and good riddance! I am so glad to see this year go. 2008 has to be better I really don't think it could get any worse than last year.
I wish all my new friends here a very happy, and more importantly a HEALTHY New Year.
I think I will be starting this new year off with a cold. At this rate I think I will be in bed before midnight. Pretty sad really, my mom has the kids for the night my husband and I could go downtown to celebrate but I'd rather order some Chinese, watch a movie and stay home. Must be a sign that I am getting old. (Or just feeling real old tonight).
Monday, December 31, 2007
Saturday, December 29, 2007
It's the final countdown
Only a couple days left to sign up. Come join me on Blog 365…
Yes I am a tad insane agreeing to blog everyday for a year. The challenge was laid out before me and I chose to accept it. Will any others join me in this journey? Any other brave souls out there?
http://blog365.ning.com/
Yes I am a tad insane agreeing to blog everyday for a year. The challenge was laid out before me and I chose to accept it. Will any others join me in this journey? Any other brave souls out there?
http://blog365.ning.com/
Friday, December 28, 2007
13 years and counting.
Today is the 13th Anniversary of my first date with my husband. I sit here and think WOW, I have been with the same man for 13 years now, that is almost half my life. (I'll hit that mark at age 36).
We've had our share of ups and downs over the years,(What couple doesn't?). This past year being mostly hell. Well the last half of it anyways. But we always manage to make it through the rough patches.
No we're not doing anything special today. We went out to the Cheesecake Factory for dinner yesterday. I was in heaven it is one of my most favorite places to eat. It was real nice because we took the girls and my little sister who is staying here for a few days with us too. Thankfully the kids shared a meal thus cutting the cost. Both my girls fell asleep at the table too, granted it was after 8 by the time we got seated and I think all the excitement over the past few days had caught up with them. That and Madeline wasn't feeling that good on Wednesday. I think something she ate at Friendly's didn't agree with her. She was throwing up most of Wednesday night, my poor baby. She was a little bit off yesterday still but worlds better than she was and today she is back to her normal self.
I am gearing myself up Blog 365, blogging every for a year. Can I do it, well I am going to try, gonna make it my New Year's resolution.
We've had our share of ups and downs over the years,(What couple doesn't?). This past year being mostly hell. Well the last half of it anyways. But we always manage to make it through the rough patches.
No we're not doing anything special today. We went out to the Cheesecake Factory for dinner yesterday. I was in heaven it is one of my most favorite places to eat. It was real nice because we took the girls and my little sister who is staying here for a few days with us too. Thankfully the kids shared a meal thus cutting the cost. Both my girls fell asleep at the table too, granted it was after 8 by the time we got seated and I think all the excitement over the past few days had caught up with them. That and Madeline wasn't feeling that good on Wednesday. I think something she ate at Friendly's didn't agree with her. She was throwing up most of Wednesday night, my poor baby. She was a little bit off yesterday still but worlds better than she was and today she is back to her normal self.
I am gearing myself up Blog 365, blogging every for a year. Can I do it, well I am going to try, gonna make it my New Year's resolution.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Christmas the aftermath
Paper, boxes, and bows oh my!
We are finally cleaned up here. Clothes are put away, toys out of the death traps of those twist ties. (I hate those friggin' twist ties, how many does one doll need? Certainly not the twenty I took off). If someone wants to steal the little brush and jewelry out of the box, fine by me they'd be lost in the black hole that is our toy box by the end of the day anyway.
My husband and I keep getting the evil eye from our oldest daughter. We had bought her those Speed Stacks cups for one of her presents and are having more fun with it trying to beat each other scores than the kids are. Madeline wants to play with some of her sister's toys and vice versa. Lillian is at this moment playing with her sister's Moon Sand (thanks so much Auntie Julie, just you wait until that baby of yours is born, paybacks are a bitch. Remember those words). While Madeline is entranced by her sister's Light Sketcher. At least they share nicely. I am so happy that they are out of the "big, bulky, noisy, light up" toy age.
We are finally cleaned up here. Clothes are put away, toys out of the death traps of those twist ties. (I hate those friggin' twist ties, how many does one doll need? Certainly not the twenty I took off). If someone wants to steal the little brush and jewelry out of the box, fine by me they'd be lost in the black hole that is our toy box by the end of the day anyway.
My husband and I keep getting the evil eye from our oldest daughter. We had bought her those Speed Stacks cups for one of her presents and are having more fun with it trying to beat each other scores than the kids are. Madeline wants to play with some of her sister's toys and vice versa. Lillian is at this moment playing with her sister's Moon Sand (thanks so much Auntie Julie, just you wait until that baby of yours is born, paybacks are a bitch. Remember those words). While Madeline is entranced by her sister's Light Sketcher. At least they share nicely. I am so happy that they are out of the "big, bulky, noisy, light up" toy age.
Monday, December 24, 2007
Merry Christmas to all!
Merry Christmas my friends! It is going to be a long day. I have to finish up cooking here for later on today and tomorrow. The girls want to put their Christmas dresses on right now. And are not happy that I told them not yet. Lillian woke up first this morning and we heard a loud "Where are the presents?" followed by "It's snowing!" and here I was so hoping for a green Christmas. Have I mentioned I hate the icky white stuff? At least we woke up laughing.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
A night out for ME!
Last night I took some "me time" and went to see Sweeney Todd. OMG Alan Rickman and Johnny Depp in one movie I was in HEAVEN! I had to chuckle because Judge Turpin's (Alan Rickman) right hand man in the movie was Beadle Bamford (Timothy Spall) aka Peter Pettigrew aka Wormtail of the Harry Potter movies, Snape and Wormtail together again. And that Ed Sanders who plays Toby, what a cutie and what a great voice voice this kid has. I cannot wait until this movie comes out on dvd.
