Not a political post

Remember when I told you that Roger Ebert had a blog? Does anybody else read it? I found this blog entry to be very interesting. It's about the candidates and their favorite movies. What do you wish you could ask the candidates? And not the normal foreign policy or economics questions. What do YOU want to know?

10 Random Things for a Friday

1. Roosters do not crow just in the morning. Either that or mine is confused.


2. Kashi is giving away free cookies! Dark chocolate. yummm.


3. I dyed new mom's hair this week. (at her request) It was supposed to be a strawberry blonde. It's more of a dark auburn. I think she wanted something brighter.


4. I put away the last of the citronella candles yesterday. Yet another sign of fall.


5. We have a volunteer squash plant growing near (and on) our heat pump. It's from one that didn't get picked up after the wedding last October. Little one keeps checking every day for ones that are big enough to pick.


6. Hubby and Son2 cleaned up volunteer trees from the fence line yesterday. They completely filled the dump cart. Twice. See. Told you we were behind on yard work.


7. Little one and I have eaten an apple directly off of the tree 4 times this week. Maybe this weekend I'll make applesauce. Hubby has ordered apple crisp as well.


8. Little one is sick. Today is day 5 of an unexplained fever. Took her for a couple of diagnostic things at the hospital yesterday. I just wish they'd find something so she can take something and feel better. And so we can all sleep straight through the night.


9. We moved the dune buggys. They still don't run. Apparently they can't find the right parts. I am sad. I want to ride the dunes. And I want them out of my yard. :)


10. Last weekend was the 5th annual family walk and bike ride event for Project Jason. We walked. Until little one would walk no more. and it then became the 1st annual carry your child for more than a mile event. Next time I need bring a stroller. Somebody remind me, OK? Thanks.

Check back later tonight. I'll try to get pictures uploaded after little one goes to bed. Kisses!

Things I'm currently infatuated with

• This gal's paintings. You need to buy her book.
• Soft Fuzzy Yarn - I want to learn to knit again. Maybe I can get the gauge right this time.
• Throwing out Jim's clothes that don't fit or are just trashed. He said I could.
• Pick Stitch quilts from Pottery Barn. They remind me of my great-grandma's house. I want a green one. Or maybe I should just make one. Yeah, right, like that'll happen.
• Skype. Do you have it? I need to go buy a webcam.
• This gal's blog and videos. KWerner design. I know. I've liked her for a while. I think it's the music.
• Pumpkins and funny looking squash.
• Old cookbooks. Sad that I threw away the Betty Crocker one at some point. Probably in a move.
• Vintage Hawaii travel posters. I'm looking for original ads and posters. Not that I have the money to buy any right now. I just want to get the bedroom decorated. We've lived here for more than a year!
• Window shopping for new living room furniture.
• Dried fruit and roasted almonds.
• Disney movies I haven't seen in a long time.
• Sunflowers.
• Las Vegas reruns.
• Watching a video of Lucas that my dad emailed me.

What are you infatuated with at the moment?

Hope all is well with you and yours. Happy Tuesday!

Should'ves Could'ves and Would'ves

Should'ves Could'ves and Would'ves won't get me anywhere. In other words I can't do a darned thing about it now so why worry about it.

I know this.
In my head.
I forget this quite often.

The speaker I heard this morning put it in another way that has been making me laugh all day. Finding me here. Sharing the same great wisdom with you.

"Don't should on yourself. Don't should on other people." -- MK Mueller

That is all.
Now go back to whatever fun and exciting thing you were doing before.

10 Random Things for a Friday

So here we are on another Friday. Amazing isn't it? Where the heck did the week go?

1. Spent most of the week at a work related conference. Learned quite a bit but I am now WAY behind at work.
2. I got several nice cards and phone calls and emails on my birthday. Even got flowers from a friend. It was a good birthday.
3. Need to spend the weekend working on the house and the yard. Both look like we had a tornado.
4. Went to the aquarium at the zoo last night. It was for an adult type social thing. I took Bray anyway. She spent the entire time oohing and awwing over the sharks and turtles. It was an incredible way to spend the evening.
5. My niece Ella sprained/broke her ankle this week. I feel her pain.
6. Heard a great motivational speaker this morning. http://www.mkmueller.com/ Check her out. It was a really good couple of hours.
7. I'm in love with a big blue frog.
8. Scrapfest was Awesome!
9. The chickens are laying a good 1/2 dozen eggs a day. It's pretty cool. Can't get over how orange the yolks are.
10. I have to work for a good part of tomorrow. :(

Take it easy. Play it safe and be careful.

Political quizzes are for the birds

You are a ....... I took this quiz. Link: The Politics Test on Ok Cupid I think the questions are skewed. I don't think I am really what it said I am. Take the quiz. Does it come out like you think it should? I think it's the questions. Maybe it's me. It's usually me. Let's just go on that theory. But now I have something to consider..... Still don't think I am what it says I am. Damn quizzes.

Hello Hamburg!

:)

I love the blog feed that tells me where people are from.

Hello Hamburg Iowa!

Wordle

You HAVE to check this out. It is the coolest. www.wordle.net Try and make one of your own. When I have some time, I'm going to make a list of huge proportions to make one with all of the important things in my life. Keep in mind that there isn't a way to edit the words once you post them.

10 Random Things for a Friday

Yes. I know it's really Wednesday. But it's MY Friday. Because you see, I'm going to SCRAPFEST and have no intention of getting online on Friday. I'll be way to busy doing make and takes and what not. So here you go.

10 Random Things for a Friday (even though it is really Wednesday)

1. I took more than 200 pictures in the last week. Granted only about 30 of those are one "to keep" but I took a lot. I'm proud of myself. And have I mentioned how much I LOVE digital photography? 200 standard film photos would just be insanely expensive to develop.
2. I hate everything in my closet. I'm sick of the clothes that I have. But I hate shopping and I have no available clothing budget. Bray needs fall clothes worse than I do. So I am stuck with what I have for the foreseeable future.
3. I've been nursing a Blue Monster this morning. The sugar-free energy drink, not Grover or Cookie Monster. I am now experiencing a wicked Taurine and Caffeine high.
4. I am way overdue on doing employee evaluations. I think I'm going to just give them all a copy of last year's eval and their respective raises. Do you think anyone will notice?
5. In case you missed it before... I'm going with two girl friends to Minneapolis this weekend for Scrapfest . I'm a little excited. Can you tell?
6. One of my tax clients is driving me insane. It's only September and they have called 5 times this week to ask questions about this year's return. Aye Ca rumba.
7. I miss baby Lucas. and his dad. I want to see them. But Jr. says they are doing well so for that I am glad.
8. Baby BAM and his momma have been at our house every day this week so far. I LOVE it!
9. Son2 has an interview for a cool new job on Thursday. Not a "career" job, but it's out of restaurant work so he's excited.
10. Does anybody own a juicer that they just LOVE? I am wanting to buy one. And the Juiceman juicer we used to have sucks to clean. I don't really want another one like it. Anybody have any suggestions?

