Phone Calls in the Night

The phone rang early this morning...around 1ish. Someone left a message, but it was incoherent from our bedroom. I dismissed it and tried to go back to sleep. I couldn't, so I tried to wake up my hubby for a little playtime. The phone rang again. It was his sister. She said their mother had been flown to the hospital, due to some sort of "asthma" attack. She was non-responsive. I told hubby that I didn't know his mother even had asthma. Anyway, his sister said she would call him back, once she had more information. We laid there together. He fell back asleep, but I couldn't. I was restless and couldn't settle down. I laid on his chest, stroking his chest and arms. I tried to turn him over when he snored, but he woke up and said he was comfortable that way with me lying there.

I told him I needed to apologize.

"When the phone first rang, I woke up and couldn't go back to sleep. I was going to have my wicked way with you. Now, I feel bad about it."

"Don't feel bad, how could you know?"

"Still, it seems wrong, now."

"Don't worry about it," but, I did.

The phone rang again. This time, I could hear his sister. She was crying hysterically:

"____, mama's gone! Mama's gone!"

All I could say, "Oh my God!" I burst into tears. I can only surmise that my hubby was in shock. He didn't say anything. He held the phone, then attempted to say his sister's name. She wasn't there anymore.

"I gotta go over there." He got up slowly, calmly. Everything seemed to be moving in slow motion. I asked what I could do. I tried to find his shoes for him, but couldn't I put on his shirt, he put a sweatshirt on over that. I held him. I apologized and told him I loved him. He still wasn't crying, but sadness was all over his face. He went to the garage door then asked me to call his work.

"Ask for the Sergeant on duty and tell him that I'll call." I promised I would and told him to drive carefully. It's a short drive, but I worried he wouldn't "see" his way to her house. He left. I found my cell phone and called. The sergeant was very nice and asked if there was anything they could do. I told him there wasn't and thanked him. I called my mother. I told her what was going on. She was calm and told me that she anticipated her hubby going first, but, "You just never know." (My mother-in-law's hubby recently lost a leg, due to a blood clot. Being an active man, we worried that he wouldn't be the same after that.) I told her that I worried for her kids. Her 18 year old is coming here for college. Her sixteen year old is still in high school. She's the guardian of her 11 year old granddaughter and cares for her 4 year old grand daughter. Their own mothers are a mess...and now? Oh, Jesus! What will happen to them? The boys will survive...but those little girls?

I'm still in shock myself, but I can't sleep and my mind is racing...so, I write. It's here that I'll document what happened when my hubby's mother passed on. I wanted to go with him to his sister's, but he didn't want to wake up the girls. Understandable. But, I still wanted to be there. I don't know what things are being said. I worry because his sister recently cut off communication with him because hubby was too "stuck up" in her opinion. I worry because it's easy to blame every body for a loss and hubby already feels an amazing amount of guilt about his family. I worry because her own hubby may make things even more difficult (there money situation isn't good...she's the only one who works) and may try to manipulate some way for them to get home, out of my hubby.

My eldest just woke up. She had a dream of being in a bus full of children going to fast and she and others were about to die. Coincidence? She's always been sensitive to things. I don't think she heard the conversations because we never said what had happened out loud. My mother said not to tell her right away. We should wait a bit and tell her later. I don't know when later is. The more we delay, the less time she has to deal with it. My mind is racing.

Do you know I have a grandmother who turns 90 in May? We have amazing longevity on my side of the family. My maternal grandmother was well into her 80's when she passed. Now, I wonder about my hubby. I've always wondered about how I'll be when he goes...since I'm pretty sure he will go before me (not just because of family genes, but statistics speak to this too). Mortality for everyone you love, I guess, becomes a harboring thought when you lose someone.

My memories of his mother? She came and stayed with us one summer. She was soft-spoken, kind and totally loving to my girls. She told me, on the way to one of the Babe's dance classes that she really liked me. She admitted that she wasn't sure about me at first because she didn't know me, but that she decided she liked me. I told her I liked her and, after this, I felt so much better about our relationship. I'll also remember that she was a huge fan of the Bath and Body works packages I would put together for her. She loved being here and was convinced she would move, but hubby knew better. He knew she could never let go of that small town. I guess he was right.