Madeline was pissed that I wouldn't take her to see it. A movie about a man hell bent on revenge, a barber by trade who slits his victim's throats and then helps the lady who lives downstairs turn them into meat pies is just not suitable for a six year old. I have to laugh though she is so my child. Wanting to see horror films and the likes. I just cannot wait until she is older and can watch them with me.
Madeline was pissed that I wouldn't take her to see it. A movie about a man hell bent on revenge, a barber by trade who slits his victim's throats and then helps the lady who lives downstairs turn them into meat pies is just not suitable for a six year old. I have to laugh though she is so my child. Wanting to see horror films and the likes. I just cannot wait until she is older and can watch them with me.
Friday, December 21, 2007
I'm no Martha Stewart but....
Holiday times brings to mind elegantly set dining room tables, fablous meals, tempting deserts the look almost too good to eat. Yes I'd love to have a Martha Stewart Christmas where everything just looks perfect. But lets face it with two small kids, house work, and Mads activities it just is not going to happen. Well it won't unless I hit the mega millions and can hire some help around here.
Anyways you don't have to be Martha to be able to make some yummy, pretty desserts, and in less than half the time it takes her. I know some Secret Gourmet tricks. Quick and easy fixes that help us moms out. Takes us out of the kitchen and lets us spend more time with our family. I'll be posting more quick and easy, along with normal recipes over at Good Eats. Sweet Treats & Eye candy so be sure to check there too, just follow the link on the main page.
This is a nice treat, that looks pretty and takes hardly any time. Got to love these no bake recipes.
Eclair in a glass
4 HoHo's ( or little debbie swiss rolls )
1 oz of old coffee
1 tub of Cool Whip
2 Chocolate Snack Pack Pudding
Peel the chocolate coating off of the HoHo. (Keep the pieces of chocolate coating together into 4 small piles).
Now cut the HoHo's into 5 small pieces. (4 HoHo's will make 20 pieces. Enough for 4 desserts).
Take a large Glass wine goblet and put 1 small spoon of the chocolate pudding in the bottom of the glass.
Add a shot of coffee to the cool whip . Mix it together so that the cool whip has a light Coffee Flavor.
Now add about a 1/4 inch of the cool whip to the goblet.
Now take the pieces of HoHo and carefully place then along the side of the goblet. Make sure the swirl of the inside of the HoHo is facing out. (Use 5 pieces so that they form a circle in the center of the glass that can clearly be seen from the outside of the goblet).
You will now have a small hole in the center of the glass. Fill that area with the small pile of chocolate coating. (Leave 2 small pieces of coating to decorate the top of the dessert).
Form a layer of pudding by drizzling a tablespoon of pudding over the tops of the hoho's and chocolate coating.
Now put one more layer of cool whip to fill the wine glass to the top. Drizzle a bit more pudding and place the remaining 2 pieces of chocolate coating in the center of the cool whip.
Try Adding chocolate chips or crushed up Heath bars (or your favorite candy bar) to the cool whip.
Enjoy! and Happy Holidays!
Anyways you don't have to be Martha to be able to make some yummy, pretty desserts, and in less than half the time it takes her. I know some Secret Gourmet tricks. Quick and easy fixes that help us moms out. Takes us out of the kitchen and lets us spend more time with our family. I'll be posting more quick and easy, along with normal recipes over at Good Eats. Sweet Treats & Eye candy so be sure to check there too, just follow the link on the main page.
This is a nice treat, that looks pretty and takes hardly any time. Got to love these no bake recipes.
Eclair in a glass
4 HoHo's ( or little debbie swiss rolls )
1 oz of old coffee
1 tub of Cool Whip
2 Chocolate Snack Pack Pudding
Peel the chocolate coating off of the HoHo. (Keep the pieces of chocolate coating together into 4 small piles).
Now cut the HoHo's into 5 small pieces. (4 HoHo's will make 20 pieces. Enough for 4 desserts).
Take a large Glass wine goblet and put 1 small spoon of the chocolate pudding in the bottom of the glass.
Add a shot of coffee to the cool whip . Mix it together so that the cool whip has a light Coffee Flavor.
Now add about a 1/4 inch of the cool whip to the goblet.
Now take the pieces of HoHo and carefully place then along the side of the goblet. Make sure the swirl of the inside of the HoHo is facing out. (Use 5 pieces so that they form a circle in the center of the glass that can clearly be seen from the outside of the goblet).
You will now have a small hole in the center of the glass. Fill that area with the small pile of chocolate coating. (Leave 2 small pieces of coating to decorate the top of the dessert).
Form a layer of pudding by drizzling a tablespoon of pudding over the tops of the hoho's and chocolate coating.
Now put one more layer of cool whip to fill the wine glass to the top. Drizzle a bit more pudding and place the remaining 2 pieces of chocolate coating in the center of the cool whip.
Try Adding chocolate chips or crushed up Heath bars (or your favorite candy bar) to the cool whip.
Enjoy! and Happy Holidays!
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Santa's dead!
"You have been such bad girls that he has up and died and you are NOT getting anything for Christmas this year. Not one damn thing!" I just want to scream this at my girls today. You'd think that this close to Christmas that they'd be on their best behavior. Pretty sad that here it is 6:30 and I am needing a drink.
They are driving me up the effin' wall. It has been one of those "mom she's looking at me afternoons". I just want to cry right now. I need a night out all to myself. How I'd love to go see a movie, or just sit at Borders reading a book, sipping on a coffee or tea. A nice quiet place with no children.
