Spring Break!

Yes, it's here and I'm not entering the wet t-shirt contest (okay, maybe in the privacy of my own home). Last year, we didn't do anything for Spring Break because we didn't have to. My oldest was being taken and picked up from school by my sister-in-law. During the break, she just kept her at home with her own two kids, so my work schedule didn't have to change at all. Since then, she's moved to a new city (farther from us than we care to commute to) and her kids attend a different school. In fact, their school only gets Good Friday off and not the entire week. Oh, well.

Hubby and I took the time off, knowing we wouldn't have anyone to care for her during this time; however, it's a great excuse to get away and enjoy each other's company. This will be Indy's first long distance trip away from home and I'm curious to see how she holds up. Her big sister was a trooper with long car rides and never seemed fussy or unhappy about being in her car seat for long stretches. I hope her sister is the same way...the difference is, she'll have company where her big sister did not.

We're still not exactly sure how far we're going, but hubby has been counting down the days until he's off from work. He's so excited! It's like watching a school boy.

In other news, my oldest lost her other front tooth, last night. I had to hog-tie her down to get it, but I didn't a better job than hubby with the other front tooth. When he did it, there were tears and major threats happening. I just rubbed her tooth with oral analgesic, held her head to my chest, and ripped that puppy out. Why does it have to be so dramatic? Because she is...simple as that. She got a dollar for her trouble and made sure to report that she always gets dollars when she looses her teeth. That child has no idea how good she's got it.

Smoothed Out

Friday's commute was horrible...so much so that I called hubby and said, "I'm not going to make it to water aerobics, but I'll come home and help you clean up," you know, cause cleaning up is so much fun. Anyway, I left the office at 4:00 and didn't get home till 6:00...just awful! As I'm backing up into my driveway, I see one of the neighbor girls leaving my house. She waves and I wave back (What's going on?). So, I get in to see that the house is sparkling...immaculate...perfect. Clean from top to bottom, including mopped floors. The guilt sets in.

"I'm sorry, honey that I didn't get home in time to help you. Did you leave me anything?"
"Nope. It's all pretty much done." He points to just the few clothes in the laundry basket that need folding.

Next, he tells me that I'd probably feel better with a shower. Am I foul? Of course not, just take the shower. I take the shower and the neighbor girl is back.

Hubby says, "Put on something cute and comfortable. We're going to go hang out." Right on! We go out to dinner and eat, what else, Chinese! Afterwards, we take a drive into the mountains, then back down the mountains to pick up libations. A bottle of Tequila and Southern Comfort later, we're back home. Kids asleep, blanket in tow, we cuddle on the couch and settle in with our cocktails and a movie. Bliss.

Saturday, my mother and her dogs along with my kids and our dog, head to the lake for a walk. It was lovely, until the mosquitoes-from-hell showed up and nearly duplicated a verse from Exodus (the ten commandments, if your into movies). They were everywhere! Mom was like, "We can walk with a can of Raid next time." It was great exercise and fun for all, otherwise.

Back to my mother's for snacks and water for the dogs, we chatted for about an hour. I noticed my kids getting that "spaced out" look and new it was nearly time for their nap. I picked up their lunch, they ate, then off to dreamy land. Later, we went back out to pick up diapers, get an oil change, and pick up some hair to do the babe's hair. Pictures of the end result are here...not to shabby for two and a half hours worth of work.

Sunday, church and relaxation. Off to the park in the afternoon for a picnic with my niece, nephew and sister-in-law. It was good to see her and she finally seems happy. I was glad. That evening? Hubby breaks out the new KY massage lotion and "rubs me the right way." I returned the favor with the upgrade of a happy ending. I think I'm a good wife.

Grandma Swore by It!

I had a discussion with a coworker of mine about tried-and-true methods of old. You know, remedies that grandma or mother swore cured everything from a bee sting to a broken heart. The subject of a cold remedy that I dare type it's name came up and we reminisced about how effective it was in removing the worst of colds.

"I haven't seen it in years. Do you think they still make it," she asked.

Of course, I was on the case...searching away to see if I could find the elusive cold remedy. Low and behold it appeared (see picture). Burns like 'hell' going down (no pun intended), but it does get the job done. I took some from a friend when I was having major cold drama in college. I've never owned a bottle myself. I think I'm a little afraid to have this sitting in my medicine chest.

We also discussed hot toddies. Most people make them with tea and a bit of Whiskey. My coworker's mother put a teaspoon of the above medicine, whiskey and tea in hers. Then, her children would "sweat out" the illness. I used brandy in mine and my girls and husband believe full-heartedly that it cures what ails them.

