Books, well, I have just finished my two, I was reading them concurrently, and would read them based on my moods, but " A Girl of the Limberlost" won. What a great book. I will put this on my daughter's reading lists. The main character is everything I want my girls to be. She is hard working, honest as the day is long, and resilient. I have always said my girls don't need to be straight A students, but honest and hard working will get them anywhere they dream to go, and Elnora, from this book proves my theory. A good read, very good.
The Prision Diaries and Letters of Chester Gillett, not so much. I started to read out of curiousity, as I tend to gravitate towards regional authors of late. He seems to have been writing this for an audience. It seems "staged " to me, like he was writing hoping for an appeal and when the appeal came, they would present this diary as evidence that he was a well educated, compassionate, caring person, to shed doubt for the jury. He had to be writing with this intent. Oddly he never mentions Grace, but once just in passing reference. He hardly mentions his circumstance, but to refer it to his troubles. After I read this, I now feel that the diary was superficial, and that he never for a second believed he would be put to death. He thought there would be an appeal and he would be free. He seems arrogant. ( Another motive for the diary, he would hope to sell it for profit). I also now know he killed her. He made her travel seperatley from him as they headed to the "North Woods", they boarded the trains at different times and did not sit together. He registered them as assumed names into the various hotels ( what would real names have mattered? Who in Utica knew them, or Big Moose?) they stayed at and ran out on their bills. He had planned ahead by telling his family he was just heading north for some R and R. He had some things sent on to Old Forge. Never mentioned Grace or the fact that they would travel together. ( The entire time she was preggers, he cavorted with other girls without real cares). He rents them a boat and loads his suitcase into it, tennis racquett, and all his belongs for a lesiurly paddle in the Big Moose. Who takes all their stuff? Grace didn't.
The only thing I wonder, is what the hell was he telling her? How did he justify they travel seperate ( they didn't even sit together, which was premediated, so people wouldn't be able to testify that they saw them together). How did he justify the vacation, or the fact that he loaded his stiff into the Adirondack Canoe for a paddle? And why was she so guillable, so smitten with him she would believe his crap? They went to Utica first, the theory being he was looking for a boarding house for unwed mothers and she would stay there, have the baby and give it up, but if that were the case, why the seperate travelling arrangements? Nothing illegal there? I think that is just what he told her, knowing the entire time he had a plan. I would like to now read the letters she sent him. He sent her a few, but she sent him many. I am just curious what she believed what was the intention of their trip north? Romantic getaway?
In other news, I met up with my friend Karen, and he fater in law grew up in our house. I invited them over to see our projects, and it was cool having him here telling us what has changed, or how things were. He grew up here, we are the 4th owners since 1850, his parents were the second, so this house was pretty "original" when they lived here. I have them looking for old photos of the house, old black and whites. We would like to have some to display them. Funny, where I have my antique was stand, he said his mom did. Where I have the dining room buffet, he said his mom did. My wash basin and picture, he said his mom had one just the same! Mission accomplished! When I decorate, I try to take history into account, and although I want some modern things, I like to showcase the history of my house!
Finally, breaking news last night. Kids are fat. That was actually the story. Brian and I were laughing, because I have been saying this for a couple years. Working in school, I see 600 plus kids in my building. You wouldn't believe the overweight to healthy ratio. The norm is chubby. And somehow, the chubby girls still have self esteem to wear tank tops, low rise, short shorts, etc......( these are teens). They are addicted to technology instead of running around outside, they eat crap, drink sugar filled energy drinks ( Every AM at school, walk down the hall and see the kids drinking this crap for breakfast, or eating chips and soda for breakfast), and most probally don't sit down for dinner. Oneida Co. came into our school and did an survey, anonymous, on various helath and safety issues, less than 20% ( I think it was 16%) sit down and eat with their families.
Hope money wasn't spent on this new study that says kids are overweight.POTO again. Walk the halls of any school. It breaks my heart to see kids in what should be their health prime overweight. They will struggle their entire lives with health and weight.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Chef Boy is She Cute!
Ava is Miranda's chef hat from girl scout camp. Had to share the cuteness that is Ava.
Island Girl
While I am showing off our projects, here is a view of the island Brian customized ( it was just base cabinets, the ones we got for the kitchen.). He wrapped it in beadboard wainscoating to match tne cabinets, added legs he made out of stair banisters, and we sanded down the butcher block we removed from the gutted out kitchen, and voila! I love it.
More Country Living
I worship "Country Living" magazine. You can take the girl out of the country, you can't take the country out of the girl. If you have glanced at this magazine, then you know my style. Not "country cute" like my friend Amy says ( Fake country,tacky country), but antiques, and a style that suits my 1854 village farm house. So, when the neighbors gave us their old playhouse, I couldn't just plop it in the yead, I had to make it match it's surroundings and to look, well, perfect. So I spent a week working on it, but here it is, before and after. ( Well, my before shot has 1 coat of blue paint on it, it was grey with green trim to match my neighbors house).
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Again, POTO People
So Obama makes some remarks yesterday that come up as, and this is funny, "Breaking News" on my internet home page. Headline news, bold print with links. Among other things, he said this: ``I have little doubt that we've moved into recession at this point, and the sooner we can get money into people's pockets, the sooner that we can stabilize the housing market, and the sooner that we can send a message to the markets that we're serious about creating an energy policy that will create greater energy efficiency over the next decade or so, I think the sooner we're going to get our fundamentals right,'' he said.
Well, at least he is admitting it, and not trying to dance arouond it, but don't people know this? The Republicans are trying to fake us all out by stimilus checks, but isn't the very notion that people needed a hand econimically basis for recession? Have not we as a nation been through times like this were the Feds have stepped in to lend a hand and we called it what it was, recession? Recession has to happen, after all. Recession, depression, and economic booms are a continuous pendulum that swings all the time. We are there folks. Even though I believe we have everything to do with it, we are there one way or another.
Along with the "Living Large" Clinton years, people were economically healthy. They bough big houses, cars, toys, etc....When we applied for this home loan, the banks wanted to give us up to 75K more than we spent. We kind of said " are they nuts?" We don't want a loan this big. What happends if there are more health problems, a lay off, home repairs, etc, how would we handle it all? But Brian and I aren't really the norm, we think of these things and try to live conservatively. The norm would have purchased that living large home, that came with huge taxes, heating and cooling, and when oil prices shot up, they couldn't afford it all. Again, I think things are being learned by this mess, and perhaps lenders will lend more conservitively. Oil prices rose 40%. Who factored THAT into living expenses. We don't need housing reliefs and checks from the government. We need to reply on ourselves for stable energy sources like wind and solar. We would control the price of that, and not have to be at the mercy of anyone but mother nature. That then controls the price of well everything. The oild has risen 40%, and the price of all goods and servics have followed.
When we visited my sister in law in North Carolina, and saw all the sunshine, I couldn't believe every home in her new development didn'thave solar panels? That's crazy! That is a new development!!!! If people in general can't afford oil to heat their homes, gas their cars, think about business? Everyday businesses are going under, people are losing jobs. Who wouldn't have paid a little extra for a home with alternative heating and cooling energy if it meant helping to stabalize the economy, jobs, and our nation as a whole? Every new home should be built in a way to save people money and save resources.
Forget Obama, I am going to run for President. On the "We're Not Gonna Take It" ticket/party. Who wouldn't vote for me? We are re-visiting the 70's and sadly we didn't learn from history. A war we can't get out of/afford, energy crisis ( yes, I call 5.00/gallon gas a crisis, POTO people) , and recession. Here we go again......
Well, at least he is admitting it, and not trying to dance arouond it, but don't people know this? The Republicans are trying to fake us all out by stimilus checks, but isn't the very notion that people needed a hand econimically basis for recession? Have not we as a nation been through times like this were the Feds have stepped in to lend a hand and we called it what it was, recession? Recession has to happen, after all. Recession, depression, and economic booms are a continuous pendulum that swings all the time. We are there folks. Even though I believe we have everything to do with it, we are there one way or another.
Along with the "Living Large" Clinton years, people were economically healthy. They bough big houses, cars, toys, etc....When we applied for this home loan, the banks wanted to give us up to 75K more than we spent. We kind of said " are they nuts?" We don't want a loan this big. What happends if there are more health problems, a lay off, home repairs, etc, how would we handle it all? But Brian and I aren't really the norm, we think of these things and try to live conservatively. The norm would have purchased that living large home, that came with huge taxes, heating and cooling, and when oil prices shot up, they couldn't afford it all. Again, I think things are being learned by this mess, and perhaps lenders will lend more conservitively. Oil prices rose 40%. Who factored THAT into living expenses. We don't need housing reliefs and checks from the government. We need to reply on ourselves for stable energy sources like wind and solar. We would control the price of that, and not have to be at the mercy of anyone but mother nature. That then controls the price of well everything. The oild has risen 40%, and the price of all goods and servics have followed.
When we visited my sister in law in North Carolina, and saw all the sunshine, I couldn't believe every home in her new development didn'thave solar panels? That's crazy! That is a new development!!!! If people in general can't afford oil to heat their homes, gas their cars, think about business? Everyday businesses are going under, people are losing jobs. Who wouldn't have paid a little extra for a home with alternative heating and cooling energy if it meant helping to stabalize the economy, jobs, and our nation as a whole? Every new home should be built in a way to save people money and save resources.
Forget Obama, I am going to run for President. On the "We're Not Gonna Take It" ticket/party. Who wouldn't vote for me? We are re-visiting the 70's and sadly we didn't learn from history. A war we can't get out of/afford, energy crisis ( yes, I call 5.00/gallon gas a crisis, POTO people) , and recession. Here we go again......
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Book Worm
In the summer, while I go full speed ahead trying to catch up on life, parent and worry about my own kids ( instead of all the kids at work), and become "Project Girl". I become a book worm. During the school year, between working a stressful job, and all the girls activities, my own life and personal enjoyments come to a halt. Something has to give, and it's my hobbies. But during the summer? I head to the library and grab a stack! I am currently reading "A Girl of the Limberlost" by Gene Stratton Porter. Don't know how this escaped me as a kid? I read everything I could get my hands on and many American Classics. ( but sadly, didn't finish half the books we were supposed to read for AP Lit. Man, who picked those books! Our AP kids are reading much better selections) This book has got my attention. I will polish it off by weeks end.
Walked down to the library yesterday for the girls to get some books, no summer brain drain here, and got "Prision Diaries of Chester Gillett" Typically, I don't go for crime books, or even mysteries, but the tale of Chester has always intrigued me. PErhaps because he was tried in Herkimer Co, or because this happened in my precious Adirondacks, or just because I can't understand how murder becomes an option to someone just not wanting to face parenthood. It was turn of the century, before DNA, he could have just said " She is a tramp, a tartlet, the kid isn't mine." He was an upstanding man from an affluent family, she just a working girl. HE would have been believed. It's the same for Scott Peterson, divorce was always an option. So perhaps my read and curiosity is just to try and understand how someone arrived at that decision? I am not sure, but whatever the case, it looks like a good read.
Anna got a stack of books, as did "the professor" I took the liberity of grabbing a coupld for Peep, as she is at camp. She isn't crazy about books, but the other two? They get me and they get books! We'll have to head for the playhouse for a good read today.
Walked down to the library yesterday for the girls to get some books, no summer brain drain here, and got "Prision Diaries of Chester Gillett" Typically, I don't go for crime books, or even mysteries, but the tale of Chester has always intrigued me. PErhaps because he was tried in Herkimer Co, or because this happened in my precious Adirondacks, or just because I can't understand how murder becomes an option to someone just not wanting to face parenthood. It was turn of the century, before DNA, he could have just said " She is a tramp, a tartlet, the kid isn't mine." He was an upstanding man from an affluent family, she just a working girl. HE would have been believed. It's the same for Scott Peterson, divorce was always an option. So perhaps my read and curiosity is just to try and understand how someone arrived at that decision? I am not sure, but whatever the case, it looks like a good read.
Anna got a stack of books, as did "the professor" I took the liberity of grabbing a coupld for Peep, as she is at camp. She isn't crazy about books, but the other two? They get me and they get books! We'll have to head for the playhouse for a good read today.
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Captains Log
Summer vacation, day 2, and did I get some things done! Put a first coat of paint on the play house ( left over paint in the cellar, left for us from the last owners!), went to the playground, swam for 3 hours with the girls ( I swam laps as they played), made a nice home made dinner, moved the crib out of Ava's room, moved in Miranda's old bed for her, and cleaned out the dress up box and under Miranda's bed. Ready for the loft to be built in her bedroom. Mulched around the trees, and moved out plant boxes I am using in the playhouse project.
