Art On A Limb

It's Over

2010-06-15T14:06:00.003-05:00

High School, that is. Miss Priss graduated on June 3rd in front of God and everyone. A collective family sigh was released and now we're on to the next big adventure. Before I move on with this story, let me tell you that this graduation may have been the best one I have ever attended - 11 graduates in total (a charter school) - each graduate had a teacher give speech in their behalf, each graduate got to give a speech, and the parents of each graduate were allowed to give one, too. It was all very personal and very touching.

Oh, but the hits just keep on coming... The Graduate decided to QUIT.HER.JOB because it was "hard work" cashiering at the grocery store and it wasn't like, "sitting at a desk all day," like I do. Yes, mom and dad BOTH insisted you don't quit a job until you get a job, but she-who-knows-the-intricacies-of-the-universe knew better and did it anyway.

Well, this kiddo was informed not to expect ANY gas money from the parental units. She says, "I know," and we know she's thinking I have alllllllllllllllll this graduation money, etc... of course, she has almost sped through it. We're squirreling away $500.00.

So, will she get a job before gas money runs out? Stay tuned!

Eighteen

2010-03-29T11:35:00.003-05:00

My kiddo turned 18 last week. Where did time go??

Miss Engaged is now a married woman - man, oh, man is THAT a long story. I don't have the energy for that one right now! Let's just say he got shipped overseas with the military, she's staying with his alternative-lifestyle sister, and looks for ways to stick it to her mom. Frankly, the mom kind of deserves it, but I would never say that in front of the girls. There's more, but like I said, there's just not enough coffee to get through it.

I miss blogging. I keep saying that and not committing to be faithful. Good thing I'm not married to it, huh?

Right this moment, life is good - how about you??

Teen Updates

2010-02-26T12:49:00.002-06:00

Oh, the world has spun around again! Miss Priss and Miss Engaged are now sworn enemies.

Frankly, I couldn't be happier. Miss E is bad news. And we don't need no stinkin' bad news at our house.

Subject switch: Our little Shih Tzu, Georgi, just had two discs removed Wednesday. She's a trooper and can already stand, but we make her lie back down. I can't tell you how horrible it is to hear your little pet screaming in agony. But, that should be relieved now - we just have to get through the surgery recovery process.

Back to first subject: Senior pics are being taken tomorrow - all outdoors. I am really looking forward to this. So is Miss Priss as her hair got dramatically more blonde yesterday. Oh, yes it did.

Kindled

2010-02-10T10:33:00.002-06:00

I don't have a thing to say that I can think of as my fingers are typing this. Then, I remember that I don't think I have posted about my favorite Christmas gift - the Kindle. Oh yeah, I am loving that thing.

Now, don't get me wrong. I am a book LOVER - yep, all "all caps" kind of book lover. I love how they feel, smell, and look. If I had my way, I would live in a library (really) - maybe a lighthouse-shaped library on the edge of a beautiful ocean, but we won't go down that path right now. BUT, (mmmhmmm the big "but" too) this Kindle is a reader's dream. I can carry approximately 1500 books in my hand.

And so many free ones! The classics are free... public domain and all. Oh, it is big fun.

Do you have one? Do you love it?

Saying the "C" Word

2010-02-08T08:55:00.002-06:00

Well... found out I have melanoma, BUT, it's gonna be okay. My dermatologist called me and informed me the mole she removed was positive for melanoma and she was going to refer me to M.D. Anderson's Melanoma Department. If you don't live here, you probably don't know what hearing those words do to you. MD Anderson is the world's leading cancer facility - an amazing place, but when you hear you're being sent there, you think... yikes!

So, let me get to it. I happened (by the grace of God) to have been assigned to the world's leading melanoma specialists - this is no exaggeration. Until you go, you imagine a host of scary thoughts, but I went and it looks as if what I have is very manageable and was caught early.

I'll know more after next week. This gives him time to review the pathology slides, but on the initial visit, he said he didn't think I would need surgery and for a surgeon to tell you this is a GOOD thing. Whew.

This may change if the pathology indicates something he doesn't know, but I feel so much better! And I can say, "cancer," and not freak out.

So, that's that. One thing I know for sure is I really, really WANT to volunteer at MD Anderson - the place is AMAZING. I called to sign up for weekends, but they are booked with volunteers. I'm getting on the waiting list.

Scary

2010-02-01T12:46:00.002-06:00

Tomorrow I face something scary. It's health-related and I don't want to give it life by talking about here yet. I am a FIRM believer in positivity, so after tomorrow, I might be able to tell a bit more.

Send me good vibes!

Wednesdays

2010-01-27T08:09:00.002-06:00

After going through a holiday season and MLK Day, it's hard to get back on a regular track.

It's Wednesday. Feels like Thursday. I need Friday.

Something scary coming up next week, however, so I guess I should be glad it's not Friday.

Conflictions!

After the Drama

2010-01-25T10:00:00.005-06:00

Okay... whew... hold on.

The girls did NOT meet at the mall... careful engineering by the Engaged one. But, Miss Engaged dumped both Nicole and Chelsea to hang out with her "only a friend" named Scott. Scott is not the fiancee. In fact, fiancee, Marine, would probably not be happy with this "friendship."

Wellllllllll, Saturday was New Best Friend's birthday party at her house. NBF's mom informed her that Miss Engaged was not welcome in their home (after all the previous drama). So, the girls must find a way to tell her. Eventually, Chelsea got the nerve to tell Michelle, whereupon, Michelle informed Miss Priss that Chelsea was a "retarded liar."

Miss Engaged was REALLY angry that she isn't welcome at Chelsea's home, but expects Miss Priss to understand and not be angry that Miss Priss isn't welcomed at HER home.

Sooooooo... this means Miss Engaged was not allowed to come to New Best Friend's birthday party, but there was a lot of texting going on which led to an all-out fight over the texting airwaves.

My kiddo is playing Switzerland throughout the whole process. She still wants to be friends with Miss Engaged, but I don't understand why.

This left Miss Priss and New Best Friend having a great weekend.

And for something completely non-related: The boy across the street has commenced flirting with Miss Priss. Previously, she dismissed his attentions as he was "like a brother" to her. Seems that is no longer the case. We'll see.

Can You Get TOO Much Drama?

2010-01-21T12:59:00.004-06:00

No! Of course not!

The drama now is rather mild. This is all-girl drama. A third "best friend" has entered the inner sanctum and jealousies are flaring up all over the place. It seems Miss Engaged (Michelle) is not happy that Miss Priss (Nicole) is friends with New Best Friend (Chelsea), so accusations and rumors are flying all over.

Things like, "Chelsea's parents don't like you and don't want you at their house," "Chelsea really doesn't like Michael - he's too clingy," etc.... Of course Miss Engaged is saying New Best Friend is saying all this stuff. Miss Priss is believing Miss Engaged.

Miss Priss calls New Best Friend to "confront" her about all these accusation. New Best Friend denies it all. Miss Priss gets New Best Friend and Miss Engaged to agree to meet at the mall to hash it all out after school.

After all the plans are in place, Miss Engaged has Miss Priss also believing New Best Friend won't be able to "lie" when they are all there together.

WELL....evidently, New Best Friend told her mom all this and her mom called me today to let me know that Miss Priss is most assuredly liked and allowed in their home. Seems Miss Engaged must be the jealous culprit and the instigator of issues.

Hmmm... will the truth come out at the mall? The mall is, after all, where one would go to mediate issues. They DO have a food court.

My guess? Miss Engaged will retain her powers and put a spin on everything and the Gullibles will buy the story.

I'll let you know.

Pro Nap

2010-01-20T12:27:00.002-06:00

That's right. I am completely, totally in FAVOR of naps!

I need one right this minute (either that or go out to lunch).

Zzzzz

It's Over

2010-01-19T10:13:00.002-06:00

The long weekend, that is. We shipped Miss Priss to Denver last Friday and she came home yesterday. She spent the entire MLK weekend with my aunt & uncle (her greats) and all their extended family - tons of cousins.

Nicole had never seen snow or mountains, so she had a tee-total blast!

And her parents... did too.

Thank you Southwest Airlines for having inexpensive flights. I love you.

