Another Passing in 2009

My grandmother passed away Monday morning. I'm still mourning and missing her, but the ache isn't nearly as painful as it was earlier this week. I just keep reminding myself how long a life she had (she was 90) and how much she accomplished.

She took care of me and my sister for a while, when my dad moved us from California to Tennessee. We stayed with her for 7 months. I will forever be grateful to her for that. When my mother worked those crazy long hours at a job she hated, my grandmother was there. Chasing after me about keeping my grades up (I was out of school for a while) and giving me advice about this or that. I'd follow her around in her hair shop when she'd have the occasional client. I'd watch her bake and help her see about my great-grandmother. I'd sit up and watch t.v. movies with her or relax on her front porch on the swing. So many memories.

I suppose my favorite is when my girlfriends and I went to Daytona for spring break. We stayed with her to help with expenses. While we were there, she shared an article about herself from the paper. Because of her enormous and beautiful garden, she got a headline in the lifestyles section. It was amazing. All those beautiful flowers! I'll never forget them or her.

Yesterday, as I was watching Sanf.ord and Son, I saw this segment and it tickled me so much, I had to add it here. For a week that hasn't be so great, this brought quite a bit of sunshine:





This evening, I'm taking Indy to see the Princesses on Ice. It will be the first public arena I've been too in several days. I think I'm okay and I know it will make her oh, so happy. Going on with life and creating new memories, I'm sure that's what my grandmother would have wanted.

The Pig Flu Tangos Around the Office

So, one of my new co-workers is home fighting the hog ailment. She has the same symptoms I did and informed us that her parents are recovering from the same. They were actually tested for pig's disease and so...there you have it! Truly, the media does a number on us. We've been hearing about this thing for months. They'd have us believe it's a revisit of the bubonic plague, but it's just a nasty, pain-in-the-ass flu. Do what you're supposed to do when you get sick and you're golden! Be an idiot and run around in a T-shirt in 39 degree temps (our temperature yesterday, if you can believe that) and risk the inevitable.

My new spot in the office totally sucks. I'm right by the door which leads to the restrooms. Major "in and out" action all freakin' day. It's only four months, I keep telling myself, but it's little comfort. Only ten feet away is the blasted break room door. We're also now located on the floor with marketing and our enrollment counselors, many of whom are college age (or very close to it). They chatter incessantly and talk about the most inane things. Was I ever like that? Ugh! We try and keep the door closed but, inevitably, some wise ass opens it up and then we have to hear about the gay-love that isn't happening frequently enough in the bedroom or the too-high gas or how black men are the best lovers (which is true, but why do I have to hear it at work?).

The weather was crazy, yesterday. Wednesday, we ended with a high of 86 degrees. It seemed like we were going into an Indian summer, then an Arctic blast hit us from the northwest, sending our temps into the 30s. The thirties! By yesterday afternoon, the mountains were covered in a blanket of snow. I could no longer see the beautiful reds, oranges and golds of fall. I hope this early freeze doesn't kill them all. Those colors are the best part of fall.

(The picture was taken in my yard, yesterday. It's of the mountains directly east of my house).

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!

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?

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

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.

Halloween Parties and Too Much Food

Early Friday evening, we took the kids to the community party at the local junior high. Hubby wasn't going to come. He said, "If I'm taking them trick or treating, then you can take them to the party. I can only take so many times out with lots of kids." However, when I was about to walk out the door, he decided to come along. I was very happy about this. The girls finally got to see (and wear) their costumes. My youngest kept trumpeting like an elephant and every time I looked for her, she was standing in a mirror admiring her trunk. Her sister was thrilled with her ensemble as well. We took a few pictures before we left, then I put the camera away. I regret not having taken it with me.

