Sunday, May 25, 2008
Columbia River Gorge
Its the most beautiful place in the world....here was our weekend trip to the fish hatchery and crown point in the Columbia River Gorge
Thursday, May 22, 2008
New Car!
Woohoo! We traded in the Kia and Mazda for a shiny red (new to us) Subaru Forester. Pretty ain't she?
We really like her and are actually really excited to be a 1-car family now.
Hoorah for new cars!
Now...what shall we name her? Or, I guess him? Anyone? Anyone?
Lost Mims
Oh where oh where has our little cat gone?
Oh where oh where can she be?
We have been taking care of Sarah's kitties while she is gone and Mims has disappeared on us. Actually, Jacko didn't come home last night either. Its causing me stress....I want these kitties to be safe and feel loved, but what can I do other than keep them chained up in the garage? (not really chained, but confined...)
I hope she comes home soon...I hope Jacko doesn't disappear on me too....
Anybody know any good tricks for finding a lost kitty?
Oh where oh where can she be?
We have been taking care of Sarah's kitties while she is gone and Mims has disappeared on us. Actually, Jacko didn't come home last night either. Its causing me stress....I want these kitties to be safe and feel loved, but what can I do other than keep them chained up in the garage? (not really chained, but confined...)
I hope she comes home soon...I hope Jacko doesn't disappear on me too....
Anybody know any good tricks for finding a lost kitty?
Friday, May 16, 2008
Driveway!
We got our driveway fixed today. It had been broken by a bunch of tree roots from a tree that we had cut down a couple of years.
With moving and having renters we figured we better get that "I tripped and now will sue your homeowners insurance for a million dollars for pain and suffering" hazard out of the way.
It was amazing how quickly they were able to do it...and how expensive it is! $800 dollars later we have a brand new 14X10 square in our driveway and NO ROOT! I wish we'd done it years ago!
We've got a rental openhouse tomorrow so it was completed just in time for all our potential renters to be safe and sound.
That being said...everyone keep their fingers crossed or say a little prayer that we find the right family for our home.
With moving and having renters we figured we better get that "I tripped and now will sue your homeowners insurance for a million dollars for pain and suffering" hazard out of the way.
It was amazing how quickly they were able to do it...and how expensive it is! $800 dollars later we have a brand new 14X10 square in our driveway and NO ROOT! I wish we'd done it years ago!
We've got a rental openhouse tomorrow so it was completed just in time for all our potential renters to be safe and sound.
That being said...everyone keep their fingers crossed or say a little prayer that we find the right family for our home.
and again....
I can't even post what I'm thinking about today. More drama...only really...the comments from the last blog don't even come close to the hateful things that have been spitting out of Cruella's mouth.
We knew it would be bad.
Can I just say that I am actually looking forward to leaving in a month if only to get away from THIS for awhile!
We knew it would be bad.
Can I just say that I am actually looking forward to leaving in a month if only to get away from THIS for awhile!
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
May's drama
Well, Mr. C Talked to his kids about the pregnancy and the move. They were all very excited about the pregnancy and all very sad about the move.
Cruella, on the other hand...gave us the expected reaction. Her first comment was, "Well, when you said you had a couple of items for news I didn't think it was going to be a nuclear bomb."
More interesting comments:
How could you?
You have just lost your children.
Well, now that you have your own kids you can leave mine alone.
You have just lost your oldest daughter forever.
Of the one thing I thought I could count on it was you never having children with HER.
Well, I would have given you the kids for the whole summer, but now that she is pregnant you can only have them for 30 days at most and I'd prefer only the 2 weeks.
Cruella, on the other hand...gave us the expected reaction. Her first comment was, "Well, when you said you had a couple of items for news I didn't think it was going to be a nuclear bomb."
More interesting comments:
How could you?
You have just lost your children.
Well, now that you have your own kids you can leave mine alone.
You have just lost your oldest daughter forever.
Of the one thing I thought I could count on it was you never having children with HER.
Well, I would have given you the kids for the whole summer, but now that she is pregnant you can only have them for 30 days at most and I'd prefer only the 2 weeks.
St. Louis
I spent Monday in St. Louis. I saw the city from the freeway on the way into the airport, The hotel on Market street, the arch from the hotel window, 2 square blocks walking to my meeting, and the city on the way back out to the hotel.
It was a good trip for business.
It was a bad trip for "seeing" St. Louis.
After 20 hours of being awake...I was very happy to finally be home.
Sleep...wonderful sleep...
Mothers day on the plane.
Happy Mother's day
Arrive at airport 6:30AM on Mother's day.
Plane gets delayed
Lady next to me tells me that we have Obama secret service agents on the flight and we'll get clearance...not to worry.
Announcement made 3 minutes later that plane is no longer delayed.
Arrive in Chicago and circle...circle...circle...for almost an hour.
Captain comes over the speaker to assure us that we have "at least 30 minutes of gas left."
Not feeling assured.
Plane finally lands.
Run Run Run to catch connector flight scheduled to leave in 15 minutes.
Make it to the B terminal with 5 minutes to spare.
Gate is closed.
Plead with flight attendant who opens the gate.
Sucky seat way at the back row in MIDDLE.
Flight attendant tells me to sit up front in "Economy PLUS" on aisle. **sighs of relief**
Plane held as next flight to St. Louis is delayed for 5+ hours.
Plane is totally filled up with standby passengers
Plane leaves and arrives in St. Louis at 4:30PM
$50 cab to hotel (what a ripoff!)
Immediately into meeting until 11:15PM
Sneak out to call my mom...
Spend 40 minutes talking to Mr. C
Asleep by 12:15AM
Happy Mother's day.
Arrive at airport 6:30AM on Mother's day.
Plane gets delayed
Lady next to me tells me that we have Obama secret service agents on the flight and we'll get clearance...not to worry.
Announcement made 3 minutes later that plane is no longer delayed.
Arrive in Chicago and circle...circle...circle...for almost an hour.
Captain comes over the speaker to assure us that we have "at least 30 minutes of gas left."
Not feeling assured.
Plane finally lands.
Run Run Run to catch connector flight scheduled to leave in 15 minutes.
Make it to the B terminal with 5 minutes to spare.
Gate is closed.
Plead with flight attendant who opens the gate.
Sucky seat way at the back row in MIDDLE.
Flight attendant tells me to sit up front in "Economy PLUS" on aisle. **sighs of relief**
Plane held as next flight to St. Louis is delayed for 5+ hours.
Plane is totally filled up with standby passengers
Plane leaves and arrives in St. Louis at 4:30PM
$50 cab to hotel (what a ripoff!)
Immediately into meeting until 11:15PM
Sneak out to call my mom...
Spend 40 minutes talking to Mr. C
Asleep by 12:15AM
Happy Mother's day.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Arizona.....for real?
Well - its confirmed. Not with orders, but with verbal and written information that John needs to report to Ft. Huachuca on July 1, 2008. We will actually be driving away from Portland on June 24, 2008. I'm excited and nervous and sad. We'll have John's kids for his 2-week vacation from the last day of school, June 13th through the end of that time period.
I know this is going to be hard when he has to say goodbye to them. Luckily his parents agreed to watch them for two days after that so there is some cohesive "daddy loves you even though he is moving" feelings that the kids can rely on since I don't think Cruella will be offering any of that kindness.
Regardless, I'm hoping the excitement of John getting to move forward with the Army stuff will help him with the loneliness I'm sure he'll be feeling. Of course, I'll encourage frequent contact with them. Maybe we'll give Lexi a webcam and ask her to set it up for the kids and John every Sunday or something.
**sigh** I wish it was so much easier.
I know this is going to be hard when he has to say goodbye to them. Luckily his parents agreed to watch them for two days after that so there is some cohesive "daddy loves you even though he is moving" feelings that the kids can rely on since I don't think Cruella will be offering any of that kindness.
Regardless, I'm hoping the excitement of John getting to move forward with the Army stuff will help him with the loneliness I'm sure he'll be feeling. Of course, I'll encourage frequent contact with them. Maybe we'll give Lexi a webcam and ask her to set it up for the kids and John every Sunday or something.