I suppose I can't type all night. I think I'll work a little bit, make myself productive. I don't really want to work, but sleeping is out. I keep waiting for the phone. I need him to come home. I have an uncontrollable desire to protect him; my 187 pound, body-building officer. Yeah, it's totally ridiculous.

Getting Well and Enjoying Change

I'm nearly done with my antibiotics. Already, life is good. The cough syrup at night allows me to sleep, while the antibiotics is killing all the bad stuff. I'm actually looking forward to working out again because, despite putting on weight this Christmas season, I never stopped working out. I was going all gang-busters until the illness hit me.

Hubby has a new work schedule; four, 12-hour work days followed by four days off. He's currently on his days off and it feels like he just had days off. Wow! I am liking this. :) He's also trying to conserve money so, when he is off, he keeps the youngest at home with him. She's definitely growing up a different child than her sister. She's experiencing exactly what I wanted for my oldest; more home time than daycare time. I'm glad older sis turned out okay, though.

I watched a bit of American I.dol last night. I haven't watched religiously for a couple of years and I don't think I'll ever watch like that again; however, I did want to get a gander at the new judge. On first impression, I think she's a mite conceited and self-absorbed. The focus should be on the contestants (at least that's what has happened when the other judges are involved), but with her? It's all, "Me!Me!Me!" She even took the opportunity to try and out-sing one of the contestants. Lame. It got annoying quickly, so I just tried to tune her out. There's still everything you expect from the show; over-the-top auditions, diamonds in the rough, awesome singers who've never been discovered until now and the really terrible singers who you know have friends that say, "Oh, you have a great voice, Bill. You really should stand out in the rain all night and try-out. They'll pick you for sure!"

Is it Friday yet? This week just seems to be dragging along for me. I met up with a guy in the elevator who felt the same way. He said it could be because it's the second, full-week we've spent back at work since the holidays. I guess...that still doesn't help it move any faster. I am looking forward to the long weekend, though. No plans...just looking forward to it.

Sick again?

Yep! Bronchitis is the word. I had it only six months ago and it has reared it's ugly head again. Yuck! I left work early Thursday afternoon and missed work on Friday. The weekend was a blur, since I was high on toddies and tons of cold medicine most of the time. I did manage to go to church on Sunday. I also called and wished hubby a "happy boyfriend/girlfriend anniversary!" Twelve years ago Sunday, we became a couple. So sweet it's sickening, yes? He left work early to come home and take care me. He also surprised me with the sweetest card. I gotta give it to hubby, he's trying to bring the romance back and I'm oh, so happy he is. Wednesday is the anniversary of our first date.

Today I got up and worked half day, then called the doctor's office to see if he could see me. He confirmed my guess of bronchitis and told me that I may be a bit asthmatic. No surprises here. He listened to my breathing and there was a bit of a wheeze. He had me puff an inhaler to aid in my breathing and, I promise, I didn't cough for an hour afterwards! He also prescribed antibiotics (Z-Packs...gotta love 'em), codeine cough medicine and a pleasant afternoon. Hubby was off, so he took me to pick up my prescriptions. We then had a bit of lunch (can't take the meds on an empty stomach) and came home. Despite the illness, it's been a pleasant day. I promise I feel 75% better, even after just one pill. By Wednesday, I'm hoping I can get back on the fitness train (I was doing so well, too!).

I'm going to go pass out, now. The codeine is kicking in. A side effect this stuff has on me...it makes me horny. Yeah, weird I know. Who gets sleepy and horny? If it's bizarre, it's probably happening to me.

Workshop 101: Responsibility for Adults

I may have mentioned (I'm sure in lots of depth and with more details than anyone wants) that I take my neighbor's daughter, along with my own, to school each morning. It's her trade to pick them up in the afternoons. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, it's understood that she'll stay a bit longer because I have to drive in from Salt Lake. Well, this arrangement has worked okay until recently. (Before this, another neighbor was picking her up and her ADD, out-of-control grandson was doing all sorts of things that made the babe come home in tears. We had to end that with a quickness).