Other remedies? Chris Rock has a comedy sketch that goes on and on about Tussin (the generic version of Robitussin). For my home, it was Mercurochrome (or sometimes Merthiolate, I think that's how you spell it): the red medicine that seemed to get everywhere! As a child who played outdoors a lot, I saw my fair share of several bottles of this stuff. It always perplexed me that the contents were so bright...about as bright as the bleeding injury I would bring to my mother or father. I suppose it worked because I have very few scars and those that I do have are hardly noticeable.

We didn't talk about it, but it reminds me of one other remedy I know works well; Palmer's Cocoa Butter (in the jar, thank you very much). I spent several months with my grandmother in Daytona Beach, Florida and during that time became the meal of many a mosquito. She kept telling me not to scratch but of course, I scratched the hell out of myself and ended up with dark circle scars all over my legs. As soon as my grandmother realized I had not heeded to her advice, out came this magic cream in a jar. She would slather me down each day; first thing in the morning and right before bed every day. I don't know how long she did this or how long it took, but one day I looked down and there were no more marks. Seriously. You would never know that I was an ugly-legged child. It's great stuff and you can still purchase it.

I used a bit during my first pregnancy and I know that's why I have very few stretch marks. I forgot to buy some during my last pregnancy, but since my body already knew what to do, I came out in the clear (thank goodness!). They have a bunch of other products, but the stuff in the jar seems to be the best of all their line, in my opinion.

Things are Better

Hubby and I had a several hour, heart-to-heart last night after I sent him my email of incoherent/coherent thoughts. It began with a call to my cell phone, as I traveled home from work and ended in the best possible way (four hours later...that was some talk!). We have promised to try to communicate better with each other, especially when arguments bring up old stuff that we thought had been squashed.

Random stuff:

• I've been listening to The Evolution of Robin Thicke, a CD I purchased exactly one week ago today. Being the son of actor/musician parents, he's got all the goods and I'm digging his style. Favorite tracks: "I Need Love", "2 the Sky", "Ask Myself", "Everything that I Can't Have", "Angel", and "Shooter". Really, the whole CD is amazing. Sample some tracks, if you have a moment.

• It's spring rain-time here in Utah. I like it and it's warm enough not to distract from the springiness that's happening all around (my Quaking Aspens look like they'll have leaves very soon).

• 
  
• We went to the IRS page yesterday to see when our refund is coming. Huh, now we know...technology, man. Gotta love it.

• I wear lipstick more than any other makeup and have found Maybelline Wet Diamond Shine colors look the best on me. I find them sporadically now. Do they even make this line anymore?
  

• I've been feeling more and more like my old self again. Still not working out as much as I'd like to, i.e., the weight is not falling off as fast I'd like it to, but my body has changed shape again. That's the best part. Things don't swing, roll or bounce as much. Funny that I notice these things and nobody else, does...including my husband, who has seen every part of me.

• I wore a simple pink blouse yesterday and received compliments from people I don't even know. I knew pink looked fairly good on me but, wow! Mental note: Gotta buy more pink.

• Many of the newscasters on our Fox network affiliate wear too much make-up and try too be to "hip" for their own good (transition music from and to commercials could be anything from Kool and the Gang to Gwen Stefani). I know movie companies own many of the news stations now, but come on. What happened to class and style...and Connie Chung, since I'm on the subject?
  

• This Farel print is in my bedroom and we have plans to add others. They remind me a bit of the smokey jazz clubs from my childhood, or at least, the glamorized memories I have of them.

• Why do so many children get lost in the woods, lately? Do their parents not tell them to keep up? Stay with a buddy? I heard that all the time when we were out on field trips or away from home.

• Sexual slavery is alive and well. How sad.

• My eldest brought her report card home, yesterday. She did quite well, but is struggling a bit in math. I've put hubby on the case, since that's his specialty. They were drilling on math flash cards, when I got home yesterday (very cute).

• I'm in the mood for a cappuccino...it sounds pretty good right now.

• I want to go the balloon festival this year and hope to secure a room before they're all taken. Keep your fingers crossed for me!
  

The Good News - I've been Tagged!

This is from God's Child, a delightful young woman whose writings will one day inspire the masses!

1- Can you cook? If yes, do you like to cook?
Yes I can and yes I do, when there's time.

2 - When does your whole family come together to eat?
My immediate family tries hard to eat dinner together nightly. My mother, sister and other extended relatives, always get together for the holidays. Easter and Memorial day are coming up, so there's ham and BBQ to be had in the near future!

