Scanner

A friend of mine recently watched this show on PBS by Barbara Sher. My friend found that she’s a “scanner” . Which basically explains why she is having a hard time deciding what to be when she grows up. I told her she sounds like me.

I’ve been committed to my little part time job for as long as I have only because they are SO flexible and put up with me. Sometimes I think about starting a business, but as soon as it feels like work my mind is running in the other direction. I get bored in the details. I love scrapbooking. I always balked at the idea of teaching it because then it would take the love out of it for me. Despite all my protests I did eventually teach a class at Michael’s. I hated it. All the rules and regulations just made drudgery of my passion. I guess we can’t all be Oprah.

I think we might have been sold a load of crap with this whole do-what-you-love-and-the-money-will-come notion. That’s like winning the lotto, a long shot. Most of us have to pay a mortgage, bills and eat so we do things we might not be all that amped about so by the time we can give to our passion we’re wiped out. Emotionally, financially and creatively. Maybe the trick is to be happy what we’re doing and not necessarily doing what we’re happy about? I dunno.

This much I know, I love being home when my kids are home. It’s more important to me than driving a new car, than having the latest techno gadget, than having my identity through my career rather than through my family. When my boys come running to me after the school bell rings, it makes up for every sacrifice we’ve made over the years. That is our choice. That is MY choice. Others may choose differently and I respect that choice as I hope they will respect mine. I’m okay being a mom and a fill-in mom (aka preschool aged teacher). I will do it as long as I am able and I continue to be happy.

-e

The Tears of A Clown

I guess that clown would be me except I’m scared shitless of clowns. The fear stems from “Poltergeist” the movie. Ruined clowns for me forever, but I digress. Still the title fits my mood.

Okay, maybe “The Tracks of My Tears” would be better.

I had my parent-teacher conference with The Negotiator’s teacher today. Papa couldn’t make it so I met him for lunch right after and boo-hooed so much through the meal he went back to work, wrapped up and came home. It seems our boy is falling through the cracks. He’s not Talented & Gifted which neither of us could give a flying fandango about and he’s not low performing so he’s just expected to keep up. The problem is there is no problem. He’s not a discipline issue. He’s quiet and sweet and empathetic, but he works too slow. How is that remedied in the classroom? If his work isn’t complete he loses recess and gets a warning. A warning about what? To stay on task. And how does that warning help him other than to crush his spirit and tatter his self esteem? It’s just a reminder to keep up, I'm told.

Bottom line? He’s falling behind and if he doesn’t learn to work faster third grade is going to devour him. Third grade?! Why aren’t we just getting what we need out of second grade? It seems his handwriting is bad and he won’t be able to learn cursive if it doesn’t improve.

He doesn’t complete his worksheets so he doesn’t get free time. He’s one of the last ones sitting at his desk. When he doesn’t finish his work he has to take it home to do at night. I asked him why he doesn’t finish and he says he doesn’t understand and he doesn’t want to disturb the teacher to ask for help. I also found out he *finally* got to try a computer site he’s been waiting to have a turn at and he didn’t know how to log on so he just sat there for his whole 15 minute turn. Again, why don’t you ask for help? He tells me he raised his hand, but the teacher didn’t see him. He’s so timid about asking for anything. No matter how much we assure him that asking is a good thing he won’t ask. I think he fears the rejection. When he was in Kindergarten and 1st he was terrified to ask the teacher if he could go to the bathroom. Papa had to go school a couple of times to make sure that The Negotiator was sure about the routine. He finally got it after 4 weeks, but he would still hold IT if there was any break in the routine.

I don’t blame the teacher. She has several rambunctious kids she is dealing with so she’s doing the best she can with what she’s got. She says she loves The Negotiator, but she hasn’t found a way to get through to him. Join the club. He just doesn’t learn the same way the other kids do. He takes longer to process, but when he does get it he GETS it. The teacher just can’t wait for him. Damn. Add to that the more they push the more he withdraws. It’s a vicious circle.

You’ll be proud to know that I didn’t actually cry in front of the teacher. I managed to keep my dignity together long enough to cry my eyes out at lunch with Papa and this afternoon with a friend. I’m looking into my options, but I think I know where I am headed.

Thanks for letting me cry this out again. There is nothing worse than feeling like your child is struggling and not in a good, he’s-growing-from-the-challenge sort of way.

-e

Bad Service Sucks

We had a work meeting at the new Scooters in our area.

The positive I can say is that it was nicely decorated, they had fun stuff for sale and they had hand lotion in the bathroom in addition to soap.

Areas of concern, they got my drink wrong. I drink chai latte, add vanilla, no foam. What I got was something that tasted like chai flavored dirt that was more than half foam and no vanilla. Gotta have the vanilla. Also the service was lousy. No, “welcome to Scooters”, no “what can I get started for you today?” What we got was a grunt of “I can take your order over here.” Golly gee, so good of you to be able to take time out of your busy chat schedule to totally decimate my order.

I swore I was going to write an email to the owner to give them constructive feedback, no bitchfest, I promise. So far all I’ve been able to do is schedule our next meeting at Starbucks. At least they get my drink right every time.

-e

I *Heart* Camping

You don’t know how hard that was to admit.

I’ve never considered myself to be a real nature girl, but camping seems to be much different. First of all, Papa plans and prepares all the meals. Since camping gear is the toys of boys, Papa was all too excited to play. I kept thinking what do you DO when you go camping? OMG the hours just flew by. We played in the river, ran around, went on a hike, pretended to fish and talked around the camp fire. Other than that we did blissfully nothing.

It was nice to camp with such a big group (this was a Cub Scout Pack camp out) because if we forgot something, some one surely had it for us to borrow. It was also nice getting to the parents in such an informal atmosphere. We laughed. We cried. We bonded. Okay, too much, but we DID bond.

Who’s ready for the next camp out?!

-e

Volunteeritis

No, not volunteerism. That’s when you find something you believe in and donate your time and talent to the cause. What I’m talking about is the need to volunteer because I’m a control freak. What I’m talking about is a sickness.

Someone is out sick at work and you need a back up? Sure.

The class doesn’t have a room parent? No problem. Oh, both of my kids classes need a room parent? Right on it.

Can I speak at the next meeting? You betcha!

Will I draft the flyer for the upcoming event? Absolutely!

Say it with me, “no, thank you”. Yeah, if I could say that I wouldn’t be here complaining and feeling frenzied right before I have the first of two meetings and picking up an extra shift in an area I don’t usually work.

I do love helping out! I do! Still I know my motives are not completely altruistic. I’m trying to control what I can. Control is my comfort. Not that I want to control other people, just the situation.

I’m working on it.

-e

Craftadise

Oh my gosh! Look at this room! I want a room like this one! No detail was left unattended. It looks like a showroom.

The thing is, even if I did have a room like that it would look that good for all of 10 minutes. I’m a very messy crafter and am at my most creative when things are all asunder.
So I love the idea, but the implementation would be sorely lacking.

-e

In The Zone

My co-teacher and I have been working out after class. We bring our clothes and hit the treadmill or stationary bike. I guess we figure that since we do work in a gym we might as well make use of the equipment.

Actually what has motivated us more is the t-shirt. The Y is giving away a t-shirt if you do X number of work-outs during the month of September. So we won’t work out for our health, but by God, throw a t-shirt in there and we’re all over this fitness craze.

-e

Fine!

All of you who gave me hooey about my writing checks win. I got a debit card. Just to be clear though, it wasn’t peer pressure from you hooligans, it was the fact that everything was being electronically debited anyway. Papa and I came up with a system to keep track and I think we’ll be okay.

I’ll let y’all know how it goes.

-e

The Big Game

Oh, not the game all of Texas is talking about today (though it IS very important). I'm talking about the one going on in MY house.

Testosterone vs. Estrogen

The boys are taking over and then inching in my space. We specifically set up the guest room in our house to be Mommy's Space. It's got all my crafts, my laptop, a small tv and just last week I bought a small comfy chair for reading and knitting at Goodwill.



Today I walked into my happy place and found a boy in my comfy chair watching a BOY show. Excuse me? If it ain't Lifetime it shouldn't be in Mommy's Space. Get out.

Now they're all excited because people are coming over to watch the game with us tonight. We'll have food and the game? They are well on their way to becoming little men.

-E

Who Are YOU?

I picked up The Critter and The Professor from school this afternoon. The Critter gets out about 10 minutes earlier because the school tries to get the little ones through the crowds and on the bus before the "bigger" kids let out for the day. So we're hanging out on the picnic benches at the front of the school and Critter is playing tag with his new pals.

To my right someone comes to sit down beside me and puts a sticker on my shirt. I turn almost abruptly, but catch myself. Holy CRAP! It's The Professor. I swear he grew in school today. I didn't even sense him let alone recognize him.

He's growing up.

It's breaking my heart.

-E

I Write Checks

Excuse my vent.

We have one check card between the two of us. It’s in Papa’s name so he keeps it and I have the number for online purchases.

I write checks. I used to have a check card, but I’m just not that responsible. I’d forget what I swiped where and there were little purchases – that eventually added up to big purchases – just hanging in the air and not in our check register.