The latest fiasco happened when she called one morning to tell me her daughter wouldn't be riding to school because she wasn't feeling well. She was going to give her some medicine and, most likely, take her to school later in the morning. Fine. I got my girls all situated and we headed to school. This happened to be a day I work from home and when 3:45 rolled around and no babe, I started to worry. Before I could even call the neighbor to see if she, perhaps, went to the store or something, the babe called me.

"Mom, almost everyone has left and I'm the only one here."

"______ didn't come to pick you up?"

"No. I haven't seen her."

"Alright. Just sit tight. I'll be there in a few minutes."

I scrolled through my phone to call the neighbor.

"Hey, _____. Did ____ go to school today?"

"Oh, no...she didn't. I just woke up and realized I didn't call you and tell you."

Okay. I'm thinking, have you been sleeping all day? You knew your daughter was home and you had no intentions of picking up my kid. The phone system still works. Your ass could have called. Meanwhile, my kid is wondering if she'll ever get home.

After I picked up the babe, we talked in the car about responsibility. I told her that this was why I stressed it so much with her. Being responsible is important, not just for yourself, but for those around you. Being irresponsible can cause problems, like what happened today. If a person is irresponsible, it could potentially cause harm to themselves and others. She seemed to understand clearly (examples that involve yourself are always helpful). After I talked to her dad about it, he was through! He was immediately on the check-for-other-alternatives bandwagon. I was certainly in agreement. So, my coworker will be picking her up on Tuesdays and Thursdays, while hubby and I will take care of Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Sunday evening, I called my neighbor to tell her that she wouldn't have to worry about picking up the babe. I let her know that I would get her on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. She quickly asked if someone would be picking her up on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I told her yes and that it was all taken care of; she wouldn't have to worry about the babe anymore. She sounded a little bummed. I didn't dare come right out and tell her that she wasn't dependable and that every call from her made me wonder, "What is it now?". She's a stay-at-home mom with major depression issues. I didn't want anything I said to be taken the wrong way (and with this discussion, it was hard enough making sure I said the right thing). I assured her that I was fine to take her daughter in the morning, still.

Hubby's new work schedule will actually allow for one of the two of us to get her all month (except this Thursday). He now works four, 12-hour days and then gets four days off. The cycle has him off for January most Tuesdays and Thursdays. Cool! He'll have to get used to this schedule, though, to truly reap the benefits. I'm not sure I could do it, but he has the wherewithal to handle it.

The neighbor called yesterday. I'm not sure what she wanted, but when I called her back and left a message, she didn't call back. She probably thinks I'm the evil mother who doesn't want people picking up her kid (after the incident with the other neighbor and now her). I second-guessed myself for a minute, then I remembered how frantic I was when I couldn't find her mother-in-law's house that one day. She had dropped her off there instead of taking the babe with her to her daughter's eye appointment. Who does that? Keep my child with you, and we'll meet up later. How hard is that? I wouldn't dump my neighbor's child onto another relatives lap. That child was put under my care. So, if I got drive all over the place with him/her to take care of 1,000 errands, that's just what I have to do. Perhaps I'm painfully responsible. I'll look into it.

It's still below freezing here. How the snow is able to fall with these temps, I'll never know (usually, it has to be above freezing to get precipitation). Anyway, I'm actually looking forward to 40 degrees tomorrow. I'm also having a lunch-date with hubby. Love those!

Welcome 2009

The holidays are over, but the memories live on. It started off great with 17 days off and no set plans. Woohoo! I was so spoiled...sleeping in till 8 sometimes 9 (hey, that's late for me), playing video games until my butt was numb, eating whatever the hell I wanted, playing with the girls, eating whatever the hell I wanted. It was great! Christmas eve, we opened our "one" gift. The girls got PJs and slippers which they quickly changed into. I received a DVD set and hubby opened his new, insulated gloves. We left Santa warped looking sugar cookies and cranapple juice with sprite zero.

The actual day was lovely. Hubby was home this year, which was an added bonus. He was happy with everything he got this year (what a change!). In fact, I had a homemade gift for him this year that he absolutely loved. He's still talking about it. I blew up a picture of the Great Salt Lake that I took this fall and had it framed. He must be in my head because one of his gifts to me was an incredible film Minolta camera. I gotta study up on that sucker and learn how to use it. I think I need another seventeen days off. (wink, wink)

The state is covered in snow and we are now experiencing blistering, cold temps. The high yesterday was eleven degrees. Yikes! Everything is frozen and going outside is just plain painful. I hope they keep the kids indoors today for recess. Supposedly, the temps will warm back up into the forties, but then we're going to get dumped with more snow. Yeesh. Forty would feel downright balmy today.

