Today

So, the snow started.  All of the pictures from my car were taken when I was stopped, or going under 5 mph, so no lectures, ok? It was slow and fun and beautiful.  I would have taken pictures coming out of Walmart, but it was snowing big, fat, wet flakes.  It felt like I was getting pelted by last nights soggy peas.  Soft and not painful, but very cold and wet.  splat splat.

WalMart?  Why stop on a night like tonight, you ask?  Well, Brett needed a pair of gloves.  Come to think of it, the girls coats are many years old, with broken zippers, tears, and lost hoods.  Brett doesn't even OWN one that fits.  Add to that the fact that they all own tennis shoes, nothing else.  *sigh*  Yeah, I wrote a big fat check that I couldn't afford tonight.  They all have new coats that work and fit.  The girls have snow pants, and all three have new snow boots.

Yeah, I know.  We'll be sorry later, when we pay bills, but right now, my kids are thrilled, and they'll be warm tomorrow, while playing in the snow on a second snow-day in a row.  It makes me feel good to see them so happy while trying them on.  And, they'll be so much warmer while playing in the snow at Grandma's.

Well, I have statements tomorrow, so it'll be an early night for me.  Damn TV...so many good things on tonight.  I guess I can always make up the sleep tomorrow, but now I am working Saturdays, too.  *sigh* again.  3 1/2 weeks, and the pressure lets up.  I'm counting them down, boys and girls.

For Amy

In my previous post, Amy wanted pictures.  I couldn't take any on the way home, for obvious reasons, but I took some after I read her comment.  Here they are.  That's ice...not snow.  The snow comes tomorrow and tomorrow night.  I'll get more pictures then. 

I made it home!

Well, with the freezing rain pelting down and roads getting slicker by the minute, my husband made a rare demand.  No, really, he doesn't tell me what to do, or demand anything.  He called and said, "You're leaving work NOW.  Go."  Ummm, ok?  I don't know how to handle his orders, because he doesn't give them often.  I packed up and left at 4:15.  It was at least 10 minutes later when I could get in the car to leave.  Ice to scrape, windows to defrost, and it took a bit to open the frozen-shut door.  Finally, I left.

My almost-hour long commute took 1 1/2 hours, but I made it home safe.  I-70 moved at the amazing pace of about 20 mph at best.  It's better than landing in a ditch, I must say.  Now, tonight, it will turn to snow.  I'd much rather drive on snow than ice.  The little car did great!  I love front wheel drive, always have, but I wasn't sure what to expect.  In the parking lot, I tried to force a skid, to see how slick it was and what the car would do.  It did NOT want to skid.  Awesome.

Kevin worked over 14 hours yesterday, in fact, he already has 40 hours in this week.  He's beat, and now a fuse is blown in the kitchen.  I'm going to go help him fix it.  By help, I mean shout real loud when the offending fuse is found.  Then I'm going to send him to bed.  Poor, hard-working guy.

Tomorrow, I hope to leave early, so I'm at work on time.  I love the winter weather, but don't tell Kevin.  He thinks I'm crazy, and hearing it again might make him commit me. (let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!)  oops.  I didn't say that!

The weather

62 tonight, 54 to start tomorrow.  Thunderstorms (in November???) tomorrow and dropping temps.  Tomorrow night?  Snow, sleet and freezing rain, low of 21. 

What does this mean?  It means either A) we'll get very little, and the panic will look stupid, or B) We'll get horrid weather and it'll be hard to get to work on Thursday.  Trust me, it'll be A.

Everyone in this damn state panics when the first winter advisory is issued.  They flock to the store, to the gas station, to the Dollar General...whatever.  Trust me, folks...even if we got 4 feet of snow, the trusty snow plows would have us out in less than 24 hours.  Quit with the nonsense. Let's just go on about our business.

Here it is!

I am very thankful that I made it through November with very little usage of the furnace.  Propane is expensive.  I can't complain now if I have to crank it up.  Besides, we keep it set at 58 most of the time.  Throw on a sweatshirt, kids, winter is coming!