I like checks. It makes me accountable when I have to write out *exactly* how much I’m spending at the time of purchase and to whom. It also gives me a record of what I spent that I can keep in one place and not in 15 tiny pieces of paper at the bottom of my purse.

So it makes me a tad irked when a store clerk looks at me and says “you *know* we run all our checks through as an electronic debit?”

And?

Frankly after I give you my little paper IOU I don’t give a flying fandango what you do with it. And then they make me sign a second piece of paper after I filled out and signed the check. Can I just had them over a blank check and be done with it since I’ve got to fill out all their ancillary paperwork anyway?

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t have a problem with EFT’s. I just don’t like the ‘tude that comes along with it.

I WRITE CHECKS.

Okay, that’s it. Thanks.

-E

My Pathetic Attempt At Self Entertainment

I haven’t been keeping up with my blog so my groups are the unfortunate recipients of my anecdotes.

I’m home by myself working on, or rather procrastinating about, getting out Cub Scout den meetings in order. Today was my day to knock it out. I have to inform our parents about the annual plan. Or at least refry the old crap. So what have I done about this task? Very little.

Oh, not that I’ve been sitting around eating bon bons and sipping mint juleps, mind you. I’ve mopped the floors, I’ve walked, taken a shower and put out the garbage. And while these are all very useful tasks, they get me no closer to my ONE goal for the day. As I’m clearing off the dining room table to make room for the books and binders that will allow me to complete this project I come across Papa’s birthday balloon. Weee! I read in my frugal-something-or-other that Mylar is great for wrapping small presents so I decided to take it apart and put it in the gift wrap container. I grab some scissors and cut off the end of the balloon with the string and wait…not all the helium is gone.

I take a hit.

“Did my voice change?” I ask myself in a Minnie Mouse tone.

Another hit.

“La la la la la la” I sing in the same squeaky voice.

Again.

“Near. Far. Where ever you are, I believe that the heart does go on…..”

Yes, I’m singing the theme song from Titanic hopped up on helium. It’s the middle of the day and I have a thousand and one things to do, but I’m amusing myself with this remake for an audience of three dogs.

-E

The Golden Cheesecake?

Went out with the moms again. Sort of a gathering of what is left of our sanity after having sent our young off to school. I didn't bring a camera, but if you're really interested in all the broughaha you can check our Crystal and Candy for more information.

I'm going to use my moment to discuss The Cheesecake Factory. Good night their food is expensive. Was it that expensive the first time we went? I was thinking it was a fairly good location for all who would be in attendance, but yee haw it was pricey. For one drink, a shared appetizer and a dessert I shelled out $30. Gadzooks!

I think next time I'm going to stick with Bunco potluck so as to keep the cost of a MNO to a minimum. You can get friends together to eat, drink and chat without having to take out a second on the house, no?

-E

Time Junkie

I spent my Serene Sunday crying to my husband of how sick I am of the kids being home and how I can't wait for school to start. I was upset because I didn't have any time to have a consecutive thought or have any sort of order to this madhouse. Then I felt terrible because I felt that way. I'm their mom, for goodness sake! The sound of their noises should be music to my ears, but it just makes me crazy. Not all the time, but enough time over these last 12 weeks that the constant sound it wearing on me. I sound nuts.

My big plan was to start running again, but that hasn't happened. What do I do with the kids as I'm running away the stress? Not to mention in Texas it's just too HOT in August to run except for early in the morning or late at night. There are people out on the trail and in the neighborhoods running so I know my reason is just an excuse. So what I actually have been doing is just giving up. I become Floppy Mommy and let them do what they want so long as it keeps the peace and some semblance of silence in my house. That of course, leads to more disorganization and chaos. At this last week of summer it's become a matter of picking my poisons.

Both of the boys will be in school this year. The Negotiator will be in second grade and The Critter will be in Kindergarten. I've been getting a lot of - probably unintended, but there none the less - pressure to go back to work full time. It's comments like, "I saw a job that you'd be perfect for in our employment listings" or "what are you going to do with all that time once the boys are in school?". Um, that is when I hope to get my life back. I really was considering going back to work to increase our income, but with the stress of afterschool care, summers, sick days, conferences days and the like it isn't worth it to me or Papa. I know he's been able to advance faster in his career (read more income) in part because he IS able to stay later, take on special projects and responsibilities without worrying about the kids. The flip side of that is that a huge portion of the home front responsibilities are on me. That can make for a very squirrelly mom.

I wish I had a longer range goal than getting through the first few weeks of school. I know that I won't work in a traditional job outside the home because of the conflicts we feel it brings to the home for our family. That assessment may just be a matter of habit on our end. People adapt and I'm sure moms that work full time outside the home make adjustments in their own way. This just works for us.

Listen to me! I'm always justifying staying home! And to whom? Not to Papa. His mom stayed home so this is the way it *should* be to him. Okay, back to what I was saying, I would like to find a way to do something creative that could be parlayed into additional income (and the tax benefits of self employment). So far I can't even manage to get the few things I have to sell off a few of the things I have put aside for Craigslist and eBay.

*sigh*

I'll let you know if it gets easier once they are both out of the house for several hours at a clip. You know the crazy thing about time is that the more you have, the more you crave. I used to have a few hours each week when The Critter was in MDO, but now I want more, more, more! I'm a time junkie looking for fix.

-e

Thoughts From The Front Door

Have you ever walked up to the front door and try to open it by pressing the unlock on your car access? I think this is a great idea for a home improvement gadget. How many times have I walked up to the front door with an armload of sumthin or other and stood there helplessly? The boys just dance on the front porch not offering a bit of help at all.

I was in a hurry to get somewhere today and scooted out the door full of purpose. I turned around after locking the door and met head on with a bill poster (those rodents who leave ads on your doorknob). I screamed. Not just a little "eeek" mind you. A full-on-neighbors-looking-out-their-front-window sceam. She seemed to be just as startled and told me no one has ever screamed before. Good. Teach you to leave that crap on my door.

-E

School, Car Crap and a Little Hanging On By A Thread

School is about to start around these parts. We've been spending our time getting supplies together, cleaning out our wardrobes, and filling in the blanks. I started back to stuff with the PTA and Scouts already. Makes the actual start of school seem almost anticlimactic. Well, no, there is still the pure joy of having both the boys in school and a house to myself for at least 3 days a week. I can finally tend to those piles that I am putting off until "someday". It seems "someday" starts Tuesday.

Papa and I are sharing Scout duties this year. He did a great job last year, but I am definitely the planner and organizer of the two. He is by far the better executer of tasks. We will each go with our strengths and have a kick-bum den. That's the plan anyway.

I took my truck in for her wellness stuff. Let me say the down side to not having a car payment is having repairs. Still and all, the damage to my wallet was much less than a new car so I'm okay, once Papa talked me down from my invoice-shocked ledge. My truck is purring like a kitten and I'm going to get her a bath today. She'll be all ready for school too.

I am ready for my kids to go back to school. I know, I work with kids, and I'm really excited to start back with them. I'm ready to get a break from my own kids. Y'see as a teacher I get the best of the little darlings. They listen, they don't back, the follow instructions (for the most part) and the follow rules (again, for the most part). To my own kids I am mom and I do not get the benefit of adoring students. We have spent a lovely **voice dripping with sarcasm** past eleven weeks enjoying each other's company. I think it's all time we made friends our own age. Do you know how much I miss being able to just run into a store? The battle of "can I take my gameboy in to the store with me?" every time we go anywhere is about to undo me. Not to mention during the summer I work less and spend more so my budget could do with getting back on a routine too.

-E

One Big Catching Up Post

*Whew*

It's been a crazy two weeks. I've been getting ready for all the back to school to do. For my boys, but also for me and my program. The behind the scenes stuff that goes on to get school in session is crazy. Then on the PTA Board at my boy's school we start working a month earlier than school goes into session. As a Scout leader we get ready two weeks before school starts. I wear so many hats it's silly. Still I love it! I love that my boys love it. It's a busy, crazy, happy time that will pass far too quickly. I must admit though, I'm looking forward to having my time back when everyone is off doing his thing.

Onward...

Papa's cousin got married a couple of weekends ago. This wedding was Murphy's Law and then some. The decorators left business cards on every table as form of advertising. Can you say tacky? I doubt the happy couple even knew that wasn't supposed to happen at a wedding, unless of course the decorator was, in fact, paying for the wedding. The cake person dropped the big bottom tier of the cake when they were setting up and assured the bride they'd come back with a replacement. They didn't. So the happy couple was short on cake and ended up running out to buy some cheesecakes for the guests. The margarita machine froze on them and the D.J. left early for another gig. About the only thing that was missing was the bride tripping down the aisle.

All and all it was very fun just hanging out with family at another rite of passage. Here is a picture of The Negotiator, me and The Critter. I didn't even bother to take the sunglasses off the top of my head at a wedding reception. Damn, I'm classy!

