Bad Book Choices

2010-01-14T09:25:00.002-06:00

Went to my book club meeting last night. We had read, "Home," by Marilynne Robinson. The general consensus was, "Ugh."

I have to say her writing was beautiful... I wanted to keep reading just to see how she would phrase the next sentence, what words she would choose, but the storyline was... well... boring.

The choice for the next meeting is, "The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie," by Alan Bradley - a little adventure, murder, and detective story. Sounds like we're in for just a plain, fun read.

Have you read it?

Out Patient

2010-01-12T10:27:00.002-06:00

I had some "out-patient" surgery on my arm yesterday. May I just say one word? Thank you. Here it is:

OW!

Starting Fresh

2010-01-08T08:55:00.002-06:00

Okay, I know it's been a LONG time since I blogged. Facebook has gotten hold of me and I seem to be trapped there, but am finding I am missing longer, more thoughtful posts. So, no commitments to daily posts, but I can start anew in 2010.

That brings me to a quick wrap-up of 2009. If you have visited me before, you already know the majority of this will be kid-related. When you insert MY kid into that sentence, it would really be drama-related. Let's see... since last we spoke, all report cards have been really good. That's a cool thing.

Miss Priss seems to have relinquished the over-burning desire for a boyfriend at all costs for a few minutes. She is happily esconced in her friend's drama right now. She has a new best friend - Shelly. Marine was on leave the 2 weeks of Christmas break and Shelly informed her parents she would be spending the entire 2 weeks in a hotel with Mr. Marine. Her parents, of course, were adamant she would NOT do such a thing, but she did. It seems 17 is that "twilight" age in Texas - the kids can leave, but the parents can't do much to get them back, however, the kids can come back and the parents have to take them. I know, I know... this is a rambling story.

Let's get back to it... she left, she stayed the 2 weeks, and when the 2 weeks was up, her parents wouldn't let her back home. Well, they would with these conditions: Give up Mr. Marine. Give up your cell phone (the one he bought and pays for). Give up your friend (my child). She has to give up my daughter because Miss Priss does not encourage her to leave Mr. Marine.

Why these parents expect my minor to have more sense than their minor, is starting to get my goat! These girls believe in the fairy tale romance, etc...and think Mr. Marine is like Richard Gere in "An Officer and A Gentleman" and he might just swoop in and carry Shelly out the door to a new and wonderful life (ugh! as if!).

Anyway, the parents were refusing shelter until she met all the stipulations above. I know I would be as angry as they, but they aren't leaving this kid any wiggle room. Personally, I would've grounded her for two weeks, restricted phone use, and tried to get some counseling for the kid.

It got to the point where another mom and I had to call Shelly's mom and tell her we weren't raising her kid and she needed to make something happen. She refused, so we decided to tell Shelly she couldn't stay with us either. She ended up with a 3rd friend and got some sort of bug. They called her parents and she is home as of yesterday.

They took her to the doctor - respiratory infection - her parents made her stay home from school yesterday and today, plus the weekend. Miss Priss is worried she might never have her best friend back.

So... that's the lastest drama update here.

Deactivation!

2010-01-07T12:22:00.002-06:00

Geez... you quit blogging for months on end and they deactivate you?? I think I need to get back at it!

Catching Up

2009-09-29T08:43:00.002-05:00

Okay, I know I don't post here like I used to do, but I am going to make an effort to try and stay a bit more active. Funny how life takes you in different directions from time to time.

First, the kid: She woke up in the middle of the night Sunday night/Monday morning - her back is killing her. Poor thing, she was really in pain, but after careful watch, it appears to be muscular. She scammed out of going to school yesterday and I, ashamedly, ragged her out. For some reason, the not going to school really pushes a hot button with me. Is it because I am one of those people that almost never, ever misses work? I don't remember ever missing school either. Of course, I was more academically motivated than my own child. She's there for friends.

Next, do you know how close it is to CHRISTMAS??? I have a few things already purchased. Shock! Faint! For friends, though, not family.

Overall, life is good.

What's new with you??

Private Vacation

2009-09-16T12:01:00.002-05:00

I think I have posted about this before, but I think a solo vacation would be so nice. Don't get me wrong, I love my husband, my daughter, and my doggies, but I would LOVE to go away.

When I was a kid and teen, I liked to be in my room (not ALL the time, but occasionally)... usually just reading. For some reason, my brother and sister would spend their entire time trying to GET IN. I don't know what they thought was going on in there, but they'd find a way to get in and then I'd spend the rest of the time trying to get them out.

My brother and sister were SO fun to grow up with, though, and there are tons of funny stories.

You know, it might be fun to go on vacation with one of them ;-)

Board Certified?

2009-09-11T23:41:00.002-05:00

What exactly is a "board certified" doctor as opposed to a regular doctor. I'm talking medical doctors here.

Burning question - gotta' know and, truthfully, don't want to sift through Google.

Speaking of which, why didn't we buy stock in the very beginning?

But, being the beginning, who would've thought.

And, thought requires thinking, which, naturally, needs energy.

I'm guess about now, you'd need energy to master what it takes to become board certified.

Now we're back to the beginning.

Death and Life

2009-09-08T14:51:00.002-05:00

My great aunt, Edith, passed away last week and her funeral was this past Sunday in Austin, Texas. Edith was the 12th of 12 kids - my grandfather's baby sister. All of the 12 were born and raised on Grand Cayman Island. All but two immigrated to the US and started new lives here.

Edith was an amazingly loving woman. You can imagine how many nephews and nieces there were amongst all the siblings... and all of them have had families. It's a big clan. Edith, however, had the knack of making each and every niece or nephew feel like they were the only one, the most special, the favored one. She was wild and crazy and fun!

So, her time here came to an end and created a wonderful reunion for the rest of us. For some reason, there was a lot of reconnecting going on - renewing of bonds, creating of bonds, and just a sense of togetherness.

She'll be missed, but will remain in our stories to the younger cousins.

I'm glad I got the family I have. It's truly a blessing :)

Amazing Faiths

2009-08-31T09:20:00.005-05:00

The Amazing Faiths Project

The Amazing Faiths Project brings together people of all faiths and no faith together for fellowship and friendship. The cornerstone of the project is the Dinner Dialogue which takes place throughout the year in many cities. Many other events and activities are produced by partnering organizations around the United States and throughout the world

I signed up for the one in Houston this year. Maybe you would be interested in attending in your area? If so, I would love to know!

The Car Returns

2009-08-21T11:05:00.003-05:00

Well, today is the day we pick up the car Miss Priss decided to WRECK. No, I am not still angry (lie detector just went off!).

Once we pick it up, I am taking it for a MAJOR cleaning out. She has evidently been using it for a rolling closet and garbage can as well as transportation. It also looked as if her friends used it for an alternate closet as well.

We told her last night that if she gets one more ticket or one more accident, we're dropping her from our insurance and selling the car.

After that, she looks me right in the eyes and says, "Can I drive to beach after school on Monday?"

To.the.beach.

On the first day of school.

"After school, Mom." Sheesh!

Our answer, "No."

We haven't decided if she gets it tonight or tomorrow. We're leaning towards late tomorrow afternoon.

Oh, and the cruise was spectacular!

A Normal Day?

2009-08-05T09:15:00.002-05:00

All signs indicate today will just be normal. Will it? Goodness, I sure hope so!

We're counting down vacation time now. We'll be cruising next week - well, actually, we set sail on Saturday and return on Thursday. It's a "quickie cruise" (5 days) from Galveston to Cozumel. We're letting Miss Priss bring Courtney with her and they are going to swim with the dolphins in Cozumel.

We'll be stopping in Progresso, Mexico, too, but not sure what we'll do there - maybe swim and shop. I'll be concentrating on the shopping part.

The fun part of a cruise is the teens can be free, but contained all at the same time.

I opt for containment until the age of 32.

We'll see.

What A Day!

2009-08-03T17:30:00.002-05:00

Took Jerry to the doc this morning for an endoscopy for his acid reflux. Everything went really well and the doctor told me all is fine (yea!). He came out still under the anesthesia, so I took him right home to get some sleep.

After that, I came to work. Wasn't here 30 minutes before Miss Priss calls. A lady hit her. In the car. Miss Priss was cutting across 3 lanes of traffic - 2 lanes stopped and waved her through. The 3rd one didn't.

