WBW: Family

Ah, my cheating ways. This is an older picture of us. The little one was two in this picture and now he's four. The older boy was four years old and now he's almost seven. I guess that means it's time for a new family portrait. We were supposed to take some new ones for our Christmas cards, but well, we haven't yet. So enjoy this oldie, but goodie and we'll try to get caught up soon.

The DHW

Movin' Up A Bracket

Survey says...

...35-40 years of age.

Today I moved up an age bracket. Today I am supposed to start getting annual mammograms. Today I moved up into "high risk pregnancy due to age." Today I celebrated the 6th anniversary of my 29th birthday.

*sigh*

All in all not too bad. The teachers celebrated me with vanilla chai lattes and diet coke. My friends celebrated me with javanilla shakes and UT paraphernalia. My students celebrated me with candles, ornaments and other cute trinkets. My family celebrated me with dinero...way cool.

The DHW

ABC's of Me

Special thanks to Big Heavy for giving me something to post on day when I don't have much to say.

A is for Age – 34 until tomorrow
B is for Booze – Bailey's Irish Cream
C is for Career – Domestic Engineer and Early Childhood Educator
D is for Dad’s name – Dad....duh!
E is for Essential items to bring to a party – margarita makings
F is for Favorite song at the moment – Call On Jesus by Nicole C. Mullens
G is for Goof off thing to do – scrapbook, watch Lifetime TV, blog
H is for Hometown – Austin, Texas
I is for Instrument you play – Three Blind Mice on a recorder
J is for Jam or Jelly you like – Jalapeno w/ cream cheese
K is for Kids – Yes, 2 boys
L is for Living arrangement – married w/ children
M is for Mom’s name – Mom
N is for Name of best friend (that's not your spouse) – Prolly Lily, Joy & Di
O is for Overnight Stay in a Hospital – both my kids w/ C-sections and foot surgery
P is for Phobias – phone, dying
Q is for Quote you like – "Get messy, take chance, make mistakes"
R is for Relationship that lasted longest – husband, 16 years together, married 13, and counting
S is for Siblings – one brother
T is for Texas, ever been? – Um, yeah.
U is for Unique trait – ability to spin pretty much any situation
V if for Vegetable you love – asparagus and those green beans they serve at Chinese food buffets.
W is for Worst traits – procrastination, being just a tad cynical
X- is for X-rays you’ve had – dental, foot, back
Y is for Yummy food you make – carne guisada, meatloaf, caldo
Z is for Zodiac sign – Sagitarius w/ cusp of Scorpio

Just another glimse into the DHW's life...or lack thereof so it might seem. Now you play if you're up for it.

The DHW

SPF: All My Lives

Sounds like a soap opera, but no, it's this week's SPF. This week Kristine has us reflecting on ghosts of past, present and future. Our assignment:

Something that represents your past
Something that represents your present
Something that represents your future

Let's begin, shall we?

Something that represents your past

This was our last DINK (dual income, no kids) purchase. Our big screen TV. We're talking 60" of Dr. McDreamy in living color. The TV started showing signs of impending death so we sent her to TV hospice (Salvation Army). We loved this television and my boys have never known anything but a life-sized Barney. My youngest cried a river when the men came to take the girl away, but make no mistake all three boys shed a tear.

Something that represents your present

My PTA stuff. I'm a homeroom mom and effective December 17 will sit on the board. I know the rules this week state not to use your kids as your present, but at the moment this is my life. Monday I have to set up a dessert buffet as a thank you to the teachers and staff at school. Arts Day is the week after and then collecting for the teacher's gift to be presented at the class party the week after. I swear it's a full time job. It seems that so many parents just check out of any involvent once their kids reach school aged. That's too bad, because I know the kids still want to see their parents there during the day and not just for the class performance. They love the simple pleasures like having dad at lunch or mom at Library time. I get so frustrated when the students tell me that their mommy and daddy can't come because they work, but the truth is most of the time parents can take *some* time to come hang out even if it's just once a month. Sometimes I hate it that I have to pull the weight of other parents, but most of the time I'm tickled pink I get to do it.

And here is my current little part time gig. Though I'm not ready for a full time work outside the home, my job at the Y meets several needs. One, my child gets to be a part of the program at no cost to me, I get to bring home a few (and I do mean few) bucks every couple of weeks and I have something on my resume that isn't a big fat blank spot for the last 7 years. All that and I get my wardrobe supplemented to boot!

Something that represents your future

I have a confession. Most people would think I'm sick. My family thinks I should be committed. Okay, here goes:

I want to be an accountant.

There I said it.

I've always worked with accounting in some form or fashion trying to get through school. I finally graduated with a degree in Communication, started working in with the media and left the accounting world behind 10 years ago. As much as I enjoyed life in front of a television camera or behind a radio microphone it's not a career I choose pursue in my future. Working in the media is not exactly family friendly.

Now I hope to be able to segway back into the life of accounting I left behind. Unfortunately I don't have an education in accounting so I fear my opportunities may be limited. I suppose time will tell. I really do love the work. Accounting is problem solving. It tells a story by looking at a company's past, present and future. Just the thought of locating $.33 in an audit tape in order to balance a $100,000 transaction practically makes me giddy.

I need help, I know.

The DHW

You Say You Want A Revolution

Oprah is having a bra and jean revolution.