Last weekend we went to a baby shower for two of our really good friends. Eight years ago Papa was the best man and I was the maid of honor at their wedding. Rae and I have the same birthday, but I'm a year older and Papa and Pepo are brothers from different mothers. Once Papa and I had the boys we didn't see our friends as much as we did before because, well that happens. Still they hold a very special place in our hearts. We love these people like family and are SO excited about their baby girl. The shower was great because we got to catch up with friends we hadn't seen since Before Kids. Our kids are now old enough that we can dump...uh, entrust them to friends and family while we take some time to be grown ups again.
















One of the games (and ordinarily I'm not a fan of shower games, but you give me 3 frozen margaritas and I am quite the sport) was to see who could diaper the doll - no, mom, it's an action figure, as The Critter would tell me - the fastest. Even though both of our boys have been potty trained for the better part of 3 years, Papa still managed to prove he's fastest diaperer in the Lone Star state. He spanked the competition and taught the Papa-to-be how it's done!














And speaking of Papa I totally have to give him props. Everyone has to have a creative outlet and Papa's is breakfast. He got up early to make the boys a special meal before he headed into the office. It was so cute I had to share it. He'll probably roll his eyes knowing I shared it with ya'll, but you won't tell him , right?















He calls it Airplane Waffles with Sunshine and Clouds. I guess the breakfast taco is supposed to be a mountain. How cute is that??

We also managed to hit Fiesta Texas again. Yep, we took our own food. Nope, we didn't let the kids buy anything at the park. I think it's criminal how much amusement parks charge for things and I refuse to give in to the machine.

Then on our way back from San Antonio we found out we were expected for dinner at the family house. Nothing like driving for 4 hours, smelling like sweat and river water to then be a part of a birthday surprise, but indeed we were. It's all about being a family.


-E

Crazy Knitters

I went to my first knitting convention this weekend. I guess it was called a knitting convention. I went to hear The Yarn Harlot speak.

Now ordinarily I wouldn't think there'd be too much to say about knitting, but this woman was FUNNY. The other thing you have to say about these knitters is they know how to make you feel welcome. As I was waiting for my two crazy knitting fools to go get their books signed, I was treated to beer and chocolate from the good folks at Hill Country Weavers. In fact, if you look closely at TYH's Austin post you'll see me in one of the pictures enjoying my brew. Look closely, it's the picture right below the group shot at the chuch (read her post and that might not seem as crazy as it sounds...then again, it's Austin, it might). Anyway, I'm the one in the blue shirt holding a beer.

So maybe Crystal will get her pictures up on her craft blog and you can see what the fun was really all about. In fact I'm going to let them learn me how to knit. I know what you're thinking - I don't really need anything else to keep me occupied. And you'd be right, but doesn't our beautiful city need another person creating scarves, hats and socks in a 100 degree climate?

Just doin' my part to Keep Austin Weird.

-E

UPDATE - in finding links for this post I found a whole section on Leslie, our city's cross-dressing perpetual mayoral candiate. I am astounded that Leslie has his own Wikipedia entry. (I know some of you will be more shocked by Leslie than the fact he has a Wikipedia entry, but stay with me here.) What's next celebrities playing the bongos naked in the middle of the night?

He's Frickin' Killing Me!

The Critter sees me getting ready for my class this fall. I'm busy making name tags, cubby tags, t-shirt and all the other fun stuff that comes with a new year. I'm buying new toys and planning new crafts and games.

The past week or so The Critter looks at me with those big brown eyes and tells me in a quivering voice he doesn't want to go to Kindergarten. He wants to stay with me in my class. And of course, since he IS my baby, I want him to stay with me too!

*sob*

-e

I Think Enough Time As Passed

I have a 10 year aversion to ramen noodles. We were so poor in college that we ate a lot of ramen noodles. I wanted to wait for years before trying it again because we ate it so much of it in our young and lean(er) years. Today, for some reason, we had a package in the pantry (Lawdy, I hope it wasn’t left over from college). I gave it a shot again for lunch. Not bad, but I wouldn’t go so far as to say Yum! Still I think I’m over my noodle fast.

-E

The Wheels In My Brain Go Round And Round or We Want To Buy A Car

We are *thinking* about looking for a new(er) car. How’s that for commitment? We know we will need a new car soon so we’ve been researching, but there are some things I’ve noticed. If you’ll indulge me thinking aloud for a bit you are invited to give share with me your experience and points for consideration…LOL! Okay, wandering thoughts to commence…

One, I’ve always heard that you should buy used because of depreciation – blah, blah, blah. However, if you get a car that is one or two years old with low miles you can practically buy a brand new car for the same amount and get incentives.

Two, I’ve always heard the rule of thumb for miles on a car is 10-12K a year. I’m finding cars that are a few years older have many more miles on them than the “average”. Has the average changed? Am I being unreasonable in my miles consideration for a used vehicle? The disparity between miles on new and used is HUGE. A lot of the cars even a few years older have like 80K on them, especially the Honda Odyssey.

Gas, gas, and more gas. I’ve been able to justify my gas-guzzling SUV because I don’t have a payment. Since we are going to have to acquire *cough, cough* payment with a new car the gas is going to have to come down a bit to compensate for the increase to our auto budget line. Of course anything would be better than what we’re doing fuel-wise, but I want the most bang for my buck in terms of vehicle room vs. gas mileage.

One of the things I may have to sacrifice is the third seat. When we bought our Suburban we had planned on having four kids, but we’re done. We stopped at two. The ‘burban seems too much, but a 5-seater makes me think it might not be enough room. I would be limited to carrying my kids and my kids only, read no carpooling. This has it’s pluses and minuses.

Rate of interest. It’s been so long since we’ve had a payment that I don’t know what is considered a good rate of interest. It is 5% good? Is 11% good? I used to see those 0%, but I haven’t seen them much lately. Are they still around?

Vehicles we’re considering: a Mazda 6 wagon (not the sedan and not the Mazda 5, I just don’t like the look of them), a Honda Odyssey (ca-ching, but we would keep it for 8-10 years as the experts advise…hell, we’d HAVE to), a Ford Explorer, a Ford Freestyle (but they don’t have much of a track record yet), Dodge Caliber Wagon or something Chevrolet since we’ve had one model or another for 13 years and had great luck with them. Do you have any of these and what do think?

Next to our home (and well our obscene student loan) this is one of the biggest purchases we’ll make. I’m so afraid of getting it wrong. I know some people buy new cars all the time, but we don’t. In fact I’d still like to eek out another year on our ‘burban and pretend to make car payments to our savings to we can have as big a down payment as possible.

Okay, thanks for letting me “talk” this out. I don’t have any real answers in my own head. I guess I’ll subscribe to the Oprah school of thought that doubt means don’t for now.

-E <-- who just may be terminally cheap

Woot! Woot!

I finished it!

I've been reading this book for what seems like forever. It's not that it was particularly difficult, but it was hard to get into at first. And, by God, I was going to finish it!

I think I could tell which parts weren't entirely true, but it was still a good read. If you get over the whole idea that it's supposed to be a memoir and just focus on the fact is a good story, you'll probably enjoy it too.

Th-th-that's all folks...

-E

Sometimes You've Just Gotta Face The Facts

I had big plans this summer. I was going to save money, get organized, take care of some home improvement tasks on my list, and finally start that project with my friend, J. Big, big plans.

I've done nuttin'.

It's just too hard with the boys home. "Mommy, can you read to me?" "Mommy, can you make me a snack?" "Mommy, can we put away the laundry before the pile crushes my little brother while he plays on the floor near the couch?" It's always something.

The other goal was to cook at home more. We've done really well up until this past week when the temperature went past the century mark. I'm sorry, it's just too damn hot to cook sometimes. We made a run for the boarder and picked up burgers this week. Baaad mommy! Bad, bad mommy! In my defense, I gave Papa the option of cooking, but he wasn't having none of that. In fact, he's the one that boogied through the drive-thru on the way home. So there!

I've been busy with work and my new boss (yipee!) told me to take it easy until Monday or I was going to burn myself out. True dat. I love the new boss. He was promoted from within and the new management team is kick-ass. Things are getting done! I work four blocks from where I live so I want to stay there as long as possible. With the price of gas any more money I could make somewhere else would only be sucked up by petro. They're flexible with my working hours, the perks have been great and they're really supportive of outside commitments. There are times of the year when I have to put in more, like this past week, but hey at least I have the flexibility to get it done. I haven't worked this many hours (43 in 15 days) in a loooong time. Remember I'm a part time employee. That's okay I could use the extra bucks, which brings me to what else we've been up to.

School supplies.

Lawdy, this is a process I think I'm going to get down to a science and I never do. Apparently there is going to be a drought on glue sticks because there are none to be found at Target. I'm having to go to a bunch of different stores to get the list. Then the boys want to add their own stuff to the cart. "But, honey, you don't *need* and electric pencil sharpener. The list says an enclosed manual one." No avail. So there are fresh arguements at every store. No, you can't buy a toy here." "No, we're not getting another video game." "I'm sorry you left your money at home, but I'm not giving you any money for that $3 piece of crap that will break promptly after we leave the store" (Okay, the last part of that I said in my head, but you know you would have thought it too).