At the school, there were air-filled bouncers, games, a picture booth, a cake-walk and loads of treats. The Babe found a friend from school almost as soon as we walked in the door. Then, off she went. Hubby, Indy and I walked around visiting the booths and hubby took Indy through the cake walk. She also got her fill of sugar-cookies shaped like pumpkins. Hubby and I were in tears laughing when one kid in a horror mask turned around. Indy gave a shriek and said something like, "Scary! Go away!" Kids are brutally honest, aren't they?

After the party, we got the kids home and fed. Hubby and I got dressed in our own costumes. Hubby looked fabulous in his pimp gear, complete with light-blue, polyester pants, jewel encrusted patent leather shoes, purple velvet hat, cane and bling for days! My make-up took longer than anything else I had to do. Here's a breakdown:

• Cleansed and moisturized face
• Applied oil-free foundation
• Applied powder
• Filled in brows with brow pencil. Then, brushed.
• Blended sparkly, duster gold shadow to mask area (around eyes, outer eyes & nearly to cheeks)
• Applied blue, Maybelline shadow to crescent of lid
• Applied purple, L.A. Colors shadow to mid-level lid
• Applied old gold mac pigment as highlighter to lid directly below brow
• Lined upper and lower lids with black, liquid eyeliner
• Applied "Pixie Dust" lashes to upper lids only (I'll do the lower ones on Friday)
• Placed acrylic jewels to center forehead and around eyes with lash glue
• Added light blush to cheeks
• Rubbed on glitter gloss and a touch of Ruby Berry lipstick. Phew! Finally done.

Then, we took them to my mother's for an over-nighter. Once we got back in town, we were hungry, so we stopped and picked up a snack at Wendy's. After the snack, we headed over to the house party. The house was decorated well, but there wasn't a lot of furniture. I couldn't tell if they were just getting settled or had moved furniture out for the party. It was a large home with three levels. We were on the second level, primarily (going into the garage for "Jungle Juice" every so often).

I stayed with hubby for the most part, but then journeyed with the other ladies for Jager shots (oh, why!). I've never had Jager and I just knew I was in for it. Surprisingly, it didn't have the effect I thought it would. I was buzzed and very happy, but no where near as drunk as they were. I'm usually a light weight, as I've said. Hubby said it has to do with the make up of the liquor. Who, knows.

We drank, we ate we danced until nearly two in the morning. About the time people were getting too "loose", we made our exit. We stopped for a late, late dinner and brought it home to eat and discuss the antics of those at the party. It was a nice night. Five hours later, we awakened and got ready to pick up the kids.

Saturday was spent a bit at my mother's, talking to her about all manner of things. Then, we got on the topic of dogs and she mentioned seeing one in the classifieds that might be perfect for us. Hubby called and after several calls and tries, we found our way to their home. The dog was beautiful! A fawn colored great Dane only one year old. A perfect pal and trainee for our old gentleman at home (he's 8, now). We wanted to acclimate another pet before he checked out. Not that he's ailing, but he's old and a friend is always nice.

Later in the day, hubby picked her up and brought her home. She's wonderful! She doesn't chew, doesn't go in the garbage, obeys commands and is oh, so affectionate. She's under weight, but we'll be able to fix that with no trouble. She's a lazy girl like our old gentleman, so she's quite mellow. We love her! We think she's a good fit for us.

Sunday, I missed church and opted to stay home with hubby. We lounged around, ate a huge breakfast and took naps for the better part of the morning. By afternoon, we met my mother and sister at the park again for a walk with the dogs. I don't know how we did it, but we managed to get both large dogs in my car! They had fun on our nearly two mile hike and we fed the horses apples again (I left the sugar cubes, but won't do that again...they were missing them). The weekend was terrific until...hubby and I got into it Sunday night. He slept on the couch. Today, he's running errands. I've asked him to talk to me, but he's avoiding. He can't avoid all day. We have to work through our issues when they happen. We still have lots of work to do. Have a good week!

Can't Keep Up!

