Vacation Begins

I'm off for the rest of the week! Woohoo! I don't really have any special plans, except for the ones I've mentioned in previous posts. A little news, though. I did contribute to the 70million Twilight received over the weekend. I took my eldest on Sunday (a little mommy-daughter bonding time). She loved it! When I asked her what her favorite part was, she said (and I kid you not),

"It's a little inappropriate, mom."

"Inappropriate?"

"The kissing."

"Oh! Well, that's not really inappropriate, honey. It's okay if you liked the kissing."

Too cute! I asked her if her teacher enjoyed the series and she said that her teacher didn't like the books. I was surprised. Seems like everyone Mormon lady I come into contact with is either in the midst of one of the novels or is in the midst of rereads. I will now begin the second book for the babe, since she is now completely enthralled with the characters.

I was thinking I'd make waffles for breakfast in the morning. Doesn't that sound good? I haven't made them in a while, primarily because cleaning the waffle iron is a bitch. But, you gotta do these things every now and again, right? (wink, wink)

I wish hubby were off. This is really his three day break, but he scheduled OT so, no hubby tomorrow. I'll get him Thanksgiving day, though, and that makes me happy. I'm a little worried about him. One of his best friends is having marital troubles. The friend has been calling a lot and I'm glad hubby is there for him, but I wonder if the friend just doesn't need to get away for a while. He's in the midst of starting his own business, but wifey is not as supportive as she once was. In these economic times, the stress level is high for both of them. I can only hope that their faith and prayers (ours too) see them through this.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Meme for Holiday Week

I've seen it on about five blogs, so here's mine:

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal in a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Gotten flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible or Quran
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake (been on the shores...does that count?)
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

How about you?

Thanksgiving Traditions

So, hubby owns the Audi and he's very happy. The payment is pretty much nothing, so he can still pay off the old car and/or get it fixed up and sold (I'm hoping the latter). The girls like the car too, but I'm wondering if their song will change once summer is here again; leather interior...sticky, sticky. I've yet to ride in it myself, but am looking forward to a smoother ride than that Galant, crap.

A friend of mine is coming with me to my mother's for Thanksgiving. I extended an invitation last year, when she told me about her then boyfriend (now husband) and his family's tradition of eating fish-heads. Ugh! Eyes and everything! She declined, but regretted it soon after. This year, she asked if the invitation still stood. When I told her it did and asked if she was coming, she resounded with a, "Hell yes!" My mother is a southern-style, Thanksgiving type chef. It's a meal to end all meals and I'm hoping my friend will be pleased (she's preggers and some food just isn't agreeing with her these days).

Traditionally, my mother prepares an exquisite meal, even breaking out the fancy dinner ware for the event. We usually eat, talk then relax in her living room with a movie. Most times, she misses the movie to try and clean the dishes. Of course, I assist and my sister helps too. Hubby used to help, until he started finding his way to the couch too soon after the feast. These past few years, he's passed out just in time for dish washing. That will not be the case this year. He's been fore warned of the wrath that will come down from his loving wife if he sticks me with the dishes alone again.

My mother also picks Thanksgiving day to kick off the Christmas festivities; she watches Home Alone or Christmas Vacation. Myself? We decorate the house and tree on black Friday while simultaneously watching either Meet Me in St. Louis or White Christmas. We save Scrooged and A Christmas Story for Christmas eve. Aside from the movies and decorating, Christmas songs become acceptable again. Yes. I know many a radio station is already planning Christmas tunes and has since the start of November, but that's just too damn early for us. We've just been avoiding them when we can. About a month of Silver Bells and The Christmas Song is all I can take (although, don't get me wrong...I love Christmas music).

I've talked to more and more people who, like me, hide out on Black Friday. I think it's the safest thing to do, myself and question the sanity of those who meticulously plan then run around from store to store on a combat mission. I think they're just asking for trouble. Personally, I think it's much more fun to watch the newscasters talking about the madness that occurred, than actually being there. Is it necessary for someone to bite someone else for the last Tickle Me Elmo Extreme? I don't think so.

I was trying to think of new traditions to include for Turkey-day and I think I have an idea: I'll have the girls help make breakfast that morning or the following Friday morning. It will probably give them such a kick to eat the food they helped prepare. We've done cookies and such, but never an entire meal.

Oh! The babe ended up making the turkey-hand out of construction paper last Saturday. She had such a good time. I also printed several Thanksgiving coloring pages for her and she got a kick out of that, too. I'll have to remember that anything art related is going to make her happy. Maybe I'll check out a book on comic drawing or something for this weekend.

I think the travelers have started leaving already. We were out taking the babe to dance class tonight and the traffic was insane! I told hubby that I thought it was those folks who want to get a jump on their traveling or camping plans. I guessed that their last day was today and that the roads will be saturated with RVs and SUVs tomorrow. Thank goodness I don't have to drive into work. If that's really what's happening, I want to stay out of their way. Happy travels to Grandma's house!