As it turns out I'm certainly in the wrong bra and probably in the wrong jeans. My bra band is too big and my cups are too small, but I'm having a mental block with going up a cup size. I mean don't only stippers wear that size?! As far as the jeans go apparently I shouldn't be wearning "boot cut". Gals under 5'4" shouldn't be doning the flare that boot cut offers according to the demin expert.

Just more confirmation that I am a complete fashion disaster.

The DHW

Smell Ya Later

I cannot find a deodorant I like.

I used to have one. Secret "Shower Fresh" solid. I don't know if they changed the formula or what, but it just doesn't smell the same in the tube. I won't put something on me if I don't even like the smell in the tube. With this new coupon freak I'm on I've been able to try other deodorants at free or fabulously reduced prices, but...eh.

At least this change didn't happen in the dead of summer where I could potentially lose all my friends. Friends don't let friends wear crappy deordorant.

The DHW

Coupon Freak

I joined this local online group for getting the most out of coupons. These people are hard core. The main focus seems to be how to get something for free. Great goal if you need the item, but it seems some of these folks are getting stuff gratis that no one really wants. I mean how many bottles of generic Panteen shampoo does one household need at a time?

Now I did score pretty well on the local quad coupons up to $2, but now I have a gross ton of cereal (good thing my kids LOVE cereal and would eat it all the time if I let them) and juice. I did get a few Really Good Deals even if they weren't free.

I just don't see the point of running all over town to every discount drugstore, grocery store and specialty shop to save a few extra pennies and depending on what it is, even for free. I'm still finessing my approach to this coupon thing.

The DHW

Decisions. Decisions.

The convergence on our t.v. has been going awry for awhile. I talked to a guy, a friend of someone I work with, who used to fix TV's at an electronics repair shop. Bottom line the part that he thinks it is will be about $300-$700 JUST FOR THE PART. He can install it, but we would have to buy it since he can't front that moolah. Of course. Still we're talking money for the labor too.

Just thinking aloud here...

I know the TV fading fast because it went from a corner of loss of convergence to about 6" off the top in about 6 weeks. At this rate it should be dead by the new year. We have the Sony which is awesome and big enough for the living room. We put the game cube on a seperate tv and the boys can burn out a $50 telly as opposed to a more expensive variety. I don't worry about keeping the GC in one of their rooms since they have to ask permission to use it and it's portable enough to yank out as a consequence. Besides we only have so many rooms in the house and you gotta do what you gotta do.

So I'm wondering what does one do with a gigantic t.v. that the picture is going out on? I have no desire to fix it if it's going to cost near a grand to do so. Our stop-gap repair cost was about $300, maybe $400. Then my herditary cheapness gene kicks in and I hate the idea of parting with such an expensive-at-purchase item. Still when I break it down to the ridiculous it cost us about $40 a month, a little more than a $1 a day, over the course of the last 7 years to own and love the tv.

What to do?

The DHW

Something Else I Never Expected To Say

Girl At Reception Desk: (to me) "You have a call on line 3. She says it's Poppy The Clown."

Me: "Oh, yeah! I'll take it."

20 minutes of conversation with Ms. Clown

Girl At Reception Desk: "I'm not sure if I'm more alarmed at the fact that a clown is calling you at work or the fact that you weren't at all surprised to receive the call."

We'll never know.

The DHW

When I Grow Up I Want To Be A Flower

That's what I told my teacher in second grade. I think that's still true.

I'm once again facing the issue of what do I want to be when I grow up? Two things bring me make me ponder. One, my birthday is a comin'. It's a year that gives many people pause for thought I'm just wallowing in it. The other is this new thing Oprah's got going on about reinventing yourself.

Into what? The article says that sometimes people just fall into or back into their calling or a job that gives them joy. Okay. Then it goes on to say something about how we are not our job, but we are what is our joy or some crap like that. I'm so confused!

Who am I?

I was in the media, now I'm not. I'm a parent. I'm a teacher. I can't do what I did and I don't qualify to do what I want to do so where do I go? Ahhh, that's the question, Grasshopper!

Time to up my medication...

The DHW

SPF: Back In The Saddle Again

I took a slight hiatus with SPF, but this seems as good a week as any to jump right back on into things. This week’s assignment, compliments of Kristine at Random & Odd:

· Your Door Mat
· Your Rug/s
· Your Favorite Socks






My door mat
This assignment makes me realize it may be time to upgrade this bad boy. I’ve had it awhile and it’s showing some real signs of wear and tear.

My rug
This is the only area of the rug that is even close to being presentable enough to show. At that there is still a serious vacuum - or lack thereof - issue. This is the floor in my older boy’s room. It’s sort of a charcoal gray. The best thing I can say about it that it hides the dirt well. The floors in my home are a source of contention. I hate them. This house was a rental before we moved in and everything is very industrial especially the floors. We are finally replacing them with wood laminate in the spring. Yay, us!

Another awwww picture. These are the socks my grandmother gave to me for my 19th birthday. I wear them every year on my birthday so I’m realizing how long (and I do mean long) I’ve had them, but hell I don’t wear them all the time! My grandmother died seven years ago so wearing these socks on my birthday reminds me of her. Oh and so does the fact that she died right before my birthday so the service was *on* my birthday that year. Yeah, that sounds like her…

So Apparently Addiction IS Hereditary

My youngest is constantly asking to go to Starbucks to get a Frappachino. He's come to expect it on the way to school, when we go to Target, because it's daylight...