Happy Wednesday! Celebrate Hump day in whatever way suits you best. Just make sure if makes you smile.

OK, now pretend it is Friday. HAPPY Friday! Have a great weekend!

Weekend photos part 3

This is the sunflower that it took Amber 5 minutes to get off the stalk.







This is the garlic that I helped hang for storage.















See how busy I was Sunday? Potatoes and sunflowers and garlic and chasing chickens and running with the dogs. It was a busy day.

Weekend photos part 2

I helped Daddy dig the last of the potatoes.

See! I helped get these out of the ground!

That weed we thought was Jack's beanstalk? It turns out it is pretty sunflowers.

Last weekend's photos

Ignore the hair. We'd done alot this Sunday.

And don't mess with the juice. It goes where I go.

Willy was exhausted as well. See. He wouldn't even look up for a picture.

I spent last weekend making Brandon laugh.

Countdown

hey sharon. guess what?

2 Days until we leave for Scrapfest!!

10 Random Things for a Friday

1. Last Saturday I bought a 2 pound Brandywine tomato at the farmer's market. (yes, it really was 2 pounds, to tomato selling dude weighed it while I was standing there.) It was the best tomato I think I have ever eaten. OK, maybe not the best. The best would be the first tomato from the garden each spring. But this was close to the best. When sliced, the slices were bigger than the bread on which the tomato sandwich was made. mmmm. I used the other half to make a Caprese salad. Love me some fresh mozzarella.
2. Tomorrow I am going to farmer's market to buy another perfect tomato.
3. Baby BAM is growing like a weed! He is starting to look less like a xerox copy of his mom and more like his own little self. I know that makes no sense but you know what I mean.
4. I was planning on going to see Baby Lucas this weekend. But I need to save money so I'm not going now. This makes me sad.
5. Jr. is back in school this semester. He's got a full workload but he seems to be handling it all in stride. I am so proud of him. And not just because he is going to be a 4 star chef.
6. Son2 is looking at college and better jobs and what not. He is such a different place than a year ago. It's amazing.
7. My niece Rachel started walking this week! So sad that we are missing it.
8. What is the best housewarming gift you have ever received and/or given?
9. I know I've said it before but I really want an Ipod. Or something similar. I also want to win the lottery so we'll see how that all works out.
10. I am making it my mission this weekend to document as many things as possible with the camera. I've been a little lax in the photo department lately.

Hope that all is well with you and yours. If you are local, give a ring. I have some bookkeeping to do but other than that we are plan-less for the weekend!

Today is September 4th

How the heck did this happen? September? and the 4th of it at that. What happened to my summer? Did it really ever get hot? OK, that one week, but you can't count that one as a whole summer's heat. Why are we not having the Indian Summer we've had almost every year since we moved to this lovely end of the Midwest. I don't get it.

School has started. Football games have commenced in our backyard. And at night we have to put on shirt sleeves to sit on the deck. I have sorely missed summer. Even the tomatoes are confused and never did put out anything that can even remotely be called a summer's bounty. And Halloween stuff was being stocked at Target today when I went there to pick up more Fiber One bars and dried fruit at lunchtime. What is this "bring on fall" conspiracy?

But it does come with some niceties.

• We can sit on the back deck in shirt sleeves and maybe a light jacket
• The marching band is sounding better.
• Last night was the freshman football game at the high school. When we first got outside, the announcer was yelling, "Touchdown Thunderbirds!" I repeated the TOUCHDOWN and put my arms up in the air like the refs do. The little one thought it was hilarious and started laughing and copied me. Then every time she heard the announcer she'd say again, "TOUCHDOWN" and put her arms up. It was a good 15 minutes worth of entertainment.
• The mosquitoes have all but gone away.
• The leaves on my gorgeous burning bush are starting to change.
• We turned off the air and have opened all of the windows. LOVE IT!
• Apple and Pears will be appearing soon.
• My birthday is in 12 days. (HINT HINT!!) Somebody remind hubby.
• SCRAPFEST!!
• Camping is bearable.

Still can't believe it is September. But it is. And other than the fact that we are one month closer to snow.... I guess it isn't so bad. Guess I better drag out my favorite sweatshirt.

FINDING GINA

Here is an excerpt from the Finding GINA tour from last year and the television show that they are putting together from the tour footage. Erin is the one featured in this video. Ignore the insane woman giving the interview.

whispering in her ear

psst..... hey you... yeah you... you know who you are..... come here... I have something to tell you....

9 days until Scrapfest!!

10 Random Things for a Friday

1. Still don't know why this list shows up as bullets when it looks like numbers when I am drafting it. Anybody know enough about blogger to know how to change it?
2. Do you know how hard it is to find a camping spot to reserve when your husband decides at the last minute that he wants to go camping this weekend? Labor Day weekend. ugh.
3. Do you know how hard it is to find a toddler sized life jacket in late August?
4. Son2 got us lunch today. We had King Kong. YUMM! Love me some greek food!
5. Farmer's market is in the AM. Can't wait to get some huge heirloom tomatoes. Since my tomatoes flopped this year. :( I am seriously craving a tomato sandwich.
6. I hate fiscal year end stuff at work. It consumes too much time. I am therefore behind on the regular stuff. Which seriously stresses me out.
7. I haven't spent anywhere near enough time with baby BAM and his mom the last few weeks. It makes me sad. They move closer and we see less of them. It makes no sense.
8. I have a "40% off your entire order" coupon from Michael's that expires Sunday. And I have no crafting stuff budget this month. Don't you feel sorry for me?
9. Scrapfest is only 2 weekends away! (thus where my crafting budget went.) I'm getting seriously excited! But then I remember that I am leaving a 2 year old and her daddy for 3 days. And then I have pangs of guilt but then I remember that I only do stuff like this a couple of times a year so it is OK. :)
10. My entire thought patterns this week have been random so finding 10 random things is TOTALLY not a problem today.

Bob Nelson on Football

This is one of the BEST comedy skits EVER!!

A mind is a terrible thing.

What would you do?

I have two places to be tomorrow at the same time. Both have been framed as mandatory. One requires getting up at the bum crack of dawn and driving 3 hours to KC. The other is local. Local option will however be available via webcast later this week.

carp. I just answered my own question. bum crack of dawn wake up it is.