All this has me thinking that I should face the fact that I'm not going to progress as far as I hoped. I think we might be at a place where more things get done with the boys in school. Oh sure there are more commitments added to the mix, but I have 6 solid hours of boy-free time. Quite a bit can be accomplished without the constant interruption. That makes me feel better. Nothing like procrastination to keep you moving forward with your denial.

So that's why I haven't been around much. I'll try to be better.

-E

He Sleeps

This is the only time The Critter is still. He helped me clean all of his "action figures" yesterday and now he has the love all around him.

Thanks for indulging me!

-e

SPF: Love Is In The Air

It's still Friday so I can still play SPF.

Y'all know even if it wasn't Friday and I really wanted to play I would anyway. Mmmkay, so what has Kristine got for us this day before she is about to embark on wedded bliss?

1. Your Love (show us some love)
2. Take us on a Honeymoon! (bring us somewhere with your pictures)
3. Something Blue (No sad faces before my wedding!)

I can do this!!

My Love, My Endless Love

Yeah, I could show you a picture of Papa, but that would be so expected. Besides I can't stand it when people go ad nauseum about their partners (and Papa got a whole Thirteen Thursday devoted to his praise a few weeks ago).















So this is is my new love. She came home to me for Mother's Day and we've been best of friends ever since. She's the first one I talk to in the morning and the last one I check in with at night.

I love her.

Hey, E, Now That You're Married, Where Are You Going?
I'm Going to Disney World!

I'll take you there with stock photos since I would actually have to get up off my lazy rear and go take a picture of the scrapbook pages. Heavens, no! I couldn't do THAT!

















A Blue Day

[Blogger is in a bitchy mood, putting me in a mood in the as well, and won't let me upload this picture. You'll just have to use your imagination.]

This is one of those bitter-sweet times. My baby "graduated" from his MDO program and they all wore blue, just like my mood. Everyone else started out trying to be composed, but I made no attempt or apologies for my water works. I started with the tears and the other mommies fell right in line.

The kids were excited they got to have cake and punch.

-e

Bonus for all you who care, my wedding portrait. Who is that young gal?

This Takes The Cake

You know I love my in-laws, right?

I do. I just think sometimes they're crazy. I go right along with it because I love them. And because I'm waiting for the men in the pretty white coats to come and make everything all better.

So it should come as no surprise to me, if not to you, that tonight we had a birthday party. Arranged by the birthday boy's "mom", also known as my sister-in-law, or rather my brother-in-law's wife. And I love her. So I supported her. And graciously welcomed her to have her party here. The birthday party.

For a dog.

Complete with a cake. And singing.

The kids were pissed that they didn't get any part of the cake and guessing this might be the case I took the liberty of making brownies so we humans wouldn't be completely left out in the cold.

Happy birthday, Charlie!

-e

The Irony

I'm reading a book. Perhaps you've heard of it? "A Million Little Pieces" by James Frey. There's a talk show host named Oprah that had a segment on him.

Anyhoo...

I'm sitting here reading his book, which is very good, nevermind the controversy, and drinking vanilla vodka. No, it hasn't escaped me that I'm reading a book about addiction whilst partaking in an adult beverage.

I'm just a walking contradiction, aren't I?

-e

More Pointless Chitter Chatter

This blog is called My Polluted Stream of Consciousness for a reason.

...does anyone know how, or more importantly have you ever, removed popcorn from the ceilings. I'm talking about the acoustical stuff as opposed to the movie snack.

...speaking of movies, we took the boys to see "Cars". Cutest movie I've seen in awhile! Loved it! I was the one busting out laughing in the theater.

...July 1 starts my unofficial Christmas shopping season. I bought a bunch of plastic buckets to use as baskets for gifts. I also decided which homemade goodies I'm going to give this year so I can keep an eye out for sales on the ingredients.

...this fall I'm going to ride my bike to work. I figure I work .5 miles away. I finally got a bike so I can darn well get my ass to work on it. Unless it's raining. Or I have to bring a lot of stuff for a project.

...my mom's group was supposed to start a knitting/crocheting group. Hasn't happened yet. I want to learn more. Because you know I need yet another thing to keep me occupied.

...I read somewhere that you can preserve fresh herbs by freezing them in an ice cube tray with a little water. I did this with cilantro the other day and it worked great. I made salsa today and added a few cilantro cubes.

...I have an eBay feedback gripe. If I'm the buyer isn't my only obligation to the seller to pay in full and in a timely manner? Why on earth then should I have to post my feedback in order to receive feedback from the seller. Once my money is paid I should be considered an outstanding partner in this transaction. I don't like the idea of a seller holding positive feedback hostage. Pffft.

...I've been building my bar. This time with my rocking big teacher's paycheck I bought the staples of any Texas bar: Tequila and Triple Sec. You know, margarita makings. I figure I'll buy one bottle of something every check and I'll have a delightful selection of beverages for those mom's nights out. I want to get vanilla vodka next time so that I an make these.

Okay, I think I've numbed your brain enough for now. Thanks for letting me babble.

-e

SPF: Truly Random And Odd

Yeah, I know, it's been awhile since I've played. Just think of it as an opportunity to build up the suspense. You're all a'twitter that you've happened upon my Stuff Portrait Friday today, aren't you. Okay, thanks to Kristine for hosting this this mind bender.

Today's assignment:

1. Something with a story behind it. Photograph something that has a story behind it. And yes, you might have to actually write a little bit on this one. Good, sad, funny, made-up….does it really matter? It IS the internet. Be creative.

2. A Random and Odd photo. Pick anything. A picture you’ve taken, one that you’ve found on the net. Doesn’t matter. I’m making the rules, so don’t tell me what your usual blogger tells you to do! For this picture, the reader on your blog needs to write a story or caption for your picture, so get something unique.

3. In keeping with the recurring wedding theme, a photo of something borrowed. This is pretty self-explanatory.

Something with a story behind it












This do-dad is something my father-in-law got for us years ago when we moved into our first house. I always thought it was a little odd, but Papa didn't want to get rid of it. Okay. It made it's way around the first house and we brought it to this house I managed to make it yard art.

Recently I went over to another mom's house and I saw the same do-dad. I asked her about it and she was so excited to tell me that they got it on some trip and how much she loved it. I didn't say I had one at home that I've been hiding because I loved it in her home and I didn't want to seem like a copy cat. Which I totally am in this case. So I came home that night and dug it out of the back yard, cleaned it up and gave it a prominent place in my living room. Papa made mention of the fact that the do-dad was back now that it had The Mommy Mark of Approval.

Damn straight.

A Random and Odd photo















So you tell me, what's the story behind this little guy?


A photo of something borrowed















The kids aren't borrowed. They're mine. It's not the tree that's borrowed either. It's the lights. Or rather the *idea* of the lights. My good friend, Di, gave me the idea of the holiday tree. Every month we switch out the lights to reflect whichever holiday is going on at that time. We have Peeps chicks for Easter, flags for Independence Day, flamingos and palm trees for June and bats for October.

Tell me you played!

-e

Thirteen Thursday: Munchies

I had Bunco here at my house last night. As it happens we had thirteen women came to play. Part of our Bunco is that everyone brings either a dessert, appetizer or drink. So for tonight's Thirteen Thursday I'll let you know what everyone brought.

1) A black forest cake. Looked good, but I didn't partake.

2) Chips with guacamole and salsa. Pina colodas.

3) Fruit and wine.

4) Spinach dip with crackers and chardonnay.

5) Ice cream pie. This one I did indulge in...yum-o!

6) Two pitchers of margaritas.

7) Shortbread and chocolate cookies.

8) Boston cream pie and seasoned oyster crackers.

9) Garden pizza.

10) Lemon cream cheese pie and chocolate silk pie.

11) Another kind of pie, I don't recall the flavor.

12) Mimosas.

13) Blueberry crumb cake.

I'm getting hungry again just thinking about it! Shoot on over to the Crib Ceiling and let her know you want to play too!

-e

Musings From The Stream

I'm considering getting a Food Saver. I've been doing the coupon thing so in order to save on our grocery budget. Sometimes that means buying extra if something is on sale and this Food Saver thing is supposed to really help with keeping food fresh. I know all the coupon divas say this is the way to go, but I wonder if ziplock bags would work just a well?

*******

I was pondering the whole Star Wars at The View. I'm thinking this whole thing reeks of timing. She's a lawyer, it's all about strategy. Why in the world would she make announcement like that if she didn't have plan? I mean, she knew since the Emmy's that Rosie O'Donnell, her arch nemesis, was coming to The View. If Star had known "for months" as Baba Wawa says, then I'm betting Star does have an offer on the table for another gig. I smell an exclusive in the next few days. The View was hoping to be able to announce what Star would do next, but she's probably saving that for her new digs. That's what I'm thinking anyway.

*******

I want a digital SLR. I've been thinking about this for quite some time, but I can't decide *which* one. I've always been a Canon girl, but lately the Nikon holds some appeal. Enough so that I've delayed my purchase while I continue to ponder. Any feedback from the masses?