.
They are driving me up the effin' wall. It has been one of those "mom she's looking at me afternoons". I just want to cry right now. I need a night out all to myself. How I'd love to go see a movie, or just sit at Borders reading a book, sipping on a coffee or tea. A nice quiet place with no children.
.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Why oh why...
Why must those Christmas cookies we made on the 15th taste so good. They are better today then the day they were made. This recipe of mine always tastes so much better after a few days. Santa might not find any left out for him if everyone here keeps on raiding them. Then again this is Buffalo I can always leave him some chicken wings and a nice cold beer.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Christmas Meme
I snagged this from Laney's blog looked like fun.
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? - Wrapping paper of course. The kids have a blast unwrapping things.
2. Real tree or artificial? - Artificial all the way. I detest the scent of pine, and the thought of all those pine needles all over the floor no thank you.
3. When do you put up the tree? - We usually put it up the day after Thanksgiving.
4. When do you take the tree down? - Usually the 2nd week of January.
5. Do you like eggnog? -I never had it so I cannot say.
6. Favorite gift received as a child? - a purple am/fm radio with a cassette player.
7. Do you have a Nativity scene? - No.
8. Hardest person to buy for? - My dad and step mom. They have everything they could ever want. We usually give them gift cards for a nice dinner.
9. Easiest person to buy for? - my kids.
10. Worst Christmas Gift you ever received? - A long sleeved tye dyed t-shirt witha giant smiley face on the front.
11. Mail or email Christmas cards? - Mail.
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? - The Nightmare Before Christmas.
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? - January I am one of those ones who will buy things all year.
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? - yes.
15. Favorite thing to eat/drink at Christmas? - My taco dip, it is a must have on Christmas day in my dad's family.
16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? - Clear.
17. Favorite Christmas song? - Christmas Time by Bryan Adams
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? - Stay at home, the family is all here.
19. Can you name all of Santa’s reindeer? - yes I can. Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen..and I do recall the most famous reindeer of all Rudolph.
20. Angel on the tree top or a Star?- A star
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or Christmas morning? - both :)
Monday, December 17, 2007
I am so going to hell
Today was Ed's first day back at work since the end of June. As you know he has been receiving chemotheapy and radiation threapy for his lymphoma. Things have been looking up for him on the cancer front, his scans show that the tumor has diappeared. His blood counts are excellent. And most of all he is out of the house! That sounds so terrible. I am happy that he is no longer home everyday, all day. I was going crazy at times having him here. He messed up my schedules, he'd let the girls get away with things I would never allow. I felt funny just jumping online off and on during the day like I normally do. He had a tendancy to get underfoot with tasks I was doing here, keeping intrupting me if I was knitting or reading. Silly shit to, "Could you get me a drink? Can you make me a sandwich?" stuff like that. Now if he was bad and hard a hard time getting around, or was feeling really ill from the medications it would have been a totally different story. If you are feeling well enough to go to a sabres game you can get your ass off the couch and over to the fridge. I totally didn't mind doing all of this in the beginning when we weren't sure how his body would react to the medications. But once we had an idea and seen how well he was doing it got annoying at times.
Not having him here has been great, Lillian has been a perfect little angel with no one to rile her up. I only made one lunch. I managed to get more housework done with him gone than I did with him home. Hard to believe I know. The house is quiter, there are no sports on the TV. Hence no yelling at the screen for some botched play. Why people get so involved in a game is beyond me, I always tell Ed that they can't hear him yelling through the television. And a miracle has happened LILLIAN IS TAKING A NAP. She hasn't done this since daddy has been home all day. I forgot how much I just love nap time! So it may seem mean but I am glad he is back at work. I really think it may be good for him too. My main concern is that the cancer he had is an enviromental one, and going back to the place that may have caused it is a very scary thing.
Not having him here has been great, Lillian has been a perfect little angel with no one to rile her up. I only made one lunch. I managed to get more housework done with him gone than I did with him home. Hard to believe I know. The house is quiter, there are no sports on the TV. Hence no yelling at the screen for some botched play. Why people get so involved in a game is beyond me, I always tell Ed that they can't hear him yelling through the television. And a miracle has happened LILLIAN IS TAKING A NAP. She hasn't done this since daddy has been home all day. I forgot how much I just love nap time! So it may seem mean but I am glad he is back at work. I really think it may be good for him too. My main concern is that the cancer he had is an enviromental one, and going back to the place that may have caused it is a very scary thing.
And they wonder why
Ok I have got this blogging bug up my butt now. I created another blog And they wonder why. This one will have no real personal stuff just more humor, observations, and photos, things I find in everyday life to be amusing. It is in the very beginning stages right now, just one posting so far but I promise more will come I just have hundreds of photographs that I need to go through and place into postings.
Just click on the link at the right if you are interested in viewing it.
Just click on the link at the right if you are interested in viewing it.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Can't get warm.
I am freezing! I just cannot seem to warm up at all today. I have on fleece pajama pants a tee shirt and a sweat shirt and I am still cold. Have a terrible headache on top of it. And of course the kids are climbing the walls going stir crazy and my husband is being no help at all trying to keep them quiet. How he can tone them out amazes me. If it weren't snowing and blowing out so much, and if the wind chill wasn't 10º/12ºc I'd send them all outside, and attempt to take a nap. What I wouldn't give for a nice nap in a quite house, no kids, no husband just me. Maybe that should be my Christmas wish. There is a hotel here that offers a dinner/movie/jacuzzi suite combo. Maybe I should ask Santa for that, then leave him and the kids at home and enjoy a nice evening to myself. The more I think about it, the more I am loving the idea. Hey I can try to ask for a spa package thrown in there too. Hmmmm, yeah I like that.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
mmm...mmm...good
Oh what a day! I spent all evening baking cookings. Well the cut out cookies anyways. I did most of them with the girls earlier and am just finishing up the rest now. I have one batch left to go, they are in the oven now. When this batch is done that will make 200 cookies. Sad thing is I could probably eat most of them myself. I am going to have to hide some so they last until Christmas last year Ed and the girls attacked them.