Bath day

It was bath time for two stinky dogs tonight.  They weren't very happy about it.  Lucy was on board at first, but then she figured out what was going on, and decided it wasn't for her.  Hawkeye is ALWAYS ticked when the water runs in the tub.  I have to pick his fat butt up and carry him into the bathroom.  My back hurts.

They smelled like dogs, though, so we had to do it.  I can't have dogs that smell like dogs, you know?  It takes forever to clean the hair and dirt out of the tub.  Hawkeye has an under coat, which explains the hair in my house.  I love that dog, but DANG!  An indoor dog with an under coat will always shed.  There is no way around it.  I wish brushing would work, or the anti-shed shampoo that we use, or the millions of other things that we've tried.  Frankly, my only friend is my lint roller.

We went to Aldi today.  I have a love/hate relationship with Aldi.  We spent half of what we would have at WalMart, but that place is annoying at best.  We announced to the girls that we weren't buying any cookies, candy, cakes, or any other sugary treat.  That went over like a lead balloon, but we stuck to it.  They are hooked on snacks, and it's our fault.  We are fat people with fat ways.  Time to change things.  We've changed things before, so I think I can manage....let's just hope it sticks longer this time.

After the groceries were put away, Kevin called out, "There's a lady on a horse in our front yard!"  The girls ran out shouting, "Grandma!!!!"  We enjoy it when they stop by and Blue has a few bites from our front yard.  What a good looking animal.

Well, time to go play pogo, or some other nice waste of time on a Saturday night.  I hope you all are well and happy.

Thanksgiving happenings, Nstuff

Thanksgiving was great.  We hung lights on the house, and Kevin didn't break any bones at all!  Considering the stretch that involves perching a ladder on a tailgate and having your wife hold it steady...I'd say we did OK.

I told the girls we couldn't put up the tree until the house was clean.  It took three reminders for them to get into gear and clean up their messes, but it was finally done.  The tree is trimmed, but we still lack a topper.  I don't like the one we've used in years past. I plan to buy a new one this weekend.

Well, there are the pictures.  I'm done for tonight.  Tomorrow I'll post more....maybe.  We'll see.  I know, you're holding your breath.  Now I've gone and kept all 3 of my readers in suspense.  Sorry, didn't mean to.

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving to all!  While today will be slow-paced, I do intend to accomplish some tasks, with the help of my family.

1. Hang the Christmas lights on the house.

2. Clean this poor, dirty abode.

3. Put up the tree and decorate.

4. Eat burgers at Mom's (we already did the feast on Saturday.)

5. Watch the Chiefs through one eye while wincing at the thought of any more injuries.

6. Probably watch the last 3 minutes of the Plaza lighting ceremony.

7. Sleep, blessed sleep.

I'm thankful for health and happiness, my little house, my wonderful family and extended family, nice weather, artificial trees, a dependable car, being gainfully employed, and all of the other blessings that I too often take for granted.

random crap...need I say more?

I am in the middle of our "busy season" at work, so this shit is all random...probably won't make sense.  You were warned:

1. I miss groovy and jbcoupe.  Journals I loved to read, and they've disappeared.  jbcoupe warned us, so I'm dealing with it and waiting.  Groovy has me worried.  It's been several months....can't be good.

2. We had Kevin's Mom and Grandma up for the weekend.  "GG" (that's great grandma in this family) watching GSN (game show network) for over 12 hours straight.  She is so funny.  "Don't they make sure they're SMART before they go on the show?"  Well, GG, I'm pretty sure this was filmed in the 70's and those folks have moved on, but sorry they disappoint you.  She's the greatest, honest.

3. I had my parents, my favorite aunt and ....ahem....uncle? over for dinner.  It was great, and the two dishes that I worried most about received positive comments.  Hmmmm.  Quit worrying?  Probably NOT gonna happen.

4. Toonguy is going "home" for Thanksgiving.  This will NOT be easy.  Please say a prayer for him, or give him a good thought, or send him some Airborne.  Dude...you'll be fine.  You're loved, ok?  Deal with it.