**sigh** I wish it was so much easier.
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Old School
We just got back from a delectable dinner with Mr. C's parents at Claim Jumper...A celebration of sorts for a positive outcome to an unfortunate situation....
Why is it that everyone tells you that you will HATE your in-laws? I suppose they are supposed to be "different" from how you grew up or you hear about how bossy and/or nosy they are...
I have to be honest (and this is in no way slanted because I KNOW they read this blog...) but, I really love Mr. C's parents. They have a fabulous backyard with a garden area for the grandkids to go "dig" and plant sticks and things...which I distinctly remember being something my grandparents had for us and a great toybox that was available when you visit.... Yes, and they spoil the grandkids with toys and treats and LOVE...and love-spoiling is part of the job...as it should be for every grandparent...its the kind of spoiling that makes a kid feel like they are special and deserving instead of the kind that leaves a kid feeling entitled.
I suppose that I feel so comfortable with them because in a way they remind me of my own parents. They have a strong sense of right and wrong. They are thrifty and smart with their money. They value being independent and a self-made individual. In a way they are what would now be considered, "Old School." Its the way I would describe my own mother and father and...heaven forbid that we admit that we ended up like our parents, but its true, Mr. C and I.
I have such a hard time with parents that won't let their kids fail...or won't let them succeed. Instead they think that "fair" is the only way to go. I have to wonder if they live in the same world where I live...Fair....its rarely going to go that way. Mr. C and I think kids can lose at a game and its not going to be the end of the world and some kids get one thing while another doesn't and it won't derail their sense of importance and kids don't need every toy thats advertised and priveledges are just that and not expectations or something children are entitled to...and my favorite soapbox item...consequences for poor behavior.
Phew...now that its out of my system. I think I just want to end this by saying that its nice being friends with your in-laws. I really like it. :)
Why is it that everyone tells you that you will HATE your in-laws? I suppose they are supposed to be "different" from how you grew up or you hear about how bossy and/or nosy they are...
I have to be honest (and this is in no way slanted because I KNOW they read this blog...) but, I really love Mr. C's parents. They have a fabulous backyard with a garden area for the grandkids to go "dig" and plant sticks and things...which I distinctly remember being something my grandparents had for us and a great toybox that was available when you visit.... Yes, and they spoil the grandkids with toys and treats and LOVE...and love-spoiling is part of the job...as it should be for every grandparent...its the kind of spoiling that makes a kid feel like they are special and deserving instead of the kind that leaves a kid feeling entitled.
I suppose that I feel so comfortable with them because in a way they remind me of my own parents. They have a strong sense of right and wrong. They are thrifty and smart with their money. They value being independent and a self-made individual. In a way they are what would now be considered, "Old School." Its the way I would describe my own mother and father and...heaven forbid that we admit that we ended up like our parents, but its true, Mr. C and I.
I have such a hard time with parents that won't let their kids fail...or won't let them succeed. Instead they think that "fair" is the only way to go. I have to wonder if they live in the same world where I live...Fair....its rarely going to go that way. Mr. C and I think kids can lose at a game and its not going to be the end of the world and some kids get one thing while another doesn't and it won't derail their sense of importance and kids don't need every toy thats advertised and priveledges are just that and not expectations or something children are entitled to...and my favorite soapbox item...consequences for poor behavior.
Phew...now that its out of my system. I think I just want to end this by saying that its nice being friends with your in-laws. I really like it. :)
Monday, May 05, 2008
Hit and Run
He was biking home from work - late one evening. A car careens around the street and smashed into him. Knocked unconcious he awakens hours later to find himself in an ambulance on the way to the hospital.
This is a true story and it happened to my brother-in-law early Saturday morning. He is in the hospital in Austin, TX with 4 boken vertebrae and major trauma all over his body.
My sister, found out Saturday morning at 9AM when he was finally able to call her once the doctors were done with x-rays and other stuff. His family found out next and what a blessing that his mother is a registered nurse of 20+ years.
Luckily he is doing well...doesn't require and surgery and is expected to heal completely. Just keep saying those prayers and murmur good thoughts and magic healing dust that nothing changes.
Curse the hit and run driver...there are better ways to understand that things in your life that are precious can be taken away at any time.
This is a true story and it happened to my brother-in-law early Saturday morning. He is in the hospital in Austin, TX with 4 boken vertebrae and major trauma all over his body.
My sister, found out Saturday morning at 9AM when he was finally able to call her once the doctors were done with x-rays and other stuff. His family found out next and what a blessing that his mother is a registered nurse of 20+ years.
Luckily he is doing well...doesn't require and surgery and is expected to heal completely. Just keep saying those prayers and murmur good thoughts and magic healing dust that nothing changes.
Curse the hit and run driver...there are better ways to understand that things in your life that are precious can be taken away at any time.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
The bun in the oven
Well, now that its becoming common knowledge I thought I'd better post it here and let the rest of the world in on it....
John and I have a bun in the oven. :O)
Its 9 weeks and 3 days old today and about the size of a grape. Due on 12/1/2008...A thanksgiving baby!
We actually found out on April Fools day and posted it here, but nobody believed us. HAHAHA.
I started a new blog that day called Baby Chuckleheads and you can find it here if you are interested in the baby drama: http://babychucklehead.blogspot.com/
Woohoo!!
We've told our families for the most part...or they should be getting the notice really soon. We had planned on waiting a little while longer, but the cat got let out of the bag sooner than expected so here we are making the big announcement!
Anyhow...yeah for us! We've got a BABY coming!!!
John and I have a bun in the oven. :O)
Its 9 weeks and 3 days old today and about the size of a grape. Due on 12/1/2008...A thanksgiving baby!
We actually found out on April Fools day and posted it here, but nobody believed us. HAHAHA.
I started a new blog that day called Baby Chuckleheads and you can find it here if you are interested in the baby drama: http://babychucklehead.blogspot.com/
Woohoo!!
We've told our families for the most part...or they should be getting the notice really soon. We had planned on waiting a little while longer, but the cat got let out of the bag sooner than expected so here we are making the big announcement!
Anyhow...yeah for us! We've got a BABY coming!!!
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Our version of the idol show...
Miss 17-year old superstar tried out for the Portland Teen Idol contest. She did really great. Made it all the way to the top 25. I guess there were a couple of hundred kids that tried out so to be in the top 25 is really a great honor...
We went and watched her sing last night...unfortunately we couldn't stay for the whole show...it started at 6:30 and went for 4 hours and we had the little kids.
We did stay for the first half and watched her sing one of the two songs she would perform. She did FANTASTIC. She was animated and had a great stage presence and her voice is beautiful. We were really proud of her.
Unfortunately she didn't make the cut to the top 10...The top 10 do a whole summer tour thing...but she has next year and I think she's taking this as having been a really great experience overall.
Congratulations Lexi Loo! We are so proud of you!
We went and watched her sing last night...unfortunately we couldn't stay for the whole show...it started at 6:30 and went for 4 hours and we had the little kids.
We did stay for the first half and watched her sing one of the two songs she would perform. She did FANTASTIC. She was animated and had a great stage presence and her voice is beautiful. We were really proud of her.
Unfortunately she didn't make the cut to the top 10...The top 10 do a whole summer tour thing...but she has next year and I think she's taking this as having been a really great experience overall.
Congratulations Lexi Loo! We are so proud of you!
Monday, April 21, 2008
Get excited...its on its way
I worked on the UniViper video last night. Its HILARIOUS....well, at least I think its hilarious. Last steps are to put the music to the video. You will all be amazed.
I'm just getting you all excited for the big day when its finished and I can post it on here...lets just say its the stuff that continues to be talked about for years to come.
Plus - what do you get for the birthday of Grandpa Johnnie whose got everything? You make a crazy video reenactment of the univiper story...thats what.
I'm just getting you all excited for the big day when its finished and I can post it on here...lets just say its the stuff that continues to be talked about for years to come.