3 - What do you have for breakfast?
(GC, did you know Bagels can stay in your colon for days? An interesting fact from my personal trainer hubby. Now, knowing this, I have a hard time eating them) I try to eat Raisin Bran or something with a heck of a lot of fiber. I'm doing that low glycemic thing and it helps stave off hunger. If there's no raisin bran, I usually do scrambled eggs, ham and raisin bread toast.

4 - When, where and how do you eat during the week?
I eat at my desk, standing in the kitchen, at the coffee table in front of the t.v. (terrible), and in my bed.

5 - How often do you eat out?
With co workers? About twice a month. At restaurants? Every couple of months, if that.

6 - How often do you order-in or take-away?
On the weekends, typically, we'll pick up light Chinese (my fave and one of the few things I can eat without blowing up like a Macy's Day float).

7 - Re: 5 & 6 - If money was no question, would you like to do it more often?
Yes and no. I'm with you, GC. If I eat out a lot, I eventually feel sick. I do okay with portion control, but after the Christmas break I had, home-cooked meals were so appealing after all that junk.

8 - Are there any standards that make regular appearances on your table?
Brown rice, asparagus, ramen noodles (my oldest is obsessed with these), veggies, organic shells and cheese, salmon, tilapia, chicken, chicken, and chicken (oh, did I mention, chicken?)

9 - Have you ever tried a recipe from another a food blog?
No, I haven’t. I do frequent sites like Kraft Foods, The Food Network, Family Time and Recipezaar for ideas and recipes.

10 - Are there any quarrels because of food?
Not too often. Most everything I've prepared has been pretty tasty. If there's something I'm not fond of, it doesn't get made often or ever, if I can help it.

11 - Are you vegetarian or can you imagine living vegetarian?
I was vegetarian for a while in High School. I spent a year "trying it on for size" to see if I could do it. I didn't eat chicken or red meat. Fish, I allowed myself. I don't remember feeling any different, but I was proud of myself for doing it and succeeding.

12 - What would you like to try out that you haven’t dared yet?
Same here! There's so much I'd like to try, if I had the time. I'd love to try and make homemade fudge for the holidays. I've always wanted to and have come close, but it hasn't happened yet.

13 - Do you rather cook or bake?
BAKE!!!

14 - What was the most terrible mess you made in the kitchen?
My mother lent me a little electric grill a few years back. The grill sat inside a coriander based that needed something directly underneath when cooking. Yours truly forgot to put the "something directly underneath" one time and began to smell a strange sort of burning. My counter top is totally ruined, but we found a cutting board the same color that covers it nicely. We will one day recover the counters (in granite, if I'm lucky). We'll have to. That's one ugly spot!

15 - What do your kids like to eat best?
Ramen Noodles, Kraft Mac and Cheese, Cheese pizza, string cheese, pasta and cheese (these kids love cheese) and pot stickers. My oldest has even found a taste for sushi, as of late. Pretty cultured for a six year old.

16 - What would your kids never eat?
Having never had liver or Brussel sprouts myself (because my mother hated them), I probably will never feed them to my children. My eldest is picky already, so it's hard to narrow down foods she won't eat. She will try things at least once, she's promised.

17 - What do you dislike most?
See my post from a couple of days ago.

Tag! RN-Buffoon, Icey, Southern Writer and anyone else who has a hankering to try this out.

2 Posts: The Bad News

Nothing is eternal. My high-ride with hubby ended abruptly on Monday afternoon, when he called to tell me he was on his way home from work. We were talking about the fact that I had worked a half-day from home and the rest of my day was spent just enjoying my time with the kids. He made a comment about, if he'd known I was going to be home all day, he would have asked me to do such and such. Well, I didn't answer. He did know I was going to be home and he didn't ask. (I can't even remember what the request was, now).

So, then he starts going on and on about all that he has to do and how he's trying to finish the basement and get the air conditioner installed. Oh! I just remembered! He wanted me to call around and get estimates on air conditioner installations. Well, I did that last year and I told him the quotes were still downstairs. Amidst all this discussion, I reminded him that he worked with a friend to get an air conditioner (which is currently sitting in my shed that I discovered quite by accident, over the weekend...he said it was a surprise) and have it installed more cheaply. I had expressed my concerns over this the night before, so this began his tirade over the phone about calling for quotes.

I told him that my concerns were just that; concerns. He could take them or leave them. The world need not be altered because of concerns. If he felt that his "boy" or whoever could do the job and do it well, then so be it. I trust him. I then told him that I didn't want to argue and he insisted that we weren't. Uh, huh. So, he asks again about getting quotes. I continued in silence until he said, "Well?" I had decided that I would go ahead and make phone calls, but then before I could get it out, he accused me of "not doing anything." WTF?! Are you serious?!