5. Kevin rocks.

6. Work is going to change at the first of the year.  I don't know the details, but it'll be good, I promise.

7. I'm done.  Too many thoughts and stuff to keep bloggin'.  See ya later! 

A tag, of sorts

I got this in an email from my bestest buddy, Tammy.  If you choose to play along (I hope you will) then leave the link to your answers in a comment so I can check it out!

Just do it...you know it's fun!!!

This is for your entire life:<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

(X) Smoked a cigarette
(X) Drank so much you threw up. 

(  ) Crashed a friend's car, 
(  ) Stolen a car
(X) Been in love
(x) Been dumped
(  ) Shoplifted
(  ) Been laid off ....
(X) Quit your job...

(  )  Been Fired...      

(X ) Been in a fist fight?
(X) Snuck out of your parent's house   
(X) Had feelings for someone who didn't have them back
(X) Been to  Old Mexico
(X) Been on a plane
(X) Been lost
(X) Been on the opposite side of the country... 
(X) Gone to <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Washington , DC  (does the airport count?)
(X) Swam in the ocean (does wading count?)
(X) Felt like dying
(X) Cried yourself to sleep
(X) Done something you told yourself you wouldn't
(X) Made prank phone calls.
(X) Laughed until some kind of beverage came out of your nose
(X) Caught a snowflake on your tongue
(X) Danced in the rain 
(X)Written a letter to Santa Claus
(X) Been kissed under the mistletoe
(X) Watched the sun rise with someone you care about
(X) Blown bubbles
(  )Made a bonfire on the beach
(  ) Crashed a party
(x) Gone roller-skating
(x)Ice-skating

Any nickname?  Sis, Mom, Honey, and some I can't write here.

  

What is your favorite drink?   Diet Coke, Michelob Ultra

  

Body piercing? ears

  

How much do you love your job?   Love it  

  

Birthplace?    Kansas City, MO 

  

Ever steal any traffic signs?  Yes
Ever been in a car accident? Yes
2 Door or 4 Door? 4 DOOR

  

Salad dressing?  Ranch

Favorite number?   4, 9

  

Favorite pie?  Apple  

Favorite movie?   Hooper 

  

Favorite holiday?  Christmas 

Favorite food?    Pizza  

Favorite day of the week? Saturday

  

Favorite brand of body soap?   Dove 

  

Favorite TV  show(s)?  Survivor, Big Brother, Grey's Anatomy, What About Brian, Boston Legal, there are too many to name! 

  

Favorite smell?   Kevin, wearing cologne

What do you do to relax?  Play around online

  

How do you see yourself in 10 years? Watching my baby starting college, playing with grandbabies, enjoying life.

  

What do you enjoy receiving? Hugs from my kids and husband.

  

Furthest place you will send this message?  Who knows?  It's going in my journal!

 

Who will respond the fastest?    No clue, but it was fun to do!

 

Chuggin' along

Wow, where do I start?  We found a '91 Cavalier for a little bit of nothing, which needed a heater core.  Saturday was spent replacing said heater core.  Kevin and Dad did it,with me handing the occassional tool, and it wasn't quite as bad as we thought it may be.  You have to totally disassemble the dash to replace a heater core.  Don't say you weren't warned.

Sunday, I cleaned the car up really well, and got it ready for ME.  What does all of this mean?  KEVIN GETS HIS TRUCK BACK!!!!!!!!  WOOOHOOOO!!!!!  He's been so patient.  My uncle bought the LeBaron, which paid for over half the cost of my new car.  Awesome.

The Cavalier had it's first day in Kansas City rush hour today.  It did great.  We noticed that the tires (brand new tires, did I mention that?) had about 3-4 more lbs of pressure than we would normally keep in there.  Today, I could tell it, by the little bumps in the road.  Tomorrow, we'll let them down to 32 psi or so, and see if that helps.

It's a 4 cyl. so it doesn't have the punch that I'm used to in the truck, but the gas mileage will more than make up for it.  I'm so happy to have MY own car again.  Phew!  If you're patient, you'll get what you need.  Now, the guy who sold us the car may have a buyer for the van.  If so, it'll pay for the remainder of the car, plus the tags, etc.  We dropped insurance on the van and LeBaron today, and added the car, so we're good to go.