Look at me go! Also, as I was cleaning out the vitamins, I found some Papaya Enzyme not yet opened. I asked Brian about it and he said he wasn't taking it anymore. Me " What will it do"? Him " It's for energy". Damn! Why didn't you say so. Who needs more energy than me. So I popped the recommended dose. I figure I will give it 3 weeks and see if I have more energy. Cracked myself up, I was recalling Amy in high school when she kept that list in Chem. of the chemicals and elements. She would ask the teacher what a certain chemical would do if you put it in your mouth. He would answer, she recorded that, and then tasted it to see what the reaction was.
Here's to another busy day! I want to finish the blue paint on the playhouse, and fill the planters with dirt, maybe even get some plant for it. Embrace the day! and here's hoping my papaya will kick in!
Look at me go! Also, as I was cleaning out the vitamins, I found some Papaya Enzyme not yet opened. I asked Brian about it and he said he wasn't taking it anymore. Me " What will it do"? Him " It's for energy". Damn! Why didn't you say so. Who needs more energy than me. So I popped the recommended dose. I figure I will give it 3 weeks and see if I have more energy. Cracked myself up, I was recalling Amy in high school when she kept that list in Chem. of the chemicals and elements. She would ask the teacher what a certain chemical would do if you put it in your mouth. He would answer, she recorded that, and then tasted it to see what the reaction was.
Here's to another busy day! I want to finish the blue paint on the playhouse, and fill the planters with dirt, maybe even get some plant for it. Embrace the day! and here's hoping my papaya will kick in!
POTO
POTO, pointing out the obvious......I have been saying for the past, I don't know, YEAR, that we got ourselves into this oil mess. Blame government all you want, but how many people are driving around in gas guzzling monsters? How many people with kids "needed a big car" and drive cars half the size of my house? How many guys drive trucks and never actually put anything in the truck bed? MANY. It's simple economics folks, lower demand, increase supply, lower the price. Learned that in high school. The solution has ALWAYS been that we need to make changes as a society. We need to trade in vehicles for hybrids, we need to move closer to work and commute less or car pool. We need to combine errands and drive less period. We need to heat our homes with renewable resources. We need to harness the wind! Why in hell would you put a power line through my beautiful upstate NY for energy going to NYC, when you could put a wind farm in the Catskills, or closer to the city??????? It is so obvious, yet governments response is that in 10 years time maybe there will be vehicles mass produced and available and affordable, and that they should lower the speed limit to force people to save gas??? Are you freaking kidding me? Force legislation down our throats? People should be making the changes on their own.
So yesterday, some old oil tycoon from Texas comes on TV and says what I have been saying all year. That we created it, we need to get ourselves out of it. His backdrop for the news conference? Wind turbines, beautiful clean wind turbines. ( you know, ones that don't even require man power to run them?). The networks lead with this story last night. Maybe people will now take notice and make changes????
Don't blame me. I live in the village I work in, although I have 3 kids and according to society, I "qualify" to drive a small house, I drive a Volvo wagon, fits 7, 28mpg. Could be better, but not bad overall for the small amount of driving I do. We actually use the truck we own to haul stuff, move stuff, and for my husbands home inspection biz. We are purchasing a furnace to burn pellets. No more oil heat here, and thatsavings will be hundreds of gallons a year.
I also blame the Clinton years. Times were good. We forgot to save for a rainy day and we became gluttonous consumers. We could afford super size everything. I think times have to be tough right now so we slow down, and make positive changes for ourselves, and for our planet.
I will continue to raise girls that are aware, that are not sucked into consumerism, and that reuse, reduce, and recycle. It's up to me to help, and I can make a difference. We all can, and in the end, it will benefit us all and generations to come.
So yesterday, some old oil tycoon from Texas comes on TV and says what I have been saying all year. That we created it, we need to get ourselves out of it. His backdrop for the news conference? Wind turbines, beautiful clean wind turbines. ( you know, ones that don't even require man power to run them?). The networks lead with this story last night. Maybe people will now take notice and make changes????
Don't blame me. I live in the village I work in, although I have 3 kids and according to society, I "qualify" to drive a small house, I drive a Volvo wagon, fits 7, 28mpg. Could be better, but not bad overall for the small amount of driving I do. We actually use the truck we own to haul stuff, move stuff, and for my husbands home inspection biz. We are purchasing a furnace to burn pellets. No more oil heat here, and thatsavings will be hundreds of gallons a year.
I also blame the Clinton years. Times were good. We forgot to save for a rainy day and we became gluttonous consumers. We could afford super size everything. I think times have to be tough right now so we slow down, and make positive changes for ourselves, and for our planet.
I will continue to raise girls that are aware, that are not sucked into consumerism, and that reuse, reduce, and recycle. It's up to me to help, and I can make a difference. We all can, and in the end, it will benefit us all and generations to come.
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
An Ode to Google
Google, Google, how I love thee!
I was trying to figure out what to make for dinner, this way, I can be busy all day and not have to stop and think, 'cause who wants to think on a vacation day in July? So, I googled some things I have in my pantry and freezer to see what I could make. I googled "sausage and cornmeal", two things I have in plenty and that are gluten free. Came up with a recipe for a cornmeal sausage casserole. Awesome. We are sick of the same old same old gluten free fare, so this will really shake thinks up, and use what I have in stock!
Enjoy this gorgous sunny day. I am going to paint the "new" play house to match the house ( the neighbor's kids are too big for it, so they gave us their sweet little custome made playhouse, that currently matches their great old house), Ava wants to go to the playground, swimming is a must on this hot day ( pool is actually a steamy 70 degrees), and who knows what other tasks I can come up with, the day is young! Embrace it! And remember, Google kicks ass!
I was trying to figure out what to make for dinner, this way, I can be busy all day and not have to stop and think, 'cause who wants to think on a vacation day in July? So, I googled some things I have in my pantry and freezer to see what I could make. I googled "sausage and cornmeal", two things I have in plenty and that are gluten free. Came up with a recipe for a cornmeal sausage casserole. Awesome. We are sick of the same old same old gluten free fare, so this will really shake thinks up, and use what I have in stock!
Enjoy this gorgous sunny day. I am going to paint the "new" play house to match the house ( the neighbor's kids are too big for it, so they gave us their sweet little custome made playhouse, that currently matches their great old house), Ava wants to go to the playground, swimming is a must on this hot day ( pool is actually a steamy 70 degrees), and who knows what other tasks I can come up with, the day is young! Embrace it! And remember, Google kicks ass!
Monday, July 07, 2008
I've Got a Mule Her Name is Sal
It was 15 miles to Erie Canal Village! What am all American 4th of July we had. Went to the drive in Friday night to see Wally-E. The movie actually depressed me, I'll post that another time. Saturday, for the 4th we went to Erie Canal Village ( free admission) and explored life in the 1800's for the afternoon. We had a picnic lunch there, and then came home to play, swim in the pool, cook out, and shoot off our "Contraband" fireworks from Pennsylvania. For a State I don't really like, that is REALLY boring to drive through, they make up for it all by selling me fireworks. Had a bunch of silly fun, and I will always remember and never forget little Ava driving the power wheels around and around the pool and under the deck at FULL SPEED. She is crazy, we were calling her "Danica".
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Summer's Here!
As I skipped down the school hall singing " The most wonderful time of the year" Summer arrived. Here, I am still working another week ( Guidance Counselor, we close the place), but the girls and I have started on our way to summer fun. We have Kayaked in Boonville ( free), had a little good bye pool party for a moving neighborhood girl ( cost me 98 cents for the cake mix), and today Brian is taking the girls fishing on the NY State free fishing weekend ( no liscense needed). I am signing them up for FREE swimming lessons, and we have plans to do summer reading at the library, heading to Old Forge to meet a favorite children's author, and many other fun free local things.
With the economy so shaky, Brian and I are saving for a new furnace, the kind you can burn bio mass in ( pellets, or corn), so my summer theme to help us save is " Free and Fun Local Fun!" Looking forward to hanging out with my girls this summer and makig our own fun.
With the economy so shaky, Brian and I are saving for a new furnace, the kind you can burn bio mass in ( pellets, or corn), so my summer theme to help us save is " Free and Fun Local Fun!" Looking forward to hanging out with my girls this summer and makig our own fun.
Hey Doug!
Ummmm, to the Guy named Doug, or sometimes "Dougie", or he has been referred to as "Kevin's friend" and even "Cuz", get a freaking clue!! You gave out your new cell phone number and it's not your number you are giving, it' mine rocket scientiest. I have taken so many calls for you that when I find you, after I slap you, I am going to bill you.
And your freinds? Besides sounding like thugs, they are not very smart. They hear my answering machine message, which CLEARLY says " Hey, you have reached the "D" family, also home of Prespective Home Inspection, we are unable to take your call, blah blah blah" It's educated sounded, it sounds like you have reached a family, and we clearly identify ourselves. Why would your friends, the rocket scientists, keep leaving freaking messages??????? Next time today that I talk to one of them, I think some threats need to happen. I think I need to get your number, Doug, Dougie, Cuz, "Kevin's Friend" and then give it out to my friends to harass you. I'm not in a good mood today, just be warned, Dougie old boy.
And your freinds? Besides sounding like thugs, they are not very smart. They hear my answering machine message, which CLEARLY says " Hey, you have reached the "D" family, also home of Prespective Home Inspection, we are unable to take your call, blah blah blah" It's educated sounded, it sounds like you have reached a family, and we clearly identify ourselves. Why would your friends, the rocket scientists, keep leaving freaking messages??????? Next time today that I talk to one of them, I think some threats need to happen. I think I need to get your number, Doug, Dougie, Cuz, "Kevin's Friend" and then give it out to my friends to harass you. I'm not in a good mood today, just be warned, Dougie old boy.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Having a Moment
Ever have one of those days where you just need to have a moment to cry and then get on with what you were doing? We were at my parents house Friday, stopped in for Father's day, and to pick up some large items to bring to our recycling center. Anyways, Miranda was helping my mom organize old photo's and came accross slides. Slides that have never been made into prints. So I just looked at them all and they are photos I have never seen. There are some of my grandparents holding Kim as a baby, some of my aunts and uncles in younger days horsing around, and one of my uncle Kevin as a little boy on his bike. They all made me emotional, but that one of Kevin.......life just isn't fair is it? I wonder what he would be doing now in life, who he would have married, how many more cousins would I have had? Who would he have grown to be? I don't think about him very often, but that picture got me. My mom was so close to him, she practically raised him, she lost it when he died. I was small, but I remember the grief. Profound grief. I miss who he would have been.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Green Weekend
My weekend actually started on Friday, with a day off. Grocery shopped, cleaned, and finally got all the girls summer clothes out and situated. All closets 100% done! Been wanting to get that done before Memorial day and before we leave for NC.
Saturday, a day to run around! I did some yard work weeding and such early. then, loaded the truck up with green waste from the yard and headed for recycling center. Dumped greens, and got the guy on the big tractor to dump a load of FREE mulched up evergreens in my truck. HUGE load of free mulch. Took Miranda to ballet, and then we were off to the "Wood Energy Day" at New England Pellets in Schuyler. Talked to a few dealers about the pellet furnace, and took a tour of the plant. Cool! Talked to an engineer of one of the furnaces, the "Farenheit", and we are pretty excited about this one. Big enough to heat the house with pellets. Hook it up to exsisting duct work and get rid of evil oil companies FOREVER!
Sunday, after we survived a Tornato watch Saturday PM ( and warmed up the house with a nice fire), we mulched the entire yard, set up bird feeders, back patio furniture, hung patio lights, planted some seeds I already had and moved some existing plants to back garden plot, and got the yard looking fabulous! IT really looks great! All in all a nice weekend spent, very little money spent, and time spent with my family. Perfect.
Saturday, a day to run around! I did some yard work weeding and such early. then, loaded the truck up with green waste from the yard and headed for recycling center. Dumped greens, and got the guy on the big tractor to dump a load of FREE mulched up evergreens in my truck. HUGE load of free mulch. Took Miranda to ballet, and then we were off to the "Wood Energy Day" at New England Pellets in Schuyler. Talked to a few dealers about the pellet furnace, and took a tour of the plant. Cool! Talked to an engineer of one of the furnaces, the "Farenheit", and we are pretty excited about this one. Big enough to heat the house with pellets. Hook it up to exsisting duct work and get rid of evil oil companies FOREVER!
Sunday, after we survived a Tornato watch Saturday PM ( and warmed up the house with a nice fire), we mulched the entire yard, set up bird feeders, back patio furniture, hung patio lights, planted some seeds I already had and moved some existing plants to back garden plot, and got the yard looking fabulous! IT really looks great! All in all a nice weekend spent, very little money spent, and time spent with my family. Perfect.
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Pass me a drink PLEASE!