Plus - what do you get for the birthday of Grandpa Johnnie whose got everything? You make a crazy video reenactment of the univiper story...thats what.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Gay T-Shirt Poker Night
A monthly event - Mr. C goes out to play poker with some of his Army buddies... Because Mr. C dared wear a Donnie Wahlberg NKOTB t-shirt last month they declared this month to be gay t-shirt poker night.
I couldn't resist taking these photos as he tried on my t-shirts for his various outfits.
Believe it or not...he claims he was UNDERDRESSED for the event!!
I couldn't resist taking these photos as he tried on my t-shirts for his various outfits.
Believe it or not...he claims he was UNDERDRESSED for the event!!
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Cat and squirrel game
I've been working all day long here in my home office. Its been a busy last few days and I'm pretty exhausted right now. My break times today were spent staring out the window and watching the neighborhood cats and my friendly backyard squirrel.
Just as a sidetrack...I really need to come up with a name for this squirrel. Its so amusing to watch and I know its the same one because he has a routine. Its the fattest squirrel you've ever seen too.
So, anyhow...the neighborhood cats like to prowl around and stalk this squirrel but he's too smart for them. Really, in my mind, I like to think that he's playing a little game with them. He comes down the tree and munches on things on the ground while they are far enough away...
They come creeping closer and he goes 1/2 way up the tree. By the time they are close to the tree he's teasing them by dangling from branches and appearing to have near miss falls where he'll catch himself just at the right time.
Its making the neighborhood cats neurotic and (I'm sad to say) is a highlight of my day now. I love watching this darn squirrel get the best of them.
Today, the squirrel actuall drops a tree blossom on the head of the cat and it swatted at it. FUNNY.
Is it sounding like I need more stimulation during my day?! :)
Just as a sidetrack...I really need to come up with a name for this squirrel. Its so amusing to watch and I know its the same one because he has a routine. Its the fattest squirrel you've ever seen too.
So, anyhow...the neighborhood cats like to prowl around and stalk this squirrel but he's too smart for them. Really, in my mind, I like to think that he's playing a little game with them. He comes down the tree and munches on things on the ground while they are far enough away...
They come creeping closer and he goes 1/2 way up the tree. By the time they are close to the tree he's teasing them by dangling from branches and appearing to have near miss falls where he'll catch himself just at the right time.
Its making the neighborhood cats neurotic and (I'm sad to say) is a highlight of my day now. I love watching this darn squirrel get the best of them.
Today, the squirrel actuall drops a tree blossom on the head of the cat and it swatted at it. FUNNY.
Is it sounding like I need more stimulation during my day?! :)
Monday, April 14, 2008
Uni-Viper
We've now got a snaggletooth. Poor little chortle took a tumble on his scooter and broke his two front teeth. Yes, the PERMANENT teeth.
It took an emergency weekend trip to the dentist to get it sealed since the nerves were exposed and he's sitting back in the dental chair today to get the right tooth fixed. He's also got a big fat lip about the size of a hotdog. Poor kid. He says it doesn't hurt anymore, but feels weird to feel the sharp teeth in front.
The best part...before leaving for the dentist today he said, "Hey! When I get home I'll be a uni-viper! I'll have one sharp pointy tooth!"
For anyone unfamiliar with the univiper story its a Grandpa Johnnie classic full of terror and horror at the one-fanged viper that bit him when I was a kid and punctured a single hole in his thumb and caused it to turn black. A favorite for storytelling time with Chortle and Little Giggle, he is REALLY excited that he gets to BE a univiper.
Watch for an upcoming video of the univiper reenactment featuring Mr. C and Chortle later this evening as a special skit for Family Home Evening.
It took an emergency weekend trip to the dentist to get it sealed since the nerves were exposed and he's sitting back in the dental chair today to get the right tooth fixed. He's also got a big fat lip about the size of a hotdog. Poor kid. He says it doesn't hurt anymore, but feels weird to feel the sharp teeth in front.
The best part...before leaving for the dentist today he said, "Hey! When I get home I'll be a uni-viper! I'll have one sharp pointy tooth!"
For anyone unfamiliar with the univiper story its a Grandpa Johnnie classic full of terror and horror at the one-fanged viper that bit him when I was a kid and punctured a single hole in his thumb and caused it to turn black. A favorite for storytelling time with Chortle and Little Giggle, he is REALLY excited that he gets to BE a univiper.
Watch for an upcoming video of the univiper reenactment featuring Mr. C and Chortle later this evening as a special skit for Family Home Evening.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Bzzzzzzzzzzz
Weather in Portland today is sunny and 80 degrees.
Almost too hot to play outside. It was glorious...flowers busting open, birds chirping and bees humming.
Little giggle got a "bee sting"...she just got soo worked up over bees flying around her that she imagined a bee sting on her thumb. She showed it to us....we couldn't see anything so into the bathroom to clean her and and put on a bandaid and she hands us her other hand...
Mr. C - "Thats not the thumb you showed me before."
LG - "Its not?"
Mr. C - "No, maybe you didn't really get a bee sting?"
Switches hands quickly and holds out thumb...
LG - "Oh yeeeaaaaaaaahhhhh...it WAS this thumb. I forgot."
Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
Almost too hot to play outside. It was glorious...flowers busting open, birds chirping and bees humming.
Little giggle got a "bee sting"...she just got soo worked up over bees flying around her that she imagined a bee sting on her thumb. She showed it to us....we couldn't see anything so into the bathroom to clean her and and put on a bandaid and she hands us her other hand...
Mr. C - "Thats not the thumb you showed me before."
LG - "Its not?"
Mr. C - "No, maybe you didn't really get a bee sting?"
Switches hands quickly and holds out thumb...
LG - "Oh yeeeaaaaaaaahhhhh...it WAS this thumb. I forgot."
Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Real life just slammed me in the face...
Real life just slammed me in the face today...
1. What is it with kids these days? I sent at least 3 reminders to Gag about calling her dad on his birthday...we had it all planned she was calling in the AM with chortle and little giggle so they didn't have to leave a message and could actually talk to him...and its now been a full day AFTER his birthday and we have yet to hear anything from her. Not even a voice mail.
He feels awful.
It makes me so mad.
At 17 and 1/2 you should be able to think about other people, right? I want to say something to her, but it won't be very nice....so I better keep my mouth shut...isn't that how that saying goes? If you can't say something nice don't say anything at all?
How about if I just leave her a message on MySpace checking in to see if her busy life has settled down enough to be able to wish her dad a happy birthday this century? Or maybe I can post it on my page under the folder, PEOPLE WHO DON'T KNOW HOW TO THINK ABOUT ANYONE BUT THEMSELVES...or maybe I'll just keep my mouth shut....
2. Gag's madre....Cruella DeVille...is whining about how she has "extended the olive branch" and why can't we all be friends...
I'm so confused...was it just last week I wrote about the pictures on her MySpace page? Was it just a couple of months ago that she told Mr. C that if "that woman ever comes near her or her children she'll...."
Well....I guess my old brain is falling apart because according to HER she has done nothing but go out of her way to make it easy for us....she even said in her email that she has no longer been "trying to make things difficult for our relationship." Well, not only do I take that as admission of guilt in that area, but she makes all these comments due to the fact that she has found someone else...Her new boyfriend has apparently made life blissful for her. Now she wants to sit together at concerts and sporting events. She wants to be more friendly and be invited into our house and have herself invited into ours. UGH...I'm getting sick just thinking about it.
My response....No thanks, Cruella. As soon as your boyfriend dumps you (heaven forbid) it will be back to the old times...I'd much rather just not having anything to do with you at all....
Am I being petty? Am I making the wrong decision? Should I actually try to have a FRIENDSHIP of sorts with Cruella DeVille? (She kills little dalmations for a fur coat....is that what I want in my life?)
Real life sucks some days....I want to throw my 17 and 1/2 year old stepdaughter over my knee and spank her and I want to throw up on her mother...
I need another vacation.
1. What is it with kids these days? I sent at least 3 reminders to Gag about calling her dad on his birthday...we had it all planned she was calling in the AM with chortle and little giggle so they didn't have to leave a message and could actually talk to him...and its now been a full day AFTER his birthday and we have yet to hear anything from her. Not even a voice mail.