*******

I'm going to buy a new pair of "running" shoes. No, I'm not going to run, but I'm going to walk with the hope of running soon. I've been doing those Leslie Sansone DVD workouts, but I'm hoping to work my way up to running. I just feel like such a dork when I run that I'm intimidated to get out there without some training. I'm hoping to take a clinic at RunTex.

********

I think I'm going to buy the new Dixie Chick's CD. I'm don't care if they don't think they're country. Whatever they are I do like the new sound of their putting out and they live here in Austin so I feel like I'm supporting the local economy.

*******

I need to clean up around here since I'm having 18 women over tomorrow for Bunco and debauchery. Should be a grand time!

-e

A Shitty Day

I bet you think you're going to hear me complain. Not so. Today we are speaking in the literal sense.

At work this morning on the kids comes to us with her Cinderella undies around her knees saying she pooped. Great. Okay, chin up teachers, accidents happen. After assessing the damage, we teachers had to wonder what happened to the "load". The tracks just didn't look right. So we ask her, "where's the poo poo?" She doesn't know. Awesome. We can't leave excrement on the playground, because one, the park police would be after us, and two, it's just not nice. So there we are, four teachers hunting down a pile of crap.

This was SO not is the job description.

We never did find anything so we can only assume that she didn't have a full download. Ah, the joys of working with small children. In case you were wondering, this is why I drink.

-e

The Tide Has Turned

The Professor, J, seems to be well. He's back to eating us out of house and home. He still likes something really cold with his food, but that seems to be more about residual mind pain than actual pain.

The Professor wants to get back into activities so we went to the sprinkler park today. It's not the big, fancy one up in the swanky part of town. No, rather it's our East Side, scaled back version that has fewer sprayers and fewer people. I talked to a guy there that at first looked like a hoodlem, but I found out after talking to him he's a stay-at-home-dad caring for the kids during the day and getting his degree at night. Can't judge a book by it's cover.

Also the boys got a free lunch while we were at the park. Apparently there is a grant that provides kids 18 and under a sack lunch during the week. Typically it's a bridge for kids who are on a lunch program during the year, but it's open to everyone. Who knew? And even though we had brought our own lunch we got a little bit extra which we are using for dinner. Sweet. The recreation center lady was passing out programs they have and they've got great activities for cheap. Like a sewing class for $5 a month. Wow! And ballet for 3-4 year olds for $5 a month.

Anyway, we had a great time and plan to make this a regular outting. Especially since Papa works just a few blocks away and he can join us for lunch sometimes.

-e

Thirteen Thursday: Papa Is The Best

Today is the day we offer up 13 things about ourselves in order to get to know one another a just a little bit better. Krisco emcees this show so check in and let her know you played. In honor of a belated Father's Day I wanted to share 13 things I think are great about Papa.

1) He's so easy going. Yes, sometimes that translates to loosey-goosey, but for the most part his even keel compliments me very well.

2) He takes the boys walking in the rain. This is NOT something I would do since I worry about them keeping clean and warm - I'm a mom, it's in the job description. Papa will take them out and let them get wet and muddy and they LOVE it.

3) He makes breakfast every day. It's easy stuff during the week, but on Saturday he gets up and prepares a morning feast to rival Emeril.

4) He is willing to not only to wrangle his own kids, but others as well. Most of my mommy friends at one time or another have had the benefit of Papa keeping an eye on the kiddos while we got to talk. There is something about Papa that kids feel comfortable about him. I guess it's because he's 1 of 7 kids and the second to the oldest so he's had plenty of practice. It also has a great deal to do with he is a kid at heart.

5) He hates to order at Starbucks. One of the ways I get to tell him I love him with out actually saying it is to bring him a fluffy SB drink. He loves, loves, LOVES the drinks there, but is intimidated by the ordering process (tall, venti, with, frap, double, chai, blah, blah). It can be overwhelming if you don't do it often enough so I love to bring him a grande, cafe vanilla frappachino, with whip and caramel drizzle. ;)

6) He drops the boys off at school so I don't have to leave the house in the morning. Last year is was just The Professor, but this fall it will be both boys. I will have the house deliciously to myself after 7:15 a.m.

7) He kills bugs for me.

8) He fixes my sandwich just the way I like it. Mustard on meat, mayo on cheese. It took a long time to get this process down and he's a champ at it!

9) He *encourages* me to go on Mom's Night Out. Notice I say encourage and not tolerate. I know a lot of moms that get toe shuffling and hemming and hawing when they want to go out. With Papa he says every time, "have fun, we'll be fine." There is nothing better for a mommy than to have that kind of peace when leaving her young.

10) He's a great provider. Oh, we don't live in the lap of luxury and we've had our fair share of rice and beans weeks, but we've always had a what we need and then some. Whatever needed to be done, he did it to make sure we were taken care of, including working two jobs while he was helping me get through school.

11) He tells me what a great job I'm doing at home. I have this complex that we spend hundreds of dollars a month to pay for the tens of thousands of school loans for our education and I'm not using mine to fetch a paycheck right now. He tells me I'm doing the most important job ever and he doesn't have to worry that if something happens to him I can take care of the boys. Morbid, but sweet.

12) I like that he can talk to people he doesn't know. If he goes to an event with me or if we're at a new place I don't have to make sure he's okay. He'll find someone to talk to and connect with. He will also talk to my friends and make them *his* friends.

13) Papa laughs and encourages my crafting hobbies. We turned the guest room in to My Space and he has helped me make it my home office. I don't have to share with the boys...ewww...and it can be as girly as I want it to be. I have Hello Kitty trinkets, bright colors on the walls and Lifetime on the TV. He thinks that's great!

All rightee. That's it for another week. You should play. It's a great insight into your own mind and heart and, heck, it's free. ;)

-e

Fool Me Once

I understand mistakes happen in the business world. I get it. I can even be gracious and patient when correcting errors, some of which were due to just plain sloppiness. However, when I've called and asked very nicely for clarification and I am beyond kind considering it is the company's fault, do me a small favor and not be so surprised when I ask for confirmation of the correction. Case in point, my newspaper subscription. I get the your-subscription-is-up notice and I dutifully call in to renew. I asked for 26 weeks of one-day-a-week on Sunday. I even got a discount for paying up front. So I got the receipt in the mail and they applied the payment to the 7-day-a-week subscription.

*sigh*

So I call up and ask them what's the dill, pickle? Oopsie. They fix it and I ask for a confirmation. He tells me they don't do that. Really? You sent me a receipt for my initial payment why can't you send me a corrected one? Then he tells me that I can call back this afternoon to make sure it updated.

WTF?

Y'all messed up and I call your attention to it. For that I get the privilege of waiting on hold to follow up with you? Bah! Give me the kind of customer service my friend got. The store she was at forgot to give her her postage stamps. She called and they were so apologetic that they delivered the stamps to her. Now that's what I'm talking about.

-e

Procrastination Update

It seems just writing things down can get you moving. Once I committed all my procrastination issues to my blog that I had to knock it off my list. So here's where I'm at on my list:

2) I took the flag down...Finally. We are flag free until I get the Independence Day flag up.

4) I finally found a dentist. I love the administration and my friend at work used to work there so I feel confident.

5) Zowie! Papa's shirts are expensive to clean. He made a change in job and he's using dress shirts more so our laundry bill has gone up. I need to find a special day or coupons to bring this bill down.

11) I started walking again! Woo hoo! I'm also trying to get together for play groups where the kids play and the moms do an exercise video.

Let's see what else I can get done!

-e

Thirteen Thursday: Procrastination

Today is the day we offer up 13 things about ourselves in order to get to know one another a just a little bit better. Krisco started this line dance so head on over and let her know you played.

Thirteen things I'm procrastinating about:

1) Calling Papa's eye doctor and requesting a duplicate receipt for insurance. Easy enough, but it's a process. I've got to find out *which* doctor it it, find the number, call the office and request the receipt be mailed to us or I have to go pick it up....gas prices!.. when it would have been just as easy for Papa to get a receipt while he was there and put it in my "in" basket. I'm just sayin'.

2) The Critter's birthday was last month. In point of fact it was almost a month ago to the day. We put up a festive Happy Birthday flag to mark the occasion. It still flies today. I asked Papa to take it down, but I think I must accept it won't come down until I take it down.

3) Working on the Parent's Manual for next year. It's not hard, but I need to have thinking time and with interruptions every 10 minutes from the peanut gallery it's hard.

4) Finding a new dentist. I haven't been in almost 2 years because of a bad experience. I know I need to go, but the process of finding on and making an appointment is daunting enough to me that I keep putting it off.

5) Picking up Papa's shirts at the dry cleaners. He has a funeral tomorrow so I may need to get to steppin' on that one.

6) Updating the Scouts binders for the events we are in charge of this year. I still feel like I don't know what the heck I'm doing in this organization.

7) Taking the recycling in the kitchen out to the cart on the side of the house.

8) Calling people back who've left messages.

9) Getting together with the person who took over my PTA position to pass along this year's information.

10) Mopping the kitchen floor.

11) Getting back on my walking program (I got off track when J had surgery).

12) Taking in the desktop to get the DVR/CDR drive fixed.

13) Laundry.

