Ramblings

I put together some assorted pics from the last couple of days.  We found out that Hawkeye howls.  He howled at a cop show's siren.  Then, we howled and he joined us.  We did this a couple of times, until I realized how SAD the sound was.  It's like he's crying.  I couldn't stand it, so I put a stop to it.  What a lonesome sound it was.

Today, I left for work in BAD fog.  It happens a lot here by the river.  I usually like it, unless it prevents me from seeing at a bad intersection.  Today, the worst intersection was below the fog.  It made for some pretty pictures, and all I do is set the camera on the steering wheel and click randomly.  Out of 8 pictures, I got 4 good ones.  Not bad for not trying.

I am so moody and depressed and worried about hurricane victims.  We have customers who have lost everything.  Home, studio...everything but their lives.  We are down to only 2 that we haven't heard from.  I don't know what to do.  I can't afford to donate money, don't have enough time to donate, either.  I want to do something, but all I can do is pray.  Pray I will.  I am so thankful to have my home and family safe.

I hope everyone is well.  I can't afford gas, but I have a job to get to, and a home to return to, so I'll suck it up, lay off the extras, and buy gas.

Sunday's jet, Monday's Birthday

Went to Texas yesterday.  It was my first time on the company jet.  All leather and white carpet, so shoes come off at the door.  They serve wine on the way home, but white wine only (doesn't stain.)  It was nice, and I enjoyed walking up to stick my head in the cockpit.  The pilots are awesome about explaining all of the gadgets.  There are switches and gauges in every free inch of space.  Amazing.  Got home by 9 to tuck the girls in...Natalie's last night as a 7 year old. :(

This morning, I awoke early to make brownies for Natalie to take to school.  They were barely out of the oven when it was time to go.  I dropped the girls and the brownies off at mom's house, and asked mom to cut up the brownies when they cooled.  Then I was off to work.  Mom emailed me a short time later to tell me that Natalie didn't have her backpack.

A kid can get in trouble for not having papers that are due.  Missing a recess is not unheard of.  All I could picture was poor Natalie, missing recess on her birthday.  I emailed the teacher, claiming responsibility for the forgotten bag.  Natalie was helping me carry coffee, diet coke, brownies, and other crap to the van.  The teacher answered and said that she was ok, Natalie could bring it tomorrow.  THANK YOU TEACHER LADY!

Tonight, I left an hour early to start the evening.  I went by the store for Natalie's dinner of choice (frozen pizza with a cheese stuffed crust) and the cake fixin's.  Kevin met me at the store (he works next door) and took the frozen goods home, as well as starting the cake.  We had a normal evening.  Brett usually works 8-12, but tonight he worked 4-8, so he was able to join us for cake and ice cream.  Awesome.  I love it when everyone is together.

It was a good day.  I am sad that my baby is so old.  I remember the night I had her, waking up to hear that Lady Di had been killed in a car accident.  I remember the bottles and diapers and sweet, sweet smiles.  I remember her fine, baby hair growing in so slowly (it's still thin and fine.)  I remember the hugs and cuddles (those still happen!)  I love you, Natalie Kay.  You're my baby girl, and always will be.

::sniff sniff::  I need to cry.  See ya'll later!

A good day!

We had a blast, but it's after 11:00 and I have to fly to Texas for work tomorrow afternoon.  I gotta get some sleep, but I'll post about the concert later.  Or not.  The pictures tell most of it.  We're broke, tired, sunburned, and happy.  It was good.

YA'LLAPALOOZA 10

Well, I have something that is gnawing at me, but first, something else.

Thank you.  Thanks to everyone that commented on my boring life.  It was the most comments I've ever had on an entry, and it made me gloat a bit.  Thanks.

Now, Ya'llapalooza.  There is a concert tomorrow night that I want to attend.  Last year, my dear husband took me to see Trace Adkins (hubba hubba) and we scored 4 tickets to Ya'llapalooza while we were there.  There are drawings and giveaways constantly.  I was sick as a dog, but the girls enjoyed it, Kevin tolerated it, and it was a great time, other than the sinus infection.

This year, I can't win tickets to save my ass.  I tried every contest, every call-in, everything.  It ain't happenin'.  Tonight, Natalie made it clear that she wants to go for her birthday (Monday) no matter what.  Even if it's all we can afford (and it would be.)  It's her wish, and please please please can we go.  Well....

Kevin won't be interested.  He doesn't care for country music.  Monica was on board, then thought about it and decided she'd rather spend the afternoon with her daddy.  Brett has to work.  I IM'd mom.  She might want to go...we'll see.