What a week! Glad it's almost over. Started off with a almost 300.00 doctor bill in the mail. Knowing I have pretty good insurance, I had to make some calls to get it fixed. Turns out the referal was not done properly by my docs for Ava's specialist. Time lost on the phone that I won't ever get back. Then, I am trying to pay bills online on Wednesday. They won't go through. I panic, but only for a moment because kids at school are all off the wall. Get home, and in the mailbox is a letter from my bank stating there was a breach of security at a retail or online vendor I do biz at and my DEBIT card info may have been exposed. They have canceled my DEBIT card and are sending a new one with a new PIN and I should have it in a few days. WTF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You can't call me in person to tell me this? It's my freaking DEBIT card the one that basically runs my life. That sucker is tied into all my online bill payments, it get's me gas, groceries, etc. SO, another phone call. Girl at bank says 1200 people were possibly affected, they can't call us all, so they sent a letter. Due to an ongoing investigation, they can't tell me which vendor. Or if they will ever tell me what vendor. They tell me to watch my accounts so I will know if anyone tries to take my money. That same money that pretty much runs my life. UGH! I have used a Debit card for a decade, use it everywhere, online, offline, you name it. I guess this was bound to happen, but what a pain in the ass. More time lost on the phone that I won't get back.
Today, in the mailbox ( I really do have to stop going to the mailbox. There is never anything good in there) I get a new projected budget amount for my heating oil. I always spread it out over 10 months. When I moved here in 2005, it was 140.00 a month. Last year it went up yo 200.00 a month. They have been pretty accurate. THIS YEAR? 423.00 a month. They are projecting the price of oil to DOUBLE? Again, WTF????? Who can afford this? That's an additional 2230.00. And I only get a 3.5 % raise every year, and between the rise in food and gas, I was screwed as it was. Now this. Guess we will be shopping for a wood or pellet stove. No way am I spending that much and just taking it from the huge oil companies. They can bite me. I'd rather stack wood all summer. Better for the environment, better for my wallet, and makes me less reliable on countries for oil, right?
We are heading for some really tough economic times. Not just us, I mean the US. If the cost to heat your house is expected to double this year, there will be people in serious financial dire straits. Brian and I will come up with a plan, we don't like to large here, but for people just making it now, they won't be making it by next winter.
Pass me a Cosmo, make it a double. Keep the cubes.
Today, in the mailbox ( I really do have to stop going to the mailbox. There is never anything good in there) I get a new projected budget amount for my heating oil. I always spread it out over 10 months. When I moved here in 2005, it was 140.00 a month. Last year it went up yo 200.00 a month. They have been pretty accurate. THIS YEAR? 423.00 a month. They are projecting the price of oil to DOUBLE? Again, WTF????? Who can afford this? That's an additional 2230.00. And I only get a 3.5 % raise every year, and between the rise in food and gas, I was screwed as it was. Now this. Guess we will be shopping for a wood or pellet stove. No way am I spending that much and just taking it from the huge oil companies. They can bite me. I'd rather stack wood all summer. Better for the environment, better for my wallet, and makes me less reliable on countries for oil, right?
We are heading for some really tough economic times. Not just us, I mean the US. If the cost to heat your house is expected to double this year, there will be people in serious financial dire straits. Brian and I will come up with a plan, we don't like to large here, but for people just making it now, they won't be making it by next winter.
Pass me a Cosmo, make it a double. Keep the cubes.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Country Living Design
I have a beautiful side porch on the circ 1836 Victorian Farmhouse. We put the swing out there and I have been decorating it for outdoor living little by little each summer. I visualize this cover for "Country Living" magazine in my head. Leafy green ferns hanging down, pillows and old quilts tossed accross my swing, little tables filled with books and lemonade, and candles to light it by night. I am happy to say, I am part way there. This weekend, I painted my wicker chair ( rescued from curb last spring, rehabbed with spray paint I already had and a cushion I made out of this perfect yellow toile fabric I bought waiting for the perfect project). Next to it is a old picnic basket I also rescued from a curb, and on top of that sits my old porch light we replaced last spring, of which I gutted, painted, and turned into a candle lantern. Lovely, not a dime spent, and items were saved from the landfill. Green and free, even better. By summer's end, I hope to have the fern and more old cozy linens to add to the swing and chair.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Rescue Me
Stopped at a garage sale on my way home from dance with Miranda yesterday. Couldn't believe my finds, and all for less than 5.00! Battleship, mint condition for a very excited Miranda. ( love that my kids will play board games. They are "off the grid kids". No "gamers" here.....) I was in the market for a storage facility of some sort for her room. She has her play clothes living in her vanity, and no room for her "girly" stuff. I found a 3 drawer plastic organizer, and hauled it out happily, very happily.
But the big find? Best of all, I got a "Beauty Box". A retro chrome bread box for a buck. Yes one dollar ladies and gentlemen. I wanted one for my pantry organization project. Didn't want a new one, wanted an old one. It probally could have been an east 20.00 at an antique store or more, but there is was dull and a little rusty. What I know is that retro chrome and steele wool? Shines up nice. So I hauled it home, steel wooled it last night, replaced the little lever with this PERFECT glass knob Brian had, and viola! It now occupys a shelf in my pantry for bread, of the gluten and non gluten variety.
Good weekend so far. Went to the Grand March for Prom last night. Our kids had a "Old Hollywood" theme, and I was so happy to see elegant long full dresses. Very little hoochie mama present. My neighbor girl, the one who babysits and I think the world of? Stunning. Can't believe she didn't have a date. Well, in college, the guys will beat a trail to her. What fun. Made me feel old, though.
But the big find? Best of all, I got a "Beauty Box". A retro chrome bread box for a buck. Yes one dollar ladies and gentlemen. I wanted one for my pantry organization project. Didn't want a new one, wanted an old one. It probally could have been an east 20.00 at an antique store or more, but there is was dull and a little rusty. What I know is that retro chrome and steele wool? Shines up nice. So I hauled it home, steel wooled it last night, replaced the little lever with this PERFECT glass knob Brian had, and viola! It now occupys a shelf in my pantry for bread, of the gluten and non gluten variety.
Good weekend so far. Went to the Grand March for Prom last night. Our kids had a "Old Hollywood" theme, and I was so happy to see elegant long full dresses. Very little hoochie mama present. My neighbor girl, the one who babysits and I think the world of? Stunning. Can't believe she didn't have a date. Well, in college, the guys will beat a trail to her. What fun. Made me feel old, though.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Tainted Food
For the most part, I have learned this past week that our food supply is tainted. Not just the all too frequent recalls of infested meat, but in general, the food we eat is filled with crap. Crap our bodies don't need, and can not handle.
In addition to spring cleaning, organizing, and yard work ( I worked like Wonder Woman this week), I researched Celiac Disease. Ava has been diagnosed with it, and I needed to know all about it. I have also had to read every label of everything I fed or made her. Crap. Our food is filled with crap. Maltodexrin, for example, I had to look this up, as she can't have Malt. Maltodexrin is a starch, sometimes a wheat starch. Did we need another added starch? Do we even NEED starch of anyform? Grains, yes, from time to time, but our food is pumped with starch, modified food starch, corn starch, modified corn starch, and this isn't even the half of it.
So, doing what any good OCD mom would do, I purged the pantry, and spent an insane amount of money replacing my products with products that are gluten free, and organic. With products that have no more than three ingredients, and that are as close to natural as I can get them. We have all gone gluten free here, as I see gluten linked to many many health complications. Many. So many it made me crazy.
My week has also made me second guess Brian's diag of Fibromyalgia again. See, his dad has Celiac Disease, and 97 % of the people that get it carry the gene, as it's genetic. I don't have any digestive or autoimmune issues, so I blame this on Brian. If that is so, he carries the gene. He had the antibidy test done in 2004, but this test, if one hasn't had much gluten, can be a false negative. Celiac Disease is autoimmune. It can lead to extreme joint pain, fatigue, IBS, lactose intolerance, anemia, thyroid issues, high CK levels ( liver issues), ALL the things Brian has. I am convinced he has this and not Fibro. I asked him to give me a month of gluten free diet to see if he feels better. Ava is doing OK, Brian? Not so much. He can't have a beer, or even hard liqour. Not that the man drinks a lot, but on a hot summer day like today, after working hard, he likes a chilled beer. I hope he survives his month, and I hope I am right about all this. Celiac has a cure, just don't eat anything with Gluten in it and you feel ok. Fibro? Nothing has made him feel better.
Ava and I are off to Syracuse on Tuesday to see the pediatric specialist. Thank god. I have a zillion questions. She seems hypoglycemic as well, which goes with this, and doesn't sleep through the night, another symptom, but don't ask me why? Kids with celiac have night terrors. She wakes up SCREAMING. Every night. And I am tired.
In addition to spring cleaning, organizing, and yard work ( I worked like Wonder Woman this week), I researched Celiac Disease. Ava has been diagnosed with it, and I needed to know all about it. I have also had to read every label of everything I fed or made her. Crap. Our food is filled with crap. Maltodexrin, for example, I had to look this up, as she can't have Malt. Maltodexrin is a starch, sometimes a wheat starch. Did we need another added starch? Do we even NEED starch of anyform? Grains, yes, from time to time, but our food is pumped with starch, modified food starch, corn starch, modified corn starch, and this isn't even the half of it.
So, doing what any good OCD mom would do, I purged the pantry, and spent an insane amount of money replacing my products with products that are gluten free, and organic. With products that have no more than three ingredients, and that are as close to natural as I can get them. We have all gone gluten free here, as I see gluten linked to many many health complications. Many. So many it made me crazy.
My week has also made me second guess Brian's diag of Fibromyalgia again. See, his dad has Celiac Disease, and 97 % of the people that get it carry the gene, as it's genetic. I don't have any digestive or autoimmune issues, so I blame this on Brian. If that is so, he carries the gene. He had the antibidy test done in 2004, but this test, if one hasn't had much gluten, can be a false negative. Celiac Disease is autoimmune. It can lead to extreme joint pain, fatigue, IBS, lactose intolerance, anemia, thyroid issues, high CK levels ( liver issues), ALL the things Brian has. I am convinced he has this and not Fibro. I asked him to give me a month of gluten free diet to see if he feels better. Ava is doing OK, Brian? Not so much. He can't have a beer, or even hard liqour. Not that the man drinks a lot, but on a hot summer day like today, after working hard, he likes a chilled beer. I hope he survives his month, and I hope I am right about all this. Celiac has a cure, just don't eat anything with Gluten in it and you feel ok. Fibro? Nothing has made him feel better.
Ava and I are off to Syracuse on Tuesday to see the pediatric specialist. Thank god. I have a zillion questions. She seems hypoglycemic as well, which goes with this, and doesn't sleep through the night, another symptom, but don't ask me why? Kids with celiac have night terrors. She wakes up SCREAMING. Every night. And I am tired.
Friday, April 11, 2008
April Showers
April showers actually bring on spring cleaning here! A day in means a day to clean and organize. First, I have to say Happy Birthday to Miranda. 10 today. Double digits. Not sure how that is possible since I am still 30 ( Shhh), but it is what it is. I have her presents stashed, and a nice family dinner planned. In the summer, when it's warm, she is having a High School Musical ( OMG, I love Troy!) sleep over/pool party, and my neighbor allegedly ( he's an engineer, has all sorts of technology) has a projector we can use with a big sheet hanging on the back of the carriage house for an out door viewing of HSM 1 and 2.
For today? More of yesterday, cleaning house, cleaning up yard, mucking out closets, getting organized, etc....One teacher asked me what I was doing over vacation. When I told her this, she said, " If the girls are bored, they can come over." Funny, this is my idea of a perfect vacation! Who would think my girls will be bored spring cleaning? ( however, she is a musher, and has sled dogs, I am thinking of calling her. In their world, she is a rock star!)
Happy Spring Cleaning!
For today? More of yesterday, cleaning house, cleaning up yard, mucking out closets, getting organized, etc....One teacher asked me what I was doing over vacation. When I told her this, she said, " If the girls are bored, they can come over." Funny, this is my idea of a perfect vacation! Who would think my girls will be bored spring cleaning? ( however, she is a musher, and has sled dogs, I am thinking of calling her. In their world, she is a rock star!)
Happy Spring Cleaning!
Saturday, March 22, 2008
March Madness
At school, kids have been off the wall. I like to refer it to March Madness. they have been cooped up and the weather sucks, we are nearing the last marking period, always a source of kid stress, it's prom season and relationships are at critical mass, and spring sports have begun, adding more stress to kids. Brian can never believe so many kids stop by my office in tears, looking for advice. He thinks because they are teens, life is a breeze for them, and I should just tell them to grow up. This is why I am the guidance counselor, and he is not! Seriously, though, I can empathize with these kids. He had it easy. His parents had stable jobs, stable relationship, and he had his future all planned ( you know Brian, a man with a plan). My last year of high school, first year of college were the toughest times in my life, and I never sought out anyone to talk about it, anyone adult at least that may have been able to help me out.
