Happy Birthday to Me!

Yes, I'm tooting my own horn. I love my birthday. It means I have survived another year and I'm beginning anew. I am now officialy forty-something. I figure every day on this side of the dirt is a good one and I'm going to celebrate it. So everyone have a great weekend and celebrate with me in spirit.

Don't need cheese anymore

Harvey, you can have your hoop of Cheddar cheese back. I don't need it. American Airlines changed their notice and are up and running full operations again. MY TRIP IS BACK ON! Yippie!!!!!!! Tomorrow, I am Bahamas bound to be with my Sweetie and celebrate my birthday. All is good.

Got any cheese?

'cause, I'm whining. What a sucky day this has turned out to be. First, I get roped into helping give free handouts to the not so f(ing) needy. Then, I find out I'm a victim of Wilma's aftermath. Plus, it's cold. Yes, I'm whining and I'm pissed. The only way this could have been "better" would be if I was PMSing. Which I'm not, but might as well be. WTF pile it all on. I don't care.

Every year, my company sponsors a food drive through one of the local food banks. I don't volunteer for it. I'd rather go poke my eyes out or pull my fingers out or some other form of torture. It's not that I don't like helping people. On the contrary, I'll be the first to give you the shirt off my back or help you in any way I can, if you need it. But, it absolutely galls me to hand out free food to some of these people. Yes, some need and deserve the help. But, then you have the ones with the brand new cars, talking on their cell phones and complaining about what you're giving them. F them. They already receive food stamps and live in free housing. I'm tired of supporting them. They need to get off their dead asses and contribute. I'm a single mother of three teenage boys and I work my ass off to support myself and them. At one time, I lived in subsidized housing and received food stamps. (But, my car was a POS and I didn't have any luxuries.) I have been there. I understand that sometimes you need help. But, you have two choices work the system to get out or work the system to stay in. I wanted out. I put myself through college while raising three toddlers on my own. Screw these people. If I can do it so can they.

Second rant. I HATE HURRICANES, MIAMI, AND AMERICAN AIRLINES. And, not necessarily in that order. Hurricane Wilma destroyed my plans. I was supposed to fly down tomorrow and spend my birthday weekend with my Sweetie. American canceled my flight out of Miami. This Sucks. Another birthday celebration by myself. Last year, I spent my birthday stuck in a hotel in Miami because of a dispatcher dispute. This year, I don't even make it down there. I guess being home is better than being stuck in Miami right now. But, I'm bummed. I miss my Sweetie. I haven't seen him since Sept and was really, really looking forward to spending four days with him. Now, I'll have to wait until Christmas. This really, really sucks. I'm going to check for flights out of other airports and see if I can make it down there somehow. But, what a bitch.

And now it's frickin cold. I hate being cold. I don't have any cheese so I'll stop whining.

No Blog Fodder---"You're Grounded"

Nothing much today. The boys haven't created any new blog fodder. Maybe I should ground them for that. Hmmm. Getting grounded for not screwing up. I'll have to put some thought in to this and make sure the punishment fits the crime. What would be the punishment for being too good? Grounded for life. Oh, wait. Daredevil is grounded for life already. His Dad did that one. Gotta think. Any suggestions as to how I can make my good kids bad examples? Sounds like a good List. Now I have something to think about and possibly post. Guess this should have been titled "Brainstorming Post".

How VW and I fought High School Boredom

There is an obvious and simple pattern to this post. Can you decipher it?VW this should bring back memories and smiles and probably slapping of the forehead.

During our high school days, VWBug and I found all sorts of ways to interrupt the boredom and monotony of school work.Since we could only duel with our imaginary swords between classes, we distracted ourselves during class writing notes.At first they were all plain and straight forward. But, that left the imagination thirsty.So, we began writing encrypted notes. This is an example of how we wrote some of them.This wasn't so the underworld spy teachers couldn't catch us. It was purely boredom control.Our notes progressively got longer and more complicated.I wish I still had some of them.I would love to remember what we wrote about.
VW, Thanks for making High School tolerable.