I could get a ticket for Natalie and me, and spend $30, plus a Tshirt or something.  Mom is probably in, unless something comes up.  I can afford it, and I want to do it.  I was gonna type all about the controversy, but I've talked myself into it.  If Kevin is OK with it (he's asleep right now) then we'll go.  Me and Natalie, and hopefully Mom.  It'll be a blast.  Weather is supposed to be perfect, and I will try to buy Natalie a Tshirt or something.  If we make it 'til the end (Please Natalie, stay awake) we'll see Montgomery Gentry.....cool.  If not, I'll see a lot of newer acts that I've been wanting to see.

OK, now it's up to Kevin, but he always tells me to do what I want.  I think I'm going!  Pictures to come!

A Day in the Life

All right, here it is.  My week-day life lying there like a buffet. It's long, it's boring (to others) but it's all there.  Nothing left other than TV and posting to my journal.  Anyone else have the guts to get this detailed?  I'd love to hear about your day.  Is it more exciting than mine?  More organized?  Longer commute (1 hour each way)?  Come on, let me have it!

Tomorrow's post

I have plans for a journal entry.  I planned to do it today, but work got away from me.  I plan to post tomorrow, with a photographic look at my day.  I'll take a series of pictures throughout my day, and post them here tomorrow, to show my boring life.  There is stress, and excitement, but let's face it, it's a pretty low-key, normal existance.  I think it'll be fun to let you all get a glimpse at my workplace and life, to explain the things I have posted, and will post in the future.  It may bore you to death, but I'll take a shot.  If all goes well, it'll be here tomorrow evening.

various, assorted crap, and news on the A/C

Well, the insurance folks have no contractors around this area.  That is good news, since we get to pick one!  That means, we call the original guy, and insurance covers it.  WoooHooo!  Maybe he can be out early next week.  The weather will be bearable until then, so it's all good...as long as mom's dryer holds up.

Last night, some cool storms moved through, North of us.  That's where a lot of the pictures came from.  The clouds at the end were the ones in front of me on my evening commute.  I found crescent rolls in a basket, an elephant, a rooster, a mushroom cloud, and a scary clown.  By the time I remembered my camera, the images that I saw were gone.  At least it filled my time, stuck in traffic.

I think we'll be ok.  No, I KNOW we'll be ok.  I just worry sometimes.  I worry ALL the time.  Come on, cool air, I'm ready for ya!

Gotta work tomorrow.  August is awfully early to start this nonsense, but it'll help pay the electrician, so I'm ok with it.  OT typically starts after Labor Day.  I'm glad for the money, and a husband who'll take good care of my kids.  Bring it on, busy season, I can take whatever you've got.  BWAAAHAAAHAAHAAAAA!!!!

::shuddering:: I'm worried about busy season.  Shhh, don't tell.

The thick plottens...or the plot thickens

Well, life kinda sucks sometimes, and you gotta roll with it.  The elecrician guy came back out tonight.  Told us what the problems was.  It's nothing he did.  It's between the main fuse box and the 220 fuse box.  The electrical surge or failure burned something in there.  His charge to fix it?  $750.  Our deductible if we have someone else fix it?  $55.  Yeah, we'll wait.

This sucks.  It's hot, we're miserable, can't sleep or relax, have to wait for another electrician.  Still no a/c.  Still no dryer.  Still wondering why life can be so unjust.  I have a lot going for me.  I have a great job and a wonderful family.  Many people do not have that.  Still, I can't help but wonder "why me?" when this crap happens.

I'm too sad/moody to keep going.  A bake-sale/lemonade stand will be coming soon, to pay for the crap that needs fixed around here.  Come hungry.

Pissed off, err, I mean, slightly miffed

OK, I can accept that my dryer died when the electrical fiasco happened.  Even though Dad and Kevin couldn't find a SINGLE.THING.WRONG.  I can accept that.  I'll pay someone to look at it.  I can't afford it until the weekend, since I just paid an electrician $150, but I'll do it.  I can accept it.  It doesn't work.  OK.  FINE, DAMMIT!

Tonight it was hot.  Not horribly, awfully hot, but Kevin was mowing and it was hot.  I told Brett to turn on the AC and close the windows.  He did.  When I got home, it still felt hot in here.  Thermostat showed 85, trying to cool to 78.  OK, it hasn't been more than an hour, I can deal.  2 hours later, I checked...85, trying to cool to 78.  Ummm, problem?  Kevin called me outside (when he was done mowing) and said "Listen."  The AC was humming, but not running. 