My last year of school my parents were losing their business, their livlihood. I had no other siblings at home to share this burden with me. I wanted to help them, yet how could I? I was uncertain where we would live, let alone how could I leave them and go off to school? I only applied to one school, SUNY Cortland, because I was afraid to leave them. I was afraid to make plans for my future, because their was a mess. My dad was depressed to the point I was afraid he may hurt himself. It was pretty intense for a 17 year old kid. My relationship catagory was not healthy either, and the only thing I did have to lean on were my girl friends. They gave me hope, until I met Brian in Sophmore year, and then I had him to lean on. He was my rock, still is.
Looking back, I wonder how I made it out? These were the days before counseling centers on campus, and the days when your guidance counselors were just in charge of your schedules. I have just as much mental health training as I do the academic piece. There is a reason for this. I use my mental health training daily, and I feel for these kids. I understand, and I think they get that about me, which is why they line up for my help.
So, I am enjoying these few days off. Hoping it's not so crazy on Tuesday.
My last year of school my parents were losing their business, their livlihood. I had no other siblings at home to share this burden with me. I wanted to help them, yet how could I? I was uncertain where we would live, let alone how could I leave them and go off to school? I only applied to one school, SUNY Cortland, because I was afraid to leave them. I was afraid to make plans for my future, because their was a mess. My dad was depressed to the point I was afraid he may hurt himself. It was pretty intense for a 17 year old kid. My relationship catagory was not healthy either, and the only thing I did have to lean on were my girl friends. They gave me hope, until I met Brian in Sophmore year, and then I had him to lean on. He was my rock, still is.
Looking back, I wonder how I made it out? These were the days before counseling centers on campus, and the days when your guidance counselors were just in charge of your schedules. I have just as much mental health training as I do the academic piece. There is a reason for this. I use my mental health training daily, and I feel for these kids. I understand, and I think they get that about me, which is why they line up for my help.
So, I am enjoying these few days off. Hoping it's not so crazy on Tuesday.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
ADK Day
We headed to Inlet for the Frozen Fire and Ice day yesterday. That's ice skating at Fern Park, sledding on the big hill, a bon fire, dinner at the Screaming Eagle ( love that place), and fireworks over the lake. It's kind of a tradition now, as this was our second year attending. What a GREAT day we had playing outside in the Adirondacks. Ava was great, she put on the little skates and away she went. She skated alone, and then pushing a chair like the other little ones. People were amazed that she was only 2. Miranda, oh Miranda. I wish we lived near ice. That girl glides accross the ice and was even adding some arabesques, and skating on one leg. It's the 3rd time she has skated. It's natural to her. Anna was happy with a couple laps around and the hot chocolate and doughnut they offered.
The fireworks were amazing. Over our heads over the lake, stars in the sky, and a great bonfire going. Here are some shots from our adirondack day and night:
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Il bel far niente
Il bel far niente. It's Italian for the beauty of doing nothing, which is exactly why I have no balance in my life. I can't sit idle. I never do things for myself and myself alone, and I run, run, run without taking time to savor, time for pleasure, time to just sit and listen to the world.
I am reading a great book, Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. Funny, we were in Target recently and when I looked on the endcap of the book section, I saw that I have read 2 recent NY Times Best Sellers. I typically don't read books because they make that list. I talk to people about what they are reading, and what was good. Lately, though, at the library, all I have time to pick are books from the table up front, as I help my 3 daughters negotiate the library and pick just the right books for them. So, in the moments we are checking out, I grab books that look interesting off this front table. Turns out this must be a recent bestseller table.
This book is really helping me see some things about my life, like the absence of il bel far niente. However, I think half the reason I go go go all the time is that I have all these things I still want to do in my life, so I half expect that when I get done with my obligations, I will have time to do these things. I consider myself a lifelong learner. Not just with things I have to learn and update for work, but life experiences. For instance, I want to learn to sail. When I retire, I want to spend my idle days sailing on some beautiful Adirondack lake when Brian is golfing or fishing. I want to glide accross the lake, listen to the loons, and enjoy the beauty of the mountains. I want to sail my boat alone, and spend some time with myself. That is just one glimpse of the things I still want to learn in my lifetime, I have many more.
I guess I figure there will be time to be idle in my life and do nothing, and these are the days that I don't get that luxury.
I am reading a great book, Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. Funny, we were in Target recently and when I looked on the endcap of the book section, I saw that I have read 2 recent NY Times Best Sellers. I typically don't read books because they make that list. I talk to people about what they are reading, and what was good. Lately, though, at the library, all I have time to pick are books from the table up front, as I help my 3 daughters negotiate the library and pick just the right books for them. So, in the moments we are checking out, I grab books that look interesting off this front table. Turns out this must be a recent bestseller table.
This book is really helping me see some things about my life, like the absence of il bel far niente. However, I think half the reason I go go go all the time is that I have all these things I still want to do in my life, so I half expect that when I get done with my obligations, I will have time to do these things. I consider myself a lifelong learner. Not just with things I have to learn and update for work, but life experiences. For instance, I want to learn to sail. When I retire, I want to spend my idle days sailing on some beautiful Adirondack lake when Brian is golfing or fishing. I want to glide accross the lake, listen to the loons, and enjoy the beauty of the mountains. I want to sail my boat alone, and spend some time with myself. That is just one glimpse of the things I still want to learn in my lifetime, I have many more.
I guess I figure there will be time to be idle in my life and do nothing, and these are the days that I don't get that luxury.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Somebody Stop Me!
WE had a fabulous time in Albany yesterday. Shopped till we dropped. The girls rode home in blissful happiness. Miranda, when asked what her best was said seeing Sandi. ( it's a family thing, the question "what was your best". It means what was the best part of your day. The girls got home, scarfed down Pizza Mia from Pizza Hut ( surprisingly only 5 WW points each), and were talking to Brian a mile a min. They were so animated. Ava, in between bites of her pizza, kept saying " We do again, ok Daddy?"
So When I looked over my own purchases, I had to laugh. ORganizational things. I bought some nice under the bed storage bags for my summer clothes, and I bought each girl a Hallmark Keepsake Card box for the cards they save. ORganized that last night. I scoped out the penny cand jars and half baskets I want to organize the pantry. That will require a trip to the Christmas Tree Shop in Syracuse later this month, as I finish up painting the pantry shelves.
Today? A load of laundry, and a trip to ALdi's and the bread outlet to stock up the cabintets and freezer for the next month. Another great day on the docket. Oh, and some reading time with Anna and Miranda to read books with them. Top of the Morning!
So When I looked over my own purchases, I had to laugh. ORganizational things. I bought some nice under the bed storage bags for my summer clothes, and I bought each girl a Hallmark Keepsake Card box for the cards they save. ORganized that last night. I scoped out the penny cand jars and half baskets I want to organize the pantry. That will require a trip to the Christmas Tree Shop in Syracuse later this month, as I finish up painting the pantry shelves.
Today? A load of laundry, and a trip to ALdi's and the bread outlet to stock up the cabintets and freezer for the next month. Another great day on the docket. Oh, and some reading time with Anna and Miranda to read books with them. Top of the Morning!
Monday, February 18, 2008
Glamour Girls
I love this photo from summer. I call it "Charlie's Angels." They were up this AM at 6. Excited because we are going to Albany to meet up with "Aunt Sandi"
and go shopping. We have upped the ante this year, why mess around with Sangertown when you can head East. They cleaned closets last night and are ready for new clothes and shoes. How did I get blessed with 3 organizied shopping partners for life? Life is good. Head East little girls!
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Balance
I love February break. It is typically a time I go through the girls closets, weed out clothes that don't fit or are torn or stained, and we go shopping for some "fill" clothes to get us through the rest of winter. It is kind of our tradition, the shopping thing. Then I clean, organize, restock the pantry and get ready to go till Spring break.
So far this has been a great productive break. I ran some errands Friday, painted the pantry, organized all the girls hair accessories in a really pretty box I got from Tuesday Mornings, and got a few items of clothing at a real bargain yesterday.
I took the girls to the library yesterday to stock up on books for the week. I have decided when they get on my nerves, we "stop drop and read." They found some great books, one book I am looking forward to reading with Miranda, life of a little girl in the Mohawk Valley in the 1920's. I even found a book for me, one my neighbor recommended a while back, " Eat, Pray, and Love." It's about a 36 year old woman ( fancy that!) searching for balance in her life. Despite having "it all", the author feels her life is at a pivital moment and strikes off to 3 countries to find balance. I realized, in reading the Preface, I too am lacking Balance. Most days I feel like I am careening out of control just to get to work, take care of kids, take care of home, cook, etc....I never feel an internal balance. I can't look ahead into my future to see when this careening will stop and sometimes I have anxiety. I am interested in what the author will find out, as I really can't ( or don't want to is a better word!) divorce my husband and head out on a journey. Looks like a good read!
So far this has been a great productive break. I ran some errands Friday, painted the pantry, organized all the girls hair accessories in a really pretty box I got from Tuesday Mornings, and got a few items of clothing at a real bargain yesterday.
I took the girls to the library yesterday to stock up on books for the week. I have decided when they get on my nerves, we "stop drop and read." They found some great books, one book I am looking forward to reading with Miranda, life of a little girl in the Mohawk Valley in the 1920's. I even found a book for me, one my neighbor recommended a while back, " Eat, Pray, and Love." It's about a 36 year old woman ( fancy that!) searching for balance in her life. Despite having "it all", the author feels her life is at a pivital moment and strikes off to 3 countries to find balance. I realized, in reading the Preface, I too am lacking Balance. Most days I feel like I am careening out of control just to get to work, take care of kids, take care of home, cook, etc....I never feel an internal balance. I can't look ahead into my future to see when this careening will stop and sometimes I have anxiety. I am interested in what the author will find out, as I really can't ( or don't want to is a better word!) divorce my husband and head out on a journey. Looks like a good read!
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Spiced Up Kitchen
Actually, gutted out and started from scratch is more like it! Starting to really come together. The contractor was done late October, but then we had to become the contractors. At 90.00/hour, we just let him do the stuff we couldn't. We gutted it out late August through September. Hauled all the scraps away. Lived with a floorless pit for a month while we plumbed ( Brian and his dad, they had to move the sink plumbing, and get copper pipes ready for new fridge with water and ice maker). The electrician had to come and bring us up to codes ( nothing was GFP'd, in the kitchen, can you stand it?). I now have ground fault protected outlets! We had to move outlets up from near the floor, install wiring box for self venting micro, put in boxes for recessed lighting above sink, and dimmer switch for new recessed lights.
Contractor installed new floor and worked on joists ( sunk 2 inches with age), put down a new sub floor, ceramic tiled floor with decorative Italian tile border, hung cabinets, put in tin celiling, and installed new countertops. We are left with painting, trimming, putting in crown molding, new wainscoating around kitchen, and decorating. The Island is being crafted by Brian, and will likely be ready by the spring. So here is a peek of work in progress, but first you have to see the old:
Friday, February 08, 2008
Friday Funnies
Stressful week. Sick baby = Miserable baby. Thankfully, some funny things said here this week. Ava was playing little people. She said " Little People boy, WHAZZZUP". Then, as we were sitting at dinner " Oh, MAN". Not to be undone in humor, Anna and I were in the office. The washing machine was draining, and sometimes, it makes the downstairs toilet bubble or gurgle. She looked into the bathroom and said " I think it's going to blow." Does she even understand how funny she is? Love her humor. As Ava was in between throwing up and messy diapers, at least I had some humor.
And, Brian is currently on a wine run. We ralized my 29 bottle wine chiller was just chilling beer. I told him to come home with no less than 4 bottles of wine. I picked 3 and told him to choose a "wild card." That and a fish fry tonight will perk me up I think. I have been up with Ava 2 nights in a row. 3rd time is not a charm. Got my goblet all ready. Maybe I will chill it.
And, Brian is currently on a wine run. We ralized my 29 bottle wine chiller was just chilling beer. I told him to come home with no less than 4 bottles of wine. I picked 3 and told him to choose a "wild card." That and a fish fry tonight will perk me up I think. I have been up with Ava 2 nights in a row. 3rd time is not a charm. Got my goblet all ready. Maybe I will chill it.
Friday, February 01, 2008
It's Sooooo Good
5:11 am. Can't sleep. Decide to get up and check on the weather. Dang. Not a flake. No snow day. I figure since I am up, good time to load more music into the ipod ( working on Dana Dance Mix.....it's like having my own station to program). 5:15am. Ava's saying " Mommy". Go rescue her so she doesn't wake the rest of the girls. 5:20am. Turn on TV, watch in confusion as I see my school's name scrolling. SNOW DAY!!!!!!!!!! Must be in anticipation of ice?? 5:25am. Brian decides to head in so he can get out early. Somehow, he sets off the car alarm ( the one we never actually need to use, since we live in a Norman Rockwell kind of neighborhood). 5:27am. Miranda is now up. So much for my peaceful work time.