He feels awful.
It makes me so mad.
At 17 and 1/2 you should be able to think about other people, right? I want to say something to her, but it won't be very nice....so I better keep my mouth shut...isn't that how that saying goes? If you can't say something nice don't say anything at all?
How about if I just leave her a message on MySpace checking in to see if her busy life has settled down enough to be able to wish her dad a happy birthday this century? Or maybe I can post it on my page under the folder, PEOPLE WHO DON'T KNOW HOW TO THINK ABOUT ANYONE BUT THEMSELVES...or maybe I'll just keep my mouth shut....
2. Gag's madre....Cruella DeVille...is whining about how she has "extended the olive branch" and why can't we all be friends...
I'm so confused...was it just last week I wrote about the pictures on her MySpace page? Was it just a couple of months ago that she told Mr. C that if "that woman ever comes near her or her children she'll...."
Well....I guess my old brain is falling apart because according to HER she has done nothing but go out of her way to make it easy for us....she even said in her email that she has no longer been "trying to make things difficult for our relationship." Well, not only do I take that as admission of guilt in that area, but she makes all these comments due to the fact that she has found someone else...Her new boyfriend has apparently made life blissful for her. Now she wants to sit together at concerts and sporting events. She wants to be more friendly and be invited into our house and have herself invited into ours. UGH...I'm getting sick just thinking about it.
My response....No thanks, Cruella. As soon as your boyfriend dumps you (heaven forbid) it will be back to the old times...I'd much rather just not having anything to do with you at all....
Am I being petty? Am I making the wrong decision? Should I actually try to have a FRIENDSHIP of sorts with Cruella DeVille? (She kills little dalmations for a fur coat....is that what I want in my life?)
Real life sucks some days....I want to throw my 17 and 1/2 year old stepdaughter over my knee and spank her and I want to throw up on her mother...
I need another vacation.
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Happy 40th Birthday!
Mr. C is 40 years old today! Wooooohooooo! We are still in Arizona so we celebrated last night with Ray/Steph and family and friend.
Army guys on the cake were Johnnie's idea...it was a perfect addition to the Lemon Mousse Cake!
Getting ready for presents!
Notice everyone is wearing black?
Happy Birthday Uncle John says Lizzie!
We sat around outside and ate the yummy dinner Stephanie made.
Ray cooked up a delicious BBQ!
We all went geocaching and found 3 caches in the dark!
Silly String spray is a must for Birthdays!
Thats right...40 years old is older than dirt.
Army guys on the cake were Johnnie's idea...it was a perfect addition to the Lemon Mousse Cake!
Getting ready for presents!
Notice everyone is wearing black?
Happy Birthday Uncle John says Lizzie!
We sat around outside and ate the yummy dinner Stephanie made.
Ray cooked up a delicious BBQ!
We all went geocaching and found 3 caches in the dark!
Silly String spray is a must for Birthdays!
Thats right...40 years old is older than dirt.
Sunday, April 06, 2008
Frontier Days
Proud to be an American!
Riata Ranch Girls showing off.
The grand finale.
Mr. C on a ride?! This one didn't make him sick at least!
Up on the ferris wheel.
What NOT to wear
Three simple rules for all women to follow:
1. Belly shirts are a bad idea at any time, however, old women wearing a belly shirt is like a double thumbs down.
2. Its great to wear a belt, but please be sure to loop all the loops. Ask your husband to double check your work if needed.
3. I abhor the "show your underwear" trend thats been going on, but I've never seen it displayed with light blue granny panties. I just don't think this works.
Photograph courtesy of Mr. Chucklehead taken this weekend at Sierra Vista Frontier Days.
1. Belly shirts are a bad idea at any time, however, old women wearing a belly shirt is like a double thumbs down.
2. Its great to wear a belt, but please be sure to loop all the loops. Ask your husband to double check your work if needed.
3. I abhor the "show your underwear" trend thats been going on, but I've never seen it displayed with light blue granny panties. I just don't think this works.
Photograph courtesy of Mr. Chucklehead taken this weekend at Sierra Vista Frontier Days.
Thoughts on Sierra Vista
Well, we've been here a couple of days now...
I thought it would be like Beaverton...my brother told me it would be like Ontario. I think its a little like Madras or Bend. Its a nice city. Its small...you can drive around the whole thing in less than an hour. The base surrounds it...there are basically three main roads that go through it.
We went to the seedy part of town....it was pretty scary looking. :)
Its not been too hot...80 degrees...this is their spring...and they say they get all 4 seasons and the hottest is about 100 degrees.
We did sit in a realtors office yesterday and checked out his "bugs in formaldehyde" collection. Ewwwwwwwwwww....they were all "local critters" that he'd found on his property...a scorpion, a gigantic spider, a tarantula, an enormous centipede...they say that the houses and complexes that back up into the desert have the worst of it with bugs like this.
We're living in the middle of town. :)
We drove out to Bisbee yesterday. LOVED the old town. I had no idea it was so cool looking...this mining town that goes straight up the side of the hill...narrow streets and a very eclectic group of shops.
We "saw" mexico from a distance, but probably won't be going there this trip.
We drove through Tombstone...not as exciting, but I did at least see boot hill. :) We've decided thats a later date saturday trip back to watch the gun fights and all that.
Overall...its a nice place to live. I'm excited to be coming here for a longer stay sometime soon.
I thought it would be like Beaverton...my brother told me it would be like Ontario. I think its a little like Madras or Bend. Its a nice city. Its small...you can drive around the whole thing in less than an hour. The base surrounds it...there are basically three main roads that go through it.
We went to the seedy part of town....it was pretty scary looking. :)
Its not been too hot...80 degrees...this is their spring...and they say they get all 4 seasons and the hottest is about 100 degrees.
We did sit in a realtors office yesterday and checked out his "bugs in formaldehyde" collection. Ewwwwwwwwwww....they were all "local critters" that he'd found on his property...a scorpion, a gigantic spider, a tarantula, an enormous centipede...they say that the houses and complexes that back up into the desert have the worst of it with bugs like this.
We're living in the middle of town. :)
We drove out to Bisbee yesterday. LOVED the old town. I had no idea it was so cool looking...this mining town that goes straight up the side of the hill...narrow streets and a very eclectic group of shops.
We "saw" mexico from a distance, but probably won't be going there this trip.
We drove through Tombstone...not as exciting, but I did at least see boot hill. :) We've decided thats a later date saturday trip back to watch the gun fights and all that.
Overall...its a nice place to live. I'm excited to be coming here for a longer stay sometime soon.
Saturday, April 05, 2008
Crappy showers
I've stayed in Army lodging a few times and have never been impressed, but the shower today takes the cake.
First its a light mist that barely wets my hair and body...so I mess with the showerhead trying to get a stronger spray...
out shoots the hardest stream of water...it was like a knife...or an icepick because it was so thin and hard...battered my poor body.
I had to holler for Mr. C to fix it...luckily he got it back to the fine mist.
Crappy showers do NOT help me with having a great day.
Grump!
First its a light mist that barely wets my hair and body...so I mess with the showerhead trying to get a stronger spray...
out shoots the hardest stream of water...it was like a knife...or an icepick because it was so thin and hard...battered my poor body.
I had to holler for Mr. C to fix it...luckily he got it back to the fine mist.
Crappy showers do NOT help me with having a great day.
Grump!
Friday, April 04, 2008
Nachooooooooooooooo
Mr. C and I are in Arizona right now...checking out the potential new housing situation. We stayed last night with my brother and his family. What a beautiful family! It was so much fun to see them all.
Mr. C wowed the little ones with his magic trick (he can take his finger off!), got up at 5:30 to play b-ball with 10 yr old Johnnie and Uncle Ray where he earned the nickname chonchito....AND we went geocaching...all within about a 14 hour time period!
While there we discovered that they love the movie Nacho Libre as much as we do and if I could ever get the video to post I'd show you the cutest video of Little Lizzie singing the Incarnacion song.