10 Random Things for a Friday

1. I forgot how tired having a little one around can make you. Was I this tired with the big ones? I am guessing I am showing my age on this one. :)
2. Little One's favorite source of protein is dairy. Unfortunately it has been her main source of protein as well for most of the week. That and an occasional bean or chicken. What's a mom to do?
3. Went to the chiro for the first time in forever today.
4. I am going to indulge in large quantities of heirloom tomatoes and kale and eggplant this weekend. I can't wait!
5. The POS van is still in the back yard. I am feeling rather redneckish at the moment.
6. I am going out with friends tonight. Hoping we figure out how to incorporate sushi into the evening somehow. LOL
7. I took today off from work but then went in for 2 hours anyway. See how I am?
8. This weekend we are being lumber jacks and taking down a mostly fallen tree. Wish us luck. Will work on the yard as well. The poor place has been seriously neglected as of late.
9. My brother has officially relocated to Tulsa. It makes me sad.
10. My mom gets to spend tomorrow with Lucas! I am very jealous.

and there you have it folks. 10 random for 8/22/08. Boring isn't it. But if I didn't do something I'd never hear the end of it from a couple of friends. OK, off to Target to get diapers!

Thought for a Thursday

Has anything REALLY memorable ever happened to you on a Thursday?

This is the big announcement

Are you sitting down? I know you probably are because most people don't hang out on the internet while they are standing up. But trust me. You'll want to sit down about now.


See the little one on the left? That is the Babe. Isn't she the cutest little two year old ever? Ok, she's tied with her cousin Emma on the right. She's two too. She's just as cute so we'll have to call it a tie for the cutest two year old. But here's the thing. The Babe? She's the cutest two year old that I have the pleasure as introducing the newest member of our household. Yes, you read that right. She's ours. We get to keep her. :) We are adopting a two year old. Are we crazy or what? Me thinks not.

This is the Babe and Lucas. They love the blocks. Babe can stack them. Lucas can knock them over.

And this is Grandpa Doug reading to the Babe and Emma. Don't they all look happy? I think so.

Which is good. Because right now, I am the happiest new mommy of a two year old there ever was.

Hey Jude

:)

Atmosphere - Always Coming Back Home To You

These guys were on Letterman last night. Minneapolis Hip-Hop. Who would have thought?

10 Random Things for a Friday

1. Still have big news. Still can't tell you. Not a tease, just can't say anything yet. But I am just busting! Check back Monday or Tuesday. I'll let you in on the blockbuster news. You won't believe it I tell you. You just won't. Not sure that I believe it.
2. Have I told you about Fiber One Chewy Bars yet? OMG they are incredible! Definitely more of a dessert bar than a breakfast type granola bar. 35% of the Daily Fiber you need. only 140 calories. Rockin! You have to try them! The Oats and Caramel tastes just like Oatmeal Scotchie cookies! Go HERE and get a free sample and a coupon so you can indulge too. Target even has them on sale this week.
3. Spent most of the week working on a huge project. Finished it this am. So glad it's over. Hopefully it is the last of it's kind.
4. I was honored to spend a great deal of time last weekend with my niece Emma and baby Lucas. It was the best weekend in a long time. Amazing what a little kid energy will do for you. :)
5. I strongly dislike black licorice flavored anything. And when you eat something that you dislike by accident, it is rather disgusting.
6. Jim's uncle died a week ago today. We went to the funeral on Tuesday. His aunt was happy to see him. Not so true of the cousins. With one or two exceptions, they were actually pretty rude. And we have no idea why.
7. I need to go to the bank.
8. Son2 is working at my office for about 6 weeks. He's all happy. Paid him today. He's now ecstatic and loves the job and never wants to leave.
9. Baby BAM loves the same songs his mom used to love. Love is a rose (Neal Young) and Barges are his favorites. And I love singing them to him.
10. This weekend is the airshow at the Air Force base. Hubby is all bumming because we made other plans and won't be able to go. But the plans trump.

Have a rockin' weekend. Catch ya' on the flipside!

10 Random Things for a Friday

1. I can't figure out why when I make this a list of numbered items (in blogger) and it shows numbers in the preview but when it posts it changes to bullets. Anybody got a clue?
2. My brother is moving to Tulsa today. It makes me sad. It makes my mom even sadder.
3. My sister is moving to Dallas on the 18th. This makes me sad. It makes my mom EVEN sadder. Poor lady. All of her baby grandchildren are moving in the same 2 week period.
4. I get to see Lucas this weekend! Oh yeah, and his mommy and daddy. LOL
5. I registered for Scrapfest in September in Minneapolis. I am excited!
6. I have a hugely cumbersome grant to finish for work by next Friday. There is so much backup that you send with it that it's ridiculous. Stupid thing.
7. We rehomed Taz on Wednesday. He came back on Thursday. Apparently the dad is allergic. I am changing his name to Boomerang. (the dog not the dad)
8. Tomorrow Elvis and I are getting pedicures. Wonder if they'll have Route Beer Float. I love that color.
9. Big News is on the Horizon. But I can't tell you yet. It's still not a given.
10. Family pictures flopped. I can't seem to get everyone together to save my life!

Saving big bucks and having lots of cereal

Do you know about The Grocery Game?

Thanks to http://www.grocerygame.com/ and a $5 off email coupon, I spent $27.53 at Walgreens yesterday and got $105 worth of stuff. I spent $65.00 at Baker's and saved (according to my receipt) $73.00. SWEET!! Son2 was excited because it means we have name brand cereal in the house. A stockpile of it actually. Cheerios or Fruity Pebbles anyone?

They have a trial period if you want to see what stores are in your area with a list. Clipping coupons and watching sales really does add up! If you decide to try it out, use my email address as a referral. I'd appreciate it! candlesandbath at Yahoo.com

10 Random Things for Friday

1. I fell off the cutting back on Diet Coke wagon. And this week I have had one just about every day. I know, I'm bad. But since when did lack of chemical sweetners and a little caffeine really make anyone sick. (don't answer that or I'll send a nasty chemical and lack of caffeine headache your way)
2. My mom was here last weekend. I get to see Jr and Luke in a couple of weeks. Elvis and the girls are coming a week or so after that. Now if I could just get a trip to see BFTSIHBFTLFA all would be right in the world.
3. We got Rox's brother back. They decided that it was not fair for him to be spending all of his time in the crate as they are just too busy to have a dog. So now we have 4. Ad going in the paper this weekend. But he and Rox have so much fun together that it'll be hard to see him go. I do NOT need 4 dogs.
4. It's supposed to be 110 degrees tomorrow. ouch. I'll be getting up early for gardening and farmer's market run but other than that, it'll be an all indoor weekend. Better stock up on movies.
5. I'm on a mission to get $1500 as fast as possible. Any suggestions? Ok, I know there's that but that isn't exactly legal so we'll be foregoing it for now. Any legal suggestions?
6. still haven't put a CD in my car's CD player. how sad is that?
7. baby BAM has a new apartment. It's insanely closer to us. And they have a pool. YEAH!!
8. Splitting Irises next week. Want to buy some? Shoot me an email at candlesandbath at yahoo.com
9. I want to ride a Merry Go Round. Not sure why. But I do.
10. Our wedding anniversary is in 10 days. Think we'll remember it this year?

Rock the weekend friends!

Alexander Supertramp

We watched "Into the Wild" Monday night. ever since, I keep wondering the same thing.

I wonder if Erin is in Alaska.