Oh, and Happy New Year ! Did you party hard or sleep a gentle slumber when the new year appeared? I brought in the new year in a different way than I expected. The family visited friends and had cocktails, while the kids played. We stayed about an hour and a half, then left for home (hubby had to work New Year's day). We came home, had a little bit to eat, shared sparkling grape juice with the girls and popped champagne cork-pops before putting the little ones to be. Straight to the kitchen, I mixed up lovely Tequila Sunrises (love 'em!) and went downstairs with hubby to begin our Soap marathon, or so I thought. Hubby decided to have his wicked way with me and the next thing I new, midnight had come and gone. No ball dropping and no "staged" midnight kiss. It was heaven!

By the by, that "eating whatever the hell I want" comes with a cost. How about fifteen extra pounds since the beginning of October. Ugh! I started eating what I need rather than what I want on Saturday and am down a pound. Let the work begin (at least I know what to do in order to get it off and get it off rather quickly).

It's my Thursday, but it Doesn't Feel Like it

I'm working away, tidying up loose ends and getting things ready for my two week departure. It feels like a Wednesday, just like any other. I keep waiting for the thrill of "work is over" to hit me, but it hasn't. Maybe I'll feel it when I awaken Friday morning.

I'm nibbling on too many treats. I'm going to be working my butt off come year's beginning. I guess that's the price you pay for all the goodies at Christmas time.

Weekend Statistics

The weekend got off to a great start. The girls and I enjoyed a quiet, snowy Saturday (the picture to the right is picturesque and visually similar to what we saw, but this is not in Utah). I attempted to shovel, but the snow fell as fast as I shoveled. Fun! When hubby came home, we ate too much and watched movies again. Sunday, I got the girls up (in plenty of time) got everyone dressed and headed out for church. Before hitting the very snowy, slushy, icy highway, I stopped at the post office and shipped my best friend's Christmas gift.

As I traveled the highway I thought after only a few minutes, I need to get off of here. I even called my mother to tell her that I may not make it. Well, first instincts weren't enough. I kept going, trying to make it to church. I got all the way into Salt Lake when, all of a sudden, I felt the wheel give and I went into a spin. The next thing I knew, we were careening across the highway. We slammed into the concrete guard wall and finally stopped. The babe was completely freaking out, while I (surprisingly) remained ultra calm. I called my mother to tell her what happened. Then, I called the police to notify them of the accident. Finally, I called the insurance company to report the crash. An hour later, highway patrol was guiding me off the highway to have me fill out a report. Hubby had arrived by then and I began to feel the stress of the event hit me and then leave almost as fast. Thank God for his ability to do that for me.

When we got home, he took good care of me. The girls seemed fine and, after breakfast, had a nice long nap. I wrapped a few Christmas gifts while they slept. The babe has become very inquisitive about our newly locked closet in the spare bedroom. She keeps wondering how gifts are magically coming out with me, all wrapped and ready for Christmas. I should tell her I have an elf living under the bed and see what she says to that!

So, I became one of the weekend stats.They talked about all the crashes that occurred, due to this weekend's big storm. There were approximately 221 in Salt Lake County alone. Dang it! Way to be a statistic!

Getting lost, Shopping on Thursday and Leftovers

I did as I said and went to Bath and Body works for my mother-in-law last night. Before that, however, I spent the evening driving around aimlessly...looking for my daughter. Here's the background:

I take my daughter and her little friend across the street to school most mornings, and her mother picks them up. I say "most" because sometimes children are ill or what have you and don't attend school. I should also say that mother-across-the-street and I have different ideas about education; I think it is most important and unless you are incredibly ill, your butt should be in school. She feels that if you have a slight headache, didn't get enough sleep or just plain don't want to go, you shouldn't have to. That being said, we aren't surprised when we get a phone call that Babe's little friend "isn't going to school this morning".