Until then...
Mr. C wowed the little ones with his magic trick (he can take his finger off!), got up at 5:30 to play b-ball with 10 yr old Johnnie and Uncle Ray where he earned the nickname chonchito....AND we went geocaching...all within about a 14 hour time period!
While there we discovered that they love the movie Nacho Libre as much as we do and if I could ever get the video to post I'd show you the cutest video of Little Lizzie singing the Incarnacion song.
Until then...
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Wide awake
Couldn't sleep...
Found this survey...
50 QUIRKS ABOUT ME
1.Initials:
ADL
2.Name someone with the same birthday as you:
Rick Springfield
3.Last thing you ate:
Cabbage soup
4.Someone you'd like to meet:
Oprah
5.I say Shotgun! You say?
Wedding?
6.Last person you hugged?
My husband
7.Do you believe in God?
Definately
8. How many U.S. states have you been to?
Thirty-Two
9. How many of the U.S. states have you lived in:
Four
10.Ever lived outside of the US:
Yes - Italy and Switzerland
11. Name something you like physically about yourself:
My eyes
12. Something non-physical you like about yourself:
Ability to organize and delegate. :)
13.Who is your best friend(s)?
My husband and stephiloulou and you.
14.Why are you still up?
I can't sleep...its awful...can't sleep...need sleep....
15. Who made you angry today?
Nobody
16.Favorite type of Food?:
Italiano
17.Favorite holiday:
CHRISTMAS!
18.Do you download music:
errr...not really? Who cares?
19. What illegal things have you done?
Any enumeration on my illegal activities would be self incriminating. I plead the 5th. Besides...I hear my mom reads this.
20. Would you date the person that posted this?
Yeah...I think I'm hot.
21. What is your wildest dream?
Whirled peas
22.Do you love anyone?
Oh yeah...lots of anyones.
23.Do you like Bush:
As in George I, George II or Barbara or another one of them? I'll skip the answer to this as its probably not flattering to any of them and say that I like sea animals a lot.
24. Have you ever bungee jumped:
Heck no...too close to the ground for me. I'd rather skydive.
25.Have you ever gone white-water rafting:
Unfortunately not. Only tubing....but family o mine...do you remember that tubing trip we took? maybe it was just Sarah, dad and me...and we went over that WATERFALL cuz the guy didn't tell us when to pull out? I consider that white water innertube rafting.
26. How much money ya got?
I got a dollar.
27.Have you met a real redneck?
I'm married to one. Whoops...did I say that with my outside voice? (just kidding) The real answer is YES. I grew up in Vale, Oregon...every one of my childhood crushes could be considered a "real" redneck.
27.How is the weather right now:
Its pitch black outside...no clue
29.What are you listening to right now:
the clock ticking
30.What is your current fav song:
Right Stuff - NKOTB
31.What was the last movie you watched?
LittleMan...don't even ask...soooo stupid.
32.Do you wear contacts?
No
33.Where was the last place you went besides your house?
Salem for work.
34.What are you afraid of?:
spiders
35.How many piercings and tattoo's do you have?:
two pierced ears and thats all.
36.How many pets do you have:
zippo...I have stepchildren...do they count?
37.Have you ever loved someone:
Uh - yeah...didn't they already ask this question?
39.What turns you on?
cold feet.
40.What do you usually order from Starbucks?
Double tall latter frappucino with skim milk, two shots of hazelnut in a grande supertall mocha. (Can you hear the sarcasm? I don't drink coffee and I don't like starbucks.)
41.Have you ever fired a gun:
Yes.
42.Favorite TV show?
CSI
43.Do you have an ipod?:
I own an MP3 player not of the IPOD brand.
44. Has anyone ever said you looked like a celeb?
Yes. Brittney Spears. We have the same outfits.
45. Do you like Michael Jackson?
Hey...Billie Jean...not my lover.
46.Who would you like to see right now?
My husband.
47.Favorite movie of all time?
Sneakers
48. Do you find yourself loved?:
They keep asking these kinds of questions I'm going to start to feel insecure.
49.Have you ever regretted something you didn't do?
yes...and something I did do too.
50.Favorite flower:
Tulip.
Found this survey...
50 QUIRKS ABOUT ME
1.Initials:
ADL
2.Name someone with the same birthday as you:
Rick Springfield
3.Last thing you ate:
Cabbage soup
4.Someone you'd like to meet:
Oprah
5.I say Shotgun! You say?
Wedding?
6.Last person you hugged?
My husband
7.Do you believe in God?
Definately
8. How many U.S. states have you been to?
Thirty-Two
9. How many of the U.S. states have you lived in:
Four
10.Ever lived outside of the US:
Yes - Italy and Switzerland
11. Name something you like physically about yourself:
My eyes
12. Something non-physical you like about yourself:
Ability to organize and delegate. :)
13.Who is your best friend(s)?
My husband and stephiloulou and you.
14.Why are you still up?
I can't sleep...its awful...can't sleep...need sleep....
15. Who made you angry today?
Nobody
16.Favorite type of Food?:
Italiano
17.Favorite holiday:
CHRISTMAS!
18.Do you download music:
errr...not really? Who cares?
19. What illegal things have you done?
Any enumeration on my illegal activities would be self incriminating. I plead the 5th. Besides...I hear my mom reads this.
20. Would you date the person that posted this?
Yeah...I think I'm hot.
21. What is your wildest dream?
Whirled peas
22.Do you love anyone?
Oh yeah...lots of anyones.
23.Do you like Bush:
As in George I, George II or Barbara or another one of them? I'll skip the answer to this as its probably not flattering to any of them and say that I like sea animals a lot.
24. Have you ever bungee jumped:
Heck no...too close to the ground for me. I'd rather skydive.
25.Have you ever gone white-water rafting:
Unfortunately not. Only tubing....but family o mine...do you remember that tubing trip we took? maybe it was just Sarah, dad and me...and we went over that WATERFALL cuz the guy didn't tell us when to pull out? I consider that white water innertube rafting.
26. How much money ya got?
I got a dollar.
27.Have you met a real redneck?
I'm married to one. Whoops...did I say that with my outside voice? (just kidding) The real answer is YES. I grew up in Vale, Oregon...every one of my childhood crushes could be considered a "real" redneck.
27.How is the weather right now:
Its pitch black outside...no clue
29.What are you listening to right now:
the clock ticking
30.What is your current fav song:
Right Stuff - NKOTB
31.What was the last movie you watched?
LittleMan...don't even ask...soooo stupid.
32.Do you wear contacts?
No
33.Where was the last place you went besides your house?
Salem for work.
34.What are you afraid of?:
spiders
35.How many piercings and tattoo's do you have?:
two pierced ears and thats all.
36.How many pets do you have:
zippo...I have stepchildren...do they count?
37.Have you ever loved someone:
Uh - yeah...didn't they already ask this question?
39.What turns you on?
cold feet.
40.What do you usually order from Starbucks?
Double tall latter frappucino with skim milk, two shots of hazelnut in a grande supertall mocha. (Can you hear the sarcasm? I don't drink coffee and I don't like starbucks.)
41.Have you ever fired a gun:
Yes.
42.Favorite TV show?
CSI
43.Do you have an ipod?:
I own an MP3 player not of the IPOD brand.
44. Has anyone ever said you looked like a celeb?
Yes. Brittney Spears. We have the same outfits.
45. Do you like Michael Jackson?
Hey...Billie Jean...not my lover.
46.Who would you like to see right now?
My husband.
47.Favorite movie of all time?
Sneakers
48. Do you find yourself loved?:
They keep asking these kinds of questions I'm going to start to feel insecure.
49.Have you ever regretted something you didn't do?
yes...and something I did do too.
50.Favorite flower:
Tulip.
Monday, March 31, 2008
I need a new t-shirt
The t-shirt would say on it...
"I survived Spring Break at the chucklehead house!"
seriously....and I wasn't even around the kids for the past 3 days. I sent them all packing with Mr. C to eastern Washington for his grandfather's 90th birthday party.
I stayed home and got over this awful cold. Its finally almost gone.