The dryer uses 120 to turn, 220 to heat.  The A/C uses 120 to blow air, 220 to get cold.  Seeing the link?  My 220 isn't working.  Those are the ONLY two things that use 220.  Kevin checked all the fuses and lugs and they are all new.  We even replaced the good ones!  Nothing.  The electrician guy was called...and wasn't cool.  He was aloof and cocky and told us to do things we've already done.  Thanks, butthead.

Now we have to tuck tail and call the insurance company, to see what they suggest.  This guy was great, on a weekend, and the price wasn't horrid.  But if it's not right, screw it!  I'm so frustrated.  My mother has been more than gracious...allowing me to dry laundry there, then pick it up an hour later.  I've left some to be done, and she's guided the girls through switching loads and folding it.  She's been more than patient.  I'm sick of it.

I want my dryer to work.  I want my a/c to work.  I want someone to do what they were paid to do.  Oh yeah, speaking of paid...the electrician dude cashed my check at the bank first thing Monday morning.  Didn't deposit it, cashed it.  Short on cash, loser?

I am mad, and frustrated and PISSED OFF!  I want satisfaction.  I want dry clothes, I want cold a/c.  I want what I want when I want it.  I guess I'll tuck tail and call the insurance company tomorrow.  Damn.

Kids start school tomorrow.  That's good.  Everyone is enrolled, with all the right paperwork in place.  That's good.  Nope, it ain't workin'.  I'm pissed.  See ya later, when I'm not screaming bad words.

Joys of homeownership

What an exciting weekend we've had.  Kevin and I were watching TV yesterday evening, when we heard a pop and a sizzle sound.  It had been storming, but was only raining and windy at the time.  We looked at each other and discussed how a power line might have been blown around or something.  All electricity was on.

As we sat there, the TV started acting weird.  Almost like it was trying to go off, but couldn't.  Then my computer went off.  That'll tick a girl OFF right there!  Kevin went outside to look around (in the rain) and said "call the electric company, honey."  Behind the meter, there was a black spot on the house siding!  ACK!  That worried the heck out of me.  By the time Kevin came back in, half the house was without power, including the aquarium, refrigerator, and a/c.  At least it wasn't hot.

The guy came out, and when he grabbed the meter, there was another sizzle/zap type sound and sparks.  He climbed up the ladder and cut the lines where they go into the house.  After taking the meter off, he saw the problem.  When they sided the house, they never secured the meter box to the house.  This allowed it to move slightly and it shorted out a wire.  If we hadn't been home, the house may have burned down.  I count that a major blessing.

The two electricians in town that we know about were gone for the weekend.  We called a heating/cooling guy that we know of, to see if he could do it.  He couldn't, but he gave us another number to call.  This guy said he could be here this morning, so we settled in for a night of camping out.  It's a good thing I like candles!  We sat a while, then went to bed early out of boredom.  What an electrical family we are.

The early bedtime caused us to wake up early, and it was raining, so boredom was back.  Brett walked the dog, the girls argued and played, and Kevin and I felt sorry for ourselves for a while.  The guy came and fixed it, then the electric company dude came and put the meter back on.  Shortly before noon, we had power.  I checked my email instantly.

We thought there was a problem, since the dryer wouldn't work, but the problem was a fuse thingie (lug?) so it was fixed easily by Kevin.  Now the kids have TV's, stereos and video games, we have our computers and TV, and life is good.  Now to enjoy some chili and relax!

Oh, and it could have been worse financially, too.  It was a total of $149.40.  We also have a homebuyers warranty that might pay most of it back to us, but I can't find out until tomorrow.  Yeah, we're lucky...it's just hard to feel lucky when you pay out $150 that you hadn't planned on!

::edit-9:30::

Well, as they say, when it rains, it pours.  My dryer isn't working.  Dad and Kevin took it apart and checked every connection, every element, every wire.  Electricity is getting to EVERY wire and the element is fine.  No reason, just not getting hot...it's turning, but not hot.  Probably associated with the power problem, but who knows.  Thanks to mom, I got two loads dried tonight.  More money leaving my  bank. :(

The lice are back.  Just tiny ones, so I missed some eggs somewhere.  They can't lay eggs until they're adults, so we did her hair again to kill these, and will use the nit comb nightly.  I spent 45 minutes with that blasted comb tonight, clipping back sections of hair as I finished them.  It's horrible and boring, and she has a tender head.  She handled it like a champ, though.  If the eggs and nits aren't all gone, she can't go to school.  :(

I'm tired, grumpy, and beyond broke.  Damn. 