I asked Jim last night. He said she wasn't exactly the wilderness type. I reminded him that she loved camping and didn't mind getting dirty. He said that I was probably wrong. He's probably right.

But I can't help but wonder. Is she out there having her own adventures? Has she changed her name to Alexandra? More probably it is Destiny. She loves that name. She is going to name her first daughter that name. Maybe she took it on for herself.

There is a quote in the movie where the sister says that her parents are in a state of suspended animation. How true it is.

But I will keep wondering. Suspended animation wonder.

What is it about Selsun Blue

One page on this blog receives more hits than any other. It's the Story about Sally and the Skunk. And the most common reason it gets found? Dog and Selsun Blue. I mean, who searches for that?

My LOL for the day

first - my apologies for no 10 random things Friday. My mom was here. That's my excuse. I promise to do better this week.

This is an excerpt from an email from a friend today. I seriously laughed out loud. Hard. Hope you get a giggle out of it as well. (names have been changed to protect the not so innocent. )

I am doing okay, been a rough weekend. I was sick with stomach issues all weekend and of course by Saturday evening hubby said he was ill so he could not do anything of course this was after he went out the night before stayed out until the wee hours, worked all day on Saturday and then was two hours late to what we had planned for Saturday evening.... Boys are wimps.

Here is the difference between men and women when they are ill.

I mowed the backyard puking in between dumping bags of grass, did four loads of laundry folding and putting them away, did two loads of dishes, and made meals for the kids. Plus did two hours worth of work on the laptop.

Hubby watched TV and watched the kids. Who still managed in their father's care to dump a bag of sugar on the floor as well as a plate of ribs. Pulled out two puzzles and threw them all over the house and dumped three drawers of clothes in their bedroom. Yes, I cleaned all this up. However, In his defense he did run to the grocery store and grabbed dinner because he wanted the paper and gave the kids baths after I told him he had too. He left the room to check on something which ended up taking longer so the little one pooped in the tub so I told him happy scrubbing.

The bib says it all

Lucas James - July 12th

Rock A Bye Baby

This is the cradle that my Grandpa Jack made for me. I don't know if I was the first baby to sleep in it or if my cousin Mitch was. But pretty close to every grandchild, great granchild, and now great great grandchild in the Miller lineage has slept in this cradle. Brandon sleeps so soundly in it. And it makes me happy just to watch him there. I know my Grandpa is happy to see yet another babe in the cradle.

I love you Grandpa. And it is times like this that make me miss you all the more.

I know when I'll quit watching the Tonight Show

NBC has taken yet another turn for the worst. Do you remember when they used to be the network to beat? When other networks fought to be as cool as NBC? Too bad so sad. Sorry to see NBC go down yet another bad programming path.

The end of good late night TV

Jay Leno will be forced into mandatory retirement in May 2009. What is NBC thinking? Replace him with Conan O'Brien? How does that man still have any show let alone promote him to the Tonight Show?

Ten Random Things for a Friday

1. I have baby BAM with me at work this afternoon. I will officially get nothing done. Kind of like it that way. Having him here, not the not working part. :)
2. The chickens now have free reign of the entire fenced in part of the backyard. That is until we can get a new fence up at the back of the yard. The puppies are none too happy about being kicked out of their fence for the birds.
3. I had a wonderful lunch today with the baby BAM’s mom. I wish we could do this more often.
4. My mom is coming to visit next weekend!
5. This weekend is Riverfest. We are going to see the Pancake man in the morning and then I am working in the beer garden tomorrow during the day. Want to come have a Coors?
6. Thank you to a Fisher Price Kick and Play, I have “Three Blind Mice” stuck in my head. It needs to go away.
7. Scrapfest Registration is next week! I’m bummed that they haven’t even listed the classes yet. A couple of days I hope!
8. I spent a good part of the week planning yet another thing I really can’t afford. Why do I do this to myself? Anybody know how I can make $1500 fall out of the sky?
9. We officially have a weed garden. The garlic and onions are pretty close to being ready. But other than those and the potato plants, the only thing that really has grown is the weeds. Too much clay. It’s sad I tell you. Just plain sad. We’ll have to truck in some good ole’ Iowa Black Dirt and some good soil amendments for next summer.
10. I still have the plastic stick on mats from the dealership on the floor of my car. It really needs vacuumed though so I’ll have to pull them this weekend.

Play Ball!!

I want to go to a ball game. Wouldn't a cubbies game be good about now? I mean, they are winning this year and everything! I'm sure my uncle Merle is happier than a lark. (how happy are larks anyway?)

I'm closer to the KC Royals so I'll probably end up there instead. Overpriced beer, stale peanuts, sticky floors, what more can you want on a hot summer day?

The pursuit of happiness

Love this blog. Love this blog entry. Have a look.

Zen Habit's Guide to Happiness

Why you should move to the Omaha area

http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bplive/2008/top25s/housing/

Because even CNN agrees that it is a top place to live! 3 omaha metro area cities are listed in the top 25. How cool is that?

Find your way home

Several people have emailed me with this website. I agree, others need to know about it. So here you go!

http://safetytat.com/

What a great idea! Temporary tattoos for your little one with your cell phone number. Trips to the zoo, the amusement park, or any other outing can now be a little safer. Until they allow us to GPS our kids, we have to take what we can get right?

Brandon Pics from last weekend

Baby BAM and Grandpa Jim 7/6/08 (Grandpa's Birthday)

And the winner is......

Thank you to all who actually left a comment in the blog birthday give away. I said I'd draw a winner or two on Friday. I didn't say which Friday now did I? :)

After putting a little piece of paper in a cup for every person that left a comment in the week's period....... the winners are .....

Marissa
and
Mistry

Since I didn't say you couldn't enter more than once and since Marissa stuffed the comment boxes, it was bound to happen. :)

BFTSIHBFTLFA - I have your address. I'll send stuff when I feel like it. :)
Box Stuffer - Email me with your address. carolyn at helpfindachild.com

10 Random Things for a Friday

1. I haven’t had Starbucks in about 2 weeks. This is what happens when Son2 no longer requires rides to work in the morning. {{happy dance for the reclaimed 30 minutes every morning}}
2. My friend Lance turns 40 this weekend!! Let the mud volleyball games begin!
3. The bug killer guy tells me that the entomologist in his office says that common household spiders can’t really bite. I respectfully disagree. Because I have so many “spider bites” it is driving me insane. Apparently they are getting back at me for having bug killer guy come spray Wednesday. You see, they itch. And I look like something from a Warner Bros cartoon sitting here scratching.
4. I get to play with Lucas this weekend. This makes me very happy!
5. I got to watch baby BAM twice last weekend. It made for a very nice weekend.
6. We spent too much money on fireworks over the 4th. But it was fun. It’s wild to live in a county where fireworks are legal. We drove up the hill and watched fireworks going off everywhere for more than an hour. There were so many you couldn’t tell where the “official” display was being launched from.
7. Hubby and Son2 have taken up Remote Control Airplanes as a new hobby. They are very good at buying new parts and rebuilding the planes after crashing them.
8. I am thinking about becoming a Big Sister. Anybody ever been one?
9. Anybody need fresh mint? It has overtaken the flower bed on the West side of the house. I’m thinking I may make Mint Pesto. What to serve it on?
10. I am looking to hire an intern at work. Which is just my way of saying I need a position filled but I have no cash. Anybody?