What a crazy last 10 days, though! I think they should have spring break closer to the time that school bonds are passed. Then parents would remember why they want their kids in school for longer. I'd pay for a few extra days. :)
Just kidding. I'm being just a tiny bit facetious...but not about the t-shirt.
"I survived Spring Break at the chucklehead house!"
seriously....and I wasn't even around the kids for the past 3 days. I sent them all packing with Mr. C to eastern Washington for his grandfather's 90th birthday party.
I stayed home and got over this awful cold. Its finally almost gone.
What a crazy last 10 days, though! I think they should have spring break closer to the time that school bonds are passed. Then parents would remember why they want their kids in school for longer. I'd pay for a few extra days. :)
Just kidding. I'm being just a tiny bit facetious...but not about the t-shirt.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Sore throats
I had an icky sore throat yesterday...clogged sinus passages and just a general feeling of yuck. I'm always nervous about sore throats because as a kid it was an annual event for me to get strep throat even though I haven't had a case of it since college - 15 years ago!
I made Mr. C check my tonsils. His diagnosis, "Yep, they look red and swollen, but not strep."
So, I drank some Theraflu (my favorite sick medicine) before bed and got a good nights sleep and was up by 7:30AM.
So far today the sore throat has stayed away and I just seem to be plagued by a stuffy nose. It makes me want to sing a song....
"Snotty nose go away
I really want to play
This weekend is grandpa P's birthday
He'll be 90 on Sunday."
I made Mr. C check my tonsils. His diagnosis, "Yep, they look red and swollen, but not strep."
So, I drank some Theraflu (my favorite sick medicine) before bed and got a good nights sleep and was up by 7:30AM.
So far today the sore throat has stayed away and I just seem to be plagued by a stuffy nose. It makes me want to sing a song....
"Snotty nose go away
I really want to play
This weekend is grandpa P's birthday
He'll be 90 on Sunday."
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
MySpace Ridiculousness
It came to my attention yesterday that Cruella Deville has "stolen" a photo of me from our family MySpace page and posted it on hers under the title, "People who don't want their photos on my MySpace page."
She also posted one of Mr. C with his kids.
We're the only two photos under that album...I suppose I could be flattered that she is so obsessed with me that she felt the need to post my picture on her page. But really, could you be any more JUNIOR HIGH in your approach to an ex-relationship?
If I was vindictive I think I could probably find a really nasty one in the old photos that Mr. C has and post that on mine, but I'm going to be the bigger person.
Instead I reported her to MySpace for cyberharassment and unauthorized use of photos. HAHAHA.
Ok...maybe not the most mature, but I at least made it to HIGH SCHOOL.
She also posted one of Mr. C with his kids.
We're the only two photos under that album...I suppose I could be flattered that she is so obsessed with me that she felt the need to post my picture on her page. But really, could you be any more JUNIOR HIGH in your approach to an ex-relationship?
If I was vindictive I think I could probably find a really nasty one in the old photos that Mr. C has and post that on mine, but I'm going to be the bigger person.
Instead I reported her to MySpace for cyberharassment and unauthorized use of photos. HAHAHA.
Ok...maybe not the most mature, but I at least made it to HIGH SCHOOL.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Happy Easter!
What a beautiful (rainy) Easter we had. Believe it or not...all three kids - Gag, Chortle and Little Giggle were with us yesterday. We got to see family and friends. Had dinner with Miss Barbara and played with her sweet puppy Cocoa...the kids ended up hiding dog treats in easter eggs to see if she could find them (suggestion from Grandpa Johnnie and a good one at that!)
It really struck me yesterday how little familiarity Chortle and LG have with religion in general. Mr. C and I do what we can in the 4 days per month we see them but yesterday at church there was quite a bit of confusion from both Chortle and Little Giggle about what it meant that Jesus was Risen.
The kids got jellybean packets with a bookmark that was the "jellybean prayer." Chortle was stressed out about eating the speckled jellybeans because they represented sin...and he didn't want to eat sin. While Lil' Giggle couldn't understand why Jesus didn't "beat up" the Jews (since he is all powerful) when they crucified him...followed by Chortle asking if we could have Jews as friends now... (AIYA!)
All in all, we got a basic understanding down and Maddie drew this great picture of Jesus on the cross and Jesus rising from the dead (see the big smile!). Mr. C and I will be working on religion a little more closely for these kids...starting with a little Family Home Evening tonight on the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. Kind of a big topic to cover in 20 minutes. :)
It really struck me yesterday how little familiarity Chortle and LG have with religion in general. Mr. C and I do what we can in the 4 days per month we see them but yesterday at church there was quite a bit of confusion from both Chortle and Little Giggle about what it meant that Jesus was Risen.
The kids got jellybean packets with a bookmark that was the "jellybean prayer." Chortle was stressed out about eating the speckled jellybeans because they represented sin...and he didn't want to eat sin. While Lil' Giggle couldn't understand why Jesus didn't "beat up" the Jews (since he is all powerful) when they crucified him...followed by Chortle asking if we could have Jews as friends now... (AIYA!)
All in all, we got a basic understanding down and Maddie drew this great picture of Jesus on the cross and Jesus rising from the dead (see the big smile!). Mr. C and I will be working on religion a little more closely for these kids...starting with a little Family Home Evening tonight on the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. Kind of a big topic to cover in 20 minutes. :)
Friday, March 21, 2008
Screamed myself hoarse
WE WON! Oh man...it was the most exciting game of the entire season. They finished last in the league and actually had a 22 game LOSING streak and then the very last game of the season we see the amazing behind the back shot made my our very own king of the ice...Matt Schmermund.
Not only did they win the 1st place team in the league on their last game, but they won it in overtime during a shoot out with a behind the back shot. Now you can understand the scream myself hoarse!
Matt Schmermund...for any of you dumb humor lovers out there...perhaps you don't understand the significance of the name, but if you've ever seen Zoolander...just roll the name schmermund off your tongue the same way Zoolander says, "Mer-MAN...Mer-MAN!"
SCHMER-MUND! SCHMER-MUND!
It was green ice night in honor of St. Patricks day. Thus the green tinge to the below photos. We took nephew Nick with us and had a marvy time. I'm sad that we won't be around to cheer the Winterhawks on next year.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Pinch me...its real.
Mr. Chucklehead
is
a
warrant
officer.
Its true...I know...I know...we've been waiting almost a year for the Army to finally get their "shtuff" in order and its finally happened.
Today he was given his oath of office, entered the Active Duty Reserves and now awaits appointment to the class in Ft. Huachuca, AZ.
We immediately booked tickets to AZ in April to go visit and scout out the location. Now I have to pack, clean, sort, organize. Gaaaah. Please remind me that I am happy about this when I'm stressed out from the work it takes to move a household.
Really...the most important thing I want you to know is that I am SO PROUD of my soldier.
Sunday, March 09, 2008
Cruella has a boyfriend.
As much as I hate it, I find myself drawn to the drama created in my life by Cruella DeVille. The newest installment includes her very very friendly attitude toward Mr. Chucklehead and myself.
I knew something was up when she invited us INTO HER HOUSE.
The woman who tried to run me over with her car and swore she would slit my throat if she ever caught me out on a dark night alone wanted us to enter her domain like old friends? She even specifically said, "You can bring her in with you."
Now, granted she didn't utter these words directly to us. She relayed them through a female friend she had over at her house. Mr. Chucklehead had known this friend for awhile...maybe this was a showing of good will and friendship just for the benefit of the friend? (No, I can take nothing for granted...not even an offer of kindness when it comes to Cruella.)
Regardless...
We refused, of course...it would have set a precedence of me having to invite her into my house...Heaven forbid I ever have to have that kind of discomfort in my life and besides...I'm much too shallow right now for that kind of test of character... Can you imagine?
"Cruella - would you like a glass of water or tea?" (muwahaha...I can spit in this if I want.) "Sure, Cruella you can use my bathroom." (She's probably snooping in my medicine cabinet...how much of her purse can I look through before she gets back?)
