Road Trip

We took a quick road trip to Pensacola so my Sweetie could finally meet my family. After two and a half years of not meeting my man they began to doubt that he existed. The trip was hurried but wonderful. And now they believe.

The biggest downside was the 10 hour round trip. Hours upon hours of listening to the whining in the back seat. "How much longer?" Standard answer around here is "5 more minutes!" There must have been a million 5 more minutes. Then, starts the "He's touching me!" "Make him stop", "he's got his feet on me". At one point there was even a pen fight. "He's writing on me." The whining, crying, and fighting from the backseat was just too much. I bet they will never make me sit back there again.

Home again but still on Vacation

I'm home. Have company. Loving life. Blog later.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas from the House of Chaos to Yours. Have a great day.

The Lessons Teacher Teach us

Mrs. Who of House of Zathras posted a beautiful story about what she did for a student. Sometimes the lessons a teacher teaches isn't out of the text book but influences our life profoundly as Mrs. Who did for Brandy. I'm sure that young lady still remembers what her teacher did for her.

The teachers that stand out in my mind don't stand out for academic reasons but for personal ones. Their actions taught me a life lesson. Lessons that still influence me to this day.

Mrs. Sunday was my sixth grade Social Studies teacher (I think that is what she taught). She was not well liked by most of the students but I loved Mrs. Sunday. She was pivotal in giving me a little confidence in myself at a time when I desperately needed to know someone cared. At age eleven, I was already constantly thinking about suicide. I lived in a very volatile household and was being sexually abused. No one knew about what I was going through or how I felt. All that the other kids saw was someone they could tease and easily make cry. I felt very alone. Anyhow, I was in Mrs. Marshall's drama class that 6 weeks. I hated that lady. I was very shy and did not like to be in the center of attention. She would grab me by the arm, pull me out into the middle of the class and try and make me act something out. All of the other kids would laugh and call me names (I know I sound like a reindeer) like crybaby and such. I hated the other kids. Well, one day in drama class we had to dress up like somebody/something and Mrs. Sunday came in to judge the contest. I had not prepared for this contest, as again, I hated anything that put me in the spot light. At the last minute, one of my friends took a little bit of makeup, drew some whiskers on my checks, blackened my nose and made me look like a cat. I don't think I even had cat ears. Not the most elaborate costume in the room. But, as Mrs. Sunday passed by inspecting me I cocked my head to the side and quietly mewed so she would have some idea of what I was supposed to be. I WON! Mrs. Sunday picked me. I won a milk cartoon of Whoppers. I did not share them with the students in that class and they were mad. Later, that day I shared them with Mrs. Sunday and a few of my friends in her class. I know that I did not have the best costume that day. There were others far more deserving but maybe she saw something in me that was crying for help and knew I needed a little bit of confidence and kindness. I was saddened years later when I heard she committed suicide. Whether or not that was a valid rumor I don't know. I certainly hope not because I still remember her fondly. She taught me a valuable lesson that day and gave me a little bit of hope. Merry Christmas Mrs. Sunday, wherever you may be.

Another teacher that stands out in my mind is Mr. Bennett, one of my high school science teachers. He was a well-like and respected teacher. He taught Biology and Anatomy and Physiology and a host of other science related classes. He joked around with the students and was always helping them with projects that included animals and such. He seemed to be someone who related well with students and would help them out. I found out differently on my last day of school. A few days earlier, a little gray kitten mysteriously appeared in the middle of our living room. We have no idea how she got in the house or where she came from. I checked with the neighbors and no one claimed her. I named her Grey Ghost. She was solid gray, fuzzy and sweet. The morning of my last final exam I was rushing out of the house and she got slammed in the door. She started flailing around and crying. I was devastated. I didn't know what to do. No one else was at home. My mom was at work, my sisters had already moved out and I was running late for Senior exams. So, I scooped her up into a shoe box and rushed to school. I was in tears. I immediately thought of Mr. Bennett. He knew all about animals and I figured he could help me. The moment he saw me carrying the cat towards him he turned his back to me and said, "I don't see an animal here. You're not supposed to bring pets in." He wouldn't even look at me. He wouldn't even listen to me. I was stunned and hurt. So, I ran in tears with this hurt kitten in a shoebox to my first exam not knowing what to do. My teacher in that class, told me to take her to the Vet and not worry about a thing. I missed three final exams that day. I just knew I wouldn't graduate. I was shocked when I had an A or B on all my exams. I found out later that that teacher explained to my other teachers what had happened and they excused me from my exams and made sure I graduated. It turned out the kitten's spinal cord was broken and she had to be put to sleep. As I walked across the stage to receive my diploma, Mr. Bennett was waiting to shake my hand. I just glared at him and walked right past. He had lost my respect. He taught me that not everybody would help you when you were down and needed help. Fortunately, I had three other teachers that day that taught me just the opposite. Maybe, on an academic level what they did was not right. But, it made me try harder later on because I knew that I didn't want to let them down.