I can't believe how busy I've been these last few days (must be the busy karma sleigh ride I'm on from the weekend). My coworker (the new one) is busy on a project, which leaves me with the remainder of the job duties. I just can't seem to catch up. My email is at a stop for the moment, so I thought I'd at least indicate that I was still alive and well. Hubby has moved most of his stuff back in, today was picture day for my daughter (last night, I did her hair - crochet braids as usual -but I cut in bangs this morning. She's awfully cute), and we're planning on attending a Halloween party tomorrow.

Honestly, I can't remember the last time I went to a party with my hubby. We had my sorority ball earlier in the year, but that's very different. The object of this party is to dress-up and get as drunk as possible. I will not be getting drunk because I plan on being stunning (well, at least super cute). I don't know anybody that looks stunning while slurring their words and spilling tequila all over themselves.

So, more to come later. I hope to have carving pictures here at some point. We have four pumpkins straight from the patch that need gutting soon. Then, I can toast the seeds. That was so tasty last year!

Ah, Romance!

Tuesday was looking like it was going to be just another boring Tuesday. Hubby had to go in for training, so he was really not looking forward to the day (it would mean being in town 3 hours longer than normal). When his lunch break came, he called and told me he was running some quick errands. I suggested he take me to lunch (as I always do, on the few times he can get away during the day) and he let me know that their breaks were no longer the length they used to be. Bummer. So, I went to the break room to heat my oh-so-fabulous Lean Gourmet meal and talk politics with co workers when a friend came in.

"Hey. You need to go back to your desk right away."

"Huh?!"

"Yes. Now. Come on, let's go."

"Um. Okay."

"Just trust me. I wouldn't ask you if it weren't important. Now, would I lie to you?"

"Uh, I guess not."

Hurriedly, we started walking back towards my desk when I looked over cubie-land and saw my darling hubby standing by my desk. I was elated. I came over, hugged him and introduced him to my coworkers. It's been ages since he's been to the office! He used to come fairly frequently and take me to lunch or just stop by and say hi. This particular time, there were flowers. Lovely! My boring Tuesday became super special in seconds.

As I walked him out to his car, there were lots of "I love yous" and "I miss yous" exchanged. He let me know he was thinking of me, which meant the world. I spent the rest of the day beaming and floating in the scent cloud the flowers provided. Truly a wonderful day.

When I got home, hubby called to tell me he would be coming over. He asked if he had any workout clothes left at the house, so he could just work out in town then come back to the house. He was planning on staying over. After picking up the babe, we sat up and watched The Happening, while nibbling Kahlua cake I'd made for the neighbors. Another night-cap of passion followed and more talk of his coming home (which I'm hoping is closer to happening). We still have yet to have our "talk" (due to both of us being uber stressed last Saturday), but we both agree it still needs to happen. I remind him, though, that much has come out during this time that we've both actively made changes around.

I completely understand his fear; we've come so far to have it back-fire. We're really so very happy, right now.

My Sunday Morning

Um, yeah. I'll have more to post later but...I can't even tell you how weird this was...waking up to this on October 12th.

From La Bella Noire...Wow! Another award!!

When you receive the prize you must write a post showing it, together with the name of who has given it to you, and link them back.

Choose a minimum of 7 blogs (or more) that you find brilliant in their content or design.

Show their names and links and leave them a comment informing they were prized with ‘Honest Weblog’. (I’m lazy today, but I will try to get around to commenting)

Show a picture of those who awarded you and those you give the prize (optional).

List [if you can and or dare] at least ten honest things about yourself. And then, pass it on.

My seven (um, five...there are only a handful of blogs I read these days. Too busy):

Radio Ventriloquist
Miss Construed
Maintain Sane
Fried Chicken and Manduros
Soshallitbe

Ten honest things about me:

1 ) I love, love, love horror movies and honestly would love the opportunity to work on set or help with a screenplay. Too many repeaters around right now. It's time for originality.

2 ) Disco is not dead. It reigns supreme in my car (singing at the top of my lungs).

3 ) I love to cook, but don't have the time I'd like to spend doing it as well as I think I can. Around Christmas, I'm the baking queen.