Papa suspects I'm not trading my scrapbooking supply purchase habit for Starbuck's, but rather simply adding to my vices. He's right, but I won't tell him. I mean is there anything better than a trip to Michael's with a Cafe Vanilla or chai latte? I think not.

So I'll own the fact that I'm enabling my youngest. I'll happily supply him with his Frapp Fix. It's what any good mother would do in this situation.

Then DHW

Someone Didn't Get The Memo

Last night we took the kiddos trick-or-treating. We just hit a few of the people in houses around our block, most of whom we already know. We hit one or two houses that we didn't know, but seemed okay. Still as prudent parents (and because we wanted dibs on the good stuff) we went through the boys trick-or-treat bags before they were allowed to partake. Would you believe that there were two "homemade" goodies in their bag? One was a ziplock bag of popcorn and the other was a baggie of nuts. I thought everyone knew you don't give out non-factory-sealed stuff? I mean they totally drill into the kids at school so I thought the word was out.

Yeah, Halloween is done for another year! Now on to the unofficial start of the consumer spending season...or at least the retailers attempt to push this season. Indeed I've already heard holiday commericals on the radio this morning. Is it any wonder I'm getting more and more cynical?

*snort*

The DHW

The Lazy Gal's Way of Keeping Current

Special thanks to Cassie for giving me something interesting to post.

1. Name someone with the same birthday as you. I don’t know about birthday, but JFK was shot on that day, so will that work instead?

2. Where was your first kiss? I honestly don't remember and you know I would tell you if I did.

3. Have you ever seriously vandalized someone else's property? No, just TPing houses in high school. Chicken-feed-folly sort of stuff.

4. Have you ever hit someone of the opposite sex? Yes...a boy in the neighborhood who really pissed me off when he got mad because my mom put up a fence so little hooligans like himself could not have unsupervised access to our back yard trampoline.

5. Have you ever sung in front of a large number of people? Yes, but just karaoke.

6. What's the first thing you notice about the preferred sex? Hair. I hate long hair on guys.

7. What do you order at Starbucks? Chai latte with vanilla…yummy. Sometimes I’ll branch off and get the seasonal whatever, but usually chai latte.

8. Where did number 8 go??

9. What is your biggest mistake? Not going to a state college, preferably The University of Texas. Oh, and not getting my aunt to teach me how to make her salsa before she passed away. Get those recipes now!

10. Have you ever hurt yourself on purpose? Yes.

11. Say something totally random about yourself. I would own a Prius if they weren’t so damn ugly. I choose vanity over the environment.

12. Has anyone ever said you looked like a celebrity? You mean I don't?!

13. Do you still watch kiddy movies or tv shows? The Magic School Bus and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang rule!

14. Did you have braces? Yes.

15. Are you comfortable with your height? I suppose.

16. What is the most romantic thing someone of the opposite sex has done for you? DH bought me my first emerald. Oh, and back in first grade a boy named Andy Bracco gave me a ceramic broach shaped as a fly when I came over for a playdate. It was so sweet! I just found it the other day and showed it to DH. He didn't think it was quite as sweet, but appreciated that *I* thought it was so that was kind of romantic!

17. When do you know it's love? I don't know...I guess it's different for everyone? For me when he met my grandparents and was able to speak to them (they only spoke Spanish).

18. Do you speak any other languages? Yes.

19. Have you ever been to a tanning salon? No.

20. What magazines do you read? Family Fun, Creating Keepsakes, US, People, Simply Scrapbooks.

21. Have you ever ridden in a limo? Yes.

22. Has anyone you were really close to passed away? Yes.

23. Do you watch mtv? Certain shows.

24. What's something that really annoys you? Tom Cruise, when my kids bug me about using my computer, parents of my students who give me too much information, people who double-dip.

25. What's something you really like? Scrapbooking, Logan’s Steakhouse, cheese cake, my friends

26. Do you like Michael Jackson? No, not even in his hey-day.

27. Can you dance? I think so.

28. What's the latest you have ever stayed up? Lots of all-nighters when the kids were newborn and when I was in college.

29. Have you ever been rushed by an ambulance into the emergency room? No, but an ambulance came when I had a car wreck. I declined to be transported though.

30. Do you actually read these when other people fill them out? Yes, as I’ve copied and pasted to answer them on my own blog.

Just a little more about me that you never wanted to know.

The DHW

These Boots Are Made For ... WTF?

Lately I've been having a style crisis. Today's subject shoes.

Is there a contest going on as to who can create and sell the most absurd shoes ever? Because if there is such a contest then I've seen some real contenders. I want to find something comfortable, stylish, affordable and fun that doesn't cross the line to ridiculous. How hard can that be?

So I'm crusing the web trying to find something that meets my needs. After all it's a whole big internet world out there and I can sign for delivery. Now I have to ask, is this really considered the latest trends? How about this? I mean these are listed under "latest styles" so am I to assume this is what all the icons of industry will be donning this season? Am I really *that* far off the mark? Because to this self proclaimed ignoramous of fashion those boots are ass ugly.