Beer Troubleshooting

SYMPTOM: Feet cold and wet.
FAULT: Glass being held at incorrect angle.
ACTION: Rotate glass so that open end points toward ceiling.

SYMPTOM: Feet warm and wet.
FAULT: Improper bladder control.
ACTION: Stand next to nearest dog, complain about house training.

SYMPTOM: Beer unusually pale and tasteless.
FAULT: Glass empty.
ACTION: Get someone to buy you another beer.

SYMPTOM: Opposite wall covered with fluorescent lights.
FAULT: You have fallen over backward.
ACTION: Have yourself leashed to bar.

SYMPTOM: Mouth contains cigarette butts.
FAULT: You have fallen forward.
ACTION: See above.

SYMPTOM: Beer tasteless, front of your shirt is wet.
FAULT: Mouth not open, or glass applied to wrong part of face.
ACTION: Retire to restroom, practice in mirror.

SYMPTOM: Floor blurred.
FAULT: You are looking through bottom of empty glass.
ACTION: Get someone to buy you another beer.

SYMPTOM: Floor moving.
FAULT: You are being carried out.
ACTION: Find out if you are being taken to another bar.

SYMPTOM: Room seems unusually dark.
FAULT: Bar has closed.
ACTION: Confirm home address with bartender.

SYMPTOM: Taxi suddenly takes on colorful aspect and textures.
FAULT: Beer consumption has exceeded personal limitations.
ACTION: Cover mouth.

SYMPTOM: Everyone looks up to you and smiles.
FAULT: You are dancing on the table.
ACTION: Fall on somebody cushy-looking.

SYMPTOM: Beer is crystal-clear.
FAULT: It's water. Somebody is trying to sober you up.
ACTION: Punch him.

SYMPTOM: Hands hurt, nose hurts, mind unusually clear.
FAULT: You have been in a fight.
ACTION: Apologize to everyone you see, just in case it was them.

SYMPTOM: Don't recognize anyone, don't recognize the room you're in.
FAULT: You've wandered into the wrong party.
ACTION: See if they have free beer.

SYMPTOM: Your singing sounds distorted.
FAULT: The beer is too weak.
ACTION: Have more beer until your voice improves.

SYMPTOM: Don't remember the words to the song.
FAULT: Beer is just right.
ACTION: Play air guitar.

Stolen from The Toque

Remi and Rue

This is Remington. Home protection at it's best. I sometimes think he is the smartest one in the house. Now, I know why. When we aren't home he is busy studying. Maybe he can teach the boys.



This is my darling little Rue and her "boyfriend".

How desperate can you get?

I have sunk to a new low. I desperately needed chocolate last night. That nawing at you, frantic, leave me alone or I'll bite your head off until I get chocolate desperate. Mother Hubbard's cupboards were bare. Nothing. No vehicle to go to the store. Damn. I kept searching and searching the kitchen like a crazed crack head. Hoping a snickers bar or something would magically appear. I opened the freezer and hit pay dirt. Except it was embedded in orange sherbert. Yuck. I hate orange sherbet. So, being in the chocolate state of mind, I picked the itty bitty chocolate chips out of the sherbet. It couldn't have added up to one bite of a hersheys bar. But, I got my fix. If you don't hear from me for a while it's because I have checked into the Willy Wonka Rehab.

Daredevil's Continuing Saga

Daredevil just walked in and said, "I've got more blog fodder for you." He has officially been "kicked" out of his father's house. He has to bring all his things to my house. (I sure hope that doesn't include the couch he sleeps on.) His father does not want anything more to do with him. Today, after school, Daredevil and 6 other kids, male and female, went to his Dad's house. Daredevil did not want to be rude and make everyone stand outside so he invited them into his Dad's house. They had walked to the elementary school to get one of the girl's little sister and had to walk right past his Dad's house. So the one girl called her Dad from there and let him know where he could pick them up. Daredevil then talked to his Dad's girlfriend on the phone and let her know that he had friends in the house. This was the straw that broke the camel's back. His Dad's policy is no one in the house when he is not home. Regardless of sex. Meaning male and female. Not having, this time. So, his father told him not to come back except to get his stuff. I am staying out of this. This is a male control/independence issue. I sure hope he isn't doing this just to give me something to write about.