The other issue I have is that mother-across-the-street calls some afternoons with the most ridiculous excuses as to why she can't pick up the girls. One day, she actually called to say she couldn't find her purse. I didn't actually talk to her that day, but my cell phone had her name displayed when I got out of the shower. The Babe was home, but I called back anyway as a courtesy:

"Hey, mother-across-the-street. I saw that you called. I wasn't near my phone and just saw your number here."

"Oh, yeah. It's okay now. Never mind."

"Is everything alright?"

"Yeah, I was just going to ask you if you could pick up the girls because I couldn't find my purse but, I found it." SMDH...

Anyway, yesterday she calls my cell five minutes before I'm supposed to leave the office. She says that she's taking her daughter to the eye doctor and wonders if she should take the Babe with her, or drop her off at her daughter's grandmother's house. She's taking her son there as well. I tell her it doesn't matter to me, whatever is easiest for her; however, if she takes her to grandma's house, I'll need directions because I've never been there before. Sure, she says. She proceeds to give me the house number than says,

"It's really easy to get there. You can just map quest it."

What the hell?! I'm getting ready to leave work and am in the process of shutting everything down. Can't she just say..."Go here, take a right when you get to this street, take a left." Is that so hard?! This was a case where technology was not on my side. I think even texting me directions would have been too difficult. Yeesh! So, I prevent the computer from shutting down and enter all the stuff into MapQuest. My girlfriend was at my desk at the time, so I was trying to talk to her and get the directions squared away, while my boss asked me about things too. Yep. I left work late.

Don't you know I drove to the daycare, picked up Indy, headed over to the area where grandma lives and got lost? I drove past her house at least once, but the street sign was missing. I'm very good with directions, so when a half-hour had passed and I still couldn't find her, I was pissed. I called mother-across-the-street at about the time I made another pass on the street with no street sign. Just as I was telling her I couldn't find it and could she guide me, I looked up and there it was; right on the street with not street sign. Nice. Now, we're fifteen minutes before gymnastics starts.

Grandma was very gracious and at least has some sense. She was going to get my number from the babe and call me herself, just as the babe was telling her she had gymnastics class. Once in her house, we exchanged information. This will not happen again.

So, I've got the babe and we head for home. She changes and grabs a snack, while I put away all my crap. Hubby calls and says he wants to go with us and is just down the street. I get the girls in the car and we wait in the driveway for him. Once he arrives, it's off to gymnastics class, then to Sam's Club to pick up the Babe's prescription of Flovent. While we wait, we meander around and eat samples. We now know that Indy digs beef jerky (she'd never had it before today). We also sampled seafood salad and Chex mix. The "poppers" guy was cooking, so we didn't get any of those. Prescription filled, we placed money in the Salvation Army tin and went to get gas. Um, $1.39 a gallon? Not since before my oldest child was born (eight years ago).

Off to the mall and madness. Shoppers were still everywhere, but not nearly as bad as they were on Saturday. The Bath and Body works was smattered with folks and happy sales people pounced on me when I walked through the door. I had to give it to the second gal who approached me. She worked there latest sales for everything they were worth. Normally, I don't give in but, it's freaking Bath and Body works! I spent $36.00 on $68.00 worth of stuff! Mother-in-law (and I) should be very, very happy.

Hubby had come in with me and I thought he was going to make some purchases too, then he opted to leave while I shopped. When I came out of the store, he was gone. I looked inside the closest stores and couldn't find him or Indy. Then, I slowly walked down the hall to the other end of the mall, peeping in stores to see if I could find them. I called his cell phone and considered having him paged. Finally, I sat at the bench outside of the store and hoped he would find me. Ten minutes later, my phone rings displaying a number I don't recognize.

"Hey, where are you?"

Ugh! I was so hot! Why not just tell me where you're going instead of disappearing into the mall of madness? We get to the car and argue/discuss it a bit. The conversation disappeared after that.

The rest of the evening was spent talking to the babe while she ate her Ramen noodles and I ate my leftovers (which were just as good the second time around). Hubby ironed and got things ready for work. When I got into bed, I read a magazine while he ate cereal and read a newspaper ad. We didn't say much, but by this time, I was well over it. When I turned off the light to sleep, he turned on his computer. I woke up around 11:oopm to gunfire (coming from his computer, of course). He was still up watching trailers. What the hell? Go to sleep, man!