Things are looking UP

I woke up depressed this morning. That's obvious from my previous post. But, throughout the day, I have gotten better. I am getting in a Christmas mood. This may have something to do with the fact that I DON'T HAVE TO GO TO WORK FOR THE NEXT TEN DAYS! Count 'em Ten. Saturday (1), Christmas Eve (2), Christmas Day(3), Tuesday(4), Wednesday(5), Thursday(6), Friday(7), Saturday again(8), New Year's Eve(9), New Year's Day(10). Whoo Hoo! Yippie! *doing the happy dance*

I have two days to shop. That's doable.

I have three and a half days to clean my house to my satisfaction before my Sweetie gets here Christmas Day. That's doable, too. I'm now longer stressing about him coming. I am excited now.

I will get to spend Christmas Eve and Day with my boys and then Christmas night with my Sweetie. Then, we will head to Pensacola for a few days to spend time with my family. Then, back home to spend New Year's weekend with one of my bestest friends.

You know how I know she is a great friend? She is coming to see me and I won't even be here when she gets here and she is OK with that. Now, that is a friend. I love her to pieces.

Well, time to get busy, busy, busy again but this time I think I will actually accomplish something.

Help

Help! I need Christmas spirit. It's the weekend before Christmas and my tree is still bald. I still have to do ALL of my Christmas shopping. Ack! I so don't get this holiday. Why do I have to go in debt to show others I care. They should care enough about me to know I can't afford Christmas. I quit. Christmas is canceled. Bah Humbug.

Because of Dad

Daredevil wrote the following sonnet. It tells of his frustrations with his girlfriend's Dad. Both Daredevil and Nana are seniors this year at different high schools. Her Dad does not allow her to date. Therefore, they have been sneaking around behind his back, with her mother's knowledge and permission, for over a year. He knows about Daredevil. He just doesn't allow them to openly see each.

I think his poem is wonderful. Obviously, so did his teacher since he received an "A" and a "Well done!" on it.

Because of Dad

Should I break her heart because of her Dad?
Her Dad, the wall that bars my path to her.
With all the sneaking around makes me mad,
Hiding how I feel for her when he's there.
The wall standing between me and my love
I should not have to deal with this madness
Just throw this away like a nasty glove
And find another dad I can address.
Even with all the frustration I have,
I love her with all of my beating heart.
To save her I would go straight to my grave
I have loved her even from the rough start.
Even with all the obstacles we face,
We are still moving at a steady pace.

Christmas Carols for the Mentally Disturbed

1. Schizophrenia --- Do You Hear What I Hear?

2. Multiple Personality Disorder --- We Three Queens Disoriented Are

3. Amnesia --- I Don't Know if I'll be Home for Christmas

4. Narcissistic ---Hark the Herald Angels Sing About Me

5. Manic --- Deck the Halls and Walls and House and Lawn and Streets and Stores and Office and Town and Cars and Buses and Trucks and Trees and Fire Hydrants and...

6. Paranoid --- Santa Claus is Coming to Get Me

7. Borderline Personality Disorder --- Thoughts of Roasting on an Open Fire

8. Full Personality Disorder-- You Better Watch Out, I'm Gonna Cry, I'm Gonna Pout, Maybe I'll tell You Why

9. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder ---Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells...

10. Agoraphobia --- I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day But Wouldn't Leave My House

11. Senile Dementia --- Walking in a Winter Wonderland Miles From My house in My Slippers and Robe

12. Oppositional Defiant Disorder --- I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus So I Burned Down the House

13. Social Anxiety Disorder --- Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas while I Sit Here and Hyperventilate

______________________________

What ones can you think of?

Santa's Nice-o-Meter

He's making a list...
He's checking it twice...
gonna find out who's naughty or nice...

Oh, are you worried? Not quite sure where you stand on Santa's list? Well, now you can go here and check.