When Business gets Personal

I've never been one to get caught up in the politics of business. Most of it is bullshit game playing and I hate it. But, unfortunately, I have found myself in the front row seat and get hit with a turd or two. The two people who work for the contractor my company is booting are slinging crap and being obnoxious. I am one of the people replacing them and although I do not know these people they are being aholes to me. I don't understand why people get personal about business. Business is business. It has nothing to do with how they do their jobs. If their company had let them out of the contract, they would have been hired by my company. They just need to get over it and deal with it or just get the hell out so I can do the job I was hired to. It is frustrating being in an environment like that. Okay, my venting is over. Thanks for listening.

Hurricane Wilma

Ugh, another Hurricane. Everyone is sick and tired of them. It is really becoming apparent in NOAA's discussions. I love today's 4am update.

"THIS SLOW MOTION SHOULD CONTINUE TO DELAY THE RECURVATURE TOWARD FLORIDA PROLONGING THE AGONIZING WAIT. ON THE OTHER HAND...

HAVING SAID ALL THAT...THERE IS PRACTICALLY NO CHANGE FROM THE PREVIOUS ADVISORY WITH THE SHORT TERM FORECAST BE MORE UNCERTAIN THAN USUAL. "

These forecasts are usually dry and technical. The personalities and frustrations of the forecasters are starting to seep through. I would love to see these forecast if they were not censored by format.

WTF. Here we go again. Everyone in Florida pack up your sh*t and get your as*ses out of the state. We obviously can't predict where this hurricane is going to go. I don't care where you go just don't clogged up the interstates because I'm getting the hell out of here too. If you want further updates, watch the weather channel. They are the only friggin idiots that will be here.

All joking aside, my thoughts and prayers are with my friends in South Florida. Please be take precautions and if you can leave do. I hope the forecasters are grossly wrong and for some unforeseen reason it heads west instead of east. I know all of our blog family and friends will be sitting on edge until we know everyone is okay.

Update of Daredevil's dilemma

Letting your best friend and his girlfriend fool around at your father's house: 16 weeks restriction

Openly defying your father: empty threats

Proof that your ex is an idiot: priceless.

I am still shaking my head in disbelief. This man has a master's degree in psychology. Why the hell doesn't he just use common sense. He used to work with juvenile delinquents. He should realize that Daredevil is basically a well behaved, responsible young man. His rationalization to Daredevil was this: If he were living in a dorm or somewhere else, he would have to abide by the rules set up by the governing authority. Or faced being kicked out. So, he tells Daredevil he has one more chance or else. Or else what. He doesn't live with his father. He visits. He lives with me. What is he going to do, tell his son he can't come over and spend time with him anymore. What an idiot.

Feeling Good

I think I made a wise choice in taking this new position at work. After one day I feel this way. We will wait and see if I feel the same way after one year. I didn't realize until I changed departments just how negative everything was in the old one. Everyone griped about everything all the time. It's funny how you slowly sink into the environment and don't realize how much it weighs you down. Maybe it's just the newness of the job, but there was a jovial and light sense of air about everyone. I felt relaxed. Which is a 180 from how I usually feel when starting something new. But, then again, this is a brand new adventure for everyone involved in this project. These two positions were just created and my partner in crime is an upbeat, wonderful lady. I think what I will gain in attitude and experience will be the greatest benefit of changing jobs. Well, I am off the Charlotte today. We are off for three days of training, inspiration and hopefully a clue as to what we are doing.