I immediately told him good-bye and hung up on his ass. So, working full-time, taking care of two little girls and trying to maintain a household is not doing anything, simply because I'm not laying tile (which I offered to help him do, BTW). I was livid and didn't speak to him when he came home, later in the day or that night. In fact, I didn't speak to him again until yesterday afternoon when he called my mother looking for me (traffic was bad, I pulled over and stopped at her house until it let up. I also wanted to check out her new dog...different story, I'll tell it later).

"So, were you going to call or were you just going to show up," were his words. Well, I had been in a good mood until that. I hate when he turns into a royal jack-ass. It's rare, but it burns me up when he does. My mother was sitting right across from me, so I couldn't say what I wanted to. Oh, well. I ended my visit with my mother shortly thereafter and headed home. I did have to see about my eldest, after all.

We exchanged a few words, before he left for the gym. He had prepared dinner and fed the babe already, which was good but I was still highly irritated. I have not seen him again since then (he came home after I went to sleep. I heard him, but I didn't see him). I plan on sending him an email, since we can't discuss the events over the phone. Cubies make privacy almost impossible. I could go outside, but who wants to ruin a perfectly lovely spring day with arguments. I want to wish the whole thing away, but that's unrealistic.

Truly, I don't even know what to say to him. I'm out of words and thoughts at this point. I guess I'll start typing and see what comes out.

Putting My Weirdness Out There

Issues with Foods - Jello, yogurt, pudding, marshmallows, and eggs (I like eggs, as long as I haven't cooked them myself). The textures of these foods in my mouth just make me want to throw up ("Like chips in Vegas," Lil' Wayne). I can tolerate marshmallows in rice krispy treats or burnt to a crisp and I do love hard-scrambled eggs, as long as I'm not the one that cooks them. It seems that if I've seem them in their previous, uncooked state, I cannot eat them. Oh, and I can't eat them any other way than scrambled, boiled or deviled.

Until recently, I couldn't eat whipped cream either, but I no longer have a problem with it. (I would scrape it off or have my parents scrape it off the tops of those KFC parfait buckets when I was little). Ironically, my kids and hubby love all this stuff with a passion.

Another Quality Teaching Day at Home

My hubby and I are convinced that the teachers use these days for hanging out, drinking lattes together at cute bistros, bad-mouthing all of their not-so-stellar students, shopping for hours, taking in a show or enjoying time at an amusement park. Oh, I'm sure they really do use these days to prepare but, it's fun to imagine them doing all this while we struggle to figure out what to do with our kids when these days come around. Luckily, this is the last one of the year. My kids are currently in the living room watching Bob the Builder while I finish up my half day's work. I occasionally here the youngest crying (she's usually ready for a morning nap around this time and I'll probably put her down for one, once I'm done).

As I predicted, the weekend was uneventful. Indy had a raging fever when I picked her up from daycare. "You got here just in time," was the daycare manager's remark when I walked in. Temps over 102 are sent home and that's exactly the temp Indy had, poor thing. Geeze! Can I have one week where someone in my house isn't sick? What's up with that?

She carried her fever into the next day and didn't eat very much until lunch time (when the meds kicked in and she began to feel better). Ham fried rice must have hit the spot because she was scarfing it down like it was going out of style. I was glad that she was eating anything. She was might sickly looking those first two days. Sunday, she was a different kid, but I didn't want to risk anything so, we stayed home from church. I usually feel really guilty when I do this, but the guilt was minimal this time (thankfully) and she seemed to be better because of it.

Today, I don't know what I'm going to do with these kids. I'll probably send the oldest one outside while Indy naps. Perhaps I'll get a workout in (Lord knows I need one! I went to my water aerobics class and I'm so stiff! Nothing like additional body punishment [I mean, workouts] to loosen one up). My money is on lock-down, since we have to be ready for the vacation in a couple of weeks, so no splurges. I think I need a hobby.

I Must Have Been Nice in a Previous Life

Oh, lovely pleasures. They've been mine all week this week (accept Tuesday, but we were both tired that night). Last night, it was sweet, tender and passionate. A lot of focus on foreplay, where I was amazed that it could last longer than 10 minutes. Seems like we're usually in such a hurry to get to the final experience, we miss the ride.

This morning when hubby called, he talked about his continuing cough and what he might need to get rid of it.

He said, "Since you had your tongue down my throat, did you notice anything? Are my tonsils swollen? Are there any lumps, bumps or bruises?"

Oh, you're a funny man (I thought).

The series of "love" nights definitely helps to keep the peace in the home. As I've said before, when that's lacking, everything goes to hell at our house. Now, if I could only stop TOM from coming once a month (but I really don't think I'm ready for menopause just yet).