4 ) I'm not a fan of the great outdoors. Hubby's always trying to camp and stuff, but I believe in showers and mattresses.

5 ) Was totally addicted to the Travel Channel before we ditched satellite.

6 ) I'm afraid of my talent. I've been told over and over again that I can sing, but I never believe it.

7 ) I think, "Lady in the street but a freak in the bed," was coined about me. You just never know about some people.

8 ) I love, love, love to travel and want to do lots of it once I'm retired. I just hope I can afford it then (our economy...does it have a snowball's chance?!).

9 ) I was never in fights in school, but the friends I kept had all been in their share. I guess they were sort of my body guards.

10 ) When I was an extra on a popular t.v. show, I hoped it would lead to more offers. It did, but I haven't done any more spots. I really, really want to.

Weather Alert!

Hubby stayed the night to keep me warm. He's still here, snoring beside me. I'm glad he's here to keep me warm because my weatherbug just screamed this at me:

ALERT 1 - Winter Storm Warning

WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM THIS MORNING TO 6 PM MDT SUNDAY
Issue Time: 5:16AM MDT, Saturday Oct 11, 2008
Valid Until: 4:00PM MDT, Saturday Oct 11, 2008
Back to summary

WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM THIS MORNING TO 6 PM MDT SUNDAY
UNTIL 4:00PM MDT
Urgent - Winter Weather Message National Weather Service Salt Lake City UT 516 AM MDT Sat Oct 11 2008



Cache Valley/Utah Portion-Northern Wasatch Front- Salt Lake And Tooele Valleys-

... Winter Storm Warning In Effect From 11 AM This Morning To 6 PM MDT Sunday...

The National Weather Service In Salt Lake City Has Issued A Winter Storm Warning For Heavy Snow... Which Is In Effect From 11 AM This Morning To 6 PM MDT Sunday. The Winter Storm Watch Is No Longer In Effect.

This Warning Is For The Cache Valley And The Northern And Central Wasatch Front Including Logan... Ogden And Salt Lake City.

Snowfall Totals Of 2 To 6 Inches... With Higher Amounts East Of The Great Salt Lake And On The Benches... Are Expected By Sunday Afternoon. Although Snow Amounts May Not Be Exceptionally Heavy In All Areas... The Wet Snow Falling On Trees That Have Yet To Lose Their Leaves May Result In Tree Damage And Localized Power Outages.

Rain And Snow Will Spread Into The Western Valleys This Morning Then Change Over To Snow By Late Morning Or Early Afternoon. The Snow Will Continue... Possibly Heavy At Times..Into The Day On Sunday. The Greatest Accumulation Should Be East Of The Great Salt Lake Where Lake Effect Snow May Develop. The Snow Should Diminish By Late In The Day On Sunday.

A Winter Storm Warning Means Heavy Snow Is Expected Or Occurring. Travel Difficulties Can Be Expected As Roads May Be Slick. Slow Down And Use Caution While Driving. For Winter Road Conditions From The Utah Department Of Transportation Visit... Http://Www.Udot.Utah.Gov Or Dial 511

Um, Autumn?!

So, does this look like fall weather? It's looking a little chilled to me for the weekend. So much for the corn maze. I was going to do it last weekend, but it rained the entire time (I did manage a steamy cup of Stephen's Cocoa, Tasha and it was divine! I sat in my window seat, staring out at the cool downpour, while I read and sipped.) At the time, I thought, "Well, I give it a go next weekend" but, no dice. I suppose cleaning out the Babe's room will be the bulk of our activities, now.

The room is an issue. The furniture is falling apart and she's an 8 year old pack-rat. I can't stand it anymore! I'm going in like the terminator and wiping shyt out. Seriously! She's got DVD shelves on the floor, using them as a make-shift desk. What the hell?! Markers, crayons, paper and other miscellany are shoved under her mattress. How did they get there? It's time to regulate. Remember that song? Regulators? Mount up!