All of that for $10.97

The entire reason I haven't bought a cable for the new printer is because when I bought the printer at OfficeMaxyourcreditcardout (on clearance for $35) they told me I needed to buy the cable for it. The cable cost $40. I was on my way to CR and had zero extra cash. So the $40 cable was out of the realm of possible purchases that day. So I waited. Surely, someone I knew had to have such a cable just lying around waiting for me to snipe it. But no. No one had one. And I'll be darned if I was going to pay $40 for a printer I only paid $35 for. I was whining to my dad about it. Ok, I didn't think I was whining but he said I was and if my dad says you are whining you just go along with it. But anyway, I was telling my dad the $40 vs $35 story. He reiterated that he did not have such a cable. But he did say that he'd see if he could find one for cheaper.

He called me later from that dreaded WalHell and said, "I'm standing here next to photo looking at that cable you need. They have it here for $20." I was on my way out of town so it was pointless for me to have him pick it up. I figured I'd just keep an eye out for one elsewhere. Surely if WalHell had them for $20, someone else was bound to. So I've gone since April without a cable for my $35 awesome bought it on clearance printer.

So you see, I've looked everywhere. Everywhere. Can't find one for less than $35. And yes, I know WalHell has them for $20. And yes, I know WalHell is within walking distance of my house. But you see, I absolutely do NOT go to WalHell unless it is an absolute and dire emergency. I hate the place. I despise the place. But that's a story for another day.

Fast forward to tonight. It wasn't an emergency. But I did end up at WalHell in CB. You see, we had to go to Iowa so Jim could go to the bank. We decided to take back our Iowa return them for 5 cent cans. We went to the NF grocery that we usually return them to. Their can return area closed at 6 pm. It was now 6:05. Carp. So off to WalHell we went. We cashed in our allotted 150 cans, donated the second 150 to the store (we came in together so they wouldn't let us each return 150. It's a sad state of affairs I tell you) but anyway. After returning the cans I seriously considered going right back out the door. Did I mention I hate the place? But I figured as long as we were there, I might as well go get the cable.

It was only $10.97.

And now I have a printer that works.

And you just wasted 3 minutes of your life reading about it. Sad I tell you. Just plain sad.

Birthday announcement!!!!!

Jim's birthday is Sunday. Can you help me? He needs birthday lovin. And no, not that kind of lovin, get your head out of the gutter. I'll take care of that myself thank you very much. He needs lovin via greetings. Can you send him a birthday e-card? Me, I like Hallmark's. But mostly because I have a hoops and yoyo addiction. But you can use any e-card site you like. :) Thanks in advance.

His email is jim @ helpfindachild.com (obviously without the spaces)

10 Random Things for a Friday that is really a Thursday

1. I have absolutely NOTHING that I HAVE to do this weekend. I don’t think I can remember the last time I said that. I mean, my house is clean. My yard needs work but that’s perpetual so that doesn’t count. We have plans on Saturday night to go out with friends. But that’s fun. And I have NOTHING that I HAVE to do. I do have work to do tonight. But not this weekend! For three whole days!
2. I get to babysit baby BAM tomorrow night. **jumping up and down**
3. The daylilies are in full bloom in my yard.
4. The irises never really bloomed very well this year. Moral of the story: Don’t let the guy mowing the lawn mow back irises. They won’t bloom well the next year.
5. One of my employees at work is going to be out for 6 weeks on FMLA. I’m freaking out. He’s the only one that does his job and I know we can’t get by without someone in his position for 6 weeks. Temp service? Lots of contract labor? I’m at a loss.
6. We watched “I am Legend” earlier this week. I’ve dreamed about zombies every night since. One of them looked like Mr. Rogers.
7. I Krazy Glued my croc into the strap down position. And for those that are wondering: Scotch tape will hold your croc strap together for a week if you only wear them for about 24 hours of that time. :) (tee hee hee, I said croc strap)
8. Jim’s best friend’s girlfriend emailed me today with their new address and phone number. He didn’t even mention they were moving and Jim has talked to him almost every day this week. Odd.
9. Las Vegas Season 1 is the next DVD on my Blockbuster online list.
10. I have 3 printers at my house and not a single one of them will print right now. I lost the power cord to one when we moved, I need to buy a USB to USB 2 cord for the new one, and the REALLY old one I can’t find ink for. Guess there will be no printing of anything in the near future.

And there you have it kids. 10 Random Things for a Friday for July 3rd. Wait. Today's only Thursday. Carp. Um. Well. Oh Carp. I can't call it 10 Random things for a Thursday can I? Carp. Ok that's what will do. No rules here right?

title edited to say: 10 Random Things for a Friday that is really a Thursday.

There, that'll do it. Catch you on the flip side!

Oxymoron

maybe not exactly an oxymoron but something pretty close to that.

On a McDonald's cup - We're as picky about what we buy as you are.

If I was really being picky about breakfast this morning would I really have been in the McDonald's drive thru?

My egg mcmuffin minus Can Bacn would beg to differ. I quickly remembered why I don't go there anymore. They do still have the best fountain Diet Coke though. :)

Insert Birthday cake with tall candle picture here

Ready for the drumroll? tatataatatatatatatatatat (how do you write the sound of a drum roll anyway?)

This blog is one year old. Pretty amazing huh. I've been blabbing about nothing for a year now. And wonder of all wonders some of you have been following along for just as long. Pretty insane huh?

In honor of the blog's birthday (which was actually 2 days ago, I just missed it) I am sending you the presents. You see, I see the stats. I know you come here and laugh at me and run. And other than a couple, you rarely comment. I know. Humor me here.

Leave a comment. I'll pick one or two of you random friends to send a mystery box to. I'm sure I can find something in the closet somewhere. I mean, I do have an abundance of scrapbook stuff and Partylite candles and a dust bunny or two.

I'll let someone else pick the comment number on, let's say, Friday. That'll give a few days for enough comments to trickle in for me to not feel like I'm talking to myself. Which we all know I am but I'm not ready to admit it just yet.

Friday! Friday! I'll draw a random name on Friday!

See, I really have lost my mind.

Quote away

“Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.” - Buddha

Living in the present is something we all need to do, right? I think if we all did though, the antacid manufacturers of the world would probably go under. So worry away.

Not me though. I'm on a mission to be Rolaid free by July 1st. Says she who is seriously contemplating calling her mom and asking a "what if" question that seriously isn't living in the present. But it isn't July 1st yet so it's all good.

And now we return you to your regularly scheduled program.