The lovely spring-like temps continue and I've noticed people smiling more and are generally in a better mood. We had our office lunch, yesterday which included BBQ sandwiches (shredded beef BBQ on a sourdough roll/bun, a variety of thick salads and baked beans. I saw fudge for dessert, but I didn't eat any.) People were pretty pleased with the spread and they've now started thinking about those in the office who may be vegetarian. It's taken getting to over 200 people for that to happen but at least now it's happening.

No plans for me this weekend. The Gemagic I ordered for the babe arrived a week and a half ago, but I was so sick, I didn't even tell her or show her how it works. I may set her loose with it and give myself some "me" time, if possible. If not, we may make our rounds to the park.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Back to the 90's

That's what I'm digging today on my work Live365 tunes. When I get here early enough and all the VIP members haven't saturated the system, I can pretty much pick any station I want to listen to and I was lucky enough to get this one today. Ginuwine, Total, Snap, Chris Isaak, Smashing Pumpkins...it's all 90's and it's awesome (but making me feel a little old, too).

I am so ecstatic! I've lost a total of 16 pounds and I am seriously floating, today. I feel great and I'm stoked to keep going and get back into the rest of the my clothes. I saw an outfit this morning, when I was grabbing the red dress I'm sporting today, that I wore two years ago. It's super cute and springy and I'm jonesing to wear it. I also have my goal outfit (that's a bit further down the road...the 25 pound mark, actually) that I'm really excited to sport somewhere.

Last night, me and hubby watched Smokin' Aces last night (a friend lent it to him and no...It hasn't been released on DVD yet. I have no idea where he got it.). At any rate, it was wild and action packed. I thought it a bit hard to follow at first, but maybe that's because the volume was down for the sake of the sleeping kids and I'm sort of dependent on caption when that happens and there was none on this DVD. I did, eventually, pick up on the meat of the story and was along for the ride. Alicia Keys was pretty good, for her first role and (as always) was stunning as a bad-ass hit-woman. Ryan Reynolds is in it too and, I have to say, I'm becoming more and more of a fan. If he keeps up with the versatility, this guy will go places.

Two in a Row!

I came home yesterday wearing a dress I hadn't worn in a while (a very bright blue), my hair looking fabulous in an updo and my Chinese Laundry sandal/mules on. My hubby very happily comments, "You look really nice today, honey." Oh, I live for those. He had spent the afternoon cleaning the house and getting things ready so I wouldn't have too much to do (such a nice guy). I think it was also a way to divert my attention from the Babe leaving her Monday folder outside at school. The Monday folder has the week's homework and any information the teacher wishes to communicate to the families. Hubby probably feared that I would go off on the Babe for leaving it, but when he told me, I simply said, "She's six. She's going to do stuff like that."

Just a few days before, she'd lost a new coat recently given to her by a play uncle. I was astonished that she'd lost it (since it was so cold and she needed it), but I told her to look for it, when I dropped her off at school, yesterday. She did find it and brought it home. My guess is that her focus was on getting the coat home and she neglected to put the folder in her bag as a result. Oh, well. These things happen (lately, this spring-like weather has me in too good a mood to go off).

So, hubby jets off to the gym while I strip down to get my workout in. Sweaty, but invigorated, I showered and got the kids "happy" before starting on dinner (Shake 'n Bake Chicken Tenderloins, Annie's Organic White Shells and Cheddar, and steamed asparagus spears). The girls were ravenous by the time I was done (around 7ish) and ate very well. Hubby was home soon after and ate after I'd put the girls to bed.

The night before lasts tryst brought up the issue of hair. Most times, hubby doesn't care one way or the other but he made a point to say that "everything is easier to get to" when it's not there, so after last night's shower, I eliminated the hair (stay with me, I'm trying not to get too graphic). So, as we're laying on the bed watching uncut episodes of Chappelle's Show and laughing our butts off, he starts reaching over and discovers what I've done. It wasn't long before the t.v. was off and we were at it like jack rabbits again! Spring fever? I'll say. If this warm weather keeps up, I wonder if I'll be able to?

A Simple Question

That's all it was. I asked it of my hubby to simply see what his response would be. I already knew the answer and a simple, "yes" would have sufficed, but it's never that easy with him. The question? "Do you still find me attractive?" With the way my body has expanded and shrunk, stretched to infinity and beyond (thank you very much for that great catch phrase, Buzz Lightyear), I just wondered if he still thought me the cute girl he used to "go with" so many years ago.

We went into this long "thing" about it and I kept interjecting, "It was just a simple question," but that didn't make a difference. He was sweet and kind and delved into his thoughts of unending love. The poet in him burst forth with a frenzy and wouldn't leave. Finally, after being told over and over again about the love and the years and attractiveness being more than just looks, he flipped me over and took me. Nice. Not what I expected, but aren't surprises nice?