Just out of curiosity. I checked the name of one of our questionable bloggers. This is what Santa had to say about him:

Nice, but with a few naughty marks. Neatness needs improvement. Behavior has been good sometimes, not so good other times. Manners could still use some attention. Was very nice last Monday.

Evidently, suck up letters help.

If that's the case, then:


Dear Santa Baby,

You are looking good this year. I love the new look. Don't worry about what Mrs. Claus or the elves say. All that matter is what the good girls think. And we're thinking...well never mind what we're thinking...that would probably get us on the naughty list. But, we promise we will be good for the rest of the year. Right, Girls?

We'll leave the cookies on the night stand. See ya soon, Santa.

Always a believer,

The Girls of the Bad Example Family and Clan

Walls

Walls. We all have them. Mine are tall, thick, and strong and encasing. They are stronger than castle or fort walls. It didn't take an army to build them just a few bad experiences and lots of pain. My walls served their purpose at the time but after a while they start impeding instead of protecting. In a few short days, I will be faced with either letting my wall crumble, letting someone behind my wall or coming on the other side of my wall myself. I need to let someone in. I need to let someone get closer. Not just anyone, but my Sweetie. This is a pivotal point and I am scared.

I'm wiping away the fear from my eyes as I write this. I'm fighting and struggling with myself. The risk gets greater the more times I do this. I thought the last time...

Don't.

Don't walk into my life and try and control me. I will run back into myself.
Don't try and make me who you want me to be. I will run.

You circle the walls of my castle. I'm hiding deep within. I stand in the tower and watch you trying and trying to get in. Only I can let the draw bridge down and open the castle doors. My castle is strong and moored.

How do I know you're not the enemy? How do I know you'll do me no harm? How do I know that you won't trick me with your wit and your charm? But, I know that I need to leave my castle because it is no longer warm. The winds bring unbearable memories. Storms are trapped with in. I've cut myself off from the world that lies beyond the door. How do I know you won't harm me like the ones that came before?

What a male will do to get a female

Improviser came over tonight to show me the Christmas presents he bought everybody, but me (pout, pout). He takes them out one at a time telling me who they are for. Then, he pulls out a card and says, "This is for my girlfriend." I shake my head. Did I hear right? Improviser has a girlfriend. My unsocial, quiet, rather play video games, child. Well, he isn't a child anymore, he is 20. But, still. I was surprised. But, then he hit with the the unbelievable. "I'm going camping with her next week." HA HA HA What a powerful thing the female possesses. Improviser HATES camping. I don't think she knows what kind of control she has over this young man. So much, in fact that he went out and bought a tent. He hates camping. He hates the outdoors. He hates shopping but he spent 5 hours walking around Wal-Mart with her. Five hours. I can't even spend 5 hours in Wally world.

I know what is motivating him and, actually, I worry about him. I'm afraid that she will give him what he wants and then break his heart. He has a heart of gold. He doesn't understand how cruel people and life can be. I know him. He will fall head over heels because someone is making him feel special. It's hard as a parent to sit back and watch what you know will probably happen. Now, I know how my mother felt. But, I will do as she did. I will watch. I will worry. And then, I will be there when he falls and get hurts. It doesn't matter if he is 2 or 20. Mom will still be there. Only, a teenage mutant ninja turtle bandaid won't help. How I wish there was a bandaid for the heart. Someway to put bactine on the wounds to promote healing. I guess hugs are bandaids for the heart.

I'll breathe later

Busy. Busy.

Busy.

How to get mom's heart pumping

Leave a big, ugly dead spider on a note on the kitchen counter. Fortunately, I didn't get a picture. Yes, Daredevil did this to me. I waltzed into the kitchen. Went to put my purse on the counter and then snatched it back. There was the biggest, ugliest and, thank goodness, deadest spider sitting there on a note. "Look what I found under my dresser." Ugh. Boys.

It's a new world

Daredevil's best friend came over to stay the night. He brought his PS2 with him. They brought the TV out of Daredevil's room and put it beside the one hooked up to our PS2 and the computer. The play games on-line against each other as they sit side by side. They were hooking up the systems when I went to bed. This morning, no best friend. It was 5 am and he was no where to be found. Daredevil explained, "We couldn't get it working right for some reason. So, he went home so we could play together." Excuse me. I'm still shaking my head at that one.