Oh yes, Miss Priss got a ticket for failure to yield right-of-way. Goody! And there is approximately $2500.00 worth of damage.

Jerry was coming to around then, so I picked Nicole up, took her home, got Jerry and we went to the body shop. They said it could be ready by Monday. We told them no, it couldn't. It couldn't be ready until the day before school starts.

The owner of the body shop says, "Sure, you can hide the car here till then." We love him.

And, that's how this day has panned out thus far.

Pray for me as fuse is now on the metric system.

Torture Devices

2009-07-29T13:24:00.002-05:00

Yes... we need them! For our kids, our employees, our spouses/partners, and even random folks.

A Brain Thumper would come in handy.

An Eye Poker might be helpful.

For punishment, how about a big scoop of June bugs in your underwear?

Okay... whew... feeling better now.

Bribery

2009-07-28T16:01:00.002-05:00

Had to resort to monetary bribery to get Miss Priss to clean her room.

It worked and it looks good.

Wonder how long it will last??

Art Today

2009-07-26T18:25:00.002-05:00

Created today... I am really liking the cartoonish girl on the far left (hard to see, really) and hoping more of her kind appear to me in the future.

Life is so-so right now. Miss Priss is pushing all my buttons and I am pushing all of hers. She, of course, is trying to be completely free and independent and has no idea what all that entails.

There are lessons flying about regarding respect and responsibility, which makes me mega-bitch. Why do I call her irresponsible just because she forgot all of her belonging at her friend's house? Why do I call her irresponsible because she left her laundry in the dryer for 2 days? Why am I always criticizing her - take your contacts out, brush your hair, keep your car clean, etc....?

Ugh... there are days when I want to open the front door and say, "Go!"

I don't mean it. I love her. But the thought has some gratifying feelings attached to it.

Got In!

2009-07-22T08:26:00.002-05:00

Well, I was able to gain access to my own blog today - that's a good thing! I have found that even though I am realllllllllllllllllllllly enjoying Facebook, I miss the slower, more thoughtful pace of blogging.

The other (FB) feels frenetic and a bit disconnected, however, I love the connections it provides - somewhat ironic, isn't it?

What I do NOT like about Facebook is the lack of anonymity.

I think that's what I like most about the blog - freedom. Freedom to spew about my friends and family (mostly the daughter).

So, I might not post everyday, but I can't leave this... plus, this keeps me connected to my bloggy friends, too.

Bloggy Issues

2009-07-15T16:02:00.003-05:00

I am having a TIME getting signed in here! I get messages from some of my favorite bloggers that they can't access it.

I might need a bloggy break... will let you know.

Bad Blogger

2009-07-14T09:26:00.002-05:00

I might be running out of material... but then again, I have a teenager in my house, so I guess there's always something to share.

It's been so BUSY at work (this is good!). Yesterday, I forgot lunch (amazing feat for me) and sailed on through closing time. God bless diet Pepsi.

Went to Girl's Night Out on Saturday and had a lovely time with some old and new girlfriends. One of the women just lost her sister to breast cancer. Doctor's have told her she has a 90% chance of getting it, too. She has been advised to have a complete hysterectomy as well as removing her breasts. Poor thing... she's a single mom to a 10 year old boy. And so scared.

Never, though, have I met such a sweet-spirited person. Makes you wonder, doesn't it?

As you can tell, this is a hodge-podge post. It's been H*O*T - hot! With high humidity.

I love my Houston winters... I need one right now.

Oh, teen news? Nothing really - she went to the beach yesterday with her new friend and met her old one. The two friends hadn't met before, but all girls got along fantastically. They got burnt, but not too bad...

No boy drama for now.

Bingo Bombed

2009-07-10T12:03:00.002-05:00

Well, Nicole's friend, Anna, who invited her to Bingo called to inform her that her mom was now unable to go (somebody had the nerve to up and have a baby in their family!), so Bingo bombed.

Ever resourceful, a pack of kids set off to go swimming where a mutual friend is a lifeguard. After that, to another friend's house.

Nicole came home with letters for both Jerry and I telling us how much she loves us and how sorry she is for when she's been disrespectful and rude. It was very touching.

Now we're wondering what she's about to hit us up for ;-).

Nahhhhhhhhhh... we're not THAT cynical... okay, maybe... I'll let you know.

Bingo!

2009-07-09T11:05:00.003-05:00

Miss Priss has been invited to play Bingo tonight.

She's all excited about it - she's never "been" to play Bingo before. I haven't either.

Will keep you posted on this exciting adventure.

Issues!

2009-07-08T14:20:00.003-05:00

I am having issues getting signed into this darned blog. It keeps kicking me out...grrrrr.

So, I spend all morning trying to get here and find myself empty of things to say.

I just picked up a new territory at work... Canada! Okay, so I picked up a whole country, but we're starting with Ontario.

It is such a trip talking to these people - talk about accent differences between Texas and Canada. They sound pretty cute, though, with all those "ehs" and all.

This is going to be fun!

Anyone Noone

2009-07-07T10:36:00.001-05:00

As you may know, I am not a big fan of poetry, but this one is the exception... enjoy!

anyone lived in a pretty how town
by e.e. cummings

anyone lived in a pretty how town
(with up so floating many bells down)
spring summer autumn winter
he sang his didn't he danced his did

Women and men(both little and small)
cared for anyone not at all
they sowed their isn't they reaped their same
sun moon stars rain

children guessed(but only a few
and down they forgot as up they grew
autumn winter spring summer)
that noone loved him more by more

when by now and tree by leaf
she laughed his joy she cried his grief
bird by snow and stir by still
anyone's any was all to her

someones married their everyones
laughed their cryings and did their dance
(sleep wake hope and then)they
said their nevers they slept their dream

stars rain sun moon
(and only the snow can begin to explain
how children are apt to forget to remember
with up so floating many bells down)

one day anyone died i guess
(and noone stooped to kiss his face)
busy folk buried them side by side
little by little and was by was

all by all and deep by deep
and more by more they dream their sleep
noone and anyone earth by april
wish by spirit and if by yes.

Women and men(both dong and ding)
summer autumn winter spring
reaped their sowing and went their came
sun moon stars rain

Drama Free

2009-07-07T10:01:00.004-05:00

For today, at this moment, my life is drama-free and that's a very good thing.

It's fun to relay the adventures and comings & goings around here, but once in a while it's really nice to breathe a whole breath and enjoy.

So, that being said, I have a question for you... what is your idea of "peace" for you?

For me, it's being at the ocean and just hearing the waves hit the shore over and over and over again.

Amen.

Off to Court

2009-07-06T12:54:00.003-05:00

Miss Priss received a citation for "failure to stop" last month. Today was court day.

We went and, amazingly, the judge was not in today, so my darling child chose to have a jury trial. It will be one year from today.

I think we're going to contact the courts and change our minds to pay the fine.

You KNOW she's going to lose!

You KNOW You Love It!

2009-07-02T14:21:00.002-05:00

Work!

2009-07-01T17:39:00.000-05:00

For some reason, I am busy... will be back soon!

Weekend Recap

2009-06-29T09:10:00.003-05:00

Hey! Nothing happened! Life was pretty simple all weekend and that's a good thing.

The following was relayed to me by my child, Nicole... spoken with no commas, proper punctuation or breath:

I (Nicole) did kiss Jacob, but he has a girlfriend and it would be wrong to be kissing on a boy with a girlfriend because she knows what it feels like to be cheated on but she doesn't treat him right and had actually cheated on Jacob previously so it shouldn't matter that she's in the picture but she is in the picture and she's (Nicole's) not going down that path however she is telling Jacob that he deserves someone who won't cheat on him ( this is where she breathes for one second and I say: "Jacob is cheating on his girlfriend by kissing you.") and she continues that THAT is completely differently because he was cheated on which kind of opens the door for a new relationship but she (Nicole) is not going to get involved with someone who still has a girlfriend because it's still wrong and she's been hurt before by boys that go back to the ex.

Whew

Jerry and I ate hot dogs and watched Monty Python's, "The Meaning of Life."

Amen.

Friday Five Favs: Flowers

2009-06-26T06:56:00.003-05:00

Friday already? Yeah! Let's share our favorite flowers, shall we? Good!