I was talking to some people, yesterday, who had recently taken a cruise. They spoke of the constant food, the activities, the sites, the sounds. I was really intrigued (yet again) at the prospect of doing something like this at some time in my life. I mentioned all this to hubby, who is more on board with the idea than he used to be. You see, he can't swim well and has often expressed his Titanic thoughts of being on a cruise ship and having it sink to the bottom, with him clinging to his sheets. He certainly understands that cruise-liners are not what they used to be and that everything is on the "high level" of communication, but it took some time for his entire core to agree that things are safer on boats nowadays. I'd like to do this, but I don't foresee it happening until the kids are older (or at least, the little one is potty-trained). The lady who talked about her cruise described her experience to that of being "treated like a princess." I could go for that.

I'm feeling so much better but I'm not jumping the gun. I won't know what's what until the antibiotics are done and I'm going it alone (drug free). I am hopeful and will remain so. I even plan to workout this evening, if my hubby can watch the kids for a half hour. That's all I need. If he's unavailable, I may just break out the stroller and take my kids for a walk. It's so beautiful today. It's been hard just sitting her in cubieland trying to work.

Maybe...Just Maybe, I'll Be Well

The doctor's visit proved promising, yesterday. I was given major antibiotics (seems the sinus infection was not cured the first time around). I was also given a cough syrup that alchys and winos would find a way to pay me for (this is some potent stuff...crazy). I actually think I was hallucinating! After filling the prescriptions (and spending over $60...yikes!), I picked up lunch and came home to work. While Indy slept, I worked until the cough medicine kicked in, then continued to write in my drug induced haze. I'll have to review that material today and see if it still makes sense.

By the time hubby came home, I didn't know who I was. Thankfully, Indy slept for a long time so the babe watched Care Bears to pass the time (do you remember the Care Bears? Ah, those were the days. Cartoons actually had a positive message and the characters were cute.) After that, she watched The Jungle Book. I believe I fed her a dinner of some sort and when dad came back from the gym, he played primary care giver. I seem to remember talking to him a bit about his day, but who knows. I don't think I'll take the cough syrup more than a couple of days. I'm thinking that as the infection clears, there won't be a need. Seriously, it's sort of scary not remembering everything.

My cat is being a whore. I don't know what his problem is, but he's currently rubbing up against me and the computer and the computer table. He also keeps staring at me. He's been at it for a solid hour. Maybe he's got spring fever. Do animals get it like we do? I would guess yes, since all my animals seem enamored with the back door (french doors) where they can bask in the light of the sun.

The weather is turning nice again. The rain cleaned out the dirty air and we've had 50 to almost 60 degree temps for the past few days. I was bummed because I really couldn't enjoy it, feeling the way I did. For the first time in weeks, I'm hopeful that I can enjoy the lovely weather and maybe, just maybe, I'll be well.

Sick Again and Thoroughly Frustrated

Unbelievable! I have been sick for the majority of two months, now. There's gotta be a record. One of my coworkers was on 1800 mg of antibiotics that didn't even touch his sickness. He later went back for an even broader spectrum and ended up with the meds given to people with Anthrax! Is that where I'm headed too? I don't want to go to the doctor again because I feel like I've missed so much work for this or that already. Besides, it's becoming such a downer paying the copay then paying additional money for a prescription. The lady at the pharmacy is beginning to know my name and birthday by heart. How sad.

I started with a tickle in my throat on Sunday that had me coughing a bit (oh, did I mention that hubby sneezed in my face in his sleep Saturday night? Then, Indy was coughing and hacking in my face. I think I need to move to Fiji for a month or so and wait for everyone to get well. This is ridiculous!) Yesterday, I sneezed and "ran" so much that I used an entire box of Kleenex within a couple of hours. Thank goodness I have a back-up box! Then, I got home and felt like death. Hubby had cleaned the house and made dinner, so I was glad of that. The girls were fed, played a bit, then went to bed. I spent last night tossing and turning because my stupid humidifier makes a weird noise now that wakes me up. It hums and grinds or something. Is it time for a new one already? More bad news. Ugh!

The weather-man indicated that our city had some of the dirtiest air quality in the country, yesterday. Is this all attributed to our crappy air, and if so, could March please get on with its "in like a Lion" business, please? We obviously need the rain to clean the stuff out of our air. This will, hopefully, improve the breathing of most of the city's citizens. Oh, and to add insult to injury, TOM is here and I had no change for weigh day. Frustration is the word for the day. Seriously!