Somehow, I do get to work on this playlist. I now have about 100mb's of FIERCE dance music loaded into the ipod. My next workout will rock the house! I am still quite pleased with myself. Now I understand why ever kid in high school has a loaded ipod. Way cooler than radio. I am currently jamming to Donna Summer's I Feel Love, the Rolo- Remix from 2000."It's soo good, baby it's soooooo good" 8.12 min of pure dance enjoyment. Fierce.
Happy Snow Day! And it figures, I got really organized at work, and was going to see about 10 kids today for counseling. Oh well, guess my Monday will hop.
Somehow, I do get to work on this playlist. I now have about 100mb's of FIERCE dance music loaded into the ipod. My next workout will rock the house! I am still quite pleased with myself. Now I understand why ever kid in high school has a loaded ipod. Way cooler than radio. I am currently jamming to Donna Summer's I Feel Love, the Rolo- Remix from 2000."It's soo good, baby it's soooooo good" 8.12 min of pure dance enjoyment. Fierce.
Happy Snow Day! And it figures, I got really organized at work, and was going to see about 10 kids today for counseling. Oh well, guess my Monday will hop.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
High School Never Ends
I have been in a funk lately. It usually happens this time of year. I don't have a window in my office, and when kids are crazy, I don't get out of my office. When I don't get out of my office, I don't get sun. It's seasonal affective disorder. I have self diagnosed. So today, I was in a rare mood. I did announcements this am ( don't ask.....it's full circle I tell ya. Senior year, Mt. Markham, morning announcements. 2008, many moons later, morning announcements. It's almost comical). From there, another co-worker and I decided to use SAT caliber words. I think I trumped her with the word illbegotten, used in context. Next, I answered my office phone ( it was a teacher call) in Francais......Bon jour, ici Dana, et vous? He was very confused. I am still laughing.
Sometimes my job is very serious ( suicidal kids, kids that cut, families in crisis), so sometimes it is just fun to be silly and make others and myself laugh.
Au Revior!
Sometimes my job is very serious ( suicidal kids, kids that cut, families in crisis), so sometimes it is just fun to be silly and make others and myself laugh.
Au Revior!
Don't Bring Me Down
So, it's a Wednesday night. Very cold and windy out. I am landlocked tonight. So what's a girl to do? I am just a blogging away having loaded some mp3s on my ipod. I really am quite proud of myself. I have figured out my technology. ( Sadly, I must report this took almost 2 years.....)
Flashback to Christmas 2005. Brian really batted it out of the park. A car starter for my beloved Volvo and this great mp3 player. I was clueless. The baby was young and taking up all my time. Fastforward to tonight. 2 hours on my hands. I figured it out!!!!!!!! Currently listening to ELO's Don't Bring me Down. Love this song. It's kind of my theme song. I am a very positive person, and I hate those people that are constantly Eyore's, doom and gloom.
Don't Bring Me Down
You got me runnin' goin' out of my mind,
You got me thinkin' that I'm wastin' my time.
Don't bring me down,no no no no no,
I'll tell you once more before I get off the floor
Don't bring me down.
You wanna stay out with your fancy friends.
I'm tellin' you it's go to be the end,
Don't bring me down,no no no no no no no no,
I'll tell you once more before I get off the floor
Don't bring me down.
Don't bring me down,grroosss
Don't bring me down,grroosss
Don't bring me down,grroosss
Don't bring me down.
What happend to the girl I used to known,
You let your mind out somewhere down the road,
Don't bring me down,no no no no no,
I'll tell you once more before I get off the floor
Don't bring me down.
You're always talkin' 'bout your crazy nights,
One of these days you're gonna get it right.
Don't bring me down,no no no no no,
I'll tell you once more before I get off the floor
Don't bring me down.
Don't bring me down,grroosss
Don't bring me down,grroosss
Don't bring me down,grroosss
Don't bring me down.
You're lookin' good just like a snake in the grass,
One of these days you're gonna break your glass.
Don't bring me down,no no no no no no no no,
I'll tell you once more before I get off the floor
Don't bring me down.
You got me shakin' got me runnin' away
You get me crawlin' up to you everyday,
Don't bring me down,no no no no no,
I'll tell you once more before I get off the floor
Don't bring me down
I put it on repeat ( yes, I really am this good). Gotta go jam to my technology......
Flashback to Christmas 2005. Brian really batted it out of the park. A car starter for my beloved Volvo and this great mp3 player. I was clueless. The baby was young and taking up all my time. Fastforward to tonight. 2 hours on my hands. I figured it out!!!!!!!! Currently listening to ELO's Don't Bring me Down. Love this song. It's kind of my theme song. I am a very positive person, and I hate those people that are constantly Eyore's, doom and gloom.
Don't Bring Me Down
You got me runnin' goin' out of my mind,
You got me thinkin' that I'm wastin' my time.
Don't bring me down,no no no no no,
I'll tell you once more before I get off the floor
Don't bring me down.
You wanna stay out with your fancy friends.
I'm tellin' you it's go to be the end,
Don't bring me down,no no no no no no no no,
I'll tell you once more before I get off the floor
Don't bring me down.
Don't bring me down,grroosss
Don't bring me down,grroosss
Don't bring me down,grroosss
Don't bring me down.
What happend to the girl I used to known,
You let your mind out somewhere down the road,
Don't bring me down,no no no no no,
I'll tell you once more before I get off the floor
Don't bring me down.
You're always talkin' 'bout your crazy nights,
One of these days you're gonna get it right.
Don't bring me down,no no no no no,
I'll tell you once more before I get off the floor
Don't bring me down.
Don't bring me down,grroosss
Don't bring me down,grroosss
Don't bring me down,grroosss
Don't bring me down.
You're lookin' good just like a snake in the grass,
One of these days you're gonna break your glass.
Don't bring me down,no no no no no no no no,
I'll tell you once more before I get off the floor
Don't bring me down.
You got me shakin' got me runnin' away
You get me crawlin' up to you everyday,
Don't bring me down,no no no no no,
I'll tell you once more before I get off the floor
Don't bring me down
I put it on repeat ( yes, I really am this good). Gotta go jam to my technology......
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Baby it Cold
Temps have taken a tumble here. So, what what is a girl to do? Grab her friend, and her friend's extra snow shoes and tramp a trail through the new snow in the park! Beautiful cold northern NY night. Crisp, so crisp that my ski jacket is making crinkling sounds. Sky so dark it's black. A few laps aroound the park and we are warming up! What a great way to de-stress! Tramping through the snow. Who ever thought I would enjoy snow shoes?
Looking forward to a possible Friday night on the slopes with Brian. Cross your fingers we get a sitter, and that the temps stay cold. More snow baby!
Looking forward to a possible Friday night on the slopes with Brian. Cross your fingers we get a sitter, and that the temps stay cold. More snow baby!
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Finer Things
I vowed not to do it. I even vocalized it out loud, I am not watching that movie I said. The movie in question? Christmas Shoes. Yet, there I was, the only one still up watching that movie. And of course sobbing. Mostly, I was sobbing because that movie was real for many this year. Three sets of kids I know of have a mom that died before Christmas this year. One a little girl Miranda's age. I can't even imagine the grief that a child must go through. It seems bad enough to lose parents as adults. I shouldn't have watched it.....
Then, yesterday, as I was listening to satellite radio, and thank god for that because radio here is bad, really really bad, I heard a song I hadn't heard in ages. I heard Steve Winwood's "Finer Things" and this line caught my attention:
For time is a river rolling into nowhere
We must live while we can
And well drink our cup of laughter
So true. Time marches on, regardless of what happens, and we have little control really over what happens. Being OCD, I love control, but what control really do I have over things? So, listening to that sond I realized my quest to live each day to the fullest is a good one. We should all take that advice. Live while we can. Be good to our bodies, be healthy, and make the most of the life we have been given. Be thankful everyday. I know I am. Life is good.
Then, yesterday, as I was listening to satellite radio, and thank god for that because radio here is bad, really really bad, I heard a song I hadn't heard in ages. I heard Steve Winwood's "Finer Things" and this line caught my attention:
For time is a river rolling into nowhere
We must live while we can
And well drink our cup of laughter
So true. Time marches on, regardless of what happens, and we have little control really over what happens. Being OCD, I love control, but what control really do I have over things? So, listening to that sond I realized my quest to live each day to the fullest is a good one. We should all take that advice. Live while we can. Be good to our bodies, be healthy, and make the most of the life we have been given. Be thankful everyday. I know I am. Life is good.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Snow Days
It's that time of year. Snow is everywhere, temps have dropped, and Spring is just a faraway date on the calender. Last year, instead of hibernating, and getting seasonal depression like I usually do, I embraced the snow. Funny, I never thought I would like it as much as I did. Sure, I ski, but I am a fair weather skiier. It has to be sunny and near 30 for me to have a good time on the slopes. Last year, I embraced it all from below zero to sunny 30 degree days, and you know what? I loved it!
My plan is the same this year. To sled, snow shoe, ski, shovel the driveway, walk, and maybe even a winter hike. Last year, I tried my hand at snow shoeing and really enjoyed it. So far, I have gone sledding with the girls ( I actually get in the sled and slide), shoveled, and of course walked. The winter hike idea really appeals to me. I am and ADK girl. Love my Adirondacks. If I can find a nice day hike not far from here, I will add that to the winter activities I enjoy.
So, let it snow! This girl is looking forward to fun in the snow and sun.
My plan is the same this year. To sled, snow shoe, ski, shovel the driveway, walk, and maybe even a winter hike. Last year, I tried my hand at snow shoeing and really enjoyed it. So far, I have gone sledding with the girls ( I actually get in the sled and slide), shoveled, and of course walked. The winter hike idea really appeals to me. I am and ADK girl. Love my Adirondacks. If I can find a nice day hike not far from here, I will add that to the winter activities I enjoy.
So, let it snow! This girl is looking forward to fun in the snow and sun.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Holiday Funnies
My kids crack me up. Anna is usually the comedian, but Ava took the mic this holiday and did a little stand up herself. At dinner on Saturday, my sister in law was in from North Carolina. Ava was trying to have a conversation and said " Daisy pees in the snow." We all roared. Then, on Christmas day, after devoring a bowl of Bryers vanilla ice cream, she looks up and says "I'm still waiting for my coffee." Again......very funny kid. Finally, this AM, she came up to me and said " I need my sockie mom, my sockie." After searching the house for her socks, she lead me by the hand to the mantle and pointed to her STOCKING. I had a good laugh.
Loved my holiday. It was perfect adn I am the proud owner of a counter top roasting oven, just like my Grandma Ina had. It's a beauty. I can roast meat in that and free up the oven to cook up 3 racks of food when throwing down a holiday dinner. Then, my glorius roasting pan becomes a chafing pan, and you place the insert in and can keep warm 3 side dishes. Sweet.
Today, as we enjoy new toys, we are also going to head out and visit the sledding hill. Sun is shining, snow looks good, and we need to run off all those sweets we ate! Enjoy the day, and happy Christmas vacation!
Loved my holiday. It was perfect adn I am the proud owner of a counter top roasting oven, just like my Grandma Ina had. It's a beauty. I can roast meat in that and free up the oven to cook up 3 racks of food when throwing down a holiday dinner. Then, my glorius roasting pan becomes a chafing pan, and you place the insert in and can keep warm 3 side dishes. Sweet.
Today, as we enjoy new toys, we are also going to head out and visit the sledding hill. Sun is shining, snow looks good, and we need to run off all those sweets we ate! Enjoy the day, and happy Christmas vacation!
Monday, December 24, 2007
Magic of Christmas
I just read Traci's very sweet blog about Christmas, and it's very much the same here. T'was the day before Christmas when all throught the house, we have presents to wrap and cannoli to fill ( and eat!) The stockings are waiting to be hung by the chimmney with care, for fear baby Ava will pull them down on her head. The girls are counting the hours till bed, and mom and dad can hardly wait for school to start again ( wait, that is a different song.....)
I just discovered that the old light displays from Trinkaus Manor are on display in Rome, so we are going out tonight to see them. That used to be a Christmas Eve tradition, until the Trinkaus burned down. I guess I always thought the lights were lost too, and it made me so sad. The OD just ran a story about them in Rome, so away we will go. My dad used to take us, and then later in life, Brian and I used to go every Christmas Eve, and then go out to dinner. I am going to take photos to share with my dad. He will get a kick out of seeing them again, and the fact that my girls will enjoy something his little girls used to enjoy. That is, after all, what Christmas is about. Tradition,and time with the family making magic Christmas memories to savor and remember someday, when the girls are grown, and my house isn't quite so busy.
Merry Christmas. May yours be as magical as mine.