Last night was Brett's belated birthday dinner at Mom's.  It was so awesome.  Brisket, Old Settlers Beans, potato salad, rolls, green rice, and dump cake.  There may have been more, but I'm getting full just reliving it.  Today's leftovers made the best lunch I've had in a LONG time, and all my lunch buddies were jealous.  HA!

OK, enough rambling.  It's great to have a car.  It's great to have a full belly.  It's great to have a puppy who "held it" until we got home tonight!  Life is good, kids...life is good.

What do I do on this machine?

A good friend pointed out that I didn’t update about Kevin’s postoperative progress.  He’s doing great!  The numbness and other symptoms of a ruptured disk are gone.  He is limited on range when looking up, but side to side and down are fine now.  He’s been doing full work for quite some time.  I’m thankful for his progress, and grateful that insurance really came through this time.  Our part was quite reasonable.

 

Now, for what I do online, when I’m not reading journals.  I don’t do a lot online, because I sit at a computer all day.  Anything I do is for fun. 

 

www.mycokerewards.com I enter codes from 12 packs of coke products, and everyone at work brings me the lids from their 20 oz bottles.  You enter codes to earn points, and can trade them in for cool stuff.  Only 23,766 more points and I get a “Rear quarter panel from #45 My Coke Rewards Dodge driven by Kyle Petty.”  Sorry, Russ, I love NASCAR! LOL Actually, I’m probably going to get a magazine subscription or a couple of T-shirts or something.

 

www.musicdownloads.walmart.com I enter codes from 24 packs of diet coke (purchased at Wal-Mart) and receive 2 free music downloads.  I have 9 available right now, and it’s a bonus to my Diet Coke habit…I don’t have to buy CD’s.

 

www.neopets.com I don’t go here real often, but it’s fun sometimes.  I just play the games and keep my pets checked in to the roach motel, so they’re fed and happy.  Yup, I’m a lazy pet owner.

 

www.pogo.com I’m hooked on Vaults of Atlantis, and sometimes play Rainy Day Spider Solitaire.  I can sit for over an hour, not realizing how long I’ve been here.  Sheesh!

 

www.zoompanel.com I answer surveys to earn points.  Yup, another place I hope to earn free stuff.  It takes tons of points to get anything, but what the heck…eventually, I’ll redeem them for something.  I’m all about free stuff.

 

I also spend a fair amount of time instant messaging.  It’s great to ask Mom a quick question or ask Celeste why the journals aren’t working! LOL

 

Other than that, I email, but I don’t send many forwards.  I’ve seen most of them, and many have been forwarded so many times that they are buried in a maze of attachments.  No thanks.

 

So, what do YOU do online?

just something

OK, I'm not posting enough to suit me, so here goes:

 

You Should Be a Joke Writer

You're totally hilarious, and you can find the humor in any situation. Whether you're spouting off zingers, comebacks, or jokes about life... You usually can keep a crowd laughing, and you have plenty of material. You have the makings of a great comedian - or comedic writer.

What Type of Writer Should You Be?

Saturday at last

Wow, what a week.  I didn't mean to disappear from the face of the earth, but I kind of did, huh?  Wednesday was a going-away gathering for someone at work.  Thursday was a going-away gathering for ANOTHER person at work.  These were both women with a lot of time in (one of them had 30 years!)  One had the opportunity for a less stressful position with a certain greeting card company in this fine metropolis, the other is just getting out of a field that is moving in a direction she's not comfortable with.  No harm, no foul, but things will sure be different around there without them.

The new smoking drug I referred to a while back is $200 a month, and NOT covered by insurance.  Go figure.

The weather has been perfect for this time of year.  Chilly at night, crisp mornings, and sunny but cool afternoons.  I know the bitter cold will come soon, so I'm enjoying it when I can.  I think we'll try to land on Mom and Dad's place today, if they'll be home.  It's more fun to spend time outside when you have some room to move, and I get this little "I Miss My Daddy Syndrome" from time to time.

Well, I guess I'll catch up on some journals, then clean up this house this morning.  That will free up the rest of the day for fun.