The DHW

Pimping Popcorn

Tomorrow is the last day to sell popcorn for scouts. We are such procrastinators. Daddy got home at 6:00 tonight, we stopped off for a quick bite at our Friday night spot and then went and hit up most of our family to buy popcorn. Of course who can resist the little Tiger Cub's pitch of "can you help me raise funds for my pack" complete with uniform and hat?

Imagine how well we could have done if we didn't wait until the very last minute? Still one more day to get out the corn. If you know us we're coming your way so pick your popcorn and get out your checkbook.

I know it's so hard to get into all these fundraisers kids have for just about everything. Gift wrap for PTA, book sale for the library, carnivals, game night...yada, yada, yada. Most of the time I wish I could just write the check and skip the commitment, but for scouts we go whole hog. The fact is I think everyone should know how to sell. Even if it's not something one pursues long term the skill alone will help in so many other aspects of life! I mean no one dreams their child is going to be an insurance sales person or a used car sales associate, but at the very least you've got to sell yourself to an employer or a mate. Sell well.


The DHW

Thoughts In A Dryer

I'm thinking about not drying some of my clothes. The only thing is I hate that crunchy, line-dried feel that clothes get. I'm SO not ironing so it seems in the end I'd only wind up tossing the air-dried clothes in the dryer anyway.

What to do, what to do?

The DHW

Six Days and Counting

I've been sick 6 freaking days now. First it was fever now it's just sickness. When will this madness end? Why can I not shake this sniffling, sneezing, stuffy-head, fever that can't rest??!

A few unfortunate people have chosen to pick battles with me when I'm not my usually sunny self and have paid dearly for that choice.

Off to take a NyQuil and see if I can sleep this crap off of me.

The DHW

Day Number Three

I am challenged.

I am going on day 3 of wearing the same too-big shorts. I must do laundry since I know I have at least 2 other pairs of shorts I can wear without ridicule. Maybe not. We are in Texas so mid October means highs in the 90's which sounds nice if the clothing manufacturers didn't think every state in the union benefits from New England type fall weather. There are no shorts to be found for purchase that aren't intended for running marathons or catching a man...if you get my drift.

How bad is it that in spite of the fact I did no less than 5 loads of laundry over the weekend I still have nothing to wear?

The DHW

A Collection of Gripes

Just a few things that have ticked me off lately. Now I must get these thoughts out of my mind and off my chest.

1. If you invite my family to dinner please order for yourself as well. Don't tell us "oh, I have food at home, I just wanted to see y'all eat". First, it makes us feel bad and second, we recognize a stab at martyrdom when we see it.

2. When driving, please do not pull in front of me while I'm chugging along at a good clip. Especially when the other 3 lanes are wide open for your use. If that conversation you're having on that cell phone is so important that you are simply unable to concentrate on two things at once let's focus on the driving, shall we? After all that vehicle you're in, when not used properly, is a deadly weapon.

3. If you let your child run around without shoes on a playground please do not be surprised when there is a foot injury. Now you know.

4. We have this handy dandy thing in our neck of the woods called Freecycle. Got some old junk to give away, post it on the list and maybe someone can grant it new life. If the donor picks you then you pick it up and all is right with the world. The idea is to promote reuse. You can post "wanted" items and I'm sure there are plenty of people out there who'd love to oblige, however let's not get greedy or add the sob story. "I'm a single parent and need a washer and dryer. Please help." or "I'd like a new wardrobe for my child, name brands only please." Then there's the always popular "I'm a college student and need a new computer. Let me know if you have one you're not using." Yeah, buddy you and the 100, 000 other higher-education seekers in this six-college town. Think about it, do you really believe that Freecycle is a genie's lantern just waiting to grant you three wishes to come true?

5. Could someone tell my husband that if doesn't want our boys to use his guitar as a matchbox car garage, then he should put his guitar away. Preferably out of the boy's reach. Let me know if he listens to you more than me. I'd be shocked, but grateful.

I need a glass of wine to go with my whines.

Tah.

The DHW

The Test

I'm not sure if I'm surprised by my results or not.

You are a Social Conservative (36% permissive) and an... Economic Liberal (36% permissive) You are best described as a: Centrist Link: The Politics Test on OkCupid Free Online Dating Also: The OkCupid Dating Persona Test

I Identify

I've gotten into this video-on-my-blog thing too since I'm incapable of having an independent idea. I decided to start off with the song "Fallen" because I love the song, but also because I can totally relate to it. Nothing in particular and everything in general. At least once a day I can think of one way or another of how I've messed up.

It's good to know I'm not alone.

The DHW

The Tell Tale Signs of Fall

The air is a little cooler and crisper. We break out the sweaters (that we don't use. Again we're in Texas and those New England walk ads don't work for us).

And most telling, the fact I start shaving my legs every other day since I don't wear shorts as often.

Happy Fall, Y'all!

The DHW

Saturday Morning Knowledge

I have learned that if you have school-aged children you must get up and dressed as quickly as possible. The consequence for not learning this lesson early is to walk out into your living room in your jammies and find a sofa full of boys playing game cube and watching cartoons in the picture-in-picture.

The DHW

Rant On: Women's Clothes

I went shopping yesterday. I tried on skirts and some pants and all of them seem to have one thing in commom. They all have the zipper on the left hand side. Um, is my right arm longer than my left arm? Why is is on the side?