I just discovered that the old light displays from Trinkaus Manor are on display in Rome, so we are going out tonight to see them. That used to be a Christmas Eve tradition, until the Trinkaus burned down. I guess I always thought the lights were lost too, and it made me so sad. The OD just ran a story about them in Rome, so away we will go. My dad used to take us, and then later in life, Brian and I used to go every Christmas Eve, and then go out to dinner. I am going to take photos to share with my dad. He will get a kick out of seeing them again, and the fact that my girls will enjoy something his little girls used to enjoy. That is, after all, what Christmas is about. Tradition,and time with the family making magic Christmas memories to savor and remember someday, when the girls are grown, and my house isn't quite so busy.
Merry Christmas. May yours be as magical as mine.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Current Events
I can't stand that I don't have time to blog. Well, in current events, the kitchen project is humming along. The "major" stuff was done by the contractor, and Brian and I are finishing the rest. Because we have kids and life is crazy, I am hoping this will be done by Spring. What has been done is awesome. I love it, and it is just the "Country Living" vision I had in mind. Loving the 29 bottle wine chiller ( but why 29, 30 is a much more rounded number?)
Christmas? Not really ready for it, which is making me crazy because I like to be resdy for things. I still need to shop this week, which is not like me at all. Hopefully, I will get everything all ready. I only had time to put about half my usual decorations up. Kind of sad, but you reach a point where you can only do so much and accept the fact that life will go on, and may perhaps return someday, right?
I am still hoping for my pre-Christmas snow day that we usually have and I get caught up. It almost happend this AM, but all we got was a delay. Miranda came downstairs with a look of hope, as did I, and I said "delay". She said " OHHHHHHHH". My thoughts exactly. I too, still look forward to my snow days. Just a big kid, I am.
Christmas? Not really ready for it, which is making me crazy because I like to be resdy for things. I still need to shop this week, which is not like me at all. Hopefully, I will get everything all ready. I only had time to put about half my usual decorations up. Kind of sad, but you reach a point where you can only do so much and accept the fact that life will go on, and may perhaps return someday, right?
I am still hoping for my pre-Christmas snow day that we usually have and I get caught up. It almost happend this AM, but all we got was a delay. Miranda came downstairs with a look of hope, as did I, and I said "delay". She said " OHHHHHHHH". My thoughts exactly. I too, still look forward to my snow days. Just a big kid, I am.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Monday, August 27, 2007
It Has Begun
My kitchen remodel, the one I have been dreaming of and planning for 2 years has officially begun!!!!!!! Be careful what you wish for though, we have started ripping out the old. Part of my vision involves being featured in This Old House when we are done. See, I LOVE TOH, watch it like it's required viewing, and it is when you have a 157 year old side hall Colonial. However, I look at the projects and it's just not realistic when you have most of a house to remodel and are just normal people, not Doctors living just outside of Boston. My goal, is to have this remodel, and entire kitchen with new cabinets, flooring, a stamped tin ceiling, the works, come in under 15K. Impossible you say? Oh, you just watch me!
To date, I have purchased all my cabinets. I shopped 3 different kitchen centers, Lowes, Home Depot, and J-Kay Lumber. All three were quoting me about 10K for new cabinets, and higher. I hemmed and hawed over design, and guess it's a good thing I did. While I was obsessing like I do over which style to buy, a friend of mine has a friend who gutted a new kitchen. It's a long sad story ( husband may just be mentally ill), but they decided their CUSTOM MADE pine beadboard 42 inch cabinets and brand new stainless steele appliances ( GE, top of the line) were not what they had in mind so they gutted their own new kitchen and called my friend. They said if you want it come get it, otherwise it's going to the curb. My friend didn't, the look is too modern for her ( she likes primitive, very old country), but they knew I would like it. The sold it to me in what I call our "Yankee Deal." I got, for 3K, ALL the appliances ( the dishwasher was still shrink wrapped, never used), and ALL the cabinets ( did I mention they were hand made, and do not include any particpl board??). My friend got some cash to re-do her roof, and I saved over 9 thousand dollars and I got the look I wanted. In the process, I needed to order a few pieces to "fill in" and I went with a distressed off white beadboard to make my look like something out of Country Living magazine. We discovered that a Wine chiller ( a 29 bottle, electric, digital, locking wine fridge) cost less than a base cabinet ( base was almost 500.00, wine chiller after my 10% off coupon was only 385). So I am actually getting a wine chiller to go under the counter between 2 base cabinets. I am very excited as this was not in the original plans.
We took off the hardware because it was gold, and we want satin nickel to match the stainless steel appliances, and I just found the decorative handles I wanted on ebay. For 4.75/each, that is at LEAST 6 bucks a piece less than what I was looking for special order elsewhere. With 35 of those to order, that's a savings of more than 150.00. Did I mention they were new??????????? And my sink, I just purchased a great looking Victorian vintage satin nickel on Overstock for 200 less than the home improvement big boxes.
Finally, I wanted an apron sink, or farm sink to bring my farm look together. They are well over 1K at tht three kitchen centers I looked at here. I found one online for 400 ( with shipping!!!!). That is 600 less if you are counting. It's porcelain, from a known manu. and has a life time warranty. Cool!
And of course I am re-purposing something. My butcher block counter, lovely and worn, Brian is sanding down and re-oiling to use as the top to me NEW ISLAND!!!!!!!!! It will be centered, topped with the butcher block as a work space, have room for 2 counter stools, and it has all kinds of storage.
I am both stressed over the demo, yet so excited that my vision is coming together, and will under 15K. Photos coming soon.......
To date, I have purchased all my cabinets. I shopped 3 different kitchen centers, Lowes, Home Depot, and J-Kay Lumber. All three were quoting me about 10K for new cabinets, and higher. I hemmed and hawed over design, and guess it's a good thing I did. While I was obsessing like I do over which style to buy, a friend of mine has a friend who gutted a new kitchen. It's a long sad story ( husband may just be mentally ill), but they decided their CUSTOM MADE pine beadboard 42 inch cabinets and brand new stainless steele appliances ( GE, top of the line) were not what they had in mind so they gutted their own new kitchen and called my friend. They said if you want it come get it, otherwise it's going to the curb. My friend didn't, the look is too modern for her ( she likes primitive, very old country), but they knew I would like it. The sold it to me in what I call our "Yankee Deal." I got, for 3K, ALL the appliances ( the dishwasher was still shrink wrapped, never used), and ALL the cabinets ( did I mention they were hand made, and do not include any particpl board??). My friend got some cash to re-do her roof, and I saved over 9 thousand dollars and I got the look I wanted. In the process, I needed to order a few pieces to "fill in" and I went with a distressed off white beadboard to make my look like something out of Country Living magazine. We discovered that a Wine chiller ( a 29 bottle, electric, digital, locking wine fridge) cost less than a base cabinet ( base was almost 500.00, wine chiller after my 10% off coupon was only 385). So I am actually getting a wine chiller to go under the counter between 2 base cabinets. I am very excited as this was not in the original plans.
We took off the hardware because it was gold, and we want satin nickel to match the stainless steel appliances, and I just found the decorative handles I wanted on ebay. For 4.75/each, that is at LEAST 6 bucks a piece less than what I was looking for special order elsewhere. With 35 of those to order, that's a savings of more than 150.00. Did I mention they were new??????????? And my sink, I just purchased a great looking Victorian vintage satin nickel on Overstock for 200 less than the home improvement big boxes.
Finally, I wanted an apron sink, or farm sink to bring my farm look together. They are well over 1K at tht three kitchen centers I looked at here. I found one online for 400 ( with shipping!!!!). That is 600 less if you are counting. It's porcelain, from a known manu. and has a life time warranty. Cool!
And of course I am re-purposing something. My butcher block counter, lovely and worn, Brian is sanding down and re-oiling to use as the top to me NEW ISLAND!!!!!!!!! It will be centered, topped with the butcher block as a work space, have room for 2 counter stools, and it has all kinds of storage.
I am both stressed over the demo, yet so excited that my vision is coming together, and will under 15K. Photos coming soon.......
Friday, August 17, 2007
My Date with a Baron
I had a big day yesterday, a picnic lunch with the Baron. I have been wanting to see him for almost 2 years, but everytime I tried, it was too late. You see, on a really big hill not far from my house ( the last time we came down that hill my brakes smokes, kids thought it was cool), is a State Park that is the final resting place for this Baron. He is really important. So important towns, counties, and even my street is named after him, so I decided to see what all the fuss was about. We packed a picnic lunch and headed out and this time, we got there while the park was still open.
The girls and I got a phamplet when we got there and I read it to them. This guy was pretty important. It seems during the American Revolution he basically helped us get our shit together. We were looking pretty rag tag and didn't have supplies, so he organized our troops, taught the men to assemble and march, taught tactics, helped get the supplies, and turned our troops into a force to be reckoned with! HE is held to an esteem almost as high as George Washington. After the war, the state gave him 16,000 acres near where he is now buried ( and the took it back, in true NY state fashion after he died). What remains is 5 beautiful acres where he is buried and a memorial park. It was pretty nice, and a nice history lesson for the girls.
I guess because we were visiting dead people, we stopped by a cemetery near there to see if we could find my great grandfather. I know he is buried somewhere near hear, but he was not as easy to find as the Baron. Miranda can spell and read, so I had her reading tombstones. The baby just thought the cemetary was a cool place to run and play and was having a grand old time, and she loved to sit on those little stones, the ones close to the ground. Anna yelled at her, she said the people were "trying to rest! " We didn't find my grandfather, but reading stones I found a couple that just made me so sad. Again, for the second time in a week, I was reminded of past days where children died young. We found a little angel marker for a baby, and a stone for "Our Lizzy" who was 1 year 6 months and 21 days old. So sad. Miranda, the tombstone reader, had tears in her eyes. I know it sounds like a morbid thing to do, but I want to find my great grandfather and help connect my girls to this area. He lived up the hill from where I do and my grandfather and siblings were born here as well. It turns out not to be just a random place I took a job and moved to. Turns out I have family here, dead and alive. I thought I knew where he was buried. I guess I'll have to ask family members. I do want to see the stone, and reconenct with my own history.
The girls and I got a phamplet when we got there and I read it to them. This guy was pretty important. It seems during the American Revolution he basically helped us get our shit together. We were looking pretty rag tag and didn't have supplies, so he organized our troops, taught the men to assemble and march, taught tactics, helped get the supplies, and turned our troops into a force to be reckoned with! HE is held to an esteem almost as high as George Washington. After the war, the state gave him 16,000 acres near where he is now buried ( and the took it back, in true NY state fashion after he died). What remains is 5 beautiful acres where he is buried and a memorial park. It was pretty nice, and a nice history lesson for the girls.
I guess because we were visiting dead people, we stopped by a cemetery near there to see if we could find my great grandfather. I know he is buried somewhere near hear, but he was not as easy to find as the Baron. Miranda can spell and read, so I had her reading tombstones. The baby just thought the cemetary was a cool place to run and play and was having a grand old time, and she loved to sit on those little stones, the ones close to the ground. Anna yelled at her, she said the people were "trying to rest! " We didn't find my grandfather, but reading stones I found a couple that just made me so sad. Again, for the second time in a week, I was reminded of past days where children died young. We found a little angel marker for a baby, and a stone for "Our Lizzy" who was 1 year 6 months and 21 days old. So sad. Miranda, the tombstone reader, had tears in her eyes. I know it sounds like a morbid thing to do, but I want to find my great grandfather and help connect my girls to this area. He lived up the hill from where I do and my grandfather and siblings were born here as well. It turns out not to be just a random place I took a job and moved to. Turns out I have family here, dead and alive. I thought I knew where he was buried. I guess I'll have to ask family members. I do want to see the stone, and reconenct with my own history.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
1900's House, Lead Paint, and other ramblings....
My friend Amy lent me 1900's House on DVD. I had originally viewed it on PBS when I was in Grad school, which meant I never saw the end. I love, I mean LOVE Victorian times and history, so I was happy to have it to view. However, it's 4 hours long. I hopped on the exercise bike with the DVD player and watched over an hour ( my butt was falling asleep I was on the bike so long). I stayed up way late trying to finish it. Tired girl this morning, I am dragging. I am also more thankful that I live in modern times. Although I love Victorian times, I only like to decorate in this theme. It was a hard life for women in 1900. 1 out of 4 children died before adulthood, and if the arsenic in the wallpaper didn't kill you, the soot and ash from the boiler combined with limited oxygen from wearing the corset did. As much as I love to clean, laundry that took 3 days would really get to me. This AM I threw my wash into the dryer and it's already done. I was feeling a little tired and stressed over being home all summer and tending to the kids and keeping up the house, I feel a little less now and a little foolish. Imagine life for my Grandmother? The woman who cried when she got her first washing machine.
I just went through the recalled toy list. We don't own any lead paint toys, but Miranda owns 4 Polly Pocket playsets effected by the magnet recall. Although she would never put a toy in her mouth at 9 years of age, the baby does, and will likely inherit these toys. I broke the news to Miranda and sent for the information on what to do. I did tell her Mattel wil give her a voucher to buy new toys. That perked her up!
