Movies, Jack-o-Lanterns, Colds and Parties

My last post was mainly my gripe on a non-functioning hair color. I got that all straightened out, thankfully and moved on to other matters...mainly, my failing health. Ugh! Just when I get into my routine, I get the cold being passed around like a joint in my office. Thankfully, I'm on the tail-end of it and am feeling a lot better, but I haven't worked out all week. Bummer. Instead, I've spent time with the family (the nicest distraction from working out, I'd say).

Sunday, we went to church then took the girls to Target for pictures. They are so cute! I never seem to remember how photogenic my oldest is until she's in front of the camera with someone other than her dad and me. She's always hamming it up for me the non-professional. Hamming it up for the pro is a whole different ballgame. She's absolutely stunning, that girl! My little kitties had a ball. After pictures, she and her dad carved one of the three pumpkins we purchased last week. It was an alien carving (we think...it was hard to tell from the template transfer). Dad decided to go the traditional route for the others. They'll be carving those this evening.

Tonight, the babe will sport her costume yet again for dance class. The kids have been asked to come dressed in costume and bring candy to share, since they'll miss class next week. Tomorrow evening, a spook alley literacy event will have her in costume again. This girl is going to have so much candy in the next few days. I'm glad we're there to help her offload some of it.

Finally, the nice side effect with all my working out (aside from getting over my cold quickly) is the increase in my libido. I don't normally want anything to do with sex or anything related to it when I'm sick, but I was ready and willing last night (even in my NyQuil drug-induced haze). I'm sure hubby is happy about the side effects, too.

Hair Color Snafu

The blond is gone and in it's place? Easter-egg pink. Yes. I have pink hair and it's not cute. It didn't begin this way. As some of you know, I started off as a pale blond. My roots were coming in, so I was a pale, dirty blond. I mixed my concoction of colors together, along with my Clarioxide formula. The color added to my hair started off a very bright plum, then intensified to a fiery wine, then darkened, darkened, darkened. I left it on too long...my hair looked like dirt. It was awful! Not to be defeated, I quickly devised a plan to redo the color last night, but first, I would have to strip out all the color and start fresh.

So I did. Back to a bright blond (with sort of pinkish highlights) I mixed my beautiful concoction again and added it to my newly lifted hair. The color hit that intense wine color I was looking for and I jumped the gun; I rinsed. When I came up for air, it was pink. Ugh! I finished the process and decided that I would just re buy everything (because now all the color is gone) and try it again on Saturday. My hair needs a rest. It's been through a lot this week! I think that I've figured it out. Somewhere within the fifteen to twenty minute mark, is the magic number. Thirty minutes was just too long. The color I'm going for is called (you'll love this); Ravishing.

Yesterday, the babe had her hair done professionally for the very first time. Hubby said she twitched and moved a little bit when the hairdresser was combing her hair, but other than that, did very well. She has crochet braids, but with the professional job, they should last until just before my birthday. She's seven, so I don't know how likely this is. They look too cute! She's loving them and got up extra early today to beautify herself (it's picture day at school). Hubby was not loving the price of the beautification...seven packs of hair, four more packs than her non-professional mother uses.

The weekend is nearly here and I can't wait! My coworker has gone on leave and the work has tripled since she left. I've been hoping around like a jumping bean. I'm typing this during my lunch, just to make sure I'm keeping up on my posts. The nerve! To type during my non-working hours? What's that about?

My kids may actually get a bit more use out of their costumes this year. We're having pictures done on Sunday (at least, for now) and there are some activities that they'll be a part of next week. Usually, it's a one shot deal with the costume. Then, I pack up the babe's in anticipation of Indy wearing it in the future. I'm glad and I'm sure they'll be happy to be cute kitties more than just once.

Married Woman Goes on Date

It's true! I really did...and it was wonderful. Hubby took me out to dinner to a lovely Thai restaurant. I had the Pra Ram and he had the very spicy meal with Thai Chilies and noodles, that I can't pronounce. Both were wonderful and we had adult dinner conversation! Actual conversation! Then, we went to an event (which I will not mention here). I will only say that it served to pump me up!


****We interrupt this program to bring you this breaking news!****

I've been thinking about Figure competitions and have toyed with the idea in the past, but now I think I might actually try to reach for this goal. It's sort of the rabbit in my dog race. It's okay if I don't actually catch the rabbit, but if I can get close to it...

The difference between this and regular bodybuilding is that the women are training for symmetry and definition, not bulk. It's also about looking toned, yet feminine. What a novel idea! Why some women want to look like a big, bulky dude is beyond me but hey, it's live and let live. I'm not here to judge or crash any body's party. There are also Fitness competitions, but they are really focused on athleticism (which I have none and wouldn't admit to it just to save face). I can dance and do well with choreography, but integrating back flips and splits into my dance routine would have me face first on the stage. No thank you.