Then, perhaps a repeat of last weekend; a good book and cocoa. I put new seed in the bird feeder, so there will probably be lots of birds to ogle while we sip. Hubby says we're having a family date on Saturday, since going anywhere is sort of out of the question. I just hope we're in a goo frame of mind to enjoy it. The talk is slated for that day (originally, I'd thought Wednesday, but I got my dates confused).

Gotta work on a project. Later!

UPDATE (it's about 8:40pm): It's been a hard evening. I left work with a project looming over my head (which I was initially told had no time frame...then bossy says he needs it for a meeting tomorrow. Yikes! I came home and started working on it out of sheer panic). Normally, I would have cuddled with hubby and pushed away the darkness of the outside world, but I couldn't. He came over and it was nice to have him around. We grocery shopped with Indy, while the Babe was at gymnastics. We went home, put everything away and then he started packing up to leave. I was heartbroken. Still am. We just got off the phone and we're to make lists for tomorrow's meeting. We're going to try to keep it "light-hearted" so that we don't stress each other out. I'm all for that. My weatherbug says it's 48 degrees. Yeesh! That's almost winter weather. The wind is whipping around like crazy outside. I'm glad I put the flannel sheets on last night.

Misunderstandings All Around

So, it turns out my hubby wasn't at work on Saturday. I went forward with my "no communication" plan and it sort of blew up in my face. Turns out he didn't say he was calling me back for sure. He only said that he might. He ended up out and about with his phone off, so didn't know I had called until the next day. We got into a huge argument that could have turned ugly, but instead brought us closer. A better understanding of why it's so important that we communicate clearly to each other. He ended up watching the kids while I went to Salt Lake. Then, when I returned, we cuddled on the couch and watched movies. I picked up some take-out and we ate better than we've eaten all week. He kept dozing because he was sleeping better than he'd slept all week (same here).

I put the kids to bed and got ready to take a shower, when he suddenly poked his head in and asked if he could join me. Well, of course! He washed my hair (which, I can honestly say, I would pay him to do if he didn't just do it willingly) and made out a bit under the hot, steamy spray. It was magic. We met again in the living room and drank chardonnay and talked. We talked and talked and talked till it was nearly midnight. Of course, he spent the night and absence has definitely made the heart grow fonder.

I had to remind him, though, that my email was littered with frustration and that when he saw it, he may become irritated all over again. I described fairly well what I'd said and he felt like it just wasn't worth the frustration for either of us, so he would most likely delete it when he saw it. He apologized again for not having his phone on and for also being upset with me for not having mine on. "I can't very well get mad at you about something I did myself," he said.

Summary: We're missing each other terribly. It was probably the best weekend in a long time, and we really didn't do much. we agreed that the "talking" thing was so important and should continue. He loves me as much as I love him and we do want this to work. It rained all day Saturday and this morning, but by noon, the sun was out and the air was crisp and clean. It was absolutely beautiful this afternoon. I love the fall! We also decorated our stoop in Halloweeny stuff. (I took the picture above just after the rain. The way the clouds nearly touch the ground here, clearly speaks to our elevation.)

Surrounding Myself with Friends

Last night was a little better, but not great. After I talked to hubby and found out that he's sleeping better, in fact "great" was how he described it. I was a little irritated. I suppose it was a natural reaction; why should he be sleeping better when I'm completely miserable (as is his daughter)? He later said that he slept better because he hadn't slept at all the night before. So, his body was exhausted. He felt good about getting four hours. I was less irritated after hearing this, but still annoyed. I just envision him having a grand ole time with his friends and chatting away on his new laptop (did I mention this? He bought one from my office). He does the chatting (or at least, I envision him doing this), while I'm at home playing task manager to our kids. He ran errands last night, then returned to the "house". I helped with homework, prepared dinners and entertained children. Then, we read a bit more of The Tale of Desperaux before bed.