As you can see from the time of this post, I can't sleep. I get wired whenever I travel. This plus there are a billion new bits of information processing around in my head. I can't turn my brain off. And, I haven't even brewed the coffee yet. Morning blogging without coffee and I can still make a coherent sentence. But, thank goodness for spell check and the opps keys delete and backspace. I love cyber erasers. I think it's the only time I don't run out of eraser before I run out of "pencil". Technology is wonderful! Otherwise, I would have a heap of wadded up paper and broken, eraserless pencils. Not to mention, no hair or fingernails. Well, this is turning into a caffeine deprived rambling. So I am going to take brewing hints from Humble Devil Dog and see if I can construct some good coffee.

Daredevil in trouble, again

Daredevil is in an on going battle with his father. I think it is actually has more to do with his father's girlfriend than his Dad. She tells him what to do with his boys. The boys have all commented that their Dad doesn't "have the balls" to stand up to her. They have all gone through it with her. Daredevil is the last one and the most defiant to take a stand. After the stunt he pulled in August, his Dad grounded him for 8 weeks. Even though the boys are all teenagers, his Dad still insists on the every other weekend thing. I could understand this if that is all he ever saw of them, but they are over there everyday. He only lives a 1/2 mile from me and he is right across from their school. Anyways, since this is the case, the punishment is dragged out to 16 weeks. I think it is excessive. He wasn't even the one getting laid. So, fast forward to tonight. Daredevil was invited to a bowling party for the girl involved in the previous incident. His Dad told him no. So, Daredevil went anyways. He got off work at 5 and went without telling anyone. I agree this was wrong. Absolutely wrong. But, I saw it coming. Daredevil is a good kid. He works part time and is involved in the band at school. He does not go off with his friends very often. He is 18 after all. I talked to him and he is willing to take the consequences. He weighed the pros and cons and took his chances. He felt it was worth it. That is the life lesson. There are consequences to every action.

Cleaned out my locker

I cleaned out my locker and said goodbye to my loader today. I've been driving heavy equipment, i.e, dumps trucks, loaders, cranes, forklifts, etc. and doing maintenance for almost 8 years. When I took that position, I had absolutely no idea what I was doing. It was a far cry from the computer and payroll duties I had been doing. I have battled blisters, bruises and the sexual discrimination that is not supposed to exit. I entered the man's world and felt the differences. But, I persevered, proved myself and learned more about the "real" world in that job than in any of the others I have held. (And, I have had a variety too. From vacuum salesperson to legal assistant to Client trainer to home health care and then some.)

It's kind of a melancholy moment. I start down a new path tomorrow. Leaving something comfortable and starting something unknown is stressful. Some many little things are coming up that I really hadn't thought about. Now, I have to think about what to wear to work every day. Not that I have to dress up. Blue jeans and sneakers are ok. Only, I don't have any decent blue jeans. Yet. But, I get to toss the grease stained jeans and T-shirts. I don't have to wear my steel toed boots anymore. Now, I have to think about shoes even. And what to do with my hair. Before, I pulled it back in a pony-tail and threw my hard hat over it. I'm going to have to start coloring it now. You will have able to see that I have a few gray hairs. I can wear jewelry again. Only, I don't own any so that's no big deal there. I can wear make-up now that I won't be wiping dirt and grease off my face a gazillion times a day. Except, I'm really only a special occasion make-up wearer. So, now that I think about it. Nothing is really going to change. Jeans, T-shirt, sneakers and I'll just have to wear my ball cap. Life is still simple.

The hardest part of cleaning out my locker was deciding what to do with my safety harness. I'm not going to need it. But, it's mine. It is styled for a lady and is green, pink and purple, so I didn't figure any of the guys would really want it. So, I kept it. Kind of looks like a S.M outfit, maybe me and my sweetie can make use of it. Hey, halloween's coming up, that's also my birthday weekend and I will be with my sweetie. Think I know what I'll go as for halloween.