The next time I woke up, it was to him groping me in his sleep. I guess arguments don't kill the fire...just the conversation. Happy Friday!

My Little Man has No Neck

Hubby has been working away from his regular work-site in an office setting for the past week. It's been "a learning experience" he says, but he also complains of boredom. I understand, honey. Anyway, he wore business casual the first day, his uniform that last two days, and business today and by business I mean he pulled out a dress-shirt and tie (yummy). The pants, unimportant. The shirt? An eggplant, long sleeve button-up with a starch-pressed collar. He pulled out the tie he wanted to wear last night. I had to help him tie it to prep for today (he's not a regular tie wearer, as you may have guessed). A half-Windsor knot, anyone?

We agreed to have lunch together today and I truly believe he was more excited about it than I was. It was so cute! He called to see where I was five minutes before our designated meet time. I was just around the corner, at this point. I scooped him up and we headed for a restaurant we hadn't tried before. When we got there, he took off his leather jacket and I saw him in all his splendor. I got one handsome man living with me, dang it! He doesn't accept compliments well because he doesn't really believe people when they tell him how awesome he is (silly man). He gave me a pitiful thank you, when I told him how dashing he looked then preceded to tell me that he was having wardrobe trouble this morning and that I was lucky to see him looking as decent as he was. It seems he hasn't worn the shirt for a while (no surprise here). When he got finished working out at the gym this morning, showered, then tried to dress in the business duds, he couldn't button the top button of his shirt.

"I was pretty much strangling myself," he said.

He ended up asking for help from one of his coworkers who had to perform the daring task. It's lucky that button didn't pop off and take out an eye! Despite all the trouble, I'm still reeling over how good he looked. He looks even better in a suit (another rare event).

Lunch was lovely at this quaint Chinese restaurant. Orange chicken with steamed brown rice, and egg roll and seafood chowder. I definitely had leftovers and will probably sup on those this evening for dinner. I really don't want to cook. The kids can have hot dogs (I'm such a concerned mother...wink, wink). We talked about work, current events and our own lives. It was the nicest lunch we've had in a long time. I told him he was my favorite person to dine with...

"Accept for your boyfriends, right?"

Snicker, snicker. Hubby's got jokes. He corrected himself and called them boy-toys. Still a negative, hubby.

Tonight's gymnastics night and I still need to go to the store and buy Bath and Body Works stuff for my mother in law (they don't have one where she lives). That should be an adventure. When we went to the mall on Saturday and entered that store, I quickly grabbed the Babe's hand and headed back out. The lines stretched all the way back to the entrance. Too nuts for me! Tonight should be a bit better, right? We'll see.

It's time to wrap all those presents I've been stashing away in my room since October. That's the plan for Saturday. I'll have to do Hubby's only, since he likes wrapping the children's gifts together. It's a race against time! How many presents can I wrap during their nap time? The babe sleeps an hour max, these days. Too bad I can't send her outside to play (see our forecast for the weekend).

Is there a way to extend weekends?!

They seem to be getting shorter and shorter. This weekend seemed to blink out of existence! What will happen when I get my Christmas time off? Will that be gone in a millisecond, too? Hubby was home and we decided to have family time, rather than go to the adult party we were invited to. It was so worth it! We ate (too much), played and watched lots of holiday movies, and a few we hadn't seen because of kid/home/work responsibilities. We talked about how good things are and how open we've become with each other. He mentions things in terms of "when we were apart" which always sends a shudder down my spine. Was it just a month and a half ago?

A Christmas favorite was in the player last night; Home Alone. Still a classic and a first-time watch for my two-year old who kept telling me about the "owies" the burglars had. It was pretty cute. The other night, we watched Toy Story (another first for Indy). Now, she keeps asking about "the cowboy" and "the toys". I wonder if she's of the belief that her toys come to life, now? I used to think that was the case before the movie ever came out.