Okay, take my list or feel free to make up your own. Catch y'all cats later!

-e

Whew! All Is Well

We came though the surgery okay!

I have to say that CHOA is the best! If you're 'round these parts and have a choice, I highly recommend this facility. They really do their very best to make it as easy of experience as surgery can be for all involved. We took the Skippy Tour yesterday so we felt pretty well prepared and thought J got an idea of what to expect.

J chose cherry flavored "air" - the mask they give them to knock them out on the OR table. He got to play video games while waiting to go back for his surgery. We were the hospital at 6:00 a.m. and home by 1:30 p.m. I hope he'll recover more quickly in his own home. He seems to be pretty aware of his limitations so that's a good thing.

I'll keep you up to date.

-e

What Boys Do When Let To Their Own Devices

Yeah, the dog really loved this...NOT.

Actually she didn't mind it nearly as much as I thought she would. Or at least as much as *I* would have minded it were I in her shoes...er...paws.

That boat she's in is an inflatable drink cooler that we used for the Sponge Bob themed birthday day party for The Critter. Maybe she does think she's on a tropical doggie island?

-e

VROOM!

Our little cub participated in his first Scout cub cart race. He did really well and even The Critter got to practice with the bigger boys. I'm hoping our den size increases. We lost two to moves and two to other commitments so we're a little small right now. Summer is not as busy with activities, but there is still a good deal of planning that goes on to make the fall run smoother.

Next stop the Back to School Swim Bash!! Of course it's our den's job to plan and coordinate so we may end up playing in the sprinker in the backyard with a bag of pretzles.

-e

Worries About Monday

In light of J's surgery on Monday I'll relay to you all my fears of what that day holds.

1) Death. I'd be lying if I didn't say I'm scared I will lose my baby. I realize that a tonsilectomy and anoidectomy are possibly two of the most common -ectomies known to man, but we're talking about a boy. MY boy in point of fact and I want nothing to happen to him.

2) Complications. What if he has a reaction to anesthesia? What if they take out too much? Not enough? What if?

3) Hunger. He can't eat after midnight on Sunday and I don't want him to be hungry. Or thirsty. I'm a mom, and therefore my job to want my child to eat. To be told *not* to feed him is just wrong.

4) Pain. I do not want my child to be in pain. I'd rather gnaw off my arm than have him hurt even a moment. I want them to give him something to take away any pain or I'll have to go all Terms of Endearment on them.

5) Recovery. I want him to bounce back quickly so he can enjoy the rest of summer.

-e

Thirteen Thursday: Suburban Crap

It's that time of week again when we take the time to get to know one another better. Krisco leads this challenge, but gives us quite a bit of free reign. After spending an inordinate amount of time looking for The Critter's game boy in the back of our truck I decided I'd report on the crap I cleaned out of my truck.

The third seat of my vehicle is just disgusting. I never get back there so it's very hard to police what my kids are taking, using and doing back there. Ewwww. The list of nastiness will send even the most insensitive cootie-o-meter off the charts.

1) Goldfish carcasses abound. The little fellas that didn't make it to be snack died a terrible death-by-crumbs.

2) Seven mateless shoes. How does one shoe make it out and one not?

3) Five DVDs that the boys swear they had no idea where they were if they weren't in the DVD book. Yeah, okay.

4) Eight lollipop sticks. Sticky lollipop sticks. Whenever we go to the bank the tellers send lollipops to the boys with my transaction.

5) Two Leap Pad cassettes. The books are MIA, but at least we have the cassettes.

6) Eleven empty juice boxes and juice pouches.

7) Two Sports Illustrated Kids magazines.

8) Three kid's meal toys still in the packaging.

9) Eight ground-into-the-upholstery fruit chews.

10) Four craft projects from Spring semester.

11) Nine fountain drink straws.

12) Too many to count playground pea gravel and piles of sand in the crevices and on the floorboard.

13) Ironically enough, one empty garbage bag.

Did you play? C'mon play...you know you want to. Okay, then go clean your car so that you don't have to have a list like mine.

-e

Buyer's Remorse

Today we got the boys roller skates. Well, there those tennis shoes with wheels that pop out the bottom. We made sure they were outfitted with the safety equipment, but I'm still worried. And I have no idea why. I mean I remember fondly my tennis shoe roller skates. The were bad-ass and I was bad-ass on them. I could do the backwards skate, the leg cross over around the rink, hell, I could even squat down with one leg in front of me. None of these moves would have been possible without my own set of skates.

So we're good on health insurance come what may. The boys seem to be okay and I do want them to be active, that's the reason I agreed to buy the skates.

I'll let you know...

-e

Thirteen Thursday: Things In My Pantry

More thanks to Krisco who brings us this game and encourages us to get to know each other a little better. This week I give you the thirteen things I've got in my cupboard.

1) Vanilla Wafers
2) Chicken noodle soup
3) Wheat Thins
4) cake mix - milk chocolate
5) Goldfish crackers
6) Hill Country Fare French Vanilla instant oatmeal
7) sugar
8) flour
9) rice
10) beans
11) can of sweetened consensed milk
12) cans of corn

Oh sure, there's lots more, but I only needed thirteen today...LOL. Okay, so did you play?

-e

Another Lazy Blogging Day

**Update** J-boy has swimmer's ear and not an ear infection relapse as I thought. He's grumpy as all get out and not sleeping well so that's made for a rough couple of days for all of us.

--

I lifted this from another board I'm on and I've decided to make easy work of my blog post today.

Okay, now on to the ABC's of me...

A - Age: 35
B - Best day ever: Everyday I wake up
C - Children?: 2 boys
D - Dream house: Spanish style in Mexico near the beach with a full staff
E - Eggs (how do you like them?): scrambled with cheese
F - For fun I: reading, scrapbooking, blogging
G - Greatest Accomplishment: raising my boys and being the youngest person in my title when I worked outside the home.
H - How many rooms in your place?: 10
I - Ice cream flavor: sweet cream vanilla
J - Jury duty, ever had to do it?: Nope, and I've never even been called even though I'm registered to vote and have driver's license.
K - Know any good jokes?: Umm, a few.
L - Last book you read: I'm reading "And Never Let Her Go" by Ann Rule that I got from Candy and her bookcrossing stuff.
M - Most treasured possession: My new laptop that I got for Mother's Day from my boys.
N - Name: E to friends and Lainey to family
O - Organization tip: Bags. I use canvas bags embroidered with what's in them to keep track of my different commitments (PTA, Scouts, etc).
P - Pets?: 3 dogs: Zoe, Hurley and Chula
Q - Question--most asked of you: Weren't you on the cover of SI?? *grin* Just kidding - probably stuff about kids since I work with them, but I surely don't feel qualified enough to give advice.
R - Relaxation - what do you do?: Read or blog.
S - State you live in: Texas...yee haw.
T - Talent(s): I can get 15 three and four year olds to actually stand in a straight line, hands behind their back and quietly follow me without losing a one of them.
U - Unique quirk: I have to have my sandwich in a certain order.
V - Vacation: We're going to two Texas locales this summer and to California next summer. We've been to San Francisco, Pacific Northwest, Atlanta, Orlando, Mexico, St. Louis, Oregon, Colorado,Oklahomaa, Kansas...
W - What are you wearing: Khaki shorts and a purple top.
X - X-rays you have had: teeth, back, wrist, ankle, knee, sonogram.
Y - Your hair color: Naturally? Boring brown. Now I've got highlights.
Z - Zoo animal: If I were one I'd be a hippo, but I like the elephants.

Okay, feel free to lift from me, but tell me if you did so I can see what you said.

-e

Summer Ponderings

Today is the first "real" day of summer for us. Before I had Papa here so it was more about family time. Now I'm a little panicked about what our schedule looks like this next grand twelve weeks. I feel this pressure (albeit much of it internal) to keep the boys active and J-boy reading. I think I'm good on the reading part having instituted a "quiet time" each day. They're allowed to read, sleep or just look at the wall, but they must have the down time. For me as much as them. Then when Papa gets home they'll be rested enough to have some fun with him.

The thing of it is I still feel like I'm supposed to keep them active. Hmmm...the great challenge with that in Texas is that it's hot. Damn hot. I can take them swimming and I will, but stuff is bound to occur like ear infections. J-boy can't swim while his ear is smarting. So what to do, what to do. So far we've watched TV and played a few video games. We've moved to more board games, but these are sedentary activities. There are some lovely trails in the area, but I won't go walk them alone with the boys. So not safe.

Mostly I'm just worried about what I *should* be doing. I blame that new TLC show "Honey, We're Killing Our Kids". It has these families eating soup and salad for dinner and working out an hour each day. This is the standard?? Okay, maybe the ideal, but I feel this pressure to live up to that level and it's killing us. The "coach" on that show said mom needed to have a calmer life. Yeah, right...calm when she's having to orchestrate an hour of some sort of sports-like activity. Hell, I think taking both kids to the grocery store should count for something.

Anyway, I just had to let out some of this angst. Intellectually I know I'm making much to about nada, but I go with my strengths.