The girls had so much fun decorating them. I couldn't frost the cookies fast enough for them. Oy and the colored sugar, so glad I had them decorating them in baking pans. What a mess! I should be frosting the rest of them now but I am sooooo beat. I just want to jump in the tub and take a long hot soak. I don't even want to think about the dishes. I am just going to do them tomorrow morning I think.
It looks like it has started snowing here I wonder how much there will be when we wake up in the morning. I really hope they over estimated the amounts.
Oh well off to finish the job.
The girls had so much fun decorating them. I couldn't frost the cookies fast enough for them. Oy and the colored sugar, so glad I had them decorating them in baking pans. What a mess! I should be frosting the rest of them now but I am sooooo beat. I just want to jump in the tub and take a long hot soak. I don't even want to think about the dishes. I am just going to do them tomorrow morning I think.
It looks like it has started snowing here I wonder how much there will be when we wake up in the morning. I really hope they over estimated the amounts.
Oh well off to finish the job.
Friday, December 14, 2007
beeeeep...This is NOT a test!
The National Weather Service Has Issued a Winter Storm Watch for the area
A Strong Storm Is Expected To Approach The Region Saturday Night. This Storm System Has The Potential To Bring Significant Snowfall To Western New York Saturday Night And Sunday. At This Time, It Is Too Early To Project The Exact Track And Strength Of This Winter Storm Or Potential Snowfall Amounts. Additional Statements Will Be Issued Regarding This Storm As The Event Approaches.
Well crap. They are saying anywhere from 8-24 inches will be dropped on us tomorrow night. Damn that Nor' Easter. It looks like a lot of the snow that we got yesterday had melted. I can see grass again and all of the snow is off my neighbor's pine tree. I was smiling again. Now we get this news (waaaaaah).
I did brave the cold yesterday for a few just long enough to take some snapshots. It kind of sucks in a way now that my husband will be going back to work. He is usually the one that goes out with them to play. I really hate going out in the cold to watch them play in the snow. I don't mind being out there any other time of year. I'm one of those people who is almost always cold. I think 70 is cool weather, and will use a comforter to sleep with then. (Now I use 2 and a fringe fleece one I made).
I just don't do well in the cold weather. Most people will double up their step to get indoors when walking from the car to the place. Not me, it totally slows me down and it seems I move at a snail's pace. I don't know why that is. I need to find some place where it is 75 and above year round. That would be nice. Very nice indeed.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Someone call the doctor QUICK!!
There is something seriously wrong with me. I am still stammering and in quite a bit of shock here. I've checked myself but I don't have a fever. A fever might explain the delirium I have just experienced. Now I'm just scared,
(please someone hold me!).
I was at the kitchen sink doing the breakfast dishes when I looked up and it was snowing. I said aloud to my little one. "look how pretty it looks baby, wouldn't it be nice to go outside and take a walk".
Did I just say that?
Did those words come from my mouth?
(No the couldn't have, they couldn't that is just impossible, INCONCEIVABLE I'd dare to say.)
Now anyone that knows me, knows how I feel about that icky, white, wet stuff. (get your head out of the gutter) Knows that in my household I refer to it as "The bad 4 letter "S" word". Hate is to weak of a word to describe my feelings for this stuff.
So how in the world did those thoughts enter my head? How did those words escape these lips? I never, never, ever would volunteer to go outside in this stuff. I only go it in it when I have to. Daddy is the one that will take the girls out to play in it. I may go out for a few minutes to snap a couple of pictures but that is about it. Like I said I hate it, I hate the cold in general. If I never ever seen the "s" word again I'd be thrilled. My idea of a white Christmas is a white sandy beach. Get the picture. So me saying that I want to go out in it must mean that something is wrong.
(please someone hold me!).
I was at the kitchen sink doing the breakfast dishes when I looked up and it was snowing. I said aloud to my little one. "look how pretty it looks baby, wouldn't it be nice to go outside and take a walk".
Did I just say that?
Did those words come from my mouth?
(No the couldn't have, they couldn't that is just impossible, INCONCEIVABLE I'd dare to say.)
Now anyone that knows me, knows how I feel about that icky, white, wet stuff. (get your head out of the gutter) Knows that in my household I refer to it as "The bad 4 letter "S" word". Hate is to weak of a word to describe my feelings for this stuff.
So how in the world did those thoughts enter my head? How did those words escape these lips? I never, never, ever would volunteer to go outside in this stuff. I only go it in it when I have to. Daddy is the one that will take the girls out to play in it. I may go out for a few minutes to snap a couple of pictures but that is about it. Like I said I hate it, I hate the cold in general. If I never ever seen the "s" word again I'd be thrilled. My idea of a white Christmas is a white sandy beach. Get the picture. So me saying that I want to go out in it must mean that something is wrong.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Cashier error in your favor...
...do you correct the clerk or pocket the extra cash? What if you have been shorted by this fast food place more times than you can count or received a totally different order on a few occasions? And the only reason you went there was its location and two kids begging to go there. My husband also loves this joint and still continues to go there despite this fact.