Very few of the moms I know can and still do wear mid-drift baring tops. We are not all built like Le Brit (and frankly, neither will she be now that she's squeezed out a pup) so let's add just a few inches to the bottom seamline of the shirt shall we?

The DHW

Day Late and Dollar Short, As Usual

It seems I was tagged the other day by the Dallas K's. Though I am a little late I dutifully play my part.

Fun with archives. The rules:
1. Go into your archive.
2. Find your 23rd post.
3. Find the fifth sentence (or closest to).
4. Post the text of the sentence in your blog along with these instructions.
5. Tag five other people to do the same.

This post happened to be a Stuff Portrait Friday game about my ride. In telling about my Suburban I write:

"It's a gas-hungry vehicle and I wouldn't be able to maintain her appetite if I had a car payment."

So that was fun! I tag Beth, Amy, Jackie, Dy, and Krisco.

Play on!

The DHW

106

The number of dollars I spent in prescription medication today.

Today J-boy was officially diagnosed with asthma. To some this may seem like a horrible event, but I am just so glad to have a reason for his ongoing coughing spasms that lead him to vomit. Oh, his old pedi tossed about the "A" word, but said an official diagnosis couldn't be made unless she actually saw him in an attack. WTH? Are we supposed to call you out when he's in full blow distress at the ER?

We switched pediatrician's back at the beginning of the year. It was one of those things where you didn't realize how miserable you were until you weren't anymore. My only regret is that I didn't move the boys sooner. I *love* their new pediatrician. She listens, she's in tune with what the boys need. She keeps me in the loop. She rocks.

So after the dx of asthma we went to the pharmacy to fill a buttocks-load of prescriptions. When all was said and done we walked about with $106 for COPAYS. Yep, we are one of the lucky American families who have insurance and can afford to get sick. I was so sad thinking of the single mom out there who's kid is in a similar place and has to make the decision of what to get. Food or medication. I by no means want to turn this into a rant about the state of our medical system - besides way too easy to armchair quarterback - but I think it's important to have compassion and do what we can. So when I go pick up my measley paycheck in a bit I'm going to donate a portion to our local People's Clinic.

The DHW

Santa's On His Way?

Check the date.

Today I saw a commercial for Christmas. Complete with Santa and twinkley lights.

Just a little reality check...it's 105 freaking degrees outside. Santa is no where on my mind.

The DHW

Me: A to Z

I got this from my mom's list and decided to complete it here instead. There's a lot of crossover so no harm, no foul I would think.

A - Age you got your first kiss: I really don't remember. I *think* 12 years old.
B - Band listening to right now: No band, Mariah Carey.
C - Crush right now: Aaron Sanchez
D - Dad's name: Dad
E - eating how many times a day: at least 6
F - Favorite band at the moment: No band, Sheryl Crow.
G - Gummy worms or gummy bears: worms
H - Hometown: Austin
I - Instruments: none
K - Kids: 2 boys
L - Longest car ride ever: Austin, Texas to Wilsonville, Oregon. 2332 miles according to Mapquest
M - Mom's name: Mom
N - Nicknames: E, Lainey, Sis, Mom
O - One wish: To raise my boys to independent, successful by their own standards, men.
P - Phobia[s]: Dying and leaving my kids, crowds, home invasion
Q - Quote: "Get messy. Take chances. Make mistakes." Miss Frizzle, The Magic School Bus
R - Reason to smile: My 2 sons
S - Song you last listened to: "Fallen" by Sarah Mclachlan
T - Time you woke up [today]: 6:25 a.m.
U - Unknown fact about me: If I told you then it would be known.
V - Vegetable you hate: Broccoli...ewww....blech!
W - Worst habit(s): Moi? Why none of course. Okay, showing every emotion I have on my face regardless of how NOT polite or p.c. is may be.
X - X-rays you've had: Back, wrist, collarbone, knee
Y - Yummy food : Tres leches cake
Z - Zodiac sign: Scorpio

Exactly How Long IS "As Soon As I Have A Chance"?

How long can one reasonably expect to leave a household duty in progress? I'm not talking about maintainence like cleaning the filter or vacuuming (though to me there is a start and finish to the task and by God, the vacuum cleaner should be put away each time). What I'm talking about is a one time, just-get-it done task.

I think my good friend Di's husband holds the all time record. He was supposed to get their 3rd car (the one that he wrecked the driver's side front quarterpanel) fixed and street ready so that they could sell it. Three years next month and it's still sitting in the driveway. Granted there were several steps to this process and many of them have been completed, but the final deed has not been done.

Papa has been promising to shred, burn or otherwise destroy several files we have from when we had our agency. The original documents are with the company and we have the copies. The thing is we no longer have access to the big shredder. We did burn quite a few of the files in the backyard, but really you can only do that so much before the neighbors get a bit ticked.

This desire for me to have a clean garage has been going on for about 6 months. I've sold, purged, donated, rearranged, given-away and/or thrown away more stuff that I am able to enumerate in order to reach this goal. I WANT A CLEAN GARAGE!

So should I just throw it away? Stick it all in a big bag, put it in the big can and set it out at the curb? How long would my guilt last knowing the contents weren't *completely* destroyed before being sent to the landfill? Would the sheer liberation of having yet two more boxes cleared out of the garage mitigate the guilt?

So tell me in word or in deed (i.e. pictures) what is your undone project?