Yes, I admit it...she brings out the very worst in me....that sordid fascination with who this woman is...why Mr. Chucklehead was married to her for so long...How did she become such a huge part of MY LIFE??? (although...I don't think I would really go through her purse...I'd be much too nervous she'd catch me.)
Then, the answer to our unspoken question comes...
Cruella has a boyfriend.
Dating 2 months...she thinks it serious. Wanted us to know since he'll be spending a lot of time with the kids.
Praise the Lord. She's got a boyfriend. Dare I hope the drama will stop for awhile?
I knew something was up when she invited us INTO HER HOUSE.
The woman who tried to run me over with her car and swore she would slit my throat if she ever caught me out on a dark night alone wanted us to enter her domain like old friends? She even specifically said, "You can bring her in with you."
Now, granted she didn't utter these words directly to us. She relayed them through a female friend she had over at her house. Mr. Chucklehead had known this friend for awhile...maybe this was a showing of good will and friendship just for the benefit of the friend? (No, I can take nothing for granted...not even an offer of kindness when it comes to Cruella.)
Regardless...
We refused, of course...it would have set a precedence of me having to invite her into my house...Heaven forbid I ever have to have that kind of discomfort in my life and besides...I'm much too shallow right now for that kind of test of character... Can you imagine?
"Cruella - would you like a glass of water or tea?" (muwahaha...I can spit in this if I want.) "Sure, Cruella you can use my bathroom." (She's probably snooping in my medicine cabinet...how much of her purse can I look through before she gets back?)
Yes, I admit it...she brings out the very worst in me....that sordid fascination with who this woman is...why Mr. Chucklehead was married to her for so long...How did she become such a huge part of MY LIFE??? (although...I don't think I would really go through her purse...I'd be much too nervous she'd catch me.)
Then, the answer to our unspoken question comes...
Cruella has a boyfriend.
Dating 2 months...she thinks it serious. Wanted us to know since he'll be spending a lot of time with the kids.
Praise the Lord. She's got a boyfriend. Dare I hope the drama will stop for awhile?
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Urban Ninja
Funniest thing I've seen in a long time. If only I'd known this profession was an option. :)
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Go HAWKS!
I love hockey. I've always loved hockey. My first experience with it was with my friend Jody Knisple and her grandmother. Her grandmother was a big fan. I probably went to 10 games with them in my preteen years. After that Jody and I didn't hang out much anymore...different friends, different interests, but I always still had a place in my heart for hockey.Especially the fighting.
So, fast forward to meeting Mr. Chucklehead. Guess who is a hockey fan? He gets press passes through his photography business. What a great **free** way to spend an evening!
Saturday night it was the Hawks against the Seattle Thunderbirds. The Hawks played TERRIBLE...all except one player - White - #34. He stopped 66 successive shots on goal. That should tell you two things...
1. The defense was awful to allow 66 shots on goal and,
2. Jordan White was a one man show.
Yes - White broke the record for most blocked shots on goal. Yeah #34! It was a terribly exciting game...and they had at least two spectacular fights.
There is just something about a couple of hockey players throwing off their gloves, taking off their helmets and beating each other up. I think it plays to my aggressive competitive side.
Tonight the gme was not so hot. They lost again...against the Vancouver Giants...7 to 2.
There wasn't even a good fight.
Oh well - the next game is Friday night against Tri-City. They are good. Really good. Its also cancer awareness night - they are turning the ice PINK.
If you can't win you might as well have pink ice. Go HAWKS!
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Til' we meet again.
President Gordon B. Hinckley passed away a couple of days ago. He was the prophet of the LDS Church and I have a very fond place in my heart for this sweet loving man.
I remember the day I first saw him. Unlike the superstar musicians of my youth that I screamed and cried and shoved to get closer to, I stood in awe at this celebrity of a different type. He was with his wife, Marjorie and I mostly remember how much he loved her. He showed it without worry of public attention, holding her hand, guiding her arm and loving caresses.
I remember that he spoke of tolerance, kindness and Christian living. I think I loved most about him that he demanded that true "saints" back up their words with actions. Something that so many of us fall short of at one time or another.
I love his smile, his short stature and his quick laugh.
I do not know this man. I never went to his home, broke bread with him or walked down a street in his company, but I would not call him a stranger and he has changed my life.
I read the biographies, the memorials, the tributes, the stories found on www.lds.org but the comment I found that most echoed my own sentiments was this,
"President Hinckley had the gift to make people want to do better and to feel that they could...For me, he raised the standard of what it is to be a disciple of Jesus Christ, giving all." President Henry B. Eyring
How piddly the things I worry about seem when I dwell on the work of this great man. Spiritual giant of the world...friend of all religions...admired by millions...loved by all who have taken the time to know him.
Til' we meet again, dear friend. Til' we meet again.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Snow Day
"Mrs C, can you come here for a minute?"
I looked at him warily...Mr. C had been in the mood lately for doing things that made me nervous like jumping out at me and tickling.
"Please? I promise, just for a second."
I stood and walked to where he stood near the front door. He turned the handle and opened the door.
I gasped. "Its beautiful."
And there we stood for the next few minutes watching the snow fall...our late weird weather Pacific Northwest January snowfall. The streets were white, the night silent, the cold air rushed around our bare legs and we just watched the fat flakes float down and for me, the world was at peace.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Beach Weekend
Dead Man's Cove - Near Cape Disappointment, WA
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Fort Stevens, OR - Playing in an old army jeep
The Living History role players at Fort Canby. We learned all about World War 2.
Cape Disappointment Lighthouse - anything but a disappointment. What a beautiful view!
Watching the tankers coming down the Columbia River in Astoria's Maritime Museum.
Errrr...is that a TORPEDO you are sitting on?
My serious cowboys...
The SUPERSTAR family! Playing around in Seaside, OR.
Fort Stevens, OR - Playing in an old army jeep
The Living History role players at Fort Canby. We learned all about World War 2.
Cape Disappointment Lighthouse - anything but a disappointment. What a beautiful view!
Watching the tankers coming down the Columbia River in Astoria's Maritime Museum.
Errrr...is that a TORPEDO you are sitting on?
My serious cowboys...
The SUPERSTAR family! Playing around in Seaside, OR.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
THR vs RPE...
I'm having a problem. I am exercising daily at an average of 60 min/day cardio + strength training.
What Sparkpeople tells me is to eat 1800-2100 calories! WOW...thats a lot more than I'm currently consuming. I have lots of questions about that, but I'm going to save this topic for another day and perhaps a nutritionist?
The problem that I'm having has to do with my exercise. I started looking into what the "optimum" way to maximize the results of the exercise and after much reading I am as confused as ever.
First there is a Target Heart Rate (THR). For me...the zone is about 112 to 149. then there is Borg's Rate of Perceived Exertion Level (RPE). This is the way you FEEL when you exercise...how hard are you actually working and is often shown by a 1-10 scale.
So, lately, following the THR method, when I exercise I feel good...Heart rate monitor shows between 130 and 145 usually. Muscles are warm, breathing is slightly labored...but I'm not "exerting" myself. I don't feel like I'm doing ENOUGH. I should be sweating and breathing hard and muscles burning by the end of it...
Right?
I'm such a health idiot...really...I've had bad information fed me for so long (thanks to poor image magazines...be skinny by eating NOTHING!) and such a poor understanding of what my body should and should not be able to do that I'm confused on whether I'm doing what I should be doing or on if I'm being a total slacker.
That being said...they say that the talk test is also a good indicator...you should be able to carry on a conversation and still breathe comfortably
(i can do that!)
...but you should not be able to sing.
(haven't tried this yet!)
So - the questions continue...the confusion is still here. I have a personal trainer small group meeting tonight. I think I will pose these questions and see if I can't feel better about all that time spent exercising!
What Sparkpeople tells me is to eat 1800-2100 calories! WOW...thats a lot more than I'm currently consuming. I have lots of questions about that, but I'm going to save this topic for another day and perhaps a nutritionist?
The problem that I'm having has to do with my exercise. I started looking into what the "optimum" way to maximize the results of the exercise and after much reading I am as confused as ever.