The drive thru lane was insane so I parked and took both girls inside to get take out. The cashier was chatting away with other employees as they raced about to fill the drive thru orders, I was trying to keep my girls from swinging from those line dividers that make you feel like cattle. Thankfully there was hardly anyone inside to see them acting that way. Anyway the cashier handed me my change and I just stuffed it into my coat pocket without looking. I grabbed my order from the counter, gathered up my monkeys and left.
When we got home get the kids settled with their food. I grab the change out of my coat pocket and notice that I got my $10 back with some change. I know I handed her a $10. I really didn't feel like bundling them back up to take back the extra money. And like I said we have been shorted by them so many times before that the $10 doesn't even come close covering the costs of what we were missing. So I am keeping it. It may be wrong but so what?
The drive thru lane was insane so I parked and took both girls inside to get take out. The cashier was chatting away with other employees as they raced about to fill the drive thru orders, I was trying to keep my girls from swinging from those line dividers that make you feel like cattle. Thankfully there was hardly anyone inside to see them acting that way. Anyway the cashier handed me my change and I just stuffed it into my coat pocket without looking. I grabbed my order from the counter, gathered up my monkeys and left.
When we got home get the kids settled with their food. I grab the change out of my coat pocket and notice that I got my $10 back with some change. I know I handed her a $10. I really didn't feel like bundling them back up to take back the extra money. And like I said we have been shorted by them so many times before that the $10 doesn't even come close covering the costs of what we were missing. So I am keeping it. It may be wrong but so what?
While you are here....
Scroll down to the bottom of my blog and sign my guest map please!
Also tis the season to be giving! If you'd like please leave me a little gift! I'd be more than happy to give you one as well.
Also tis the season to be giving! If you'd like please leave me a little gift! I'd be more than happy to give you one as well.
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Cancer stay away.
After today Ed has two more radiation treatments to go through for his Lymphoma. Then nothing until another C/T, PET scan next month. I hope that this mess stays cleared up. Last scan showed the tumor was gone. I am going to be going crazy next month playing the waiting game.
Boy has his getting cancer at such an early age really changed our lives. Some of it I have to admit for for the better. Doesn't that sound terrible. But this kind of forced him top slow down and spend more time with his family. Well more quality time. I think the girls are going to miss his terribly once he goes back to work. No more Mr. Push Over to help them out, back to mean old mommy.
I just really hope that it does not come back. I know that our lives are forever changed and any little thing might send him into that "could this be cancer too mode?" And I don't think that is any way to really live. Yet it will be unavoidable. I wouldn't wish all that we have gone through this year on anyone. I feel like I have aged a lifetime during this ordeal. I just want some normalcy back into our lives.
Boy has his getting cancer at such an early age really changed our lives. Some of it I have to admit for for the better. Doesn't that sound terrible. But this kind of forced him top slow down and spend more time with his family. Well more quality time. I think the girls are going to miss his terribly once he goes back to work. No more Mr. Push Over to help them out, back to mean old mommy.
I just really hope that it does not come back. I know that our lives are forever changed and any little thing might send him into that "could this be cancer too mode?" And I don't think that is any way to really live. Yet it will be unavoidable. I wouldn't wish all that we have gone through this year on anyone. I feel like I have aged a lifetime during this ordeal. I just want some normalcy back into our lives.
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Let me be the first to kick your ass...
back over the border! CANUCKS GO HOME! (So sorry to my Canadian friends, I still love you). But ugh I have had it up to my eye balls with the influx of Canadian shoppers invading my home town. I have never in my life come across such rude, mean, dirty, people. Okay so your dollar is worth more than ours at the moment but please remember you are guests here in this country. You don't need to trash the area, you don't have to be so snotty, bitchy, and down right mean. It is the holiday season after all.
Living near a mall can be hell this time of year especially if you want to go shopping. The fighting for spaces, large crowds can get on a lot of people's nerves. Let me start off by this lady I had an encounter with yesterday night. I went grocery shopping, the store that I frequent has a Shopper's Club card that gives you discounts on a number of select items. I think most stores have this no matter where in the US that you live. I do my shopping fine no problem and I was heading into a lane that had just opened when a lady races to get in front of me. She literally knocked my cart askew to beat me to get in front of me. "Sorry I'm Canadian" was her reply to me when I shot her a dirty look. What the fudge does your being Canadian have to do with you acting like an asshole? "I'm sorry you are a Canadian too, we all can't live in one of the best countries out there" was my sassy reply to her. She muttered under her breath, rolled her eyes and made a face at me. Whatever bitch. So the cashier is ringing her up and asks her if she has a Bonus Card. She had no clue as to what it was and asked the cashier what it was since she was Canadian a point she stressed to the cashier. (She must to like to point out she was Canadian to everyone she comes in contact with). BCL (bitchy Canadian lady) then starts to snap her fingers at me telling me to hand her over my bonus card to use since she was, (yup you guessed it) Canadian and didn't have one.
If it weren't for the fact that you earn points to get money off gasoline there was no way in hell that I'd of let her use mine. But hey its the holidays, Merry Christmas BCL! The cashier and I got to talking while she was ringing up my order. We wondered why she be doing grocery shopping here instead of back home. I can see running in for something like diapers, other baby needs, pop and some chips for the ride home but to do a full shopping order in another country seems way bizarre. I mean there are restrictions on what can cross the border.
Today was a trip I actually went into the mall with the girls and my aunt! I was happy had a decent space lined up, seen someone leaving so I but my blinker on and was waiting for them to leave so I could pull in. The car coming down the aisle opposite me stops to let the leaving car pass then guns it and steals my space, (asshole...Canadian plates). I ended up getting a sweeter parking spot too, just 5 spaces from the door. I have great luck finding parking spaces no matter where I go. Wish I had that kind of luck with the lotto numbers. I was heart broken when I pulled in the parking lot was littered with discarded sneakers, clothing, boxes, bags, tags.