I'm supposed to go to lunch with a coworker today and I'm really not up to it, to tell the truth. I'd almost rather have it brought in and eat with her here (but I'm pretty sure she's not going for that). She hates staying in the office for lunch, unless she absolutely has to. Oh, well. I guess I'll suffer through...unless by some miracle she calls and has to reschedule. There's always that. Why is this such a big deal (you may ask)? Because this is the coworker who used to work with me and we don't see each other much. I have a feeling she wants to talk and I don't want to shut myself off from her if she happens to need an ear. That could prove detrimental. Not to say that I'm the world's greatest listener or anything, but you never know what anyone may need.

So, I guess I'm done bitching for now. I think I'm ready to embrace that vacation (let's just hope I'm not sick when we go). Bring it on! April, I am ready for you!!

Ready for the Red Carpet

That's what a co-worker of mine told me this morning. I'm wearing an old (but very nice looking) two piece, pant set in black. I'm also wearing my "Starlet" mules with the rhinestone, silver accent on the peek-a-boo toe (remember those commercials of Star Jones promoting Payless shoes from the neck up? Even now, that's all we should be given the privy of seeing, with the mess she's done to herself).

I really didn't put much effort into my look, but she was very impressed. Later, the cute IT guy told me I looked very nice and gave me that terrific grin he has. This does great things for the ego, I gotta tell ya.

Others have made nice comments about my attire (only done for the sake of office company today who may or may not see me) and it just goes to show that I am really headed in the right direction. I have great clothes that need to step out and now that I'm shrinking, I'm dusting off the cobwebs and giving them an opportunity to be seen again. The outfit I'm wearing is a large, but is fitting quite loosely on me. I'm hopeful for tomorrow (for those who don't read my other blog, it's my weigh-day).

In less than a month, it will be my daughter's spring break and we've decided to plan our vacation for that time this year, rather than the summer. It's a little weird and I don't think it's quite kicked in that we'll be off and away on another adventure so soon (the adventure being a journey just a bit south of here, but an adventure nonetheless). It will be the second time we've journeyed as a foursome and I hope Indy handles it okay. Most of the trip will be by car and I think it will be a good time to try out the portable DVD player I won last year.

Hubby and I got into a bit of an argument about one of his Christmas gifts last night. It was really stupid and it continued for far too long, but here's the jest of it: I bought him a $50 gift card to Red Lobster as one of his gifts. He has said in the past that he doesn't like to go there very much because he feels he spends money for not enough food. My idea was to get him enough on a card to get as much as he wanted to fill him up. Last night, we were talking about arranging our next date and I told him about how hard it is to pick anywhere to go because of how picky he is. (I mentioned a dinner at Red Lobster where he complained the entire time). "That's because I hate Red Lobster." What? Okay. Then he says he's told me this before, but I don't ever remember him saying that. Only that they never have enough to fill him up. So, we go back and forth about it and the argument ended peacefully, but it was still an eye-opener.

Anyway, he's planning for us to use the card together for something, who knows what and I've decided to just buy gift cards (when I buy them for him) from Home Depot or Lowe's forever. That ought to solve that issue.

The day has been pretty uneventful, except for my boss freaking out a little bit over a project he reluctantly made for us. A few weeks back, he was like, "Well, if this doesn't happen, then we won't worry about it." I suppose he forgot that he said this. Now, he's at lunch wooing a potential vendor for our University. I hope they're having a good time eating Thai food and talking shop. I wouldn't mind the Thai food, I just don't want to talk shop.

Super Sassy Strutin'

So, Thursday was crappy and Friday I was trapped at home but surprisingly, the day wasn't too bad. The baby slept most of the day and I got a lot of work done. Then, when hubby came home, we gave each other the apology hug and life started to really improve. He went to workout, then brought dinner home (Chinese, yum!). After dinner, we put the kids to bed and curled up with a movie together. I can't remember what movie it was because it got interrupted with make-up sex (the best kind of sex, sometimes).

Saturday, we slept in till 7 (seriously, that's super late for us) and made our kids breakfast together. I made Kodiak cakes and bacon, while he scrambled the eggs and prepared the place settings. We had a lovely family breakfast together, followed by some cartoon watching and a very long nap (with more make-sex) directly after. At around 3, I prepared for an outing with my mother in formal dress. It was lovely! I haven't been to a formal event in almost two years and I really like those opportunities to get all dolled up. It was just as much fun taking all that stuff off at the end of the night. I'm not used to 3 1/2" heels anymore. I did okay, though.