The DHW

Yet Another Getting-to-Know-You Game

1. Who was President of the Untied States when you were born? Nixon
2. Do you know what Day of the week you were born? Tuesday. What time of the day? 11:04 a.m.
3. Were you born at home? A hospital? The front seat of your parents car? Hospital.
4. Have you ever researched your family tree? No. I'm afraid of what I will find. Allow me to live in blissful ignorance for awhile longer.
5. How old where you when you first started school? 5, but I took Kindergarten twice.
6. Can you name a teacher from your years of attending grammar school? Mrs. Glover, Mr. Stamp, Mrs. Haste, Mr. Douglas, Ms. Custis, Mr. Stewart, Ms. Soine, and Mrs. Weaver. Anything after that is high school and I had lots of teachers.
7. How old were you when you developed your first crush on a boy/girl? I’m sure it was 3rd or 4th grade. What was his/her first name? Damned if I remember.
8. Did you graduate high school? Yes. Do you know the date of your graduation? May 26.
9. Did you attend college? Yes. Do you know the date of your graduation? August 12.
10. What was your first job? (Not counting babysitting). Collating papers for a project at Tracor, Inc., but I do believe that was cash off the record since I was 14 so RPJ was HEB.
11. Are you married? Yes. If so, how did you meet your spouse? At work. Was it love at first sight? No, he thought I was pest (though he’ll deny it).
12. How long did you date your spouse before the two you married? Two years before we got engaged and about 18 months engagement, so 3.5 years total. Yeah, that sounds about right.
13. What month of the year were you married in? January. Were you married in the morning? The afternoon? 4:30 p.m.
14. Were you married by the clergy, or did you have a civil ceremony? In the church.
15. Were you nervous during your wedding ceremony? Well, yeah.
16. After your wedding, did you and your spouse go away for a honeymoon? Yep, to Disney World.
17. Does your spouse get along with your mother? Yes. Your father? Yes.
18. Do you get along with your mother-in-law? Yes. Your father-in-law? Yes. They both drive me nuts sometimes, but then so do *my* parents.
19. Do you have any children? Yes. What are their ages? 6 and 4.
20. Do you live in a large city? A small town? The country? The beach? I live in a medium sized city.
21. Do you live in a house? An apartment? A condominium? A house trailer? I live in a house.
22. How many trees are there on the property where you live? 5 trees. How many buildings? One.
23. Do you have a "green" thumb when it comes to plants and flowers? No.
24. How many bedrooms are there in the place where you live? 4 How many floors? 1
25. How is your home decorated? Modern? Contemporary? Country? Early American? Modern Goodwill with just a hint of early Salvation Army.
26. Would you say your home is neat and tidy? A huge mess? Or some where in between? It’s “lived” in.
27. Do you own more than one vehicle? Yes, 2.
28. What is your occupation? Stay at home mom and part time 3-year old teacher & MDO administrator. Would you change it if you could? Not right now, but eventually I’d like to do something different that doesn't involve working directly with kids. I'd like to go back to accounting.
29. What is your spouse's occupation? He works for the State.
30. Do you have children in school? Yes.
31. Where did you and your family go on your last vacation? The beach.
32. Do you sew? Cross stitch? Embroider? Crochet? Knit? I can sew, but it’s not my thing really. 33. Do you play a musical instrument? Paint? Write poetry? Sculpt? Do crafts? I do paper crafts. I scrapbook and I make cards.
34. Do you have a good singing voice? In my own mind I’m rock star, but the people who hear me would strongly disagree.
35. Do you participate in any sports? Physical work? I chase 3-years olds and I walk with my friend a few times a week though we’ve been on hiatus.
36. Do you exercise regularly? If by regularly you mean when I think about it and have the inclination and time.
37. Do you like taking photographs of your family and friends? Oh, good Lord, yes! Are you good at it? My husband gets better shots, but I take more pictures.
36. Are you a good cook? What I make I make well, but I'm not exactly Julia Child.
37. Do you ever bake cookies? All the time. What is your favorite cookie? Chocolate chip with pecans.

Okay, let me know if you played.

The DHW

SPF: Oh, The Randomness Of It All

It’s Friday!

This week’s assignment is easy-peasy. A special thanks is extended to Kristine for making our load just a little lighter at the end of the week.

Okay for your viewing pleasure:
My kitchen
My handwriting
Something random





This is a view of my kitchen from the breakfast area. There are lots of things I'd love to change about my kitchen, but I do enjoy the amount of room. It's a pretty big kitchen considering when the house was built and I love that I can see the boys playing in the backyard while I make dinner each night.

Here is the view from the kitchen into the breakfast area. The yellow is a bit more "butter" than I was going for so eventually I will repaint. One thing at a time, Mortimor, one thing at a time.

This is the view from the door inside with the kitchen to the left and the breakfast area to the right. That little area is supposed to be a desk/office space, but some moron thought it would be a good thing to put this little spot right smack-dab in the middle. Oh, that's not in anyone's way. Ugh.

So for us it works as a communication area. Phone, music, calendar, and all the things we need to keep this household running smoothly so long as we don't need to sit down.

Killing two birds with one stone the blog world gets to see my handwriting and my son gets to practice "The Eyes of Texas" for the game.

Let's all sing together now that you have the words right in front of you.

Hook 'em, Horns!