-e

The Do

A bunch of you have been asking for a picture of the hair so here it is for your review. Ha. This was taken the first day I got it done and I still wasn't quite used to it so I'll have to get new pictures now that I'm not so freaked out about it.



Oh, and don't you love the purple bra with the brown tank top? What? You never would have noticed if I hadn't pointed it out? My bad.

-e

Thirteen Thursday: Summer Goals

cSpecial thanks to Krisco who brought us this game and encourages us to get to know each other a little better. This week I give you the thirteen things I hope to get accomplished this summer.

1) Clean up my craft room/office. I want it to go to more of an office than a craft room. Papa bought me a laptop for Mother's Day so I have my very own "space". No one gets to use this bad girl but me. Maybe it seems like a small thing to other people, but for someone who's kids eat right off her plate the idea of a small place all my own is just giddy-producing.

2) Teach 7 weeks of Camp MDO. We're doing different countries as themes and the research and preparation is great for teaching my own kids.

3) Paint the boys room. I want each of them to get to put their own personalities in their space - even if it does mean some crazy colors or whatever. It's just paint, I keep reminding myself.

4) Shred all the old documents stored in the garage. I'm down to the last three boxes of crap that were collected for years. Now it's time to get it gone.

5) Clean up the indoor file cabinet. We have a four drawer and that just makes us keep every little scrap of paper (okay, it makes Papa keep it; I'm a serial throw-aware). I want to bring down our on site paperwork to two more decorative drawers and not this big metal box that we used at our old office.

6) Paint the baseboards. I love, LOVE, LOVE!! my new floors. We're almost done except the last of the painting the baseboards with a high gloss paint. Okay...maybe I'll give this one to Papa...

7) Put a bunch of stuff on eBay, Craigslist or Freecycle. After pimping Pampered Chef I have so many stones. I have found that I really only use a few of them so the rest of them are being sold. I've found a few other things we've been holding on to that would really be better out of our house and maybe being put to better use somewhere else. This may be a byproduct of my HGTV addiction.

8) Visit every free pool or attraction in our town. We live a great town that has a ton of free things to do. I want to experience all of them with the boys!

9) Get J-boy's tonsils removed. Since it's already scheduled for June I feel pretty safe saying this will get done. I'm scared...

10) Buy bikes for Papa and myself so that we can take the boys down to the Velloway to ride.

11) Have at least 3 friend get-togethers at our house. We are so bad about not having people over because we get caught up in other stuff. We need to have connections and fellowship with others.

12) Find a church home. We've been putting it off for far too long.

13) Start The Grocery Game to try to cut our grocery bill down. I see that line in the budget keep climbing and with two boys I can't imagine it getting smaller. I'm just trying to control or manage it.

That's some of the goals. I'm sure there are more.

Did you play??

-e

Butterfly

Z-boy graduated from his MDO/PreK program today. So cute! I wanted to hold it all together, but I started boo-hooing the minute Pomp & Circumstance started. Of course me tearing up caused all the other parents and teachers to start crying too. Z-boy's teacher said she had a big speech planned, but was too emotional to finish. So here we are after the big event. All he can think about is the cake and punch they get when the ceremony was over.

I know, it sounds sappy, but it's so hard to think of my little boy growing up. Everything he goes though is an emotional roller coaster because I think "this is the last time we're going to ___".

Of course I'll have to look back on this post during the summer when the boys are driving me crazy.

-E

Thirteen Thursday: Evidence I've Turned Into My Mother

It's that time again when Krisco has us all getting to know each other just a little bit better. Usually I follow her lead, but I've been a rebel the last few weeks and come up with my own. As a belated homage to Mother's Day this week's Thirteen Thursday will review things I've said in the last week that convinced I am becoming my mother.

1) If you put things back in their place you'd know where to find them.

2) You don't have to like it, you just have to do it.

3) Shut the door!

4) Turn the volume down! I can't even hear myself think!

5) Try at least one bite before you decide you don't like it.

6) Why do you always wait until the last minute to tell me these things?!

7) You'll always be MY baby!

8) Don't slam the door!

9) Don't talk with your mouth full.

10) There is always money for books.

11) Quien te lo manda??

12) Yeah, but they're family.

13) When you have your own house you can make the rules.

Did you play? Or feel free to add your own here in the comments section.

-E

Stop Growing!!

Happy Birthday, Z-Boy!! You have blessed our life for FIVE whole years!!


I can't believe that 5 years ago today my baby was born. He went from an 8.5 pound bundle of joy to the hurricane of activity he is today. I think I'm even more morose because he has his MDO (preschool) graduation on Friday. He will no longer be a Caterpillar, but will blossom into a Butterfly and fly away to Kindergarten. Sob!!



Look! Mommy and Daddy brought me home a new pet. I'm going to keep him in this cage so I can crawl in and hang out with him.




Thank you, Dr. Seeker for making this birthing experience more than I could have hoped for. You brought my boy into the world healthy and happy. We can't thank you enough!!

-E

I Think My Weird-O-Meter Is Going Off The Charts

But first an update...It was an ear infection. And the second ear was well on it's way to being infected too. The doctor thought there may be strep throat too, but the round of antibiotics for the ear would kick that out if so.

On to my looney thoughts...

I checked out the new grocery store that is all the rage today. It's further than about 5 other stores I could go to, but only 2 of them really count since the other stores are ridiculously overpriced. I digress. I liked this new store, but I feel uncomfortable there. I feel like I don't belong. I feel like everyone in the store is looking at me like you don't live in this neighborhood (which is a swanky one at that), what are you doing shopping here? Get lost, you across-the-boulevard trash! Your neighborhood is two subdivisions over.

Now I know they're not really saying that, I suppose, but I can't help but feel I'm trespassing. No, I never felt that way when Swanky Neighbors shopped at the store that is close to me before Chez Grocery opened and they were traipsing over to my 'hood. And the new Mega Warehouse Store that is opening in, count them, 17 days would require Swanky Neighbors to come over to my 5 mile, but I'm civil.

I think a lot of this stems from a park in the area. It's called Swanky Neighborhood Park, but that's not it's real name. It's really a City park that just happens to be in that neighborhood, but some of the moms in that area are very propriatary. That is not my imagination, I've hear it from others.

Anyway, no real point to all of this other than I like the new store and I'll probably keep going to it and if some soccer mom wants to rumble in the parking lot, bring it on.

;)

-E

The Good Lord Willing And The River Don't Rise

We're getting to the end of this crazy season. I've dropped balls all over the place, pissed off more than a few people and left several things undone I'm sure. Still I can bask in my successes. I've passed out all the PTA goodie bags for kitchen staff, lunch monitors, teaching assistants and crossing guards. I'm still giving my time and talents to the end of the year hurrah and doing my best to make sure my students enjoy their last few days with me as their teacher.

Can't win 'em all.

I think J-boy has an ear infection. Shit. And I have to work tomorrow. Double shit. Okay, so I'll take him with me since he's not contagious, but I can't really send him off to his school because of the no fever thing. He has an appointment with the ENT soon so maybe we'll make it until Thursday?

I'm surrounded by piles of paper in this house. I cannot seem to get a hand up on controlling the paper beast. I keep saying as soon as school is done for the year I'll get caught up. At this point I can't help but worry a bit that maybe 12 weeks won't be enough to get my head above water...er...paper? My current plan of action for dealing with the mail is not dealing with it. Not my finest plan I'll admit. And I can't help but be a bit curious why we got two electric bills this month. I know I could just open the envelopes and find out, but why spoil the suspense?

I can't sign off without just a little blurb about Grey's Anatomy. Oh. My. Goodness. That was a pretty steamy scene between Meredith and Derek! I wasn't surprised that Denny died, and yeah the whole Izzy on the bed with dead Denny scene choked me up a bit, but hello! you stole a heart! If you believe in nothing else do you not think, at the very least, karma may have an intervention? Christina was ticking me off. A little, just the tiniest bit of sympathy would not be out of order here. Sheesh! And I love the whole George-Callie story line. They are so cute together. I can't believe I have to wait until September to see my family at Seattle Grace again!

-E

Mother's Day Madness

Actually it was pretty good. The boys got the concept of Mother's Day this year and did their best to let me have my day. I got breakfast in bed at about 6:30 a.m. and then I took *my* mom to breakfast later around 10 a.m. Then me and my mom went to have massages. It was the best! I'm all goofy from relaxation.

The boys and Papa all cleaned my car for Mother's Day. Papa said the 3rd seat would have sent my cootie-o-meter off the charts. Yeah, don't tell me anymore.

After all that we went to Red Robin for dinner and now I'm waiting for Grey's Anatomy to start. I made banana pudding to cap off the day.

All and all a dandy Mother's Day 'round these parts! How was y'alls?

-E

Floors other Flights of Fancy

Floors

I thought I'd post a pictures of the finished product since I'm so damn proud. I know y'all don't care, but indulge me.





Ain't they purdy? They clean up like a dream. I'm so happy with them. I'm glad we waited to get exactly what we wanted. It was worth it!