Seems that some Canadians are trying to trick customs to avoid paying those pesky import taxes. As I was getting out of the car, the owner of the car next to me made a trip to drop off packages in the trunk of his. I stroll to the back of my car and am taking out the stroller and I see this bum tossing a shopping bag full of I don't know what under his car. (Canadian plates). I said to him "I hope you aren't planning on leaving that garbage there". He had a colorful response for me. Slammed the trunk shut and walked back towards the mall. I was pissed so I drove the stroller in between our two cars, walked to the back of his knelt down and pulled out the bag from under his and dumped the contents onto his hood and roof, making sure the receipts and tags were plastered to the windows and put underneath his wiper blades. (You don't want to mess with this momma when she is mad). It was a childish thing to do but it made me happy. There are reports all over our local news about Canadians acting in that manner. Heck the local news station caught on film people tossing shoes and clothes into trash bins at the mall, leaving them in the hallways, and dumping all sorts of things in the parking lot. Some local charities have set up collection bins for some of this discarded clothing.
After the mall my aunt took us to a late lunch. It was a madhouse as just about every restaurant this time of year is. We were seated next to a table of 10 (any guesses as to where they were from?) They were running our poor waitress ragged. If I was their waitress I would of spit on their food or in their drinks. The holiday crowds are bad enough alone these poor workers are constantly on their feet. This party behind us was something else. Three members asked for refills on their pop and she asked them all if anyone else wanted any. They said no. I heard them. She goes gets their drinks and brings ours as well. Drops off ours then theirs. Three more people ask for refills then. Um hello you couldn't ask for that two minutes ago when she asked if anyone else wanted some more? That poor girl. To top things off they left her a $5.00 tip. $5.00 for a party of 10 at the Olive Garden. Nice people.
Living near a mall can be hell this time of year especially if you want to go shopping. The fighting for spaces, large crowds can get on a lot of people's nerves. Let me start off by this lady I had an encounter with yesterday night. I went grocery shopping, the store that I frequent has a Shopper's Club card that gives you discounts on a number of select items. I think most stores have this no matter where in the US that you live. I do my shopping fine no problem and I was heading into a lane that had just opened when a lady races to get in front of me. She literally knocked my cart askew to beat me to get in front of me. "Sorry I'm Canadian" was her reply to me when I shot her a dirty look. What the fudge does your being Canadian have to do with you acting like an asshole? "I'm sorry you are a Canadian too, we all can't live in one of the best countries out there" was my sassy reply to her. She muttered under her breath, rolled her eyes and made a face at me. Whatever bitch. So the cashier is ringing her up and asks her if she has a Bonus Card. She had no clue as to what it was and asked the cashier what it was since she was Canadian a point she stressed to the cashier. (She must to like to point out she was Canadian to everyone she comes in contact with). BCL (bitchy Canadian lady) then starts to snap her fingers at me telling me to hand her over my bonus card to use since she was, (yup you guessed it) Canadian and didn't have one.
If it weren't for the fact that you earn points to get money off gasoline there was no way in hell that I'd of let her use mine. But hey its the holidays, Merry Christmas BCL! The cashier and I got to talking while she was ringing up my order. We wondered why she be doing grocery shopping here instead of back home. I can see running in for something like diapers, other baby needs, pop and some chips for the ride home but to do a full shopping order in another country seems way bizarre. I mean there are restrictions on what can cross the border.
Today was a trip I actually went into the mall with the girls and my aunt! I was happy had a decent space lined up, seen someone leaving so I but my blinker on and was waiting for them to leave so I could pull in. The car coming down the aisle opposite me stops to let the leaving car pass then guns it and steals my space, (asshole...Canadian plates). I ended up getting a sweeter parking spot too, just 5 spaces from the door. I have great luck finding parking spaces no matter where I go. Wish I had that kind of luck with the lotto numbers. I was heart broken when I pulled in the parking lot was littered with discarded sneakers, clothing, boxes, bags, tags.
Seems that some Canadians are trying to trick customs to avoid paying those pesky import taxes. As I was getting out of the car, the owner of the car next to me made a trip to drop off packages in the trunk of his. I stroll to the back of my car and am taking out the stroller and I see this bum tossing a shopping bag full of I don't know what under his car. (Canadian plates). I said to him "I hope you aren't planning on leaving that garbage there". He had a colorful response for me. Slammed the trunk shut and walked back towards the mall. I was pissed so I drove the stroller in between our two cars, walked to the back of his knelt down and pulled out the bag from under his and dumped the contents onto his hood and roof, making sure the receipts and tags were plastered to the windows and put underneath his wiper blades. (You don't want to mess with this momma when she is mad). It was a childish thing to do but it made me happy. There are reports all over our local news about Canadians acting in that manner. Heck the local news station caught on film people tossing shoes and clothes into trash bins at the mall, leaving them in the hallways, and dumping all sorts of things in the parking lot. Some local charities have set up collection bins for some of this discarded clothing.
After the mall my aunt took us to a late lunch. It was a madhouse as just about every restaurant this time of year is. We were seated next to a table of 10 (any guesses as to where they were from?) They were running our poor waitress ragged. If I was their waitress I would of spit on their food or in their drinks. The holiday crowds are bad enough alone these poor workers are constantly on their feet. This party behind us was something else. Three members asked for refills on their pop and she asked them all if anyone else wanted any. They said no. I heard them. She goes gets their drinks and brings ours as well. Drops off ours then theirs. Three more people ask for refills then. Um hello you couldn't ask for that two minutes ago when she asked if anyone else wanted some more? That poor girl. To top things off they left her a $5.00 tip. $5.00 for a party of 10 at the Olive Garden. Nice people.