Following in my Blog Mom's footsteps

Not having thought of anything of my own today, I just going to mimick my BlogMom, VWBug. ('cause that's what children do!)

Tootsie Roll Pop

It only takes three licks to get to your center!

What Kind of Candy Are You?

You Should Get a PhD in Liberal Arts (like political science, literature, or philosophy)

You're a great thinker and a true philosopher. You'd make a talented professor or writer.

What Advanced Degree Should You Get?

Which Colossal Death Robot Are You?
Brought to you by Rum and Monkey


Dominant Personality: Understanding

Good Traits: You gravitate towards people,
and are a shoulder to lean on. You give advice
at any given time.

Bad Traits: You aren't close with any one
person. You immerse yourself in other people's
problems and forget your own.

People see you as: Friendly, secretive, and
popular. People envy you, and may try and use
you as a tool

You're most like: Grace. You both have
positive relationships with people. Neither of
you have close friends, but unlike graceful
people, you try to help people out and aren't
as arrogant.

You need more: Solitude. You hardly get the
chance to breathe when you take on the world's
problems. You can't take other's
responsibilities or put them before your own.
Be selfish once in a while and discover who you
really are.


What's your dominant trait? (10 unique results)
brought to you by Quizilla

Curiosity or Boredom?

Improviser is working the 3-11 shift. Which means he essentially has no contact with anyone at home. We are gone when he gets up and in bed when he gets home. So what do you do when you have free time and no one to talk to? Well, you experiment, of course. Usually, for a mother of a 19 year old this is a frightening thought. Well, last night when I got up for my middle of the night trip to the bathroom and kitchen (because it never fails first you have to pee, then you are thirsty, so you can do it all over again in a few hours), I found he had been experimenting. What I found was a bag of flour, a box of corn starch and a bowl of some goo on the kitchen counter. My 2am sleep fogged brain thinks, "What the hell?" So, I ask him. I got some explanation about solid and liquid states of corn starch and I don't remember what else. I really wasn't comprehending this as I was busy calculating how many hours until the alarm would start blaring. Then today after work, I find this in the freezer:



Notice that the lid is not screwed on the bottle. The bottle is resting on the top of the lid. This prompted another, "What the hell?" and shaking of the head. Groan. I can never tell what goes through that child's mind. I'm sure there is a very good explanation. And, I have no doubt I will hear it in the wee hours when my brain is screaming for no input.

The maid is finally being paid

Two out of three of my boys have jobs. I love it! I like doing their laundry now. I keep any money I find. When they start cleaning out their pockets, I'll let them do their own laundry again. Until then, Mom has spending money.

Alive and kicking, well sort of

Okay, I'm back. I don't want Harvey fussing at me anymore. Life is creeping back into my back. I'm not up to doing the can-can yet, but sitting and walking are options now. It really hoovered though. I had to cut my weekend trip short. I did make it to Orlando, but I didn't get to do Daytona. *pouts* We had tickets for Daytona USA and a hotel on the beach. Well, I have until March to use my ticket. So, all is not lost. I did get to see my oldest sister while in Orlando. We saw the best mystery dinner show. I'll blog more about it later. So, that was worth the trouble my back was giving me.

If this is what it feels to get old. I refuse. I'm going searching for that fountain of youth. I am far from being old, but this crap with my back was horrible. It was worse than labor pains. Well, ok, not. But, pretty darn close. Maybe it's a good thing I start working back inside Monday. I felt "like a girl" at work. I couldn't lift or swing anything. We had a really physical job to do this week and I had to just stand there looking helpless. Oh, I hate that. I'm usually right in the middle of things. I have no problem swinging a sledge hammer and running the air chisel for this particular job we were doing. If there is one thing I am not, is a helpless woman. I may not be real big and strong. I'm 5'5" and wear a respectable size 6. But, I have busted my butt out there for 8 years making sure that I pulled my weight and did not have to rely on the guys to do my job. I think I have done a good job at it. This was not the way I wanted to spend my last week at this position. But, things happen for a reason. Good or not.