This is what my hubby owns; a 2004, Mitsubishi Galant. It is, simply, a crappy car. I've thought so since he purchased it. When he purchased the car used, it didn't have problems, it was visually appealing (inside and out) and functioned exactly how I expect a car to function. With all of this, I still thought it was crappy (he had the choice between this and a Honda Accord...after owning a Diamante, I knew the Accord would be better all around). But, men. You can't tell them anything. I'm sure "style" was a huge factor in his choice (whether he wants to admit it or not).

Over time, weird noises had begun to imminent from this machine. After a routine oil change, the service light "magically" illuminated and wouldn't go off. Check after check by the mechanics came up empty...until, yesterday. Basically, his catalytic-converter has issues and there is "engine noise". He's logged over 100,000 miles on the car and still owes quite the pretty penny (he was in a Silverado at one point and the payment for that got wrapped up into this car...nice). Heading home, the car completely stopped and he had to have it towed back to the mechanics. It seems the recently added timing belt has worn away...lovely.

He made phone call after phone call yesterday; our credit union, the dealer who sold me my car, various owners selling their used vehicles, etc... His car, quite simply, is done (do I tell him, "I told you so," now?). He was so depressed, the only thing he'd had to eat was a protein shake (poor guy). With his research into these other cars, he's actually researching...not just going on what other people have said and how it looks (although, the car he's looking at is pretty fabulous). The good news is that Consumer Reports rates it well, which is okay by me. The babe road in it for the test-drive and loved it. Is this our newest car? We'll see.

My Hobby

I have a hobby, but I don't always think of it as a hobby and I've decided I need to put more emphasis into it. I say this and then life will inevitably rear it's nutty head and the hobby will be placed on the back burner again. What's my hobby? Why, photography, of course. I take pictures of everything! Right now, I'm more digital than I'd like to be. It's great for our current modes of communication, but the quality isn't what I prefer.

I spent a decent amount of money on a gently used Nikon camera a few years ago, that has been rendered pretty useless. The flash foot is defective, so I can't attach a good, high-powered flash (thus, get the kind of pictures I'd like to develop and display). I get into a mode where I desperately search for a new camera and look out for good deals, then I loose my momentum. I've got to stay motivated because I see my skills improving with every, organized shot I make (organized as opposed to the candid shots I take of my kidlets on most days). This fall has been more spectacular than it's been in a long time. I see things that I think, "Oh, that would make such a pretty picture." I try to take the shot as I see it with my Olympia digital camera, and the results are no where near what my eye has beheld. It's very frustrating.

I'd been wondering what to tell my hubby when he asks me (as he does every year) what I want for Christmas. I was going to give him my standard "video list" and just be satisfied with whatever he found, but now I'm thinking it's time to ask for the camera. I'll be checking out sites and figuring out what an amateur like me would be happy with for a little while. The motivation to search is the hard part because I think about how many other things I need to be doing for other people. Hubby and I have this in common; it's hard to focus on ourselves for too long.

Speaking of Christmas, I'm starting to feel it...you know, that wonderful, warm holiday feeling that starts to spread. Sort of like what happens when you drink a spirit; it warms you from your head to your toes. Last year, it was mid December before my brain finally caught up to the fact that the holidays were upon me. I think I might have the girls do some sort of holiday craft this weekend. Lord knows they need something else to do besides ask me a million questions about random stuff. I'd rather they ask me about something fun. What should we make, I wonder? Something without too many small pieces, so that my little one doesn't inadvertently stick one in her mouth (or gets caught in my vacuum). Something that isn't incredibly messy, but still allows them to get their creative juices flowing. Any ideas?

I said, "No".

Hubby asked this weekend about training me again. As soon as he asked, a sick feeling came over me. It's hard to describe but, I just couldn't face up to it. It wasn't horrible the last time, I just didn't lose anything. I hated all the work I was putting into it, only to get a little toner (hell, I can do that myself). I also hated feeling like I was so restricted from the foods I love. When I was losing weight before, I had a regime with the ability to splurge...even daily, if I chose to. So, I declined and he was totally bummed (although he didn't say so initially). I just want to do this myself when I'm ready, and for the most part, I'm ready. I've done okay today and will do the best I can each day. When I slip up, there's always tomorrow. Perhaps when I'm closer to my goal (whenever that is), I'll request his help for plateau breaking.

I've been re-watching the Matrix movies. Some of the dialogue was and still is extra cheesy. The action and concepts? Still, spectacular! I don't think anything has come close to duplicating it, yet. Nearly ten years ago since the first movie's release (can you believe it?!), our special effects are ten times what they were then and yet, we're still in the land of remakes. What gives? Why do I have to be subjected to re-dos of classics. They're classics, for goodness sakes. Leave 'em alone!

My oldest, the Babe, is developing her boobies. Oh, God! When did that happen? She mentioned a training bra in the store, yesterday. When her dad teased her about it, she said, "Mind your own business, daddy. This is woman talk." Well, I thought she was just blowing off steam, and didn't think too much about it. Then, last night as she was hugging me for bed, I brushed her chest lightly and noticed a bump. I made a mental note to see for myself this morning.