I know some of you know what these stacks are for and you're probably screaming in your mind (or maybe even out loud). These are books of spelling tests. My job as the room parent is to rip out each unit in the book and staple the pages togehter. Then I do that 19 more times to create 19 Unit 1 spelling tests and 19 Unit 2 spelling tests and...well, you get the picture. I have to have this done by Tuesday. Anyone wanna help me?!

So this concludes another edition of SPF. Thanks so much for taking the time to listen to my mad ramblings and let's get together again really soon.

The DHW

WBW: My Own Version of Best Dressed

Sorry The Kept Woman, I didn't have time to go digging through my pix this week's WBW, but I did have a chance to snap this shot of my GQ inspired boy. Unfortunately he seems to share his mother's sense of fashion, though I don't think I could pull off the black socks and L.L. Bean navy (what are those shoes called) mocs as well as he does.

All I can say is at least he dresses himself every morning. We'll have to work on *what* he dresses himself in each day.

The DHW

Four Years Ago Today

Today marks the fourth anniversary of the day that changed the world. The Kept Woman asks us where we were the day the world stopped turning.

I was nursing my 3 month old baby.

I had just had my second son and I was sitting on the recliner when my mom told me to turn on the news. She said a plane hit a World Trade Center tower and while the news was covering the crash another plane flew right into the second tower. I flipped on the TV and watched. And watched. And watched.

That day I was going to Papa’s office for a few hours to get his files organized while he kept the boys. I got to his office and the television was on, but nobody was working. We all stayed glued to the TV and the files remained where they were the day before. Nothing got done. All the appointments with clients scheduled for that day were cancelled by the clients who couldn’t focus. In the world of sales this is not good. In some ways I don’t think our business was ever the same after 9/11. We took a direct hit at first, but really it was more of a life evaluation based on you-never-know-what’s-going-to-happen that made us decide ultimately to close our doors two years later.

Another indirect consequence of 9/11 for me was depression. Granted at 3 months postpartum I was already at risk, but the events of 9/11 certainly sent me over the psychological edge. I remember being so sad about everything that I wasn’t able to even enjoy my own son. I was constantly crying and not just a boo-hoo, but earth shaking sobs. Then the panic attacks started. Consider that my first son was born in January 1999 and three months later in April 1999 the worst case of school violence occurred at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado. And now the terrorist attacks three months after my second child was born. Admittedly, my body was a hormonal mess, but my mind kept going back to what kind of world did I bring my kids into? I was depressed. I felt guilty. The saddest part is that I stayed this way for over a year and a half before going to get help. I simply didn’t know it didn’t have to be this way. Finally I went and got help (and no, Mr. Cruise, it was not through vitamins and exercise alone), but that’s a story for another post.

I didn’t know anyone at the time that was directly affected by the events of that day, but I’ve since made a friend that was very close to the tragedy. It’s interesting to hear her tell of the day that changed the world having been so close to it all.

I haven’t been on a plane since that day and I still have no desire to do so now. I don’t want to visit other countries; I don’t want to leave my safe little world. Maybe with time and distance my views will change, but not now. Something I heard recently that just haunts me is the ticket clerk who put two of the terrorist on the flight that hit one of the towers killed herself. It breaks my heart to think that in some way she held herself responsible enough to end her own life. To me she was equally a victim of the terrorist attacks. I pray that she has found peace.

I pray for each of you on this saddest of anniversaries we all share.

The DHW

What's The Haps?

I heard this on a Roseanne episode. I wonder if it's made it's way back to cool again? Is cool cool?

Anyway, I updated my blog links. They're in alphabetical order, not in order of favorite. You know that YOU are my favorite.

There's not much there right now, but enjoy. If I know you're out there I'd love to add you to my reads. Oh, and if you hear of any more good blogs games do keep me in the know.

The DHW

SPF: Threads, Oogling and a Hail Mary

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

LET'S GET READY TO RUMBLE!!!

STUFF PORTRAIT FRIDAY - SHAUN STYLE

This week our team leaders over at Random and Odd have called the play of SPFing (is that a verb?) team spirit.

1. Your favorite 'team' paraphenalia. (shirts, hats, washing machines...whatever you have that shows off your favorite team)
2. This is a 'google hunt' picture. Go find a picture of your favorite player from your team and post it.
3. Dig through some old pictures and show me one of you at a tailgating party, block party, or Superbowl party. I know you've got to have something like that.

Team Threads

Well, the boob shot in my profile should give away some of my team spirit. The hat goes with the shirt in my profile and is great for bad hair days. No, it's not burnt orange, but it's got a great girly-mommy spin doncha think?




In spite of the pink departure, I am doing everything possible to make sure my boys bleed burnt orange. My family is with me on this life goal.

J-boy looking very on-his-way-to-college in this ensemble.

Z-boy in his burnt orange finest.

Hook 'em, Horns!

A Google Hunt

Or as I like to think of it, an "oogle" hunt.

My hunt wasn’t for football. If I’m googling athletes then is for my baseball boys. Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter. I could give a rat’s ass what their RBI or other stats are for this season or any other. This is a visual sport, if you know what I mean…*wink, wink*.

Alex Rodriguez. Lawdy, this man is good looking. Yeah, yeah, I'm sure he can play ball, but oh, so not the point. Can I say it's really nice to have Latinos climbing the food chain?