Just yesterday I was praying for strength to help me make it through summer. I was also feeling guilty that I would feel this way. It just seems everyday I cook 3 meals a day, cleam, do laundry, and take care of kids. And the kids have reached the point where they really don't like eachother and are looking forward to starting school. After watching 1900's House, I think I can make it. After all, when the going get's tough I can: order pizza, brew coffee in less than 5 min, take a 30 min hot shower without having to keep a fire going for 6 hours, and plug in the vacuume aand rip through my house in 20 min tops and it's nice and clean. Oh yeah, and the Bubonic Plague is nowhere to be found.......all that and I can vote, and choose not to wear a bra. Life is good. I am off to fold my laundry that only took less than an hour start to finish.
I just went through the recalled toy list. We don't own any lead paint toys, but Miranda owns 4 Polly Pocket playsets effected by the magnet recall. Although she would never put a toy in her mouth at 9 years of age, the baby does, and will likely inherit these toys. I broke the news to Miranda and sent for the information on what to do. I did tell her Mattel wil give her a voucher to buy new toys. That perked her up!
Just yesterday I was praying for strength to help me make it through summer. I was also feeling guilty that I would feel this way. It just seems everyday I cook 3 meals a day, cleam, do laundry, and take care of kids. And the kids have reached the point where they really don't like eachother and are looking forward to starting school. After watching 1900's House, I think I can make it. After all, when the going get's tough I can: order pizza, brew coffee in less than 5 min, take a 30 min hot shower without having to keep a fire going for 6 hours, and plug in the vacuume aand rip through my house in 20 min tops and it's nice and clean. Oh yeah, and the Bubonic Plague is nowhere to be found.......all that and I can vote, and choose not to wear a bra. Life is good. I am off to fold my laundry that only took less than an hour start to finish.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Re-entry
Do you know how the Astronauts prepair to reenter the Earth's atmosphere after they have gone to the outer space? They go through a special procedure and hope they have planned all the angels correctly so that it goes smooth? Well, that's how I plan for "back to school", and that is what I call it, re-entry.
I offically re-enter next week, as I go back before teachers. The clock is ticking, so this weekend, I finished off all, and I do mean ALL the back to school shopping. I have every pencil, eraser, and school supply on "the lists." Done. I have been through each girl's closet and mucked out the clothes that don't fit, checked the "next size up" boxes to see what I may already have, and this weekend, we shopped for everything they needed to complete a fall/early winter wardrobe ( we shop on February break to refresh everything). They have socks, underwear, fall jackets, pants, shirts, and really cute outfits. They have new backpacks, lunchboxes, and oh do they have shoes. I tend to overbuy shoes, and they end up with a generous amount of shoes. Let's just say they will be able to accessorize. The new backpacks are packed and ready to go, and the pantry is even stocked up with lunch box food. Cool! No, that one gets a way cool from me. We have a new chest freezer and that baby is full as well, so I can quickly pull out meals after work.
As for mom, because I lost weight, mucking out my closet was fun. Good BYE streatch pants and clothes that had to flatter a fatter me. Hello to all my new clothes! I went to the Dress Barn yesterday, and I wasn't really a fan of this place until recently, and boy did I have fun. I tried on an armload of clothes, most in one size up from where I want to be, and some in that coveted goal size and I am happy to report I brought home size 10's that fit me!!!! I guess the bad thing about losing weight is that everything looks cute and I came home with most of what I tried on. The good thing is, I needed early fall pieces for when the weather is still warm ( my cave, I mean office is usually hot as hell, the heat comes on at random times), and all the things I needed we on end of summer clearance, so I did make out like a bandit! Add that to the three pairs of shoes I have on the way and the tops from Kohl's and I will be looking very well put together this year.
All we need to do now is back to school haircuts and we will be good to go. I actually did a " we have all our supplies" dance in Staples yesterday. The girls were wondering what was wrong with me. The clerk helping me must have thought I was nuts. Oh well. Next on my list? Winter outerwear........
I offically re-enter next week, as I go back before teachers. The clock is ticking, so this weekend, I finished off all, and I do mean ALL the back to school shopping. I have every pencil, eraser, and school supply on "the lists." Done. I have been through each girl's closet and mucked out the clothes that don't fit, checked the "next size up" boxes to see what I may already have, and this weekend, we shopped for everything they needed to complete a fall/early winter wardrobe ( we shop on February break to refresh everything). They have socks, underwear, fall jackets, pants, shirts, and really cute outfits. They have new backpacks, lunchboxes, and oh do they have shoes. I tend to overbuy shoes, and they end up with a generous amount of shoes. Let's just say they will be able to accessorize. The new backpacks are packed and ready to go, and the pantry is even stocked up with lunch box food. Cool! No, that one gets a way cool from me. We have a new chest freezer and that baby is full as well, so I can quickly pull out meals after work.
As for mom, because I lost weight, mucking out my closet was fun. Good BYE streatch pants and clothes that had to flatter a fatter me. Hello to all my new clothes! I went to the Dress Barn yesterday, and I wasn't really a fan of this place until recently, and boy did I have fun. I tried on an armload of clothes, most in one size up from where I want to be, and some in that coveted goal size and I am happy to report I brought home size 10's that fit me!!!! I guess the bad thing about losing weight is that everything looks cute and I came home with most of what I tried on. The good thing is, I needed early fall pieces for when the weather is still warm ( my cave, I mean office is usually hot as hell, the heat comes on at random times), and all the things I needed we on end of summer clearance, so I did make out like a bandit! Add that to the three pairs of shoes I have on the way and the tops from Kohl's and I will be looking very well put together this year.
All we need to do now is back to school haircuts and we will be good to go. I actually did a " we have all our supplies" dance in Staples yesterday. The girls were wondering what was wrong with me. The clerk helping me must have thought I was nuts. Oh well. Next on my list? Winter outerwear........
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Monday, August 06, 2007
Charity Begins at Home
This morning, as I was bustling around the house ( yes, of course I bustle, I have 3 kids leave me alone), Ava was apparently feeling the need to help me take care of Daisy. I hear her say " Daisy, want some?" I am thinking, cute, she is feeding the dog. Then it hits me. She is in the living room. No dog bowl or food in there. I peek in, and there she is on the floor, with the box of Friehoffer's chocolate chip cookies open, feeding them one by one to dear old Daisy. She looks at me and says " Cookies, ok mom?" I just had to laugh, and retrieve what was left after the retriever had breakfast.
Daisy has never had it so good.
Daisy has never had it so good.
Friday, August 03, 2007
M-I-C-K-E-Y
Ava's birthday is coming up in September. You know how I like to plan? OK, I actually LOVE to plan parties. I am in full plan mode for her party. We didn't have a very big one for her 1st birthday, just grandparents and aunts actually, and a birthday cake. I feel the need to party this year, but my kitchen will be all ripped up by the end of September. So, it hit me. There is a nice town hall close by, we have decided to have it there and throw her a "Playhouse Disney" party. She loves, LOVES Mickey and Pluto, and has been smitten since our trip to Disney when she actually met them in person. I thought she would freak out, she was so happy to see them.
So far, I have ordered her the cutest minnie mouse dress up dress, complete with petticote and ears, and purchased some nice primary color party ware ( Dollar Store!!). I will "fill in" with the Playhouse Disney pinata, centerpiece, etc....... I have planned some cute games for all the kids, and am contemplating a clown. There will be a lot fo kids there if everyone comes, and the girls and I keep seeing "Flower the Clown" and her beautiful VW Bug all done up in flowers around the area. I think it's a sign.......
Thursday, August 02, 2007
Pants, Slacks, Trousers, Bottoms
How can one thing have so many names? Anyhow, I was in my closet yesterday, looking over things for the Fall and I tried on all my pants. In the Spring/ early summer when school finished, I only had a few of my "old" pants that fit me. When I say "old" I mean pre- Ava. I had purchased some nice clothes when I did my internships. They were mostly 10's and 12's. At our garage sale I got rid of anything larger, and anything "stretchy" that I considered fat pants. Good riddance!
I was elated to find most of my smaller pants fit!!!! There were only a couple exceptions, and these were pants that ran smaller. Thank GOD! Some of my old wardrobe fits! I will have many more outfit options in the fall when school starts. See, I love clothes. I love accessories, and I really enjoy dressing nice for work. It's been so depressing carrying around extra after baby weight for so long. I was energized yesterday by this discovery.
Whatever you call them, mine fit again.
I was elated to find most of my smaller pants fit!!!! There were only a couple exceptions, and these were pants that ran smaller. Thank GOD! Some of my old wardrobe fits! I will have many more outfit options in the fall when school starts. See, I love clothes. I love accessories, and I really enjoy dressing nice for work. It's been so depressing carrying around extra after baby weight for so long. I was energized yesterday by this discovery.
Whatever you call them, mine fit again.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Project Mode
This entire vacation has been about house projects. Since I was able to do so little last year with the baby, I am trying to make up for lost time. I have done so many projects including: Decorating the side porch, spray painting all the register vents with a bronze color to cover up the rust and ugly tan color they were, ripping up not one but 4 rugs so far to expose wood floors and replacing with beautiful decorative rugs ( and a GREAT hand hooked rug for the upstairs sitting area, scored a great sale price), decorated Anna and Ava's room as Tinkerbell Hollow, finished stenciling Miranda's room, recovered her vanity bench, put stars on her ceiling, found perfect print to frame in old antique frame I "repurposed" for sitting room, organized closets with new hampers, organized pantry, and that is just the stuff I rememer.!!
We had the garage sale this weekend, which in itself was a HUGE project. Made a clean sweep of all my closets, cabinets, and in the kitchen the appliances. I donated a truck load of stuff to Salvation Army, and blankets to the Humane Society, and saved some of the nicer sale items for our next sale ( I am a girl always cleaning closets, may as well plan the next sale, I will find stuff!). With our garage sale money, we gave some to each girl for helping, and will now purchase some things we need for the house including a freezer, new picnic table for the back patio, and a deck box for the pool.
So now I eyeball the house and see what I can do today. Here is what I have come up with: Hang our framed degrees in the offfice, fix the frame on the framed tinkerbell print for Anna and Ava's room, and "repurpose" the lantern we took off the side of the house ( oh yeah, a project I forgot we did, Brian removed the old black outside lights and put up nice bronze looking ones, old style lanterns, and one even has a on at dust off at dawn feature). The one I want to repurpose looks like a lantern you would walk around with in days gone by. I have pulles out the wires, and am going after the part the light bulb screwed into today. After I pull that out, I am painting it bronze to match the new out door lights. I am going to use it to put on the floor of the porch over a big pillar candle for nights we sit out. I am excited about my idea because it will not only look great, but go with the old style we are trying to maintain for this historic 1850's house. One final thing I want to do this summer is to get a plaque made for the front with the date on it.
Happy projecting! I am off to "repurpose".
We had the garage sale this weekend, which in itself was a HUGE project. Made a clean sweep of all my closets, cabinets, and in the kitchen the appliances. I donated a truck load of stuff to Salvation Army, and blankets to the Humane Society, and saved some of the nicer sale items for our next sale ( I am a girl always cleaning closets, may as well plan the next sale, I will find stuff!). With our garage sale money, we gave some to each girl for helping, and will now purchase some things we need for the house including a freezer, new picnic table for the back patio, and a deck box for the pool.
So now I eyeball the house and see what I can do today. Here is what I have come up with: Hang our framed degrees in the offfice, fix the frame on the framed tinkerbell print for Anna and Ava's room, and "repurpose" the lantern we took off the side of the house ( oh yeah, a project I forgot we did, Brian removed the old black outside lights and put up nice bronze looking ones, old style lanterns, and one even has a on at dust off at dawn feature). The one I want to repurpose looks like a lantern you would walk around with in days gone by. I have pulles out the wires, and am going after the part the light bulb screwed into today. After I pull that out, I am painting it bronze to match the new out door lights. I am going to use it to put on the floor of the porch over a big pillar candle for nights we sit out. I am excited about my idea because it will not only look great, but go with the old style we are trying to maintain for this historic 1850's house. One final thing I want to do this summer is to get a plaque made for the front with the date on it.
Happy projecting! I am off to "repurpose".
Monday, July 30, 2007
Has Anyone Seen my Carbs???
So, I have been trying to lose weight, and lower my BMI number since January. I am happy to say I have lost 22 pounds to date. However, holy crap has it taken a long time! I know I know....... the best way to lose weight is slow. I had gotten impatient with how long it's been taking on WW, so I boosted things alone these past two weeks. I did what always workds for me, I gave up carbs. It's been 10 days since bread, potatoes, or refined sugar has past my lips, and I have entered the zone where I feel awesome. Why does it take giving up carbs to make me feel full of energy, and GREAT? It's not fair, but I did speed up my weight loss. The scale, which had stalled out is moving again. I am happy to report I am currently wedding weight, which isn't my all time low, but it's on my way. ( 1995 weight!!!) My 12's are FINALLY loose, and I bought a skirt last week that is a size 8. Today I am wearing shorts I haven't been able to wear ever ( they are from Sandi) and yesterday, my favorite American Eagle denim shorts were feeling very loose. 10. 10 is where I am heading, and trying hard to be there by the fall.