1. Daffodils - I just think they're "happy" flowers... sunny, bright, simple, but beautiful.
2. Peonies - we can't grow them here in Houston (too hot), but aren't they just gorgeous?
3. Bluebonnets - what Texas girl could leave them off her list. The bluest of blues!
4. Roses - so many varieties, so many colors... it's hard to choose a favorite, but I lean toward the peace roses - yellow with pink edges.

and finally,

5. Hyacinths - for the smell alone! Heaven.

What are your favorite flowers??

Running Behind!

2009-06-25T14:35:00.002-05:00

Geez!

I forgot to post today... well, except for this one....which doesn't count...

I'll be back tomorrow - it's one of those days... seems I am going to have play GPS lady for my daughter and "talk her in" to downtown Houston where someone's mother is paying Nicole to set up the woman's iPod.

I have no idea how much that brings. Hope it's worth the gas and trouble to go downtown at rush hour.

Sheesh!

Twitter Fun

2009-06-24T09:25:00.004-05:00

I received the following messages via Twitter that still have me laughing:

"My fancy pants have a meeting in the morning. I basically go along to make sure nothing spills on them."

"The heat index is high enough to enjoy Roy Schneider movies."

"Nine out of ten Iranian dentists have their gum recommendations overruled."

and my current favorite:

"I am going to ride a snowman home. If things get real bad, I can always slice him open and climb inside."

2009-06-23T09:43:00.002-05:00

This is a small post, but I truly believe that I am a direct descendant of the first person who decided naps were a good thing.

I took a nap last night when I got home, got up, did some stuff around the house, and went to sleep.

A nap sounds good right now.

Daddy Day and a New Target

2009-06-22T08:53:00.002-05:00

Jerry had a very nice Father's Day yesterday... his wife and daughter cooked breakfast and lunch (big shock! The females in our house prefer NOT to cook) and they had fun doing it :)

Nicole gave Jerry a nice gift certificate for car washes - his car was reallllllly dirty. Of course, he ran to the store before she gave him her gift and, naturally, he decided to run through the car wash before he came home! Isn't that how things go?? Oh well, still a nice gift and he will definitely use it.

So, we all spent the first half of the day together and it was pleasant and fun. It's always good when that happens!

The new target? Oh, Nicole now has her sites on a new boyfriend interest, Jacob. I haven't met him yet. Sounds like a good kid.

This child is a heat-seeking missile for boys.

Here we go!

Five Friday Favorites - Material Possession

2009-06-19T00:16:00.003-05:00

Friday Five Favs - So, tell me.....

What are your five favorite material possessions?

These are mine:

Family photos
A small bust of a Dutch girl reading a book (it was my great-grandmother's)
A gold anchor bracelet my husband gave me years and years ago (I never take it off)
The first piece of jewelry my grandfather gave my grandmother on her 16th birthday (also a bracelet)
Treasured books.

How about you??

Maturity

2009-06-18T09:02:00.003-05:00

So, Nicole decided to be "mature" about everything.

She and Justin (April's recently dumped boyfriend) took everything April left in Nicole's car or at our house (this means tons of clothing) to April's job at the grocery store. April is a cashier.

Along with the mass quantities of clothing, a four page handwritten letter was delivered as well.

From what I gather, Nicole carried the letter and Justin carried the clothes. They walked through her line, dropped everything on the conveyor belt and informed April they were "through" and to "never speak to us again."

Off they went to a mutual friend's house and enjoyed the evening.

She came home in a good mood. Works for me.

It Changes and Continues

2009-06-17T09:09:00.002-05:00

...so, last night... Nicole gets a call from her "other" ex (whom she will always love, forever and ever, because he was her first true love), Dorkface. Well, Dorkface is best friends with one if Nicole's good friends, Justin, who, by the way, fell madly in love with Nicole's OTHER best friend, April. They dated for, oh my goodness, a week. Well, everyone could tell that April was flirting with Dorkface.

With that possibility looming, my child took it upon herself to call April and tell her if she was thinking about liking Dorkface, their friendship could be in jeopardy as April KNOWS that Nicole will always have feelings for Dorkface. April assured her that would not be an issue.... okay, that was BEFORE last night... let me flash forward again:

Last night, Dorkface calls Nicole and says, "Why can't you just let April and I be happy," and a host of other things. Nicole texted April. April texted back, "If you were my friend and loved me, you would want me to be happy." Happy?? This is all-out betrayal of all that is holy in friendships.

Of course, Courtney HAD to be drawn in to offer opinions, send various texts, and commiserate.

Nicole wants to "run them both over." I, naturally, do not support that choice.

Talking reason to the kid is futile.

I try and tell her to let it go. She is not in charge of either or them and nor can she dictate if they can like each other or not. It hurts, it is a betrayal, but LET IT GO.

She won't.

And this is why you should have children when you are very young, because at fifty, it wears your hiney out.

Good grief!

The Sob Story

2009-06-16T08:35:00.003-05:00

Oh yes, there is a lot of crying going on in our house right now.

Brandon, the perfect boyfriend, told Miss Priss he needed a "break" a week or so ago. Nicole has tried to handle it, but just doesn't understand how he could tell her he loves her, promise to never, ever hurt her, and then need a break.

She went on his MySpace and his ex-girlfriend is now in his "top" pics. Devastation.

All guys are the same. They all lie. They all hurt you. No one will ever be "true."

Tears, tears, and more tears. Pillowcases need replacing. Kleenex is extremely valuable.

Bless her heart - there's not a lot to do but listen and bite your tongue.

Responsibilities and Face It

2009-06-15T08:56:00.002-05:00

A combo post! Almost like being in a Chinese restaurant, isn't it?

So, about responsibilities... I had a loooooooooooooooooooooooong discussion with Nicole on Saturday night about responsibilities. She thinks I micro-manage her too much and don't give her an opportunity to show me how responsible she truly is.

That went on to what we expect from her as a member of our family and a resident in our house. We are VERY easy on the kid. Keep your room neat. I don't want to walk in your room and see dirty clothes on the floor when the hamper is THREE FEET away.

Make your bed.

I don't want to see shoes all over the house.

Keep the bathroom neat. Don't take your clothes off and leave them there for God and everyone to see.

Do your laundry and put it away.

And CALL HOME at the appointed times. Quit saying, "Sorry, I forgot."

After this, she says I don't give her enough time to do these things before I tell her to do them again. My point: Do them and there won't be any discussion about it.

I had to act like my child rides the little bus: These things must be done FIRST and DAILY (except the laundry, of course). Not pick up your clothes and shoes once a week, or at 11pm.

The big point: You want extra privileges? Privileges require responsibility. If you can't show us responsibility right in front of our faces, how are we to believe you are being responsible the rest of the time? Sheesh!

Give me two toddlers for one teen - please!

Face It? I snagged my own name on Facebook... I felt like I won the lottery. Of course, Lynda isn't as popular as it was 30/40 years ago. I imagine if my name was Brittany or Courtney it wouldn't be so easy.

There you go... almost as good as sausage on a stick!

EDITED: Five Friday Favorites - Rockin' Chicks!

2009-06-12T07:01:00.006-05:00

Made ya look twice, didn't it? No, you didn't read that wrong. My pal, Gary, says we should do an FFF with Five Rockin' Chicks, so this is for him.... and you!

I'll work on my list when I get to work, but imagine it will look something like this:Fridays rock, that's for sure!

Addendum:

Five Rockin' Chicks? These are five of my favs:

1. Aretha (do you really need the last name?)

2. Stevie Nicks

3. Lisa Loeb

4. Linda Rondstadt (back in the day)

5. Katie Pierson (love those B-52's)

I'm Not Sleepy

2009-06-11T08:34:00.002-05:00

....So, yesterday morning my phone rings at 6:30am. It's my daughter... she spent the night at her friend's house, and this is how the conversation goes (Miss Priss is in green):

"Hi!"
"Are you okay?" (wondering why in the heck my phone is ringing at 6:30AM)
"Yeah! We stayed up all night! We stayed in the backyard, and we had a citronella candle to keep the mosquitos away, we're not tired at all and we've had a WHOLE LOT of coffee."
"You need to get some sleep."
"No! We're not tired at all. We're about to go to Starbucks! Did I leave my money on the table?"
"You don't need any coffee - you need some sleep. Did you ever take your contacts out?"
"Mom! We HAVEN'T gone to sleep - why would I take my contacts out?"
"So, when are you going to get some sleep?"
"We are still talking and we need more coffee, so we're going to Starbucks!"