I'm still alive

but, barely. Or at least that's how it feels. I'm still having problems with my back. Hopefully, I will feel like blogging in a day or two.

Phobias. Do you have...?

I found an interesting site that list phobias. I have not checked these out to see if they are actual phobias or not, just going by what was on the site. There were some I recognized and some that made sense. Then there were others you just have to wonder about. I don't have time to look them up. If you do and any of these are inaccurate, let me know. Or just make up your own and leave them in the comments.

It states that, "Broken down by age and gender, the National Institute of Mental Health study found phobias were the most common psychiatric illness among women in all age groups and the second most common illness among men older than 25. "

Do you have...

gatophobia, galeophobia, felinophobia, elurophobia, or ailurophobia? If so, you have a fear of cats. Why do they need five different words for it? I think 9 would be more appropriate. One for every life.

hippophobia?No, it is not a fear of hippos. VWBug does not have this fear. It is a fear of horses.

hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia or sesquipedalophobia: If you are afraid of long words you won't even want to try and say what your phobia is.

My kids claim they have didaskaleinophobia or schoolschlionophobia. I think it's just an excuse not to go to school. They are not afraid of school just work.

I really liked this one. Arachibutyrophobia The fear of peanut butter sticking to the roof of the mouth. That's not a fear; that's reality.

I don't think we will find any male members of the Bad Example Family with these phobias: caligynephobia,gynophobia,venustraphobia. I think they would rather die than have a fear of beautiful women. And, that goes for dipsophobia, too. No fear of drinking in that bunch.

I wish more people had allodoxaphobia. It's a fear of opinions; hopefully, their own.

I don't have batonophobia. But, plants should have a fear of me.

I am beginning to get liticaphobia and decidophobia. A fear of lawsuits and making decisions.

And I'm really afraid I am getting phronemophobia rhytiphobia. The fear of thinking about getting wrinkles.

I'm afraid that's all I have for now.

Quiz Week?

Has this been an uneventful week or something? Everyone seems to have a quiz.

So, here they go. I am..


You're Betty Grable!

and I am...


You are Scooter.
You are a loyal, hardworking person, better known
as a doormat.

SPECIAL TALENTS:
Going for stuff.
LEAST FAVORITE MOVIE:
"Go For Broke!"

QUOTE:
"15 seconds to showtime."

LAST BOOK READ:
"300 New Ways to Get Your Uncle to Get You a
Better Job "

NEVER LEAVES HOME WITHOUT:
Coffee, clipboard, and Very Special Guest Stars.


What Muppet are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

and I am...


You are Lust!
Sexy!! But they say that theres such a thing as too
much of a good thing. You have sex on the
brain, and it doesn't stay just there for long.
Passionate, Fiery - and most certainly
confident. You're a fun loving, spontaneous
person who is always up for a laugh. People
however, have trouble keeping up with you.
You're sex crazy, and perhaps need to tone it
down a bit! learn a little self control!
But, Hey, Congratulations on being the Sexiest Red
Hot deadly sin out of all the 7...


?? Which Of The Seven Deadly Sins Are You ??
brought to you by Quizilla

Lust only applies when I am with my Sweetie and then I can't get enough. And it seems just wrong to have lust and a muppet on the same post. Especially Scooter. *I do like the duckling better than the chipmunk. All I think of when I hear chipmunk, is, "You go first." "No, you." "No, after you." Those annoying little cartoons. Politeness. Please. Put them on a skewer. As for the pinup girl. I'll take that. Although, my million dollar legs have been hit with inflation. But, I'm working on that.
*Had to delete Which Cute Animal are you. Something was messing up the borders on my site.

Hat tips to:
One Happy Dog Speaks
Boudicca's Voice
Army Wife Toddler Mom

Always a Bridesmaid....