I'm playing the Sims again. Ugh! That game is the devil! I'm better at stopping and saving, but I'm still playing it a lot more than I should. I try to find time when the kids and hubby aren't around so that I'm not accused of using family time for "game" time. (I used to fuss at hubby about being on the computer when I wanted to spend time with him.) I can't have him accusing me of doing the same. Anyway, I played this weekend and will probably play during the Christmas break when the kids are sleeping. It's so addictive! My neighbor said she was addicted to the PC version. I can't imagine ever getting off the computer if I had it. There are so many upgrades!

It's baking season and all I've baked are packaged cookies from my daughter's fundraiser this year. Where are the cakes? Where are the pies? I've got to get cracking! Oh, and there's still a small treasury of Halloween candy (so sad). Hubby purchased packages upon packages of Ghiradelli and now I'm afraid I'm going to grow to the size of a small barge! What's a girl to do?

Still Fighting...

I didn't sleep well at all last night. The night before, I felt like things were finally improving. I don't know if our being out and about in the cold last night set me back or what. All I know is that I started work an hour later and my head is killing me from coughing so much. I don't know if I can deal with another week of this, but I also don't want to go to the doctor just for codeine cough medicine. I'm switching up the drugs to see if it makes a difference. We'll see.

The weekend looks pretty promising. Hubby is off for the next few days, so I'm happy he'll be around. The other day, he did what he says he'll never do again (he ends up doing it almost every year); he climbed up on the roof and hung up Christmas lights. They are lovely! Blue icicle lights from the roof this year, white and blue lights on our trees, a fiber optic tree outside next to our garage and a Charlie Brown/Snoopy door ornament. He did good this year. I'll post pictures when I can.

Our newest dog got a new toy last night. We could hear her growling and playing with it for hours. I hope it lasts. Hubby says we should have bought two or three more like it, since she seems to chew up everything we buy her (ropes, tires, squeakies, etc...). So far, there are lots of teeth marks and I haven't found any little bits all over the floor.

Only two more weeks of work after today. Woohoo! Hope my cold is gone by Christmas.

Recovering Cough Addict

Yep! That's me in a nutshell. In my Monday school essay of, "How Did You Spend Your Thanksgiving," I would begin with, "First, I took a dose of Vicks Formula 44." The cold crept in on Tuesday and I got to work, only to find that one of my coworkers had one too...well, truthfully, his looked more like a sinus infection. Anyway, he was miserable and on Zicam while I was miserable and on nothing. By Tuesday night, the Vicks was in full effect and I was in sedation-land. I spent Wednesday fussing at my kids for getting on my nerves and getting into everything. Truth be told, I have much more fun with nothing to do than they do. I did make the waffles and despite my sickness, they were terrific!

Thursday, hubby was home and helped with kid management a bit before he went to the gym. When he came back, it was pretty much time to go and I was feeling crappy. The meal was divine (as was expected): Turkey, cornbread dressing, sweet potatoes, squash, brown rice, macaroni and cheese, turkey gravy, collard greens and apple tarts with caramel for dessert. Yum! My girlfriend and her hubby made their appearance. She seemed very happy with the spread (I hope it wasn't an act). :)

We cleaned up (hubby on wash and it was beautiful), then settled in for a movie. Hubby was ready to go a lot earlier than I expected (but, to be fair, my sister was acting extra "special" and he could only take so much). We left at around seven and went to bed almost immediately. Friday, I found things for the girls to do, which gave me time to rest. Saturday, it was more of the same. I knew my vacation was coming to a close and felt bad that I'd spent most of it hacking and regurgitating through most of it. I wonder if my coworker was in the same boat? Guess I'll find out later today.

Tomorrow begins the interviews. We will be bringing someone in who will supervise us. It's weird to me because I've worked for my boss for nearly eight years. Now, someone else will be hired to supervise and guess who'll most likely train him/her? I'm not sure how I feel about that. Truth be told, I could have applied for the position...but I did not want to give up my telecommuting option. That's been too good and I can't stop now. I'm praying that whomever we hire is a kindred spirit and will work out for us...all of us. My sick coworker thinks that they'll be moving my boss into some sort of non-managerial spot. I wonder if this is true? Hubby says that if this does happen, he hopes it's somewhere that's needed a not a position that they'll phase out in months because of "management changes". That would be very sad.

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!