Mother's Day and Other Celebrations

Why is there all this pressure on *one* day when it comes to celebrations? And in the case of my family why can't people make a plan and stick to it? I said Saturday would work better for a Mother's Day celebration! Everyone has church at different places on Sunday not to mention all the other commitments, let's just give the poor day a break! First we're having something at one sibling-in-law's house, then we're not. Then we're having lunch somewhere else. *sigh*

Then on the other side of the loony bin there's still more Drama for the Mamas. First we hear they want to have something, but aren't quite sure yet. Then they're having a BBQ at mom and step-dad's, but there's no actual time because that would ruin the spontaneity.

Umm, oookay.

I have two small children who are scheduled to the nth degree. Spontaneity or any derivatives of the word do not enter our vocabulary. Tell me when you're having your function and we will do our best to be there, but do not plan around us! And for goodness sake's, if you pick a time and place, DON'T change it or it totally messes up everything else we have planned!

Where's My Hair?

As I mentioned I had my hair highlighted early this week. When I went to work the next time I taught my students saw my new do and they were a little surprised. You have to figure is little kids notice something new that it's got to be pretty drastic? My first hint should have been that my co-teacher didn't recognize me when I walked in the room. Anyway, while I was sitting at the play-doh table one of the little boys came up to me and asked me where was my hair? I told him this is my hair. He tells me "no, where did you leave your old hair, not the new hair?" I told him I left it at The Hair Store and left it at that. Sometimes it's easier to not over explain.

Party Week!

I just realized I will be a partying fool this week. Well, in so much that a PTA/scout mom can be a partying fool. I mean, we're not talking Animal House or anything, but pretty wild for me.

Z-boy's birthday is this week and we're having family/extended family over on Wednesday. Thursday I have my monthly Mom's Night for dinner and then pedicures. Friday I have my PTA Board end of the year soiree complete with food and adult beverages. Now this is the kind of over-scheduled week I like!

Catch you cats later!

-E

I Told You I Was Out of Creativity

So I had to steal this from Cassie.

1. How did you get the idea for your profile name? From a TV show. Then I changed the name of my blog (but not the address) and I thought of it after a few beers at the last Mom's Night Out.

2. What song are you playing now, or wish you were playing? I'm listening to Papa snore while the TV blares in the background. I *wish* I was listening to Sheryl Crow's "Wildflower".

3. Has the death of a celebrity ever made you cry? River Phoenix's death still makes me sad and I cried when he died. I cried at Princess Diana's funeral.

4. What colour underwear are you wearing? Pink.

5. Do you want a baby? No, I have two of my own and many nieces and nephews.

6. What does your dad do for a living? He's retired from SBC. Now he works part time doing something, but I'm not sure exactly what (I don't know if *he* knows).

7. What does your mum do for a living? Works in a law firm.

8. What is/are your pet's name(s)? Zoe Sonic, Hurley Knuckles and Chula Tails. We are swanky giving our pets middle names. Actually that is the work of Z-boy who is gonzo over Sonic The Hedgehog.

9. What colour are your bed sheets? Light blue with Khaki accents.

10. What are the last 3 digits of your phone number? 991

11. What was the last concert you went to? George Lopez

12. Who was with you? Papa.

13. What was the last film you watched? Secondhand Lions.

14. Who do you dislike most at this moment? The "caterer" who slapped a some cheese and fruit together, called it a "display" and waaaaaay overcharged the PTA. But, no, I'm not bitter.

15. What food do you crave right now? Nachos.

16. Did you dream last night? I don't remember if I did.

17. What was the last TV show you watched? A rerun of Melrose Place on Soapnet.

18. What is your fav piece of jewelery? My engagement ring and my longhorn charm.

19. What is to the left of you? a dry erase board.

20. What was the last thing you ate? Chick Fil A

21. Who is your best friend of the opposite sex? Papa - cliche, but true.

22. Who last MSN'd you? I don't have MSN, I have YIM, but I don't have it on.

23. Where is your significant other right now? Sleeping.

24. Do you have a crush? Yes.

25. What is his/her name? George on Grey's Anatomy and the other I can't say because it would embarrass him, but it's not really a crush as much as it's eye candy.

26. When was the last time you had your hair cut? Two days ago.

27. Are you on any meds? Yes, isn't everyone?

28. Do you have a mental disease? Yes, doesn't everyone?

29. What shirt are you wearing? Denim cami.

30. Are you sexy? Too sexy for my cat.

31. What's your favourite store? TJ Maxx.

32. Are you thirsty? No.

33. Can you imagine yourself ever getting married? -- Again? Like if something happened to Papa? No. I couldn't/wouldn't ask my family to "blend". I know it works for other people and someone else might make another choice, but for me as long as my kids are at home I wouldn't want to have to manage two often conflicting relationships. And when the boys are out of the house then, hell, I want to do what I want to do! I figure that's the payoff since I've spend the last 16 years compromising and meeting halfway.

34. Who's someone you haven't seen in a while and miss? My cousin, Louis.

35. Where do you work? At Casa P's mostly. Also the grade school and finally at a Mother's Day Out program.

There you go! Let me know if you stole what I stole.

-E

Thirteen Thursday: Things I've Been Doing Since I Obviously Haven't Been Blogging

Where have I been and where are my witty thoughts and contemplations I'm sure you're asking. So in the interest of time I'm going to combine my update with my Thirteen Thursday. Here are 13 things I've been up to the last few weeks.

1) Planning, organizing and implementing the PTA Teacher and Staff Appreciation Luncheon. I will address some of the horror in another post, but suffice it to say I'm glad it's over.

2) Doing all the administrative and accounting stuffola for summer and fall registration at my work. The end of the year is a butt kicker in my line of work. Everyone has questions and everyone expects me to have the answers. Riiiiight.

3) Getting my floors installed!! Woo hoo! That is actually what took me out of commission, blog wise, in the first place. It was a state of chaos in my home. BUT there were blessings galore with the whole installation process that made the inconvenience so worth it. First we got the flooring $.40/sqft cheaper than we expected. Papa and Special K were going to install it all on their ownsome, but Special K was going out of town for two weeks. Not to worry we'd live with concrete floors - and not that pretty, rustic kind of concrete either - until he came back. While we unloading the boxes some guy who was a friend of the guy my step father asked to come look at our floors (you following??) called Papa and asked if he still needed a quote. Papa said were unloading as we speak so come over now. After some negotiating Papa got the guy down to $1.10 a sqft for installation and they'd do it the next day. Hot damn! We were still giddy at our savings on the material so we reallocated the moolah to the installation. I have to say the guys that installed our floor did a fantastic job! I love it! I love having this project complete.

4) Finishing up the last few weeks of our Mother's Day Out program. We're making all the sweet and sentimental end of the year stuff that they'll keep until Mommy cleans out their room.

5) Registering Z-boy for...gulp!...Kindergarten. Even though I know the teachers and the school I'm still so anxious about next year. I will be leaving both of my boys 4 blocks away with someone other than family.

6) Getting my hair highlighted. I told the stylist to do what she thought was best. I was scared shitless with the results the first day, but I'm good now. I knew I had to do something drastic when I passed a window and wondered who the old, matronly looking gal was only to discover it was ME. I went to the salon the next day.

7) I came out of hiding on my online moms group. Not sure how I'm feeling about it all. I still feel fairly disconnected. I have a pretty strong real life community so I'm not really cultivating other friendships at a distance.

8) Watching all my DVR recordings. I do love sweeps month! Lost, Grey's Anatomy, CSI, Ghost Whisperer (yeah, I admit it) and Real Housewives of Orange County. Awesome!

9) Getting J-boy ready to have his tonsils out. We're going to the ENT this week. I'm very nervous.

10) Doing the overview for Scouts next year. It's a well oiled machine, but if you don't volunteer for something you get assigned something. That's never good. So next year we are in charge of the food drive and the cake auction. I still have to do the back-to-school swim party this year.

11) Getting ready for Z-boy's 5th birthday. The boy has BIG plans. We're having a Sponge Bob theme, but he wants Sonic presents. Mmmmkay.

12) Preparing the end of year goodie bags for Teacher's Aides, Kitchen Staff, Special Areas Teachers, Lunch Monitors, Nurses and Administrative Professionals. All of these people have been "celebrated" in the last three weeks. I. Am. So. Tired. And fresh out of creativity.

13) Selling some stuff on ebay. I have a ton of things that need to be auctioned off, but the task of getting it all prepared and loaded just seems to be too much for me right now.

Hopefully I can get a little more consistent letting you all into my life when school finished for the year. I'm so looking forward to the slower pace of summer. I want to hit every free pool in town. I was going to put J-boy in all sorts of things to keep him busy, but so far I've just registered him for two weeks of 3 hours per day of science camp. The rest of the time we're going to bug my neice at the pool she's life gurarding at this summer.

-E

Mini Rescue Heros

Where were they when my kids starting collecting those damn Fisher-Price toys? The original RH toys are huge. For J-boy's birthday my mom bought him this huge ass Hyper Jet HQ that is literally a piece of furniture in our home.

Now my kids are into the "mini" versions of everything from Matchbox to slinkies. Include a magnetic component of some kind and you have my kid's money.

-E