The Maid of Honor Deliberate Gentle Love Master (DGLMf) Appreciated for your kindness and envied for all your experience, you are The Maid of Honor. Charismatic, affectionate, and terrific in relationships, you are what many guys would call a "perfect catch"--and you probably have many admirers, each wishing to capture your long-term love. You're careful, extra careful, because the last thing you want is to hurt anyone. Especially some poor boy whose only crime was liking you. Your exact opposite: Half-cocked Random Brutal Sex Dreamer We've deduced you're fully capable of a dirty fling, but you do feel that post-coital attachment after hooking up. So, conscientious person that you are, you do your best to reserve physical affection for those you respect...so you can respect yourself. Your biggest negative is the byproduct of your careful nature: indecision. You're just as slow rejecting someone as you are accepting them. ALWAYS AVOID: The False Messiah, The 5-Night Stand, The Vapor Trail, The Bachelor CONSIDER: The Gentleman, someone just like you. Link: The 32-Type Dating Test by OkCupid . This explains a lot. I shouldn't have tried to be a bride. One day...... Hat tip to Bad Example

Laughter isn't the best medicine

As I previous reported I found muscles I had forgotten I had. I was just sore the first day. So, it seemed like a good idea to try it again. What was I thinking? I wasn't. I was laughing and having fun doing the twist and the hula hoop. I'm not laughing now. My back is screaming at me. It is in spasms. This made work even more fun. Climbing up and down ladders and even walking were chores. So, my brain finally re-engaged and I decided I should take it easy for a few days. I canceled with my workout partner and stayed home last night. Then comes suppertime. I didn't feel like cooking. I didn't have my car. There is a little restaurant only a 1/2 mile from the house. My stomach took over the thinking and convinced my brain that this was a good idea. My brain didn't even offer the suggestion to send Chowhound up there for take out. No, "Let's walk up there for dinner" stupidly comes out of my mouth. Chowhound always ready for a meal, hence the name, jumped at the opportunity. About halfway there, my back spasms. I yelp, grab my back and hunch over. Chowhound is sympathetic the first time and only the first time. After this happens several times. He starts in like a lamaze coach. Breathe, Breathe. Hands gesturing and he is demonstrating the breathing technique. So here we are standing next to road looking like we belong in the labor ward. He got me laughing so hard which only aggravated the spasms and caused even more pain. Then, he looks at me cutely and says, "I guess laughter isn't the best medicine." I'd smack him but that would hurt too much. I'll have to remember to do that when I get better.

Too old to hula hoop

I have muscles that I had forgotten about. OMG. I am sore. A woman who is about to turn officially 40 something in 25 days (do the math and take notes) should not hula hoop. Don't ask what started it. I think it was my friend's, "Mouth of the South" (as she calls herself), enthusiasm. We went to work out at Curves yesterday. They were playing some great 50's music. Well, what does that makes you want to do? The TWIST, of course. So we are laughing and hamming it up and dancing our butts off (hopefully, we certainly are trying). After our workout, she grabs one of the two hula hoops hiding from us behind the bookshelf. They are typically only brought out on Fun Fridays. But, Monday just needed a kick. MOTS is determined to keep this hula hoop going. Bless her heart. She can't get it to stay up but one or two rounds. Surprisingly, I have this thing going. So while she is getting her hoop going for the 25th time. I still have mine twirling. I couldn't even do this as a kid. I was proud. Until this morning. Pride has turned into agony. I can barely move. So, being the brainiac that I am. She picks me up after work today and we go do it again.

Well, between the CURVES workout, the twist, and hula hooping maybe I just might lose the 5-8 lbs I want to before my birthday. Because, I am going to see my Sweetie then and I want to look hot for him. So, guess what we are doing to do again tomorrow?! Yep. Repeat Monday and Tuesday.

Oh and BTW, guess what's next. Belly dancing lessons.