Dooce is giving away 5 Wii Fits

I still think that the fact that they call it a Wii Fit is hysterical. It makes me think of a toddler throwing a tantrum. And then nanny says, "look. She's having a wee fit. Isn't that cute." I think I may have a wee fit myself if the day continues the way it has. Seeing as how it's 3:20 and I'm just now eating lunch. oh well.

Anyway - if you don't read dooce you should. She's freaking hysterical. Honest and far from charming and occasionally a might bit offensive but in a "I can't believe she just said that" kind of way. Not the other way. I wouldn't read it if it were the other way. But you knew that already.

Here is a link to the giveaway post - Giveaway post You can enter as many times as you want. Me, I just entered once. But that's all I'll need. Because I have such good luck and that's why they won't let me in the casinos anymore. (I don't care what you heard. That's the real reason.) Besides, I only need 1 Wii Fit. I'll let you have the other 4.

Monday musings

Ok, not exactly musings but more like scrambled thoughts. Or random. So I guess it's really just a random things for a Monday. LOL

1. I have a hangnail that is driving me nuts.
2. I have a headache. Had a headache yesterday too. Just not sure if this is the same headache or a "I had too much psuedo sangria last night" headache.
3. The weather person was right when they said that yesterday would be "super nice". It was. And not just the weather.
4. I'm contemplating sending all of the stuff I need to send to family members (New Ma's baby shower thank yous. Birth announcements for two grandbabies (one of which is now 5 months old) and updated pics of said babies) in one big envelope with a note stating how sorry I am to be sending this stuff so late. Would that be tacky?
5. We blew through about $35 worth of fireworks last night. It was a banging good time!
6. Having friends over no matter how bad your house looks is still a good thing. When they are good friends they really don't care. I have to remember that more often.
7. Perfection is overrated. Why do I still feel bad when I fall short?

Ok, now that I got that out of my brain I am going back to work. Chat at you soon!

10 Random Things for a Friday

After a two week hiatus, and by popular demand, I offer you the return of the random.......

1. My croc broke. :( It's a sad day. I bought some super glue to fix it but I can't decide whether to glue it so it is up like a clog or back strap down. :( Susan says I can buy just the strap but I called a couple of places and they didn't know what Susan was talking about. You apparently have to go to an actual croc store. We don't have one. But then I was on the crocs website and they have some pretty cool stuff! Wish I had kid size feet so I could get the Sponge Bob ones.
2. I subbed the weekly twelve pack of Diet Coke this week for Diet Dr Pepper. It was on sale. I figured it'd be less caffeine too. Then I found out it is only BARELY less. How much caffeine is in your favorite beverage? Then I found out that 2 Excedrin has nearly as much caffeine as my favorite sugar free energy drink. No wonder I was so jittery when I tried to get rid of the headache on Tuesday! I had 290 mg of caffeine in me!
3. Son2 is now an officially legally licensed driver with his own running insured car. For those of you following along this is a huge milestone.
4. I got to watch the baby BAM overnight Wednesday. It was fun. Especially since he slept for 6 hours straight.
5. This weekend I am pulling the carpet out of the back room. I can't stand looking at the 1960 stuff anymore. I think we'll put in vinyl flooring or something similar. It gets too much traffic for carpet.
6. I've had grocery store sushi twice this week. I have hit a new sushi low.
7. My new to me car has a CD player. I haven't stuck a single CD in it yet. Yes, I know. Sad and pitiful.
8. The W clan is coming over tomorrow night to BBQ dead stuff and slap mosquitoes and catch fireflies and set off fireworks. I should have taken today off to clean my house. :)
9. Madonna and Guy Richie splitting up has zero effect on my life. And I am sick of hearing about it on the radio and TV. Glad I don't live in London. And where did she get her pseudo English accent any way?
10. dh starts a new job on Monday. He gets a real Mon - Fri work week again and gets an hour for lunch. And all for a bit more money than he is making now in his salaried 62 hour a week job. I see camping weekends in our future again!

That is all. See you again soon.

I need to get an Ipod

Or a Zune or another MP3 player. Do you have one? What do you have? Do you love it? Would you buy it again? I need one. Ok, really I just want one but it's bordering on a need. :) I'd love the U2 edition of the Ipod but that's out of my price range. I want to download songs and take them with me wherever I want to go. I won't use itunes though. Too expensive. I'm more of a Rhapsody or Zune type gal.

I'll start by downloading all of the songs from Sarah Bowen's playlist. Take a listen. LOVE her choice of music. Want to take it with me on a walk.

2nd grade weather forecasting

From KETV Weather

Can't believe they actually published this.....

But hey! At least we know it will be nice.

Ear Worms and Algebra

Apparently Algebra will kill an earworm. Who'd a thought?

"Getting "Eye of the Tiger" stuck in your head is the result of a glitch in your auditory cortex. This part of your brain processes sounds and stores them for later recall. It powers up and can start crooning uncontrollably after hearing just a few notes of a familiar tune. Want it to stop? Listen to the whole song or do some math."

Wired Magazine

Edited - For those that don't already know -- an earworm is a song that gets stuck in your head. You know, like "I'm a little teapot. Short and stout. Here is my handle here is my spout."

George Carlin Talks About Stuff

I'm sure by now, you've heard that George Carlin passed. Sad. But thanks to DVD, television, his books, comedy albums, and YouTube, he can still make us laugh.

Umm. I just realized that in retrospect, the "stuff" video is a little distasteful, considering the post about everybody who just lost all of their "stuff". No disrespect intended. No second meaning. I just love the bit.

The weekend update

Went to CR this weekend. I'd been planning to go since we were there on the 1st. Considered not going because of the flooding. But they opened I380 back up so I decided to make the trip.

The entire agenda of the weekend was to spend time with Jr and the baby. And spend time with the baby is EXACTLY what I did. Got to see my brother, SIL, and baby Rachel as well. It was a perfect way to spend the weekend. I'll have to post pics later. He's such a cutie. :) I might be biased though.

Regarding the flood - It is so sad. Depressing actually. Driving from Marion to Elvis' through town on Friday night was the eeriest, most surreal moment. From H Avenue to Wilson Ave (nearly 2 miles) the only lights you saw were the hospital. Quaker was dark. The apartments were dark. The neighborhoods were dark. Alliant Energy (the electric company) was dark. The bridges were dark. For about 2 miles, there was only the occasional street light or blinking stop light. It was just flat out eerie. You never know how many lights there are until they all go dark.

Drove through downtown, Czech Village, Taylor neighborhood, and the flats. It's so sad. Everywhere you look there is nothing but devastation. Then there are the piles. Imagine everything in your house piled by the curb. Throw dirt on it. Then hose it down until it can't take up any more water. Everything becomes undistinguishable. It's all just a pile of wet, brown garbage. The same "stuff" you spent your lifetime accumulating. Now diminished to wet, brown garbage.