This morning, I was so unhappy and beside myself that I was talking myself out of working. What's the point? Why bother? I was so unmotivated, not because I don't want to whip my body into shape, but because of just general depression. I had to will myself out of my bed and get on the elliptical. I rationalized that even 30 minutes was better than nothing. Being the competitive soul that I am, however, I managed the entire hour. I felt a little better (probably the endorphins), but not by much. There's only so much endorphins can do, you know?

Tonight I'm going out to dinner with friends. I actually got invited out to dinner next Tuesday as well, but we'll see how generous hubby is feeling about watching the kids. I don't know what plans he's making or if people are suddenly vying for his attention. At any rate, I will go and try to enjoy myself. These are ladies that I like, so that will help. You know how sometimes you're invited by one friend, but 8 other folks come that you don't know? Discomfort could be the word for the evening, if they turn out to be ill-mannered or unfriendly. I'm glad I don't have to deal with that tonight. I will miss the debates but...do I really need to see them? I already know who I'm voting for (wink, wink).

Saturday, I have to go into town and rehearse with my family. I'm not thrilled about doing this (the whole singing bit), but I will get paid for the final event. I imagine that the money will go to Christmas presents for the kids. Man, families can suck you dry! lol!!

I wanted to take my girls to the amusement park we have here this weekend. This weekend in particular, because it's time for conference (the biannual meet-fest the Mormons here have). They'll all be downtown listening to the speakers and attending the events. The rest of the heathens can go shopping and amuse ourselves in places, usually overrun with people. Unfortunately, it's also supposed to be dead-ass cold and I'm not eager to have sick kiddlets again. If it doesn't rain or freeze-out, I may still take them. There are also corn-mazes here and that might be easier to deal with physically and financially (the damn amusement park charges for my 2 year old. What the hell?!).

More Reading

I'm actually quite proud of myself and all the reading I've been doing lately. It wasn't so long ago that I balanced at least 7 novels a week, wrote short stories (while critiquing others) and cranked out weekly papers. Ah, those were the days. The first novel (the one everyone else has already read except me, Twilight), was a quick read. I had it done in about four days. Not bad, considering all of the interruptions. I moved onto New Moon late last week and have almost completed that novel. It's a well done series and I have a feeling I won't be able to keep the Babe out of the loop for much longer. She's intrigued and wants to see the movie with me this December. I guess I'll be re-reading these suckers out loud, before too long.

Speaking of the Babe, she began her Hip-Hop competition class last night. Unfortunately, her teacher wasn't there and she had a sub. After warming up (based on what the Babe told me) the teacher taught them a little dance, then said, "I have no idea what to do with you guys now." So, they played freeze dance and the Babe won a dollar. Okay...things have changed a bit since I was in dance.

When we were driving home, she told me that the teacher said she might have a "solo dance" this year. She wondered what that meant. I explained that it meant dancing alone, at least through part of the class performance. I assured her that she was "good" and didn't need to worry about it. "Besides," I said, "You love to dance." She agreed. I'm a little anxious to see schedules and such, now. I have a feeling my car is going to get quite the workout, traipsing her around to all the competitions and such. I think she's going to love it, but I also think my lazy weekends are going to die soon. So, sad.

We're hiring a replacement for the lady who quit in my department. I'm overly anxious about this, too (I need to chilax, I know). I just want to be sure we get somebody competent, reliable and friendly (with an upbeat spirit). J was/is a nice lady, but she could be a real downer a lot of the time. It sometimes made going into work unpleasant. I have a feeling my coworker feels the same way, but I'd never ask him out right. He's sort of shy and I think I scare him a bit. I'm usually just happy when he comes over to chat.

There's a crisp in the air here, now. We had a storm that dropped our temps from the upper 90s to the high 50's last weekend. Is it really time for fall?! I'm ready for the leaves to change and for the autumn smell to really pick up. It's one of my favorite times of the year. Now, if I can just keep myself from getting sick, I'll be a happy girl.