Quite a player, both on and off the field. That's okay, Derek, honey. Get it out of your system. I'll be waiting here for you and then we can live happily ever after.

Papa is rolling his eyes at me, but a girl can have her dreams. Isn't that what it's all about, Oprah?

Party Plays

In the interest of time I had to go with our “Hail Mary” play: Show me a picture of your kid in their sports jersey.




The one season my kids played soccer. They tried it and now their done. The best thing they liked about soccer was the end of season pizza party. Me too.

So there you have it, folks. Another glimpse into our world. I can see you yawning!

The DHW

Way Back Wednesday: We've Got Spirit, Yes, We Do...

...We've got spirit, how 'bout you?

Okay, the first thing you need to know is I didn't have spirit in school. It's not that I disliked our school or anything, quite the contrary. I went to the best high school in Austin. My mom and dad graduated from there 20 years before me. My grandfather graduated from the same high school many years before my parents. Hell, we were a legacy. MY boys will go there in 8 more years. My lack of spirit was a casuality of my generation. In the late 80's we were on the cusp of the gen-x/slacker era.

Except for that one year when I went out for drill team I did nothing. I couldn't make my weight cap so I couldn't dance so what was the point? You see apparently at 5' 1" you are considered a heffer over 111 pounds [the limit to dance at the game on Friday nights]. I was 118 in high school so I was clearly too porky to dance. Hmmm, I wonder why so many girls are suffering from eating disorders? Couldn't have anything to do with those kinds of requirements? Nahhhhh. Let's just say I only wish I was the in the heavy-weight class of 118 these days.

The only evidence that I had school spirit was my graduation photo. It proves that in fact I participated in graduation ceremonies and wore the official school colors: maroon and white. C'mon though our mascot was a "Maroon". Do you know what that is? It's the head of a comet. Seriously. What clever student council member came up with that over a 100 years ago? Go, Maroons!

However, our school fight song is classic!

"Beer, beer for old Austin High;
Bring out the whiskey, bring out the rye.
Send those freshman out for gin and
Don't let a sober senior in!
We never stagger; we never fall.
We are the [class level, i.e. junior]. We conquer all!
All ye saints of Austin High are
Out on the drunk again!"

No shit, we sang this at school assemblies and pep rallies. And now it will be in my head all day thankyouverymuch.




Given how much crap I'm into these days surronding my boys you might not believe I didn't do jack in school, but 'tis true.

Thanks to The Kept Woman for this little jaunt down memory lane.

The DHW

These Three Things

3 things I want to do before I die:
1) Raise my kids to be happy, independent, successful by-their-own-definition adults
2) Retake my honeymoon (I pnemonia on the first one)
3) Pay off my student loan

3 things I can do:
1) Give what I can and not feel guilty about what I can't give
2) Bake like I was the Dough Boy
3) Preserve our family past and create routines & traditions

3 things I can't do:
1) Wear a thong (sorry, Kami and Mama Duck)
2) Pretend I like someone when I don't
3) Save the world

3 things I say most:
1) No, thank you
2) Stop it, Critter!
3) 1,2,3 all eyes on me!

3 celebrity crushes:
1) Lance Armstrong
2) Ty Pennington
3) Aaron Sanchez (Iron Chef America)

Cool.

The DHW

SPF: Drinks, Clinks and Crapapalooza

Or just more reason why mommies love mood elevating pharmaceuticals.




Exhibit 1: Your Drink of Choice

Ah, nothing like the sweet taste of booze and caffeine. In this instance I don't indulge together. I love the Smirnoff Twist, madarine orange flavor. Umm ummm! Takes me back to my high school wine cooler days. I never was a Bud girl...he he! Also a high school vice is my diet coke. I don't care how bad for me it is I need at least one a day. I've gone so far as to get the caffeine free from time to time, but I won't let go of my aspertame or now my Splenda. I must have my coffee in the morning and my diet coke during the day. Hey, I don't smoke, I rarely drink (hell, I've been encouraged to drink *more*), I don't do illegal drugs (though my some of my mom friends and I were talking and agreed we'd try marajuana in brownie form if it was legal...how can anything chocolate be bad??) the least I can ask for is my DIET COKE!!!

Exhibit 2: My trunk
I don't have an honest to goodness trunk. I have a vast wasteland where boy stuff accumulates. I have all the laundry that has needed to go to the dry cleaners for about 2 weeks (sure hope Papa doesn't ask for his blue dress shirt). In the purple bin is all the stuff I bought at the stores and decided to return. Yeah, it's a sickness. I also keep a blanket, bottled water and dry food in the back just in case we hit an ice storm in TEXAS and are stranded. The reserves will hold us until be can be rescued. Yes, I know logically this will not likely happen, but I do it all the same.

Exhibit 3: My Dishes

For awhile we had this idea that everywhere we visted we get the boys a plastic plate to remember our trip. Well, after a collection of Thomas the Train from Dallas, Rainforest Cafe from Galveston, Fiesta Texas from San Antonio in addition to all the other characters in our cupboard I think were done with that tradition. One of my kids will only eat out of bowl and sometimes it's just a paper plate kind of night.

For the grown up stuff I decided to do every thing in white so I could just decorate around whichever holiday. I can summer it up or fall it down by buying decorative paper napkins and tablecloth. How very practical of me, don't you think?