You can see the look of defeat in people's faces as they take yet another load to the curb. It'll take months just to haul everything to the landfill. The "new" landfill that has now had it's life expectancy cut in half due to the sheer quantity of newly mudded wet, brown garbage. At least in a tornado's aftermath, you can sift through and salvage most of your "stuff". In a fire it all is disposed of for you. Not much to take to the landfill. But this. This is blocks and blocks of wet, brown everything that had to be hauled armful after wheelbarrow full after arm full to the curb. And then when you are done, you still have to clean up and pull drywall and hope that your insurance will replace at least some of what is gone. It's overwhelmingly sad.

SIL keeps talking about waiting in line for assistance. So many lines. So many phone calls. So much red tape.

SIL's house looks to be repairable. There is still a little water in the basement. And all of her wet, brown possessions are at the curb. But in Rompot, everything has a different smell than the rest of the city. Apparently the sewer came up before the river came over. So the whole neighborhood smells like dried sewage. Wet, brown, sewer smelling garbage. It's unfathomably sad.

Consequences

The quote of the day on Dave Ramsey's website is:

Sooner or later everyone sits down to a banquet of consequences - Robert Louis Stevenson

Thought the quote was cool. Discuss amongst yourselves.

Goodbye to Tastespotting

There have been no updates on my Tastespotting.com widget. Or in my google reader feed. So I finally broke down and went to the actual site. Apparently there are legal issues and they took the site down. I am saddened. Now I have to actually add my fav food blog feeds individually. Cripes.

So sad to see you go Tastespotting.com. I'll miss you.

Top Story on Yahoo Mail news feed

Cedar Rapids Flooding

I finally shut the video feed off when I left work at 8:00. Then I get on to check my email earlier. And there it was. Cedar Rapids is the top story on Yahoo's mail news feed.

I've talked to many that I know in CR. Some are evacuated. Some have no power and moved to friend's houses. One has decided to leave town. All seem to be in shock at the water's devastation.

I keep watching things I know. Stores I grew up shopping at. The office building I used to work in. The shop we used to run. All under water. Then I think of those in shelters that are spending their time watching news feed of their homes that are now under water.

I can't even imagine.

My prayers go out to everyone affected.

CR flooding

Whether you pray or bring good thoughts or send positive energy, keep Cedar Rapids, Iowa in mind. The flooding is unprecedented.

The river is STILL rising. 10,000 people have been evacuated. 12,000 land parcels are effected. 20,000 households are without power. Almost every road and highway in and out of town is closed. A railroad bridge has collapsed. Curfews have been implemented. It isn't expected to crest until some time tomorrow or Saturday.

It's unreal. And it makes me cry. So many people I love are effected.

You can see the live feed here. I can't seem to shut if off. :(

And the rain is still coming.

10 Random Things for a Friday

1. I've only been to Starbucks once this week. I think that's pretty darn good considering.
2. Spent a good portion of Tuesday with new mama and baby B. It made for a very enjoyable day.
3. New mama got a new job! She is now officially working in her chosen field of nursing.
4. Son2 is working his rear off. He is working 12 hour days for about the next week. Two jobs will do that to you!
5. We have been bicycle shopping. Son2 bought a really cool new Schwinn. Hubby and I are considering new bike purchases but at the moment don't have the cash. Maybe money will fall out of the sky next week.
6. I am craving sushi and sake bombs. Not that that is any big surprise. But it's been a while since either were on the "I have a craving" list. Go figure.
7. My bftcmhbftlfa (best friend that calls me her best friend that lives far away) is coming to visit in November. She is coming for the New Kids on the Block concert. I'll take any excuse to see her though so no complaints here.
8. Sonic sugarfree limeades are the bomb.
9. I took my camera to CR last Sunday and never broke it out. That is a first I do believe.
10. I am going back to CR the weekend of the 21st. I need more baby time. It's Freedom Festival too! Want to come?

Posted a little after the fact but hey, I started it on Friday. I should get credit for that, right?

Anxiety Attack after Anxiety Attack

Anxiety attack after anxiety attack and none of them for any good reason. Ok, not full out as bad as I have ever had them kind of attacks. Just the level that totally screws with your day and makes it so you don't get a darn thing done because you are obsessed with what caused (is causing) the anxiety.

• Started on Saturday worrying about everything that had to be done for Sunday. Continued when I realized that I had left almost everything to my mom to do and felt bad about that.
• Now that I think about it I think it started the middle of last week. I yelled at hubby and Son2 for next to nothing a couple of times last week. (OK, probably more than a couple) Usually a pretty good indicator of underlying anxiety issues.
• Sunday started out that way but quickly dissipated after I blew up at people that didn't really need blown up at.
• Monday was stupid people at work day. (not the people I work WITH, just the people that I had to deal with. That sure didn't help anything.
• Tuesday was... well Tuesday was a whole nasty day in and of itself and deserves it's own post so we'll let it go here.
• Wednesday -- Stupid storm. We had a storm on Wednesday night that freaked me out. I usually really enjoy storms. Truly. But this one and all of it's "the storm is coming the storm is coming" meteorological glory freaked me out. And then it got here and it had died down and it wasn't so scary. Go figure.
• Then there is today. I have ZERO tolerance for people. Not anyone specific but everyone in general.
• I have to get the plates and registration for the new car. How much is that going to cost me?
• Baby B is running a low grade fever. Is he OK? Why hasn't she called me yet to tell me how he is doing?
• Now we are having another storm. Black on the radar is bad, right?
• I should not have had Starbucks this morning. I don't think the caffeine is helping the anxiety at all.
• And there is that whole, someone is standing on my chest every time I think of anything of any consequence thing. And no. It is not a heart problem or blood pressure. It's anxiety. And eventually, this too will go away.

Please pass the Lorazepam.

Annual insanity update

Last Sunday was the annual balloon release. You know that though because you read it in the blog entry a couple back that wasn't really a blog entry but a copy of the press release. It was (as always) a very mixed emotion day.

The weather was perfect. We couldn't have asked for better. I was saddened by the lack of media attention. We usually get 3 of 4 stations and the newspaper. We had 1 station show up. Thank you KGAN. Much appreciated. Any media is good media, right?

The balloon release itself went well. Neither Jim or I could say anything without crying though. So the big "thank you to everyone for coming" speech was cut REALLY short and we just released the balloons instead.

Every year I think this will get easier. And every year it doesn't. I think it actually gets harder. I have this idea in my head that this will be the last time we have to do this. That next year she'll be home and we can have a big party instead. Still waiting.

Spent time after the release with most all of the family from every side of the clan. When you offer a potluck picnic, they all will stay for food! Yeah for family time! I am glad we could all come together. It was a good thing for everybody I think.

And I got to spend ALL afternoon playing with Lucas James. So that in and of itself was healing. Now if only I could hold onto that all the time.

(Wrote all of this last week. Not sure how I missed posting it. Sorry.)