I can't believe I did that, but it was certainly necessary. As she got ready in the bathroom today, I had her turn around. Sure enough, little buds are on the rise. She's 8, for goodness sakes! Oh, man. It's a good thing that, Are you there, God? It's Me, Margaret. is on my roster for her to read within the next two months (She started on Iggie's House this morning). I didn't start my period until two years after my breasts appeared (a whole C-cup at ten, thank you very much). It can't hurt for her to be aware of this, now.

I suppose I know how I missed it. She's been getting ready on her own in the mornings for a bit, but I still help out with the occasional baths (she typically takes showers). I guess a lot can happen in a short period of time. She's been wearing deodorant since she was six. Now, I'm wondering if a razor isn't needed under the arms. I guess I better check all that out, too.

How about a training bra as a Christmas gift? Do you think that will score me points? Hopefully, she won't need one before then.

When Molesting Your Husband is the Only Thing on Your Mind

I don't know what's got into me! He's been working hard and working-out hard. He's extra sore and when he gets up from sitting for a while, he sort of reminds you of the grandpas who only walk a few steps a week. Yet and still, I'm all over him. He's not complaining, of course. Maybe it's all the damn candy in the house or the cold weather that's settling over Utah. Whatever it is, it has me seeking him out like crack to a crackhead. I gotta have him!

Last night's tryst was fabulous, but I was aching for more this morning. When I woke up, of course he wasn't there. Damn personal training clients cutting into my nookie time. What the hell?! I guess there's tonight. I cooked dinner for tonight's dinner, last night; spaghetti with a choice of marinara meat sauce or garlic and herb sauce (with chicken). So, no fussing over dinner preparation to cut into more time. Oh, the kids. I guess we'll find something for them do. You know, it gets harder and harder to be expressive the older they get. At least the babe isn't busting into our room asking what we're doing anymore. It's only a matter of time before the youngest has her turn.

In other news, I'm nearly done with Christmas shopping. I haven't purchased anything for my mother yet, I'm watching auctions for my sister's gifts and hubby (who is always tricky), is still on my shopping list. Aside from a bit of clothing purchases for the kids, everyone else is done. Hooray! Hubby must be getting into the spirit because he wanted to watch A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving last night (which we did). Both of us love the part where Snoopy's literally throwing the plates at the kids at the table. We always crack up.

"Toast, a pretzel stick, popcorn...what kind of Thanksgiving feast is this?!" Peppermint Patty

History is Made

Congratulations Mr. President-Elect!

This is Halloween...Pumpkins Scream in the Dead of Night...

(It's been my ring tone and I can't get that song out of my head, now!)

So, another Halloween has come and gone. There's enough candy in our house now to make the witch's cottage in Hansel and Gretel. We weren't able to give our own candy out for trick or treaters (and my hubby always buys a ton) so, now it's stuck in our house. I will be taking it to work for the next few months, for sure. Otherwise, we'd all have teeth that look like Indian corn for Thanksgiving. Nice.

Halloween day was spent at my office, trick or treating from cubie to cubie. My kids ended up with an extra bag because their own bags were filled to the brim. Pictures were taken and compliments exchanged. They had a blast! We came home, ate lunch and napped for a bit. I started watching a movie (texting a friend in the process), when she decided to call. An hour and a half later (and still on the phone), I put the girls in the tub.

Halloween night, (and still on the phone), my hubby's coworker's wife calls and invites us over for dinner and trick or treating. Now dressed in a costume from 2002, we venture over and enjoy soup in soup bowls shaped like pumpkins, pumpkin cookies and toasted pumpkin seeds. We also had hot wassail with rum...yum! The kids went around the neighborhood with hubby. They didn't get nearly the haul they would have gotten in our own neighborhood or what they received at my office. Of course, it still added to the pounds and pounds at home.

The evening wore on with more drinking and laughter. We left around 11:00 with two, very tired but happy children. Hubby was still swimming from his vodka cocktail in the 32 ounce cup. I had to strip him down and put him to bed. At one point, in his drunken stupor, he had turned on the oven to cook something. Good thing I saw him do it.

Saturday, another day of pounding and nailing. Men-folk were over to put shingles on the new deck roof. Good thing they did before the rains came (Sunday) or the plywood would have been totally done for. I was feeling great about the work until hubby had to buy more supplies (around $700 worth). Ugh! Home repairs and upgrades. If you don't have a home now, but plan to buy, just be aware of what you're getting into. It never ends!

Sunday after church, I came home and made loads of pancakes and bacon for my kids (who were too thrilled about having more sugar). I completed the brunch with a little lef-over Indian lunch from Friday (Chicken Saag and Naan) and some refried beans. Hubby came home later with Wendy's, then we topped off the evening with Totino's pizzas for dinner. I'm pretty much dieting for the rest of the month until Thanksgiving, after that food-fest (not to mention all of the candy I nibbled on through the day). Phew! I'll be sucking down water and eating fiber to try and feel like me again. I suppose hubby's doing the same thing.