So, with my new found enthusiasm, incorporated to my already bustling workout agenda, I think I may do well. Hubby is all geared up to train me (of course he is!). I just don't know if I'm ready to start sucking down egg whites, tuna, brown rice and oatmeal all day again. I felt more than full all the time and the eating all day was nutty to me. I remember how good I looked, so I'll just have to keep reminding myself that it's all for the greater good.

***Now, back to our regularly scheduled program****

The date finished with hubby and I returning home at around 9:30, paying the babysitter, and settling in for a nightcap. I ate my leftover dinner and he warmed up some of the hamburgers I grilled, earlier in the week. You would have thought I'd created a masterpiece, as much as he raved about them. I'm glad they were good because those suckers took me two full hours to cook. My hubby buys in bulk, so "yours truly" grilled twelve burgers that night. Twelve!

We pulled a movie out of our archives to watch; Devil's Advocate. It was better than I remembered and only reaffirmed my belief that Al Pacino's an amazing actor. He totally absorbs his character and that's not easy for people to do. (I'm a big fan of Christan Bale's for that very reason.) As much as Jack Nicholson rocks, Jack is always Jack to me.

The night ended and I wished hubby didn't have to get up and go to work the next morning, but he did and I survived. I look forward to the holidays when, hopefully, I'll have a little more time with him. I loved date night and I'm already feening for another one.

And Good Evening To You

I got home under a bit of stress; school called and said the babe was still there and, "is anyone coming to pick her up?" Hubby was supposed to, so I called my mother to see where she was. She wouldn't have gotten there any faster...just getting on the interstate in town like me. Called hubby once, twice, three times...nothing. Decided that it would be best to call a neighbor and beg him/her to pick up the (probably freaking out) girl. I reached our stand-by who told me that hubby had just come over (hubby calling while I'm talking to her). Wires were crossed and he thought she was picking up the babe. He tried to call, but couldn't get a signal either. Stupid cell phones! So, neighbor lady will be picking up the babe everyday from now on, since she's already there to pick up her son anyway. Hubby can just scoop her up from neighbor lady's house with no worry. The babe was stressed out, but safe when hubby raced over to get her.

When I got home, they were decorating the front stoop with Halloween goodies. It looks pretty adorable (I'll take pictures with my nifty new camera and post). Halloween streamers hanging from the roof, lights and garland adorning the railing, pumpkins in the planters, and fiber-optic pumpkins in the window seat. The girls absolutely love it. We never did Halloween like this when I was a kid!

After hubby left for the gym, I put on Elmo for the youngest and headed downstairs to the elliptical trainer. Thirty-five minutes later, I was upstairs and exhausted! I showered and got the kids dinner ready. They ate and then prepared for father's return. Dad home, I could leave with the babe and take her to dance class. It was a pleasant drive, even with her incessant talking. I dropped her off and headed to one of my favorite Chinese restaurants to pick up dinner; steamed pot stickers and sticky white rice. I drove back to the dance parking lot, turned on my overhead light and began to eat. Why did the rice taste burnt? It wasn't burned, but it sure tasted like someone had put some fire under it...that under taste of burned like when you've overcooked the popcorn, but not enough to turn it black. Then, there was the pot sticker dip. It was flat. What the hell? That's part of why I buy those things! Salty tangy goodness for those who are pmsing like hell. I needed that sauce to be potent! Oh, well.

When I got home, I put the oldest to bed and walked into a bedroom with a bed covered in laundry.

"Why are you folding laundry now," I asked. "It's nearly 9:00...not what I wanted to do the last thing in the evening."

"Well, if we do it now, it's done and I don't have to do it tomorrow." (his day off)

Can't argue with that. We whipped through the clothes pretty quickly, then settled in for a night-cap of red Shiraz (for him) and peach wine (for me) as we watched Delirious on DVD. Haven't seen it in years! It was funnier than I remember.

Feeling Good

Oh, so much better! I no longer feel like a stomach-extraction would make me feel better. We are coexisting again and I'm truly happy about that. The weekend has been cold, cold, cold. We only got as high as 36 degrees yesterday. It drizzled and snowed, but I loved it! We went out early in the day and drove to my mom's town to see her. Unfortunately, she had plans so the girls and I ended up having breakfast together. Then, we went to Ross Dress for Less where I picked up a new sweater/blouse (I always seem to have lots of skirts and pants, but never enough tops). After we left Ross, we journeyed back to our own city to visit our local Kohl