All of her sentences were at caffeine-induced lightning speed.

Okay, so the whole day goes by - no sleep - they need to spend time with their friends.

We need to shop for Jerry's birthday (Friday) and I told her I would pick her up after work. When I pulled up to the house, she walked out like a living zombie. Of course, she was extremely tired. We shopped - I told her to go home and get in bed.

"Bed??? I need to spend time with my friends!"

I could've fought it, but I didn't, so off she went with her friends. She came home at 10pm and went straight to her room and watched a movie... STILL not asleep.

About 11pm, she was zonked. Still sleeping when I left for work this morning.

Sheesh!

Frustration!

2009-06-10T09:22:00.002-05:00

We have a rep that does independent contract work in our behalf. He must be a complete idiot.

You've just never heard anything like it! I can hear him over the speaker phone talking to a co-worker. I think I might hit him when I see him.

Good thing he's in Georgia.

Face It

2009-06-09T08:43:00.003-05:00

Yes, I caved... I joined Facebook and am having big fun!

In less than 24 hours, I have reconnected with a LOT of people.

If, as I suspect, I get completely swallowed up here, please cast all blame on my friend, Gary. It's all his fault. My sister will think she is responsible, but truth be told, that's not the case.

The funny part is I have been actively online since 1997 and some of my friends are commenting something like this, "Lynda! You're online? On Facebook? *Faint*"

See? I have been very stealth in my activities... *wink*

When A Whole Weekend Passes

2009-06-08T08:09:00.002-05:00

...and you don't even LOOK at your blog or the blogs of your friends, you miss so much!

I just peeked over at Gary's and it feels like I missed 6 months of stuff! My whole work morning might be just reading his blog. Plus, everyone I know is saying, "You should be on Facebook." I have resisted for an incredibly long amount of time, but I am almost ready to cave in.

Problem with that is... no one in my family has seen THIS blog and I like it that way. They're all on Facebook, so I will have to have a dual identity. We'll see. Still thinking about it.

No drama from Miss Priss this weekend. In fact, she stayed home for the entire day yesterday. If you have a teen you know what a strange thing that is.

And, this is good stuff... her report card arrived in the mail. Check this out:

Math - A
Theater - A
Spanish - B
English - B
US History - C (this one had to be pure laziness!)
Chemistry - C

Math is the biggest shocker! We are very proud of the grades.

Can't believe she will be a senior in a few months.

Oh, and we booked a cruise for August. We're letting Nicole bring her friend, Courtney, with us. Can you imagine being trapped on a boat with a teen? This way, they get their own cabin and are in a contained environment. Plus, we can have drinks and won't be driving. This sounds like a win-win.

Happy Monday!

Friday Five Favs: Birds

2009-06-05T06:32:00.005-05:00

It's that time again - Friday! Where does the week go? For Friday Five Favs today, it's birds:

My favorite of all the bird - the mockingbird. Havoc on a garden, but the songs they sing while sitting on your chimney, or the top of a tree, are exquisite!

This fellow, the puffin, is who is planning all my vacations. I want to visit all the places I can find these creatures....is that face too cute, or what??
We all have these little sparrows, don't we? Sometimes we forget to see how adorable "plain" can be. Those dust baths they take are just too cute :-)
Pelicans. They have been a part of my life forever. Mostly, I see these brown ones, but there are plenty of white ones in the area as well. Just love them!
We have a HUGE owl that comes out late at night and sits on the neighbors house and hoots up a storm - beautiful bird. And humongous. Plus, owls always remind of that scene in My Cousin Vinnie.... you know the one (go on, click the link and see for yourself).
Oh, and I have a special bird I only show in traffic.

What about you??

Cricket

2009-06-04T11:21:00.003-05:00

I'm going to learn all about cricket... long story, but am finding this to be a fascinating sport...

The bowling (pitching) alone is wicked!

"Norti" Thoughts

2009-06-04T08:37:00.002-05:00

So, my question to you is....

Do you have a "To Do" list?

If so, who's on it?

Pastelitos

2009-06-04T08:15:00.002-05:00

Mmmmm....breakfast!

Sorry, vegans, but they are soooo good!

And thank you to the doughnut shop that decided to add these to the menu.

Peace and Flowers

2009-06-03T10:50:00.002-05:00

Well, what do you know? My friend brought me flowers this morning... beautiful peonies. They look similar to these and look beautiful in my office.

She brought ALL of us flowers... so you can imagine how happy we all are. Gals like flowers - it's in the genes ;-)

So, there are the flowers.

Peace? In my house? Yes, it was peaceful yesterday. Nicole still can't understand why Brandon "needs a break" from her. They live so far apart, a break from WHAT?

Of course, we adults know the "break" means there's another girl close by.

She actually seemed to be handling this devastating crisis quite well.

There must be another boy nearby also.

Updates as they occur.

Peace and Flowers... groovy!

Total Eclipse

2009-06-02T10:44:00.003-05:00

Okay, I stole this right from Minnesota Matron (whom I highly suggest as a fantastic blog read!), but I can't help it... it's too darned funny not to share... I have never cared for Bonnie Tyler, but I enjoyed this spoof of Total Eclipse of the Heart more than I can tell you... hope you do, too!

It Doesn't End

2009-06-02T10:16:00.002-05:00

Oh no, it doesn't.

Guess who got a ticket for "Failure to come to complete stop?"

Guess who's boyfriend needs to "take a break?"

Guess who is waiting for EIGHTEEN to get here?

And This Is How It Went Down...

2009-06-01T10:38:00.002-05:00

...Friday night, Nicole brings home her friend, April, and then proceeds to tell me that April's boyfriend, Caleb, has been hitting her. In fact, he hit her at Walgreen's and my child, delicate flower that she is, punched him in the face.

Okay... so, by this time it's after midnight. I have a loooooooooooong talk with April about how she is not to accept this kind of behavior and she is beautiful, intelligent, and valuable. Her goal in a boyfriend should be someone who supports her dreams and is her greatest cheerleader, not an abuser... blah, blah, blah.... crying ensued and all was right with the world. Both girls got a lecture on not accepting this behavior and if it ever happened again, you don't punch people in the face...or take beatings... you CALL THE COPS.

Everyone sleeps. Saturday arrives and the girls eventually wake up and hit the streets. April had to work at 3pm, so at precisely 3pm, I called April's mom to inform her of what has been happening. She was shocked and dismayed. Caleb was very deceptive... no one knew... except the girls and their friends who didn't feel compelled to tell anyone.

April's mom asked me to divert Nicole that evening so she could get to her alone. I agreed and took Nicole to dinner - just she and I. While at dinner, she says to me, "So, why are you taking me to dinner alone?" I told her I wanted to tell her alone that I had told April's mom everything... she says, "Good! I am glad you told her." Whew.

I also said April's mom was going to pick her up from work and talk to her... Nicole says, "No she isn't - Courtney is picking her up." Great. So, I had her call April's mom and tell her. Evidently, it was too late... Courtney picked her up and all the gang (including Caleb) were at a friend's house around the corner from April.

Nicole and I were driving home when Courtney called and said Caleb pushed April down in the driveway and also pushed Courtney. My child wants to call 9-1-1, but I explain to her she can't call about something she didn't see, so we drove straight to April's house, got her mom, and took her to the friend's house. Caleb had fled the scene. April had to confess all to her mother. We took April, Courtney, and Nicole back to Angel's and her mom called the police.

A case was filed. It was hard to get April to tell the cops anything - she didn't want Caleb to "get in trouble." He's a good person when he's not angry. Ugh.

He ran. Can't be found.

He texted everyone. Including my child... telling her things like, "I knew YOU would be the end of us." "This is all your fault."

God, I need a no-drama life for a while.

Weekend Teen Drama

2009-06-01T09:46:00.003-05:00

Oh, this will be a long story... will post in a few....Happy Monday!

The Elephant and The Cat

2009-05-29T13:37:00.004-05:00

So! Guess who got a shipment of wonderful artwork from her friend, her pal, her favorite blogger, Gary? Oh yes, ME! And here it is in my office. Do I love it? Yes, yes I do!! Thanks, Gary!