Not quite insane but getting there

Just let me wallow for a minute. You can ignore me and move on if you need to. It's OK. I would too. Just smile and wave when you pass on the street.



This week sucks. Every year. Every year I think it will get easier. NEWSFLASH -- It doesn't. It doesn't get any different either. See, I'm planning this event for Sunday. We are having our annual balloon release. Media has been calling. Friends and family are RSVPing in some of the highest numbers ever. But I don't want to do this. I don't think I can face it again.

Somebody stop the world. I want to get off. I'll get back on on the 4th. It'll all be OK again by then.

This is yet another post that I drafted but didn't post last week. For anyone that follows chronologically, Sorry. But the date really does matter.

Press Release aka remember the insanity

For Immediate Release:
Balloon Release Event to Remember Still Missing Cedar Rapids Teen

The family of missing Cedar Rapids teen, Erin Pospisil, invites the community to join them in remembering Erin with a balloon release to be held Sunday June 1st at 1:00 PM.

Tuesday June 3, 2008 marks seven years since then 15 year old, Erin Pospisil was last seen in front of the home of a friend in the 1500 block of Second Avenue SE. Family, friends, and community members will honor the day with a balloon release this weekend. The public is encouraged attend the event. The balloon release will be held Sunday June 1st at 1:00 PM at the Van Vechten Park Pavilion in Cedar Rapids. (off 12th Avenue SE past 19th Street)

"Not only is Erin still missing seven years later, we are no closer to knowing what really happened to her than we were on that Sunday night seven years ago," states Carolyn Pospisil, step-mother of Erin Pospisil. "Somebody out there knows what happened to Erin that night. It is our hope that by continuing to hold events in her honor that someone will remember something and come forward with that all important lead that will help us to bring Erin home."

All are welcome to attend the balloon release remembrance.

The event is a project of Help Find a Child, a non-profit organization founded by the Pospisil family. More information on the event and the organization are available at HelpFindAChild.com.

Brandon 1 month pics

The irises are blooming!

Yet another reason why I love where I live.

These were taken May 11th. Lucas is growing up so fast!

And this is me with the coolest babies in the whole world. I am such a lucky grandma. :)

Son2 Grad Pictures

Getting caught up on pics I've said I'd share. The non-picture taking grin was three times as big!

10 Random Things for a Friday

1. I suck for missing 10 random last week. And I suck again for not blogging anything else other than random blatherings for the last month. My apologies. I'll try and work on that.
2. The irises are starting to bloom. I SOOOO love my yard! I'll post pics this weekend. (pinky promise)
3. We got Roxanne clipped two weeks ago. She was "summer cut" and looks freakin hysterical. I was convinced they'd given me the wrong dog.
4. POS Van has been retired out to pasture. (ok, just back along the fence line)
5. Which means I had to get a new car. So after more than a month of looking, I bought a 2005 Pontiac Vibe. I had to go to KC to get the price I wanted but I again have a reliable vehicle that I can drive out of town without freaking out about not making it home. Too bad it comes with a car payment.
6. Jim gets Monday off. An actual honest to goodness two days off in a row. He's in heaven.
7. Jr tells me that Lucas James has an ear infection. It makes me sad. I feel his pain.
8. I realized on Tuesday that I have been going to Starbucks too often lately. The cashier/order taker gal not only remembered what I order, she even remembered the name to write on my cup.
9. I am planning on having a garage sale next weekend. We'll see if it actually materializes but I REALLY need to get the stuff out of the chicken shed.
10. Speaking of chickens. We no longer have chicks. We have chickens. I can't believe how fast they have grown!

Now if that wasn't just the most boring 10 things ever. LOL

10 Random Things for a Friday

1. This week's snack of choice is CLIF Mojo Bars. I never got around to making the granola I'd planned on and these were on sale at Baker's this week. Feel the love.


2. I cleaned the house on Tuesday for a salesman my husband set a meeting up with. He never showed. The salesman that is. Hubby was there. He mowed the lawn.


3. The new mower makes mowing the lawn much quicker. I think he finished in about an hour and a half. I'll time him next time.


4. The gas tank on the van sprung a leak again. So much for the special gunk that was supposed to be made specifically for gas tank leaks. Investment in new gas tank? $105.


5. My admin assistant has a fat lip. Contrary to popular belief I did not give it to her. She fell at Baker's. And no, she was not getting me more Mojo Bars. We just like to go to Baker's on lunch.


6. I had a dream last night about vampires living on the 4th floor of my house. It was weird. I have no 2nd floor let alone 4th floor.


7. I am skipping this month's book club book. Just couldn't get into it. I've moved on to next month's. It's pretty good so far.


8. Spent a good part of the afternoon test driving a car. But I don't LOVE it. So I am not supposed to have it right? But the hubby says it's because I don't love the idea of a car payment. I think he may be right.
9. Leave for back East tomorrow. I get to spend Grandma time with Lucas. I'm a little excited.
10. Speaking of Gma time ... Baby B is as cute as ever! Pics after the weekend.

10 Random Things for a Friday

I know this is two days late. Pretend you didn't notice.

1. I saw a Honda CRV on the side of the road yesterday. It should make me feel better but it didn't.
2. The POS van is still for sale. It's getting cheaper. Jump on it while you still can. Not that jumping on it will make it look any better but you never know.
3. When I logged into Google Reader on Monday (hadn't been on since Wednesday night) I had 1324 new blog posts. Me thinks me need to clean out some of my blog feeds. I may have too many. What do you think?
4. I have resigned myself to the fact that dairy is not my friend. In reality it is my foe. Even ice cream is now bad. I am so sad. And all I really want is a DQ Krunch Kote cone. And a cheese pizza. Oh the horror! So I've started to read everything on PETA's Milk Sucks website. It's making me feel a little better. Actually it's grossing me out.
5. Economic Farce payments started via direct deposit this week. Based upon the poll (and the informal poll I took with about everyone else I know) if the people I know are the average, I'd have to say it will make little to no difference in the actual stimulus it creates. But then again, once most people have it in your hand, all plans seem to go out the window.
6. I spent more than an hour and a half the other night planning a vacation I can't remotely afford. It was a nice diversion.
7. Son2 walks across the stage on Saturday. I'm beyond proud.
8. Tutu sent me pics of her holding Lucas James this past weekend. She said it was because she wanted to show me current pics. I think she was just rubbing it in.
9. Sally aka Houdini has figured out how to open the back screen door.
10. MA and baby are adjusting to being home. He is FAR from sleeping through the night.

Thoughts for Thursday

Time Magazine released it's top 100 most influential people. But they didn't rank them. Just listed them. So they left the ranking to the public via a poll. The poll shows that video game designer Shigeru Miyamoto ranks number 1. A Nintendo video game designer. That's Ok, it gets worse. Britney Spears at 72 comes in only a little less than the Pope at 60. Nelson Mandela is ranked at 16. George W. Bush? 158th. The Dalai Lama rounded out the list at 207.

Who are the most influential people in your life?