bracelet. *wink*

Want a fun new quickie recipe? I made this tonight for the first time--I got it from the art teacher. It is divine....


Hamburger Salad
In a skillet, cook ground beef (or turkey like I did). While that is cooking add onions and pickles (to taste) salt, pepper, garlic powder, and basically anything you would add to make a traditional hamburger.Cook until meat is done. Drain grease/water. Add meat back into pan and add ketchup and mustard. (Probably more ketchup than mustard) Heat through.

Add some of the meat onto a bed of lettuce and add shredded cheese. Thank me later for the hot tip.


The rest is up to you. I added another drizzle of ketchup to the kids' plate. To mine, I added a drizzle of ketchup, mustard, cheese, and more fresh onion.



OH MY HEAVENS..I almost forgot to share. THE grades. They are in.

Geometry....A

Regional Geography....A

Educational Psychology....A

and last, but not least American History 1...

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B!

I actually scored an 85 on the final. In hindsight, I could have done better, but all things considered.... yeslordthankyoukarmaitisover.

My grade point average dropped. From a 3.779 to a 3.768.

Yeah. I am ashamed.

Well, kids. I am off to finish eating Hershey's Kisses before The Biggest Loser finale comes on. What is it about weight loss shows that make me crave sweets?

Shopping is not for the weak

We had to go grocery shopping today. There are many things I hate about shopping, but grocery shopping in December, on a Sunday pretty much sums it up. Here is a random list of things that bugged me in no particular order:

*It is like this pretty much at any store but it bothers me the most at the Gates of Hell, otherwise known as W.al-Mart, is the way people act. Now, I push my buggy on the side of the aisle as if it is a road. It seems like a lot of people do it that way, so I may not be the only one. I always get those heifers huffin' and puffin' like I am in their way. There is no southern hospitality in W.al-Mart.

*I went to the restroom before we left. On the dispenser that holds the toilet seat covers was a sticker that read: "Do you have a dishonorable discharge?" The bottom part of it was torn off. I am not sure if it was something for the military or a 1-800 number. At first I laughed, then I was slightly disturbed.

*Further into Hell, or The Mall, we went to do the Santa Visit. It may have been easier to stay at home and get in line, as I am pretty sure that's where we got in line. I noticed a sign that asked that customers not to use personal photographic equipment to take photos. Wouldn't you know we saw several people do it. So while I paid 87.99 for my two key chains, and NO personal photos, those other fools got off free. But the "elves" weren't stopping them either. This one guy was getting them from all angles. No wonder we were in line for and hour and thirty-five minutes.

Also, a group in front of us was eating their lunch. Chick had a plate lunch from China Express or something. I saw some rice on a paper plate. After we had moved up some, my husband noticed that she left her tray on the trash can at the front of Dillard's. We were in the MIDDLE of this huge mall. The food court was far away, but that was ridiculous. I bet Big Daddy a cupcake from Puffy Muffin ::giggles:: that they'd take pictures with their own camera. He bet me they wouldn't for a Cinnabon.

Those Cinnabon bites were delish.

*Have you seen those guys (or gals) holding close out signs for various business that are closing? This one dude had his signed rigged and wasn't even holding it. Matter of fact, we saw him take off for Krispie Cream. When we came back by, he was just sitting beside it. Lazy.

*The samples at Costco. Folks go crazy trying to get one. If a big man in a flannel shirt ran you over, I do apologize. It truly is annoying.


Is it bedtime yet?