Friday, December 7, 2007
Ain't we cute.
Aww look at those two little sweethearts. That is my sister Julie and me in 1981. I was 5 and she was 2. With Julie's baby due in March I have been feeling nostalgic. So I dug out some baby pictures and found this one. I was taken back at how much my girls resembled us. (See picture below they are 3 and 6 here). I had to convince them that those were mommy and Auntie in the picture.
We went to the mall today and I got them the Rudolph and Clarice animals from Build a Bear. They have been asking for them since they first came out. I even tried bribing Lillian with it, telling her I'd take her to get Rudolph if she'd tell me what Daddy bought me for Christmas. Didn't work, now Madeline would crack and tell me. I am sort of sad she is in school now and not going to the mall with daddy. ;)
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Every time you whine or cry, an elf dies.
Did you know that?
Okay I am so going to hell if you believe in it. I don't know why but today the girls were just in that crying, whining mode. Enough so to drive me to drink. Whining about every little thing possible, crying "mom shes looking at me!" CALGON TAKE ME AWAY! Either that or you Senor Jose. (snicker).
Anyways it was really getting to me and I told them that every time you whine or cry an elf dies and that is one less toy you will get for Christmas. It has been working so far knock on wood. They have been quieter and are now playing nicely together. Wonder how long I can keep this belief up?
Yes I am mean I'll freely admit it.
Okay I am so going to hell if you believe in it. I don't know why but today the girls were just in that crying, whining mode. Enough so to drive me to drink. Whining about every little thing possible, crying "mom shes looking at me!" CALGON TAKE ME AWAY! Either that or you Senor Jose. (snicker).
Anyways it was really getting to me and I told them that every time you whine or cry an elf dies and that is one less toy you will get for Christmas. It has been working so far knock on wood. They have been quieter and are now playing nicely together. Wonder how long I can keep this belief up?
Yes I am mean I'll freely admit it.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Good Eats, Sweet Treats & Eye Candy
http://goodeatssweettreats.blogspot.com/
I started another blog for one of my favorite things FOOD!
Feel free to visit get some great recipes, (I will be adding a lot more over the next couple of days, I got an awesome peanut butter cup cheesecake one up right now). Also if you'd like to be a contributing poster over there leave me a message and I will add you, so you can share some of your favorites.
I started another blog for one of my favorite things FOOD!
Feel free to visit get some great recipes, (I will be adding a lot more over the next couple of days, I got an awesome peanut butter cup cheesecake one up right now). Also if you'd like to be a contributing poster over there leave me a message and I will add you, so you can share some of your favorites.
It begins and it ends.
Got our first Christmas card in the mail today, I of course already mailed mine. Guess I shamed a family member into sending theirs out early too. Hee hee.
Today was my last day on this Fisher Price mom's panel. (*sniff*) I really do hope that I am called for another one. I met some real nice ladies, had a few laughs. Got paid. But I really like how serious Fisher Price is about parent input in their products. If some of these items don't go into production you can thank me for saving you from tiny pieces that may get lost or from the piercing pain in your foot when you accidentally stepped on one. STORAGE STORAGE STORAGE was this groups manta. We were stressing to them how important storage space for all the pieces the toy comes with is. That if you are going to make a toy with small pieces ie, Polly Pocket please include some sort of storage for said toy. Something like a drawer in the base to keep all the little crap.
Some of the new concepts are really cool and I hope to see them on the shelves in the near future. Plus knowing that I had a say in them makes it even more special. Just like the boxes and ads that my girl's appeared on.
Today was my last day on this Fisher Price mom's panel. (*sniff*) I really do hope that I am called for another one. I met some real nice ladies, had a few laughs. Got paid. But I really like how serious Fisher Price is about parent input in their products. If some of these items don't go into production you can thank me for saving you from tiny pieces that may get lost or from the piercing pain in your foot when you accidentally stepped on one. STORAGE STORAGE STORAGE was this groups manta. We were stressing to them how important storage space for all the pieces the toy comes with is. That if you are going to make a toy with small pieces ie, Polly Pocket please include some sort of storage for said toy. Something like a drawer in the base to keep all the little crap.
Some of the new concepts are really cool and I hope to see them on the shelves in the near future. Plus knowing that I had a say in them makes it even more special. Just like the boxes and ads that my girl's appeared on.
A Christmas Story for people having a bad day....
Not one of mine, but it is something that will put a smile on your face this time of year.
A Christmas Story for people having a bad day....
When four of Santa's elves got sick, and the trainee elves did not produce the toys as fast as the regular ones, Santa was beginning to feel the pressure of being behind schedule.
Then Mrs. Claus told Santa that her Mom was coming to visit. This stressed Santa even more.
When he went to harness the reindeer, he found that three of them were about to give birth and two had jumped the fence and were out, heaven knows where.... More stress.
Then when he began to load the sleigh one of the boards cracked, and the toy bag fell to the ground and scattered the toys.
So, frustrated, Santa went into the house for a cup of apple cider and a shot of rum. When he went to the cupboard, he discovered that the elves had hidden the liquor, and there was nothing to drink.
In his frustration, he accidentally dropped the cider pot, and it broke into hundreds of little pieces all over the kitchen floor.
He went to get the broom and found that mice had eaten the straw end of the broom.
Just then the doorbell rang, and irritable Santa trudged to the door. He opened the door, and there was a little angel with a great big Christmas tree.