First, the elephant and her baby... is this too cute or what?

Then the cat with its fish... don't ya' just love that face?

On the credenza:

A different angle:

Again:

The "bonus gift" that I just CANNOT get a good photo of, but adorable:

And, who could leave out the resident crabby clam? The pics in the background are mine :)

You should just head on over to Gary's blog and shop around - well worth it!

Thanks again, Gary, I love my new art :)

School's Out!

2009-05-29T10:49:00.001-05:00

Gulp!

Five Friday Favorites - Sea Creatures

2009-05-28T21:55:00.011-05:00

It Friday again already? Yep! And we're going deep sea diving to see our Five Friday Fav sea creatures. Here are five of mine... there are a LOT more, but this is a good start:

Seals.... they just look happy, don't they? Especially the babies:

Then we have these darned cute sea otters... swim on your back and snack all day? A good way to live if you ask me ;-)

Of course, the sea turtle is almost magical... nothing slow about these turtles - just try and catch one!

Okay, do I need a reason? Look at that smile :-D

The manatee is the epitome of peaceful... gotta' love 'em

So, how about you? Which of the underwater creatures float your boat??

BONUS FAV...The Seahorse... the males carry the embryos. Someone got it right!

FFF - Reminder

2009-05-28T16:58:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow's Five Friday Favorites...

Sea creatures :)

A Special Thank You

2009-05-28T12:37:00.001-05:00

To GM and Chrysler for making my day so "special!"

'Nuff said.

The Rash That Isn't A Rash

2009-05-27T10:34:00.003-05:00

Nope, not a rash at all. My child has ringworm! Ugh...

for some reason, that just sounds "dirty" to me. I guess it's just a childhood thought that won't go away.

The doctor was good enough to explain it isn't a worm (you should've seen Nicole's face - a worm??)...

Ringworm is not caused by a worm. It is caused by a fungus. The kinds of fungi that cause ringworm live and spread on the top layer of the skin and on the hair. They grow best in warm, moist areas, such as locker rooms and swimming pools, and in skin folds.
Ringworm is contagious. It spreads when you have skin-to-skin contact with a person or animal that has it. It can also spread when you share things like towels, clothing, or sports gear.

You can also get ringworm by touching an infected dog or cat, although this form of ringworm is not common.

Hmmm... so let's see... she's 17.

Could she be in a locker room? yes!

Swimming pool? yes!

Skin folds? Mom doesn't want to know.

Skin-to-skin contact? Mom still doesn't want to know.

Share towels? Not aware of this.

Share clothes? She's a teenager... they ALL share clothes!

Sports gear? Volleyball? maybe.

Our dogs? NO!

Does my child pick up every stray animal she finds? Yep!

So, what caused it? We don't know, but we have the cure.

Amen and God Bless dermatologists!

Thrown Off

2009-05-26T08:13:00.003-05:00

Holidays seem to throw off my blogging schedule...it feels like Monday, but it's not! Now my whole week will be out of order.

Taking my kiddo to the dermatologist today. Bless her heart, she's had this rash on her FACE for the longest time and she's 17. You can imagine how awful it is at that age. We have already been to two GPs - it looks like impetigo - she's been on a host of antibiotics, used every kind of creme they suggested, and it persists! I sure hope this guy can help her.

Did I mention she passed all of her state-mandated tests? This is a BIG DEAL for her. Since she went into foster care in first grade, she has never, ever passed the math test. We got her in 8th grade. She came so close to passing that math test each year, but just didn't. In Texas, juniors MUST pass them all to graduate the following year. She did. We're very proud of her.

Math has been such a struggle. She was moved around so much when in foster care that she never finished in the same school she started, so she had huge gaps in her math. We took her Sylvan Learning Center her freshman year of high school (not cheap, let me tell you!) and they got all her blanks filled in and THAT was worth the money.

Okay... complete update from our house: the dryer broke this weekend. So, we bought a new washer and dryer. It'll be about a week before delivered. Do you know what that means?? It means we have to go to the laundromat to dry clothes until it arrives.

I took Nicole there last night to dry all her clothes and the girl has a LOT of clothes. It's been a long, long time since I went to the laundromat (or as they are called here, washaterias)... not big fun.

Well, that's my weekend update :)

Oh, and I still have "I Sing the Body Electric" stuck in my head!

Guilty Pleasures

2009-05-24T16:49:00.002-05:00

Oh, you know you have some, too.... Okay, I'll go first... I loved, "Fame" - both the movie and the TV show. Quit laughing!

In doing some research, I see it released 29 years ago this month. 29 YEARS! And a new release is scheduled for September of this year. Will I see it? Oh, yeah.

Can it top the original? Don't know yet, but why don't I end this post with the end of the original movie? Come on, people, sing The Body Electric with me, won't you????

Drats!

2009-05-23T08:17:00.002-05:00

Just when I think I am going to have a quiet Memorial Day, Nicole tells me they DON'T have school Monday. They were supposed to be making up a hurricane day. Oh well, it's really okay.

Jerry has to work so maybe me & the kiddo will do something with my sister and niece.

We're trying to get any free family members we can find to come over for grilled hamburgers, etc... on Sunday. Already struck out with my brother...they are off to Rockport, TX to lcounge on a friend's yacht. Rough life, huh? More about my brother later - good story!

Maybe someone will post more naked photos on their blog.

What are YOU doing this weekend?

Twitter Hoots!

2009-05-22T13:42:00.002-05:00

Sometimes the funniest "tweets" come through on Twitter... check this one out from badbanana:

The Pope is on Facebook. I know it's really him because he poked me and now my headache is gone.

Friday Five Favs: Posts

2009-05-21T23:25:00.005-05:00

Oh yeah, this one you have to work for... Which of your own blog posts are your favorites? If you choose to participate, please leave a comment so we can enjoy them with you.

Okay, here are mine:

First of all, from my "Colonel" series:

1. Water For Coffee
2. The Colonel Sells
3. Colonel and the Cold
4. So Long, Colonel

And finally, a personal accounting of our adoption:

5. We're Real Parents

Happy Memorial Day weekend, friends! If a veteran asks me to buy a little red poppy, I am going to do it. I might even go tend to my grandparents' graves - take some flowers, pull weeds if necessary - these are things I know my grandmother would be doing.

I miss her terribly ♥.

FAVOR: Hi, again! Let me direct you to a BRAND NEW blogger - my friend (in real life!), Dimpledview. She just started her first blog, so meeting some great people would be a nice place to start, wouldn't it?

I just looked at ther blog and it looks like we're going to be hearing her RV adventures. Now, I have heard these first hand and can assure you...they are SO worth reading! She has two cute beagles and has become completely and totally smitten. It's bad. Not kind of bad, but BAD bad. You'll see! So click here and visit Ms. Dimples!

She's Sick

2009-05-21T08:29:00.002-05:00

....oh yeah! My kid is "too sick" to go to school today. Her "stomach hurts."

For the love of Pete, there's only one week and a day left of school!

Anyway, they were supposed to run a mile at school today. Wonder why her stomach hurts??

I can't tell you how much this gets my goat!

Ugh.

Cool Front

2009-05-20T09:03:00.003-05:00

We're still in a little cool front. It's supposed to be over soon. Bummer.

Speaking of "bummer," isn't it weird how some of your high school/teenage sayings stick with you? Here are some of mine that I still find coming out of my mouth from time to time:

Cool - no explanation need, is there?

Way Cool - better than "Cool"

Book - "Let's book!" or "Man, he was bookin'!" (go)(goin' fast!)

Bummer - see above

The Pits - "Oh, that's the pits..." (bummer)

Gross - can also be "grody" but I don't use that one any longer

Fine - "He is soooooooooo fine" (he knows who he is)

Super Fine - way better than just "Fine"

Super - can be placed in front of any good expression - Super Cool, Super Cute, Super Fine, etc...

I know there are more, but my mind is blank.

Cool beans!

Biotch!

2009-05-19T08:35:00.002-05:00

In my current job I have to deal with my previous one. If you don't know, I was with my previous employer for 25 years and got laid off last year as they down-sized. Well, fortunately for me, I was hired by one of the contractors we used at the previous employer. Following me?