Sick dogs and vet bills

 

Well, the dog didn't get any better.  If anything, he got worse.  He puked and, well, crapped, the whole time Kevin had him out this morning.  That was enough.  He took Hawkeye to the vet this afternoon.  He has an intestinal infection.  Great, this dog just got a lot more expensive.  The vet bill, shots, and take-home meds totalled $106.  O.U.C.H.

I hope this works.  Now we're feeding him rice.  Yes, I said rice.  The vet has me cooking for a dog.  I don't cook for my kids!  OK, yeah I do, but sheesh!  I hope this fixes him.  If it doesn't, when do you cut your losses?  He really is a cool dog.  At least this might explain his "accidents."

stuffNstuff

Well, here is some stuff.  Nothin' interesting, just stuff. 

Mom and the girls left for the state fair today.  I awoke at 5:15 to the girls, standing by the bed, fully dressed, wearing fanny packs full of gear..."Can we go now?  What time do we leave?  Is it time?"  Yeah, what a great thing to wake up to.  They called tonight, and are having a ball.  They've eaten at least 3 corn dogs each.

My dog is sick.  I don't know if it's from the worming and shots, or if 6 days later is too late for that.  He's puking and having the craps.  I don't know what to do.  Maybe Kevin will take him to the vet tomorrow afternoon.  I hope he's ok.  I don't want to give up on this dog.  He's cool.  After Brett cleaned up puke this afternoon, we put him out on the chain, then on the back porch, then inside.  When we went onto the back porch, leaving him in here alone, he puked twice.  WTH?  You're fine when we're in here, but puke when we're gone?  HELL NO!  He's sleeping on the back porch tonight.

I don't want rid of him, but I can't have a puking shit machine.  I don't know what to do.  We'll ride it out for a few days and see what happens.  We have until next Saturday to decide if we're keeping him.  If not, we get our money back.  It's a win-win situation.  I really want to keep Hawkeye.  Anyone got any ideas?

Well, it's time for bed.  I hope ya'll are happy and healthy and thriving.  There is still a war raging, but the shuttle landed safely.  I'm trying to balance the bad with the good.  Peace out!

Reading Blogs

Well, I'm tired, so I hope this entry makes sense.

Once upon a time, Mom would see a dog sniffing around a light post, or car tire, or something, and she'd say "he's just reading his mail."  The idea is pretty clear.  Dogs pee on things at night, then other dogs sniff around the next morning to see who's been there.  They're reading mail left by other dogs, right?

I have changed that saying.  When I walk Hawkeye (he's not Brock any more, he's Hawkeye, and it's more fitting.) he has to sniff a lot.  Most male dogs will sniff, then send mail right back.  Not Hawkeye.  He sniffs everything out there, but seldom pees.  He's not reading mail, he's reading blogs.

Some folks reply to every post they see.  Some folks reply only when they understand the entry, or have a similar story.  Others, like Hawkeye, only reply when it moves them deeply.  He reads all of the doggie blogs when we walk at night, but only replies to a few.  Those must be VERY interesting entries.  I mean, he reads SO many blogs (has them on favorites?) but only replies to 1 or 2 of the 20.  Those must be his best blog buddies.

I sit here and surf while Hawkeye sleeps peacefully over there.  I know that I read a lot of blogs, and only comment on a few.  He has the same philosophy.  Read a bunch, comment on a few.  Yup, that's me and Hawkeye.  We're choosing to use discretion.  Good dog, Hawkeye.

The story

Follow the link (the title) for the reason behind this entry:

Whiskers' Big Adventure

Once upon a time, there was a little mouse named Whiskers. Whiskers led a quiet, simple life and had everything a mouse could need. The people had left a nice little cabin in the woods where he was almost always alone. There was plenty to eat, since the big animal’s food was in easy reach.

When the people and the big animal came to the cabin, Whiskers would hide away quietly in the corner. He knew that they would leave in the morning, and he would have his privacy back.

One day, after hiding plenty of food away for a midday snack, Whiskers decided to take a nap. He hid away and fell fast asleep. Before long, the plastic above him moved, and he awoke groggily to bright sunlight and shrieking! Before he could react, the plastic was swatting at him. He was so frightened, he ran deeper into the plastic and laid perfectly still, hoping the nightmare would end.

He was jostled around until he found himself in a rumbling, loud thing. He was lifted high into the air and felt a breeze. When the fear slipped away, he realized that he was having fun! He climbed out of the plastic to feel the wind in his fur. It was great fun, and he was high above the people and the big animal.