T1G's Christmas Present

Ragin Mom at The Splatter Zone found T1G the perfect Christmas gift. And the best part is, we get to play with it before it gets put under the tree. Careful, it's addicting and a wonderful time waster.

New Blogger?

I just logged on to blogger and it's announcing a new and better blogger but I have to click the magic link. It says once you do you can't go back. Do they have all the bugs out of it? Has anyone else made the switch? I haven't had too many issues with this version. I would hate to screw up my blog. I'm a real risk taker, can't ya tell. Help. Advice.

Santa sends help

I've heard Jennifer has her eye on a new boyfriend already. Guess Santa answered someone's prayers.



H/T to Bou for the original bunny pic.

It figures

I have 9 days left to get my house in order before company arrives. I still have 3 rooms to paint, 2 beds to buy, and one house to clean including carpet. I still have to Christmas shop and decorate. All while juggling a full-time job and kids. Oh, yeah. I have 2 tests and a term project to complete for the class I am taking. Now, I get a frickin cold. Blah. I don't have time to be sick.

Mother of the Year

I'm not being nominated.
I lost my child today.
I couldn't find Chowhound.

I came home from work.
Nobody home.

Daredevil left a note.
So, I knew where he was.

AH HA! Chowhound has jazz band practice.
Crap. I forgot.
He has to be picked up at 5.
Wipe hand across forehead. Oh good, it's 4:30. I can make it.

Go to school.
Band gone. No Chowhound.
Now, he's in trouble.

Call Daredevil. "Where's Chowhound?"
He went to Bartrum Trail with other band mother to get music.
Oh. Yeah. I knew that. But, I forgot.

So, I wait. and wait. and wait.
No, Chowhound. No phone call.

After, a few hours. I started calling around trying to find Chowhound.
Then, he calls.

"I was at my track banquet."
Crap. I forgot.

I'm definitely not making Mother of the Year.

On the flip side, I wasn't just doing nothing. I was painting Daredevil's bedroom. I was home. He could have called earlier. But, no. Let's make mom feel like crap and let her forget. Guilt it does a mother good.

Motivation for men to lose weight

I work during the day so I miss all the informative shows. My mom was telling me about an Oprah Winfrey episode she watched the other day. Oprah's doctor was giving dieting tips and what not. The same ole usual stuff, I guess, until he mentioned why men should lose weight. Or rather why women might encourage their men to lose weight. He said that for every 35 lbs a man loses he gains an inch in his "manhood". My mom told her friend. She got up and headed home to tell her husband he needed to lose at least 70 lbs. As I was saying goodbye to my mom, she said, "you're going to crack up laughing everytime you see a truck driver now." Yeah, because some of them could gain an extra 10 inches.

Only in Florida...

...would they cancel Winterfest because of, well, winter. Yes, it's true. The officials in Pensacola have decided it's going to be too windy Sunday night to celebrate winter. Too Windy! This is coming from a town that is accustomed to hurricanes. Category 1 and 2 hurricanes are nothing. That is 75 - 110 mph. But, that is their excuse. Too Windy!

This is the announcement:

Winds snuff out Sunday Winterfest

Due to expected inclement weather, Downtown Winterfest has
announced that Sunday night's events in downtown Pensacola will be canceled.

This is the weather forecast:

Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 37. Breezy, with a north wind between 15 and 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Just admit it. It's being canceled because it's too cold. We're Floridians, we do windy we don't do cold. So, winter is officially canceled in Florida. We refuse to celebrate in the cold.

Click for Cans

What to help a charity without getting out of your chair? Plus, you can help prove to your friends who the best football team is.

This year, one NFL team will earn a donation of Campbell's® soup to the food bank of its choice. How much soup? We'll get the official stats for all the players on the winning team's official roster and donate one can for every pound the total team weighs! So far, the Green Bay Packers remain the undefeated Click for Cans champs – will they stay on top, or will they get a run for their money this year? It's up to you!

Go here to vote.

Come on folks. We need to knock the Green Bay Packers out of the lead. Get the word out to everyone and lets see who the best team is. You can vote once a day until Dec. 15.

Don't be discouraged if your team doesn't get the most clicks. The team that improves the most in the number of clicks from last year will also receive a donation! We'll donate 2006 cans on behalf of the team that shows the most improvement in the number of clicks from last year.

So far, the Colts are the most improved clicks.

I know there are some big football fans out there. Show your support. Or do it just to knock someone else's team down. Whatever works.

Who do you want to win?