Sunday, it was just me and the baby at church. The babe and dad stayed home because the babe has been showing flu-like symptoms the entire weekend, poor kid. She's been on all manner of medication for this or that symptom that has appeared. Today, it's coughing meds (yesterday, fever meds). The day before that, sore-throat and stuffy nose meds. I hope she starts feeling better soon because I truly hate to see my kids sickly. What parent does?

Bad Times, and the Weekend Hasn't Even Started!

I got into a nasty spat with my hubby, last night. It all started when he called me on my way home to tell me about some construction that's occurring further down from our house on the interstate. It's an area that we'll be journeying to over the weekend, possibly. He was like,

"It's narrowed down to just two lanes. It took me forty-five minutes to get to _____, when it usually takes me five or ten."
"Well then, we'll just need to take the back roads," I said.
"Those we'll be backed up too and full of traffic."
"Well, hubby, if you don't want to go then why don't you just say so?"

To me, all this was sounding like he didn't want to go, and in past instances where it was a chance to go somewhere other than a movie, he's wiggled his way out of it. If he has gone, he seems uncomfortable and it usually ends in an argument. He became really upset and just said he would talk to me when I got home. Once I got home, he was playing with the babe on the computer and didn't seem to want to talk to me at all. I waited around up front until time to take the babe to dance class (Indy was sleeping in her crib). I asked him if he was staying at home and could I leave Indy there and not wake her up. He kept dozing off barely able to talk to me. Well, I wasn't going to leave my baby there with him in that state. If she woke up and started crying, he would never hear her. She could literally scream for hours with no one coming to her aid.

So, I woke her up and took her with me. It began to snow quite a bit. I dropped the babe off, went to get gas and dinner, then came back. We waited for about ten minutes for class to finish, then we all came home. After eating and putting the kids to bed, hubby tried to talk to me and ended up snapping a lot. Then he said that I went to the negative with my thinking, which is what I believe he did. "Why not offer up suggestions rather than kill the idea completely," I thought. I also noted that there were other things that I liked to do with him, but he is reluctant to do them because they are out of his comfort zone. He said that there are things that I don't like to do with him; however, I mentioned that we could go and look at dirt...I wouldn't care, as long as we were together. That shut him up for a few minutes, then he went back into his spiel about being negative. Anyway, I went to bed irritated and have since awakened with a headache and nausea.

He called just a few moments ago to ask if I had anything to talk about. I was pretty sure I'd said everything I wanted to and believed that he had as well.

"I wouldn't be calling if I'd said everything," he says to me.

Well, we mostly talked about the horrible commute he's currently enduring (yes. more snow) and that I should take stock of what I'm going to do about work, if it continues the way that it's going. Then, he's telling me about the babe waking up in the night coughing and then crying because she doesn't feel good. After discussions about everything under the sun, we ended the conversation. I was glad. I can't even see how we can redeem the weekend at this point. I suppose it's possible but, I've sense rescheduled the skate party (don't want anyone crashing and burning in snowy conditions, just to come skate). He's already said he's not going to the event scheduled on Saturday (so, I'll either go by myself, or not at all) and it appears that the babe is coming down with something nasty. Happy beginning of March to me!

It's Party Time...Maybe

We've planned a sort of skate "hurrah" for Friday night. I hate that I'll miss my water aerobics class (this will be the third Friday in a row);but, I'll get my work out most assuredly by skating. My coworker and I made these plans nearly a month ago and I hope, out of everyone, she isn't the one to back out (wouldn't that just be the way?). It will probably be sparse because I live nearly thirty miles away from the office and I don't know how eager they'll be to drive in the traffic that's so bad at that time of day, just to skate with a bunch of kids and eat pizza. We'll see. When the babe first started skating at the rink, they were all in chorus about how fun it would be to do this. I suppose, if worse came to worse, we could reschedule.

The weather has been wild! Tuesday, I left home to take the babe to school in flurries. By the time I was half-way to the office, it was a full on blizzard! White-out! I couldn't see jack crap in front of me and neither could anyone else. We were truly driving on body memory. The roads looked like someone needed to get out and shovel them. Snow trucks would have done no good at that hour, simply because it would have been coming down as fast as it was salted away. Crazy! I got to work a half hour later than normal, but I made it. Two ladies who work behind me in our setup, who live much closer, and didn't even come in. Their boss was a bit agitated by this, especially after seeing me come in.

Yesterday, the sun was out and a great deal of the snow from Tuesday had melted. We're supposed to get more snow today and tomorrow, then the weekend starts looking like spring again. It's this teasing time of year that drives me crazy...I'm so over winter. I really am. I want spring and all it's glory...flowers blooming, trees budding with new, green leaves and the sun waking up everything that has slept over the cold season. March 1st? I'm ready for March 30th, please.