When the rumbling thing stopped, the people shrieked and moved the plastic again. This was his chance! Whiskers jumped to the ground and ran faster than he’d ever run before! He saw a big tree and decided to take a chance. He’d climbed before, but never this high! He climbed for all he was worth, and gazed down in amazement at the scene below.

He knew that he was safe now, and the adventure was over. He also knew that, if he found his way back to the cabin, he’d never sleep under the big plastic again. It was simply too dangerous. Maybe he should just move into that house over there. Yeah, the house…

The End

Happy Birthday indeed!

__________________

For Kevin's birthday, his mom offered to pay most of the cost of adopting a rescued dog.  He's wanted a dog for a long time, so we made plans to go find one today.  I gave him all the accessories needed to get started, as well as a CD he's been wanting and some favorite snacks and goodies.

Today, we headed to the city to hit some shelters and maybe a Petco or two.  On the way, we stopped at Feldman's to get some fence posts to put up a dog pen.  While at Feldman's, we heard barking.  Huh???  There were folks there with dogs for adoption!  We checked them all out, but Kevin and I both kept doubling back to Brock.

Brock is an 18 month old Australian Shepherd mix.  He has one ear up and one down, and was more calm than the other dogs.  He would lie down and lay his head in my lap.  The attitude and temperment seemed just right, and we both agreed that there was no need to look further.  We paid the adoption fees (which included neutering, shots, heartworm test (negative) and all medications.  They placed his rabies tag on his collar and he was all ours!

He was so good on the ride home.  He would stand up and look out the van windows when we stopped, then lay back down when we took off again.  He has explored the house, watered my flowers, and is now lying in the floor by the couch where Kevin is.  I think this is going to work out just fine.  If it doesn't, however, we have two weeks to decide.  If, within two weeks we take him back, we get our money back.

Kevin's birthday wasn't all bad after all!

The Roller Coaster that IS my life!

Well, I promised an entry about the party, so I'll start there.  The party was awesome.  Everyone had a good time, and several folks showed up that I really didn't expect.  It was great to hang out, eat, play volleyball and airhockey, and visit.  On Monday, everyone who attended from work told me that they had a good time.  My camera was wigging out, so there are no pics...sorry.

Monday was the first, which means statements.  Yuck.  I had to be up before 4 to leave by 4:30 to be at work by 5:30.  Statements went a bit ugly, but it was straightened out in short order.  Yes, I pulled someone's ass out of the FIRE by closely watching their crap.  Loser.  You owe me.  I left early to lose the OT (yeah, that sucks, too) and took the kids to get library cards.  What a fiasco.  Oh, we got the cards all right, but the rainman-type lady working there had me worried.  Yap Yap Yap this, Yap yap Yap that.  Sheesh, shut up and give me some books already!

Tuesday and Wednesday were just as frustrating.  More messes (not mine) for me to clean up.  Great!  Today is Kevin's Bday, so we were set to make it a good one.  We've been married for 10 years, and 9 of those years have proven a horrible or stressful Bday for Kevin.  I was determined to make this one good.  Yeahright.

The girls went to bed early so they could see him this morning.  They did real well, and I woke them at 4:45.  They watched him open his gifts, then he went to work, saying "if the rest of the day sucks, it's already worth it.  All of my girls sat with me this morning."  His mom, myself, and both girls were there, watching, and that made him happy.  Boy, was I glad he said that.  Yeah, glad.

This afternoon, Linda found lice on Natalie.  CRAP!  I haven't dealt with this for years.  I don't take it lightly.  Lice. Must. Die.  Kevin got a call, on his BIRTHDAY, to stop at Walmart.  Yeah Honey, your daughter has lice, now we must work all night.  Happy Birthday, Honey.  He bought the stuff.

Linda cooked an awesome dinner for him, but it waited while we did the lice removal gig.  I took care of the girls while Kevin sprayed the furniture, beds and pillows.  Linda kept dinner warm and Brett did laundry.  One at a time, we all completed the multi-step process to rid ourselves of the nasty creatures.

From the combing, we found out that nobody else had them.  Just Natalie.  I don't care.  We'll repeat the process in 10 days, all of us.  I will NOT take chances with this crap.  I shouldn't admit such a crappy situation in public like this, but it's part of my life, and you signed up for the whole story when you started reading this crap months ago.

After the fiasco, we had an awesome cake (thanks Linda) and now we're gonna watch Big Brother (which we taped earlier).  Life is ok.  Nah, life is good.  To hell with head lice.  I can kill them...I've done it before.  6 years in the day care profession taught me how to deal with this.  If it's the worst that happens, we are lucky.  Lucky indeed.