The angel said, very cheerfully, "Merry Christmas, Santa. Isn't it a lovely day? I have a beautiful tree for you. Where would you like me to stick it?"
And so began the tradition of the little angel on top of the Christmas tree.
HA!!! :-) Merry Christmas everyone!
A Christmas Story for people having a bad day....
When four of Santa's elves got sick, and the trainee elves did not produce the toys as fast as the regular ones, Santa was beginning to feel the pressure of being behind schedule.
Then Mrs. Claus told Santa that her Mom was coming to visit. This stressed Santa even more.
When he went to harness the reindeer, he found that three of them were about to give birth and two had jumped the fence and were out, heaven knows where.... More stress.
Then when he began to load the sleigh one of the boards cracked, and the toy bag fell to the ground and scattered the toys.
So, frustrated, Santa went into the house for a cup of apple cider and a shot of rum. When he went to the cupboard, he discovered that the elves had hidden the liquor, and there was nothing to drink.
In his frustration, he accidentally dropped the cider pot, and it broke into hundreds of little pieces all over the kitchen floor.
He went to get the broom and found that mice had eaten the straw end of the broom.
Just then the doorbell rang, and irritable Santa trudged to the door. He opened the door, and there was a little angel with a great big Christmas tree.
The angel said, very cheerfully, "Merry Christmas, Santa. Isn't it a lovely day? I have a beautiful tree for you. Where would you like me to stick it?"
And so began the tradition of the little angel on top of the Christmas tree.
HA!!! :-) Merry Christmas everyone!
Monday, December 3, 2007
Why would you do that?
What a question to ask someone who just did a good deed. And to say it in such a snippy way really makes me think that society is in a lot of trouble. I did it because it was the human thing to do. The weather here has taken a turn into the winter direction. Bitter cold temperatures, snow, stinging wind. Many of the areas homeless are making their way indoors, malls, stores etc... I ran up to the local Wal Mart this morning and seen an old man dressed in dirty layers, light coat, old hat and ripped gloves. He was counting out change to get a cup of coffee and you could see the look of disgust on the cashier's face. It just broke my heart. I looked through my purse for the subway coupons I was saving. There were 2 buy a 6" sub get one for free. I walked up the man as he was at the coffee station and gave him the coupon and $5.00 enough to get the subs (if he went with the $1.99 6" sub of the day). He started to cry. A grown man started to cry just because I gave him $5 and a coupon. I then went up and bought myself a cup of tea. I couldn't believe it when the cashier looked at me like I was crazy and asked why I'd do something like that. I just told her because it is the right thing to do. What I didn't tell her is that I know what it is like to struggle to make ends meet. How a simple gesture like that means the world to someone who has nothing.
I feel terrible that this Christmas my kids are not getting a lot. That we couldn't afford what they really wanted, and that most of the money went towards clothes instead of a toys. I am just happy that their daddy will be around this Christmas. That he is responding very well to the chemotherapy. With him not working, the pay cut that the company he works for did, taking away great insurance and sticking us with the crappiest one out there,(doctor visits aren't covered at all) and the out of pocket expenses involved. I nearly had heart attack when we got the bill for just one of his chemo medications it was close to $8,000. Even when we are in the position where we could use some help, there are so many out there that are worse off then us. And even if I can't donate to Toys for Tots this year, or do a Tree Angel for someone. It makes me feel good knowing that I still can do something for someone out there.
I feel terrible that this Christmas my kids are not getting a lot. That we couldn't afford what they really wanted, and that most of the money went towards clothes instead of a toys. I am just happy that their daddy will be around this Christmas. That he is responding very well to the chemotherapy. With him not working, the pay cut that the company he works for did, taking away great insurance and sticking us with the crappiest one out there,(doctor visits aren't covered at all) and the out of pocket expenses involved. I nearly had heart attack when we got the bill for just one of his chemo medications it was close to $8,000. Even when we are in the position where we could use some help, there are so many out there that are worse off then us. And even if I can't donate to Toys for Tots this year, or do a Tree Angel for someone. It makes me feel good knowing that I still can do something for someone out there.
Sunday, December 2, 2007
So sorry see what no NaBloPoMO does to me.
How sad, I blew the 1st day of December. I didn't mean to I was just out all day I left my house around 9:45 am and didn't get back home until 11:30pm. And I had the girls with me. It was a loooooooong day to say the least.
Between dance class, grocery shopping, home to unload then change our clothes. Off to my niece's birthday party, then out with my aunt to go to the Fairgrounds and visit the lights and Christmas Village they have set up. Followed by a very late night dinner. I just didn't have it in me to get on line last night.
I have a not so busy day planned for today. All I need to do is go and buy the girls some boots. Then come home clean a tad and veg. I like days that I don't have any real plans and can just sit and relax. Ooh maybe I can work some more on the baby blanket I am knitting for my sister. I have been neglecting it for the past couple of weeks. Her baby shower is next month so I better get a move on it.
http://neenspeaks.blogspot.com/
Between dance class, grocery shopping, home to unload then change our clothes. Off to my niece's birthday party, then out with my aunt to go to the Fairgrounds and visit the lights and Christmas Village they have set up. Followed by a very late night dinner. I just didn't have it in me to get on line last night.
I have a not so busy day planned for today. All I need to do is go and buy the girls some boots. Then come home clean a tad and veg. I like days that I don't have any real plans and can just sit and relax. Ooh maybe I can work some more on the baby blanket I am knitting for my sister. I have been neglecting it for the past couple of weeks. Her baby shower is next month so I better get a move on it.
http://neenspeaks.blogspot.com/
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