First there is a Target Heart Rate (THR). For me...the zone is about 112 to 149. then there is Borg's Rate of Perceived Exertion Level (RPE). This is the way you FEEL when you exercise...how hard are you actually working and is often shown by a 1-10 scale.
So, lately, following the THR method, when I exercise I feel good...Heart rate monitor shows between 130 and 145 usually. Muscles are warm, breathing is slightly labored...but I'm not "exerting" myself. I don't feel like I'm doing ENOUGH. I should be sweating and breathing hard and muscles burning by the end of it...
Right?
I'm such a health idiot...really...I've had bad information fed me for so long (thanks to poor image magazines...be skinny by eating NOTHING!) and such a poor understanding of what my body should and should not be able to do that I'm confused on whether I'm doing what I should be doing or on if I'm being a total slacker.
That being said...they say that the talk test is also a good indicator...you should be able to carry on a conversation and still breathe comfortably
(i can do that!)
...but you should not be able to sing.
(haven't tried this yet!)
So - the questions continue...the confusion is still here. I have a personal trainer small group meeting tonight. I think I will pose these questions and see if I can't feel better about all that time spent exercising!
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Hoorah for Birthday Rollovers
A comment brought the birthday rollover story to mind. Its such a classic that I thought it needed to be documented for family history purposes. Besides...everyone needs a good laugh every once in a while.
So, it starts in Bear Lake, Idaho last summer. BIG family reunion - all my siblings, step siblings and parents plus children staying at a vacation cabin. It was a blast. 40+ people and a private beach, gorgeous lawn and our very own golf cart to zoom around in.
We had a cabin, but most everyone chose to stay in a tent on the lawn. One morning as we all sat around the front of our tents in our camp chairs discussing this and that we had quite the laugh. My oldest sister J--A (names are removed to protect the embarassed) crawled out of her tent to a resounding tune of Happy Birthday to you! Happy birthday to you!
She graciously accepted our well wishes and made herself comfortable in her own camp chair. Not long after, her husband J--N also crawled out of the tent...and made this announcement, "Well, J--A...I hope you enjoyed your birthday rollover."
Silence.
And then it started...gut splitting, bend over, hold your belly laughter. Not a dry eye in the circle. Part of it was J--A's face when he said it. Mostly it was just the comment itself.
The explanation of what he meant has never fully sufficed...something about being the one to rollover all night long with sweet baby E--R. Apparently she fussed all night long and as a birthday gift to his wife he's been the one to "rollover" and care for her.
Forever more there shall be a place in my heart that shouts, "Hoorah for birthday rollovers!"
So, it starts in Bear Lake, Idaho last summer. BIG family reunion - all my siblings, step siblings and parents plus children staying at a vacation cabin. It was a blast. 40+ people and a private beach, gorgeous lawn and our very own golf cart to zoom around in.
We had a cabin, but most everyone chose to stay in a tent on the lawn. One morning as we all sat around the front of our tents in our camp chairs discussing this and that we had quite the laugh. My oldest sister J--A (names are removed to protect the embarassed) crawled out of her tent to a resounding tune of Happy Birthday to you! Happy birthday to you!
She graciously accepted our well wishes and made herself comfortable in her own camp chair. Not long after, her husband J--N also crawled out of the tent...and made this announcement, "Well, J--A...I hope you enjoyed your birthday rollover."
Silence.
And then it started...gut splitting, bend over, hold your belly laughter. Not a dry eye in the circle. Part of it was J--A's face when he said it. Mostly it was just the comment itself.
The explanation of what he meant has never fully sufficed...something about being the one to rollover all night long with sweet baby E--R. Apparently she fussed all night long and as a birthday gift to his wife he's been the one to "rollover" and care for her.
Forever more there shall be a place in my heart that shouts, "Hoorah for birthday rollovers!"
Monday, January 14, 2008
One measly little pound
Humph....worked my buns off and weighed in one measly little pound thinner this week.
Grump...so I did extra today.
snarl...60 minutes of yoga class this morning
growl...45 minutes on the elliptical
740 calories burned
And now I have to climb my stairs up and down 7 times.
Thats 98 stairs total. I'll add two more for an even 100.
That scale better be down further next Monday.
Grump...so I did extra today.
snarl...60 minutes of yoga class this morning
growl...45 minutes on the elliptical
740 calories burned
And now I have to climb my stairs up and down 7 times.
Thats 98 stairs total. I'll add two more for an even 100.
That scale better be down further next Monday.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Thursday, January 10, 2008
TESTING...1...2...3... TESTING.
I just discovered that my comments link was disabled when I switched my page template...sigh...and I though ya'll just didn't love me anymore.
Its back on and now you can comment to your hearts content.
Its back on and now you can comment to your hearts content.
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
B...b...b...babies?
MC had a vasectomy reversal today. Talk about painful...but we DID it!!!!!!! (Thats the eternal "we" as in I was there supporting and feeling appropriately sick about those big needles poking and prodding.) I couldn't believe the way nurses just jab with needles...gaaah. It really was disturbing.
MC is asleep right now...been loopy all day from the med cocktail they gave him...he was so brave...he was pretty nervous this AM...I could tell...it was a bag of mixed feelings for both of us.. His mood would go from playful to thoughtful then sad then back to happy....
When he had the "numbing solution" injected in I thought he was going to pass out...instead between large intakes of air to try and keep the pain minimized he squeaked out, "One is not enough...for this kind of pain you better want at least two kids...got it." Our nurse thought that was hilarious.
In his drugged dazed conciousness MC remembers the doctor talking about his swimmers...saying they looked healthy and "ready to rumble." I talked to the doc afterward and he basically said the same thing...I was hoping for him to use the term, "ready to rumble" but he didn't.
Then he handed me the post-op at home care sheet and I read these words, "If you do not acheive pregnancy in 3-4 months please reschedule an appointment to test the validity of the sperm."
My stomach dropped...it became real...THREE to FOUR months?! Suddenly I couldn't think straight...I mean, I know that we don't have to start trying for children immediately...
We had this done now more because MC is at that point where waiting longer reduces his chances of everything working right by like 30%...
Suddenly I was stopped dead in my tracks and all those fears...did we do the right thing? Are we too old? Did we think this through well enough?
Another mixture of feelings...happy, nervous, worried, happy...happy...happy.
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Biggest Loser
Its 2008. This is the time of year when gym memberships increase and people swear to get rid of that spare tire around their middle or the tone that cellulite on their thighs...
Me, I'm part of Sparkpeople. Its a free online calorie and exercise tracking log as well as a support network. I'm really excited because next week starts the BIGGEST LOSER Challenges for my sparkpeople teams.
Biggest Loser is a tv show that I'm a little addicted to. I love seeing the transformation of these people on the show. I know its not realistic unless you've got the dietician, 8 hours of exercise/day and your own personal doctor and staff watching out for you...but really...there has to be a dedication on the part of the participant too.
Plus...I love BOB and JILLIAN. Bob is like the kind trainer...he's softer and gentler and trains by example. Jillian is the pusher...she yells and demands and doesn't accept no for an answer, but you always have this feeling that its because she wants whats best for you and she KNOWS you can reach a goal.
I would LOVE to be on this show...but instead...I have sparkpeople.
I'm in two challenges this next quarter.
1. PINK TEAM - PINK SHRINKERS - I'm the captain and there are about 37 team members...Gaaah! Thats a lot. But it should be fun. By week 3-4 there are usually about 1/3 that drop out or disappear because they aren't totally dedicated. This is an 8 week challenge and I hope to drop 16 pounds by the end of it.
2. Purple Pound Punchers - This is a new team for me...they are crazy. I log on once or maybe twice per day and there are 5 pages of posts that I have to catch up to. They are also very motivating. This challenge is 12 full weeks. I'm hoping to be down 24 more pounds by the end of it.
I'm really excited. I've been waiting for these teams to get started so I could feel that same motivation that I had last year. I've got my exercise plan in place...my nutrition plan in place...this should be a good year for me to be the biggest loser.
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