Okay, so now I deal with some of the employees that remained... not necessarily from my branch, but doing the same thing I used to do... SO....I get it. I know exactly what they do and how it's supposed to be done, etc...

Geez! Some of these people are nothing but balls of stress and anger. Those of us here that used to be there are wondering if we were biotches (!) like some of the women we talk to there.

Maybe we were....hope not!

Drawing Day is Coming!

2009-05-18T19:42:00.002-05:00

It's almost here! Are you going to draw??

Life's Been Good...

2009-05-18T14:47:00.001-05:00

Thanks, Ben... now it can be stuck in YOUR head:

Have a great Monday, people... life has been good SO FAR :-)

So Cool

2009-05-18T09:31:00.003-05:00

Monday already?

We woke up this morning and found it to be amazingly cool outside. It has warmed up a bit and is 64 degrees at the moment, but that is VERY rare here in Houston.

So, we're enjoying this as it's supposed to last about 3 days - wooohooo!

I can't wait to go bike riding tonight - I might keep going longer than normal. And, THAT, is a good thing.

All A-Twitter!

2009-05-17T13:51:00.002-05:00

I know, I know... I caved! I'm Twittering and I like it :-)

I can see you have to be very careful about whom you allow to follow you or you can get bombarded with crappy "tweets," but overall, I find it fun.

How about you? Are you a twitterer, too?

Five Friday Favorites - Transportation

2009-05-15T06:08:00.007-05:00

It's that time again! First of all, it's Friday! That's the best thing. Now, what are your favorite way to be transported?? Or how do you wish you could be?

Here's mine:

1. By my adorable VW Bug. Yes, it looks just like the one above

2. I would love to have an old Jaguar.

3. Sailing in a tall ship... (I just want to be a passenger, not a worker bee)

4. I would also love to take a ride in one of those Budweiser, Clydesdale-guided wagons

5. And finally, I think the Jetsons have it going on... whooooosh!

Let's go!

Oh this is just for fun... Did you ever do this to carton of Land O'Lakes Butter??

Tires

2009-05-14T09:33:00.001-05:00

Miss Priss had a blow-out yesterday. One new tire.

While having that tire replaced, a "bubble" on the rear tire was discovered. Two new tires.

She wears us out.

We're tired.

;-)

Fire Ant Zombies

2009-05-13T06:30:00.005-05:00

You can't make this up... here is a portion of the story posted on a local website:

Pesky Ants Becoming Zombies That Die

Ants Turn Into Zombies Whose Heads Fall Off

POSTED: Tuesday, May 12, 2009
UPDATED: 11:45 am CDT May 12, 2009

FORT WORTH, Texas -- Some researchers in Texas are trying an unusual approach to combat fire ants -- parasitic flies that turn the pesky insects into zombies whose heads fall off.
"It's a tool. They're not going to completely wipe out the fire ant, but it's a way to control their population," said Scott Ludwig, an integrated pest management specialist with Texas A&M's AgriLife Extension Service in Overton, in East Texas.

The tool is the tiny phorid fly, native to a region of South America where the fire ants in Texas originated. Researchers have learned that as many as 23 phorid species along with pathogens attack fire ants to keep their population and movements under control.

So far, four phorid species have been introduced in Texas, where fire ants cost the economy about $1 billion annually by damaging circuit breakers and other electrical equipment, according to a Texas A&M study. They can also threaten young calves.

The flies "dive-bomb" the fire ants and lay eggs, and then the maggot that hatches inside the ant eats away at the brain. Later, the ant gets up and starts wandering for about two weeks, said Rob Plowes, a research associate at the University of Texas at Austin.

Although the ant exhibits zombie-like behavior, Plowes said he "wouldn't use the word 'control' to describe what is happening. There is no brain left in the ant, and the ant just starts wandering aimlessly."

About a month after the egg is laid, the ant's head falls off and it dies -- and the fly emerges ready to attack any foraging ants away from the mound and lay eggs.

Plowes said fire ants are "very aware" of these tiny flies, and it only takes a few to cause the ants to modify their behavior.

"It's kind of like a medieval activity where you're putting a castle under siege," Plowes told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram for a story in Tuesday editions.

What next??

Seeing It

2009-05-12T09:04:00.003-05:00

This past Sunday at church, one comment during the lesson stuck with me:

"We can call forth the God-Spirit in anyone by seeing it in them."

Of course, this requires we believe the spark of the divine is within us all. I believe it is.

One of the things he went on to discuss is that those that irritate us, grate our nerves, push our buttons, or do things we find reprehensible are also "carriers" of the same divine spark within ourselves. Once we see it in that person, they are no longer viewed in the same light as before.

Now, I know not all will agree with my thoughts and beliefs, but that's okay... we're on our own paths and since this happens to be my blog, I will share mine. As you know, I attend a Unity church. Unity is very open and welcoming... they do espouse a core set of five principles. Here they are:

God is the source and creator of all. There is no other enduring power. God is good and present everywhere.

We are spiritual beings, created in God’s image. The spirit of God lives within each person; therefore, all people are inherently good.

We create our life experiences through our way of thinking.

There is power in affirmative prayer, which we believe increases our connection to God.

Knowledge of these spiritual principles is not enough. We must live them.

So, my friends, go SEE what's really in one another... Namaste ;-)

Additions

2009-05-11T12:17:00.001-05:00

I have a new worker bee, Kathy. She's a doll and will be a great addition to the office.

This, however, is keeping me from blogging today... can you believe I have to WORK here??

lol - see you tomorrow with a longer post!

Mom

2009-05-10T01:27:00.002-05:00

That's a word I have only been hearing for almost 4 years... Mom. My girl is 17, but we've only had her a short while as we adopted her on her 14th birthday.

So, I don't look back and think of the day I gave birth to her, because I didn't. I don't look back and remember her first words or her first step. I will never know what and when they were.

The sad thing is, she won't either.

However, the happy thing is... is that we started before adoption day, when she was 13 1/2 building new memories. Not all are good, but the not-so-good are way less. We are, however, making efforts to establish a timeline for Nicole... reference points that she will be able to recall as she gets older... when she fell off the bike, made the volleyball team, broke up with her first boyfriend here, went to her first dance at high school, being on the swim team, her best friends, her first cell phone, her first puppy that belonged to her, changing schools, getting a real family including grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, going to driver's ed, getting her license and first ticket, and so many more.

We try and play, "remember when" with her - remember when you said..... or did..... and how proud we were, or how funny she was, etc...

So, as an adoptive mom, you start where you started and enjoy today.

So, today will be enjoyable and I will give thanks for this opportunity and all the lessons this opportunity is bringing to me.

Oops! Better call my own mother!

Five Friday Fried Favorites!

2009-05-08T09:27:00.004-05:00

Oh yeah... fry it and it has to be good!

I am slow posting today, but I'm here now and these are my favorite fried foods - big apologies to my vegetarian pals, but I've gotta be truthful here:

1. Shrimp Tempura.. mmmmm

2. Bacon... one of those amazing smells, like bread baking, that will get you out of bed in the morning.

3. Okra - especially if my mom cooks it.

4. Chicken fried steak. I'm in Texas, of course that's on my list.

5. Shoestring onion rings.

Goodness! When is lunch????

How about YOU?

Five Friday Favorites - Fried

2009-05-07T13:58:00.003-05:00

FYI... our Five Friday Favs tomorrow will be fried foods. What are your favorites? Tell us tomorrow.

Cycling

2009-05-06T07:56:00.002-05:00

Oh yeah... got on my bike (that's right, a REAL bike... the kind you step on the pedals to stop) for the first time in a long time last night. Rode for quite a while around the neighborhood. It was calm and peaceful.

I plan on doing this every weeknight. Unless it's raining, of course.

This time I hope I keep my word and do it.

Pedal on, my friends!

Daily Motivator

2009-05-05T10:53:00.002-05:00

Do not wait to be beautiful. Be your beautiful, authentic self right now.

If the world offers up negativity and despair, surprise the world by giving back love and kindness. Send out the energy that you wish to experience, and you are certain to experience it.

Happiness and fulfillment are alive in this moment. Allow them to flow freely and creatively through your life.