Still teaching them NOT TO RUN IN THE HOUSE

From the time my boys learned to walk, I learned to yell, "DON'T RUN IN THE HOUSE". When are they going to learn? It's been 18 years. Taught the Improviser that lesson again the other day. Saturday night, I had to house to myself. Good time to scrub and wax the kitchen floor. And I didn't give it another thought until the next evening when Improviser was running from the dog. With the first step into the kitchen in those socks, he slid all the way across the room. WHAM! He busted his butt, big time. And I the proud Mom, got to say, "SEE, THAT'S WHY YOU DON'T RUN IN THE HOUSE!" Sure made waxing the floor worth it.

Karnival of Kidz is Up

It's Karnival time. The kidz are being taught all kinds of wonderful things by their 'Uncle' Harvey. He is such a GREAT EXAMPLE. Go join the fun and you might just learn a thing or two.

Also, sad note. Karnival of Kidz needs a moderator. Please read Harvey's endnote. We don't want this to be the last one. It is so much fun to see what antics other people's children have done. It makes you say, "Oh Good! It wasn't my child this time."

Child rearing in public

I got tickled at a story my mom told me today. She was in WalMart waiting on a prescription. There were about five or six other older ladies, probably 60's or 70's, also waiting. And there was one young, agitated mother. And one red faced screaming 3 year old. This kid was pitching a fit because she couldn't have something. My mom and a couple of the other ladies naturally starting talking about how they raised their kids. They all agreed this child needed a good butt whipping. Then, one of the ladies sitting a few seats down from this discussion group, walked over to the mother. She leaned forward and very politely said, "Nobody here would have the slightest problem with you spanking your child." LMAO. I applaud this woman. In this day and age people are terrified to discipline their children in public or otherwise. You cannot reason with a 3 year old. I agree it should be a last resort. But, sometimes it is the only solution. I know when I was a kid, we dreaded public restrooms. Not because of sanitary reason. But, because that's where our mom took us and beat our butts if we acted up. Of course, she also left us waiting in the car most of time.....And we didn't wear seat belts..... or wear helmets when riding our bikes...... Hey, wait a minute..... Is it too late to report her now?

A little bit of everything

Wow, can't believe how everything just seems to pile up and demand attention. The house is screaming to be cleaned. (ArmyWifeToddlerMom warned me about that). Can't find that damn maid anywhere. I ought to fire her. Wish I could, please, please. Still working on the lawn mower. I think I saw a lion and a giraffe roaming around out there. Having to car share with Improviser. He finally got a job. Great. Except it's 3-11 and I currently work 7 -3:30. The bumper fell off his car. It's a real POS, but it was free. But, it is illegal to drive without a bumper, so it's on the list to be fixed. Had to replace the battery in mine yesterday. My blog has been neglected. So has my school work. Good thing it's online and do at your own pace. Of course, I think they expect something once in a while. Been working OT. One day off in the last 3 weeks. Now this month is going to be really hectic. I have 3 out of town trips and start my new job. Whew. I'm tired just thinking of all this. So, today, after work, I did my grocery shopping. Stocked up on cleaning supplies. Stopped by our version of Starbucks. Double expresso to go. My house is now half-cleaned. Just wanted to get something out to you few dedicated readers. Need to work on that, too. Now, just a few notes and tidbits:

First, VWBug left her house open. I am having a decorating party over there. So, please help decorate her new house. Tater and Tot keep her busy, so I know she will appreciate our keen decorating taste.

Bad Example "Uncle" Harvey is hosting the Karnival of Kids this week. You have until midnight to get your stories and pictures in.

Here's mine in the Bad Example Family Tradition.



Improviser and Daredevil start shaving at an early age. I don't even want to know if Daredevil still puts shaving cream there.

I know I should probably make separate posts for all of this. But, with this caffeine buzz going, I don't care and I'm ready to get back to cleaning my house. I have to be at work at 7 am tomorrow. I might be done by then.