So, keep eating the meat and veggies, and keep the carbs out of my house and keep the scale moving!
So, keep eating the meat and veggies, and keep the carbs out of my house and keep the scale moving!
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
My Farmer
Miranda took Acrobatics this year along with her Ballet class. Remember how it was how I got out of enrolling her in cheer leading? Anyways, it was a nice class and she can do these amazings things now with her body. Instead of the regular split she could do, she can do two others, including one you run into. ( who knew about that?). Her routine for the recital was choreographed to "Devil Went Down to Georgia." Some girls were the Devils, the older ones, and Miranda was a farmer. The girls kind of dueled it out on stage with the things they could do. It was a great routine, audience loved it. Here is my daughter, granddaughter of a farmer, daughter of a farmer's daughter, but please note I never knew a farmer to wear something like this.
Look at me GO
Now that the baby is a little older, I am finally able to get some things done! It also helps that school is out, and I am a stay at home mom for the summer. Yesterday I had one of those days again where I went to town! It started off in the AM when I decided my fridge was full and I needed to cook some things before they go bad. So, I cooked 2 home made pizzas for dinner to use up the veggies, cheese, etc....Then, I chopped up the Rhubarb I got at the farm stand and made my dad 3 Rhubarb pies for his birthday ( it's a tradition, nobody else makes the man these pies). Somewhere in between, I did 2 loads of laundry, ran errands ( returned bottles, dropped off something at the Docs, went to LNT for a rug for my porch, and AC Moore to get stencil paint). Then, after dinner, I finally spent time organizing and pricing items for the garage sale next weekend. Finally, at around 9:30, I spent an hour stenciling Miranda's room while she is at camp.
What a great day! It's starting to feel like I actually live here now that I have time to decorate, antique, and plan the kitchen remod. Let's hope for another day today as productive.
What a great day! It's starting to feel like I actually live here now that I have time to decorate, antique, and plan the kitchen remod. Let's hope for another day today as productive.
Monday, July 02, 2007
Summer Time
Summer is finally and offically HERE! With 50 days till back to school, I am almost besides myself trying to do it all! Today, there were swim lessons for the girls, strawberry picking, complete with peanut butter sandwiches eaten in the fields, cookies to be made, 2 loads of laundry, housework, my famous home made Stromboli, and I even jammed. There are 8 jars of strawberry jam cooling on my couter, and "pinging" as they seal.
What a perfect start to summer. I am thinking it's going to be a banner summer! And picture if you will, little Ava sitting in the strawberry field, on ripe strawberries, filling and unfilling her basket. She was great! Anna ate more than she picked, and Miranda picked her heart out, filling an 8 quart basket.
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Current Events
Here's what is new at our house! My big baby girl fell asleep while playing outside last weekend, and here is Ava in Anna's gear. Is that cute or what??
NSV's
I am entering week 7 on Weight Wathcers, and although I have not said much about it, I am doing well. I couldn't go to my meeting last night, the weather was bad, but as of the previous week I had lost 9.8 pounds. 10 pounds is typically a size and I am reaching the point where people have started to notice. WW's calls this a Non Scale Victory, or NSV, positive things that happen that aren't tied to a number on the scale. Here are mine:
Last Friday was jeans day at work, so I paid my $5.00 ( CMN fund raiser) and wore mine. I know they are getting loose, but I wasn't sure that it was obvious. A co-worker who didn't know I was on WW said " You have lost weight, you look great." Made my day!
Sandi, who lost sizes last year had given me a stack of her old clothes. At the end of summer none of them fit yet. Currently, I can wear a pair of red jeans that now fit, and I just tried on a stack of capri's and shorts she gave me and voila! They all fit!!!! Even after my active summer of biking, walks, and swimming, they did not yet fit. They all fit now!!!!!!! I just put together a ton of outfits for Florida based on my windfall of new to me clothes ( Thanks Sandi!)
I had promised myself a reward after my first ten pounds. In the past, when I have done weight loss, my rewards have always been food based. I had decided this time around to make my rewards non-food based. This way, I wasn't making myself feel like I had to wait for special occassions to eat certain foods. I picked my new sandals as my reward, and I was fine with the fact that they weren't cheesecake!
Finally, I am motivated, and I continue to journal, exercise, and stick to the plan.
Last Friday was jeans day at work, so I paid my $5.00 ( CMN fund raiser) and wore mine. I know they are getting loose, but I wasn't sure that it was obvious. A co-worker who didn't know I was on WW said " You have lost weight, you look great." Made my day!
Sandi, who lost sizes last year had given me a stack of her old clothes. At the end of summer none of them fit yet. Currently, I can wear a pair of red jeans that now fit, and I just tried on a stack of capri's and shorts she gave me and voila! They all fit!!!! Even after my active summer of biking, walks, and swimming, they did not yet fit. They all fit now!!!!!!! I just put together a ton of outfits for Florida based on my windfall of new to me clothes ( Thanks Sandi!)
I had promised myself a reward after my first ten pounds. In the past, when I have done weight loss, my rewards have always been food based. I had decided this time around to make my rewards non-food based. This way, I wasn't making myself feel like I had to wait for special occassions to eat certain foods. I picked my new sandals as my reward, and I was fine with the fact that they weren't cheesecake!
Finally, I am motivated, and I continue to journal, exercise, and stick to the plan.
Shoe Shopping
Yesterday I got a call from my daughter's school nurse. Seems she had a temp of 101, and needed to come home ( and on the day of the NYS Math Test......yikes!) So, after cancelling meetings, fending off students, quickly re-directing a crisis, I left school to pick her up at her school.
The good thing about an almost 9 year old with a fever is that all she wanted to do was sleep on the couch and watch "High School Musical." This meant one thing for me, free time I didn't expect. Doing what any over organized mom would do I sprang into action. Gather all the laundry for a quick load, run the dishwasher, make lunches for the next school day, pay bills and balance check book, and take care of some finance issues (moved credit card balance to a much lower interest rate card, been meaning to do this. We have good credit and get good offeres all the time, it's good to move it and save money!!!).
The closk was ticking on my free afternoon, and when my daughter woke up from her 3 hour nap, she was bored and feeling temporairly better from the fever reducer. So again, doing what any over organized mom would do I suggested we get out her summer clothes bin and pack her up for Florida ( one month countdown to trip.) Beng that she is the daughter of an over organized mom, she was THRILLED! Grabbed her bag and packed away.
This spurt of vacation action spurred me to want to purchase the shoes I knew I would need for the trip. I had already gone shoe shopping for the girls over February break. It's kind of a tradition that we get out and think about Spring and buy spring footwear over break. Each girl got comfy ( yet cute) sandals and a pair of the trendy looking lighter weight sneakers, they also picked out bathing suits. I now needed to do the same, sandals and a swim suit. So I hopped online and went to Visa.com to look at discounts that were avail ( I recently discovered that a lot of places you use your Visa at have 20% off, and my debit is Visa, so I find good deals this way). Skechers had a 20%, plus free shipping, plus ZERO TAXES! My sandals that I found for 34 dollars wound up being a flat $24 without shippig or taxes. AND they were exactly what I had in mind, comfy flip flop type shoes with a good looking sneaker type bottom so I can wear them all over Disney and not have hurting feet. WooHoo! They will be here in 7-10 days.
So if the good Lord gives you free, unexpected time, organize, clean, and shoe shop. I was one happy girl.
The good thing about an almost 9 year old with a fever is that all she wanted to do was sleep on the couch and watch "High School Musical." This meant one thing for me, free time I didn't expect. Doing what any over organized mom would do I sprang into action. Gather all the laundry for a quick load, run the dishwasher, make lunches for the next school day, pay bills and balance check book, and take care of some finance issues (moved credit card balance to a much lower interest rate card, been meaning to do this. We have good credit and get good offeres all the time, it's good to move it and save money!!!).
The closk was ticking on my free afternoon, and when my daughter woke up from her 3 hour nap, she was bored and feeling temporairly better from the fever reducer. So again, doing what any over organized mom would do I suggested we get out her summer clothes bin and pack her up for Florida ( one month countdown to trip.) Beng that she is the daughter of an over organized mom, she was THRILLED! Grabbed her bag and packed away.
This spurt of vacation action spurred me to want to purchase the shoes I knew I would need for the trip. I had already gone shoe shopping for the girls over February break. It's kind of a tradition that we get out and think about Spring and buy spring footwear over break. Each girl got comfy ( yet cute) sandals and a pair of the trendy looking lighter weight sneakers, they also picked out bathing suits. I now needed to do the same, sandals and a swim suit. So I hopped online and went to Visa.com to look at discounts that were avail ( I recently discovered that a lot of places you use your Visa at have 20% off, and my debit is Visa, so I find good deals this way). Skechers had a 20%, plus free shipping, plus ZERO TAXES! My sandals that I found for 34 dollars wound up being a flat $24 without shippig or taxes. AND they were exactly what I had in mind, comfy flip flop type shoes with a good looking sneaker type bottom so I can wear them all over Disney and not have hurting feet. WooHoo! They will be here in 7-10 days.
So if the good Lord gives you free, unexpected time, organize, clean, and shoe shop. I was one happy girl.
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Saturday, October 14, 2006
Adventures in Dentristy
So I finally went to the dentist for my check up and cleaning, only to be told my silver fillings were aging, and some to the point of "leaking." What this means is that some of them have to be replaced. Somehow, I made an appointment to have the work done, and filled with DREAD I went on Thursday am.
I didn't sleep much the night before, because I hate getting teeth drilled and in my mind, taking old fillings out didn't seem pleasant at all. On my way there, the sky was black, and it started to down pour. On the radio that song "SOS" was playing. Yeah, somebody please help me SOS. I get there, and am sitting in the chair, my stomach in a knot and the radio is now playing "The waiting is the hardest part." I look skyward, convinced somebody is reading my mind.
My new dentist is really good, and he has some cool high tech toys. One being a little wandy thing that takes a close up photo of each tooth to be viewed on the computer screen. Cool! He shows me that he is going to work on three teeth! I almost broke the arm off the chair. I was thinking one. THEN he tells me he isn't going to use any novicane. There goes the other chair arm. What in hell is this man thinking? Before I can react, he is drilling. And it doesn't hurt. In an hour, I have three fillings replaced. Out went the old silver and in went the new composite, which is actually teeth colored. My teeth look so much better. And it didn't hurt. Really. This man is goooood. I am telling everyone I know about him. Never in 35 years and about 5 different dentists has dental work been done so well in my mouth. Amazing.
I didn't sleep much the night before, because I hate getting teeth drilled and in my mind, taking old fillings out didn't seem pleasant at all. On my way there, the sky was black, and it started to down pour. On the radio that song "SOS" was playing. Yeah, somebody please help me SOS. I get there, and am sitting in the chair, my stomach in a knot and the radio is now playing "The waiting is the hardest part." I look skyward, convinced somebody is reading my mind.
My new dentist is really good, and he has some cool high tech toys. One being a little wandy thing that takes a close up photo of each tooth to be viewed on the computer screen. Cool! He shows me that he is going to work on three teeth! I almost broke the arm off the chair. I was thinking one. THEN he tells me he isn't going to use any novicane. There goes the other chair arm. What in hell is this man thinking? Before I can react, he is drilling. And it doesn't hurt. In an hour, I have three fillings replaced. Out went the old silver and in went the new composite, which is actually teeth colored. My teeth look so much better. And it didn't hurt. Really. This man is goooood. I am telling everyone I know about him. Never in 35 years and about 5 different dentists has dental work been done so well in my mouth. Amazing.
Friday, October 06, 2006
My Hijacked Life
For at least the past year I feel my life has been hijacked. It has escalated to an almost depressing status as of late. Between 3 kids, a full time job, a Brownie troop, keeping my home, and a husband with Fibro, my me time? It is non-existant. Most nights I am asleep on the couch insanely early, or I have to stay up insanely late trying to get things done. I feel like each day I just hang on and hope everyone is fed, cleaned, and at the right school. I am really missing the parts of my life that used to be mine. I haven't scrapped in over a year. I haven't gotten on the treadmill in months. My eyebrows are even a mess. Yet, I try not to feel sorry for myself because at least I"m not in pain every day. Brian's disease management has all but failed in the past month. He's in rough shape, so I work harder doing all things house and kid related so he won't have to. I am feeling like something better give before my sanity does, but there really isn't anything that can give. I think the only thing I can currently do is to remember it's situational. Even my blog is all but dead. Sigh.
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