Fall in love all over again with the miracle of being. Your imagination is great and magnificent, yet it cannot hold even a fraction of the possibilities.

You'll do, say and act your best when you feel your best. Feel the limitless wonder of this very moment.

Be beautiful, alive, aware and filled with the energy of the possible. In this moment, is every dream made and fulfilled.

-- Ralph Marston

Yep...look at the little Daily Motivator way down on the right... Ralph has something new everyday... isn't today's nice?

Going Early

2009-05-05T09:08:00.002-05:00

Miss Priss is going to a charter school. The hours are 10:30am - 3pm. That worked out perfectly for Nicole (she's a sleepyhead).

Yesterday, she was told by the principal that she had passed the probationary period, so now she is on early shift - 7:15am - Noon. Gulp! She started today. One of the reasons we chose the charter school was the late hours.

Sooooooo.... yesterday, I called the principal and we talked. He thinks she can do it and she is flourishing here. When she got home, I told her how proud we are of her accomplishments and how her principal is excited that she is making that step of maturity and taking on this new challenge. She just lit up.

The poor girl just thrives on encouragement even when she is snarling and acting like she doesn't care. We know, after being in foster care so long, she is quick to be defensive and self-protective, so to see her WANT to do well is fantastic.

Of course, tomorrow, I might be b!tch!ng about something, but until that happens...

Weekend Recap

2009-05-04T08:28:00.002-05:00

So, I told you my darling child stayed home ALL DAY LONG on Saturday. Yes, and it was very nice.

We made it through the day with no drama until at 11:30pm when her friend's boyfriend texted her to tell her she gets on his nerves. Yes, I know, it's confusing, but I am supposed to listen to this nonsense and keep it all sorted. Can you believe it?

So, I ask the obligatory question, "Why do you get on Caleb's nerves? and why is he compelled to tell you this at 11:30pm at night?"

Answer, "He was complaining to April (the friend & Caleb's girlfriend) that I get on his nerves. He thinks I am paranoid, so April told him to tell me, not her. She's not getting all up in my business."

Well, one thing led to another... of course, as soon as someone tells you that YOU get on their nerves, you should start texting them and their girlfriend and all the satellite friends in the circle. Now, getting "up in their business" is just an awful thing to do... unless it involves you, naturally.

After an hour or so, Nicole and Caleb were "good" with one another - apologies offered and forgiveness extended.

They all hung out yesterday and watched movies and did NOT eat fast food. Miracles!

Sunday Already?

2009-05-03T09:17:00.002-05:00

I had definite plans for yesterday. Jerry had to work from 10am - 6pm and my hope was Miss Priss would run off and hang out with her friends all day.

Jerry came through and went to work, but Nicole's friends all baled on her, so she was home for the ENTIRE day and evening. We went to lunch together and enjoyed our time.

Although I had planned for a day of me-time, I got a day of we-time.

Truthfully, it was a really good day. I hope we get some more of these before she's up and out of the house.

How's your weekend so far?

Oh, know any good wallpaper sites? I like graffitiwallpaper.com....give it a whirl. I'm using "Clothespin Love" as my background right now.

Five Friday Favorites - Glass

2009-04-30T23:14:00.004-05:00

Friday again? Yes, indeed, and it's time to play Five Friday Favs. Today, it's glass items. What are your favorites?

These are mine:

1. My specs! No, I don't wear John Lennon or Benjamin Franklin glasses (okay, close), but I love my glasses. No contacts for me.

2. My mom's china. She gave it to me. It's the Easterling Celestial pattern, which, of course, is no longer made. She got it in 1957 - ultra-mod, don't you think? At least, Jeston-esque.

3. Sea Glass... found on the beach, worn smooth by the surf. You'll find plenty of brown glass, but it's these colors that are the treasures.

4. Stained Glass... beautiful!

5. Last, but not least, blown glass. And when it's an ornament, too? Bonus!!

So, what about YOU? Let us know!

Get Ready

2009-04-30T16:59:00.003-05:00

Tomorrow's Five Friday Favorites will be:

Glass items

See you tomorrow :-)

Horses

2009-04-30T10:37:00.003-05:00

Sometimes, you just don't realize the effects:

Please take a moment and look at this small article by clicking HERE.

This is very near where I live. Isn't it wonderful they're okay?

Where Do You Want To Go?

2009-04-29T08:22:00.002-05:00

I have a tiny calendar on my desk at work...it's about 3" x 2" and each day is another picture of Greece. Not just what you expect, but random color photos from around the country... each island. Beautiful blue waters, cafe scenes, the insides of churches, paintings, dolls, boats, ruins, statues, windmills (beautiful!), landscapes, flowers, and art. Just to name a few.

Needless to say, I want to go to Greece. (Thank you, calendar)

And Iceland. I realllllly want to go there, too. I could go into my various reasons, but "puffins" are number one.

So, what about you? Where do YOU want to go? Your dream place?

It Rained Like Crazy!

2009-04-28T11:26:00.002-05:00

I could tell you, but you can check out a few photos HERE.

The ones near the end are closer to my house.

It was HELL getting to work today - took me 3 1/2 hours!

Defensiveness

2009-04-27T08:29:00.002-05:00

Oh, that's right... I had to take defensive driving. The last time I got a ticket was 1979, but I got one this year. Yep! With Nicole in the car with me. Not a good plan when you have a new driver with you.

She got a ticket about 3 months after getting her license last year and I got all high and mighty on her about it had been almost 30 years since I got a speeding ticket for going 40 in a 35 zone. She took the same defensive driving class and had her ticket dismissed (thank the insurance gods!).

Soooooo.... with all this behind her, I get my second-ever speeding ticket for the SAME THING - going 40 in a 30. My child was greatly amused by this. My only comeback was she wasn't allowed to get another ticket for 30 years. We'll see.

Anyway... Texas law mandates defensive driving classes MUST be 6 hours long. I can assure you, you are aware of each minute. I went to a comedy class, so it was better. Actually, the guy was pretty funny. The best part was how he tortured the texters and young ones.

Well, that's over and now I wait for my certificate and get MY ticket dismissed. Guess Jerry is next!

Mimeographed

2009-04-25T00:16:00.008-05:00

Nope... you can't copy a "real" painting by painting with your mouse.... it's like a mimeograph copy rather than a perfect scan.

Here's my mousey mimeograph:

To see the real deal.... click right here. And once you're through gasping from the difference (rich colors, lovely textures, and actual depth!), explore Both Sides of Ben Marlan and enjoy his beautiful art.

Here's a big THANK YOU to my dear friend, Gary, for sending me Ben's way!

Now, don't you wish you could smell one of the freshly mimeographed tests right now??

Art On A Limb

It's Over

Eighteen

Teen Updates

Kindled

Saying the "C" Word

Scary

Wednesdays

After the Drama

Can You Get TOO Much Drama?

Pro Nap

It's Over

Bad Book Choices

Out Patient

Starting Fresh

Deactivation!

Catching Up

Private Vacation

Board Certified?

Death and Life

Amazing Faiths

The Car Returns

A Normal Day?

What A Day!

Torture Devices

Bribery

Art Today

Got In!

Bloggy Issues

Bad Blogger

Bingo Bombed

Bingo!

Issues!

Anyone Noone

Drama Free

Off to Court

You KNOW You Love It!

Work!

Weekend Recap

Friday Five Favs: Flowers

Running Behind!

Twitter Fun

Related

Daddy Day and a New Target

Five Friday Favorites - Material Possession

Maturity

It Changes and Continues

The Sob Story

Responsibilities and Face It

EDITED: Five Friday Favorites - Rockin' Chicks!

I'm Not Sleepy

Frustration!

Face It

When A Whole Weekend Passes

Friday Five Favs: Birds

Cricket

"Norti" Thoughts

Pastelitos

Peace and Flowers

Total Eclipse

It Doesn't End

And This Is How It Went Down...

Weekend Teen Drama

The Elephant and The Cat

School's Out!

Five Friday Favorites - Sea Creatures

FFF - Reminder

A Special Thank You

The Rash That Isn't A Rash

Thrown Off

Guilty Pleasures

Drats!

Twitter Hoots!

Friday Five Favs: Posts

She's Sick

Cool Front

Biotch!

Drawing Day is Coming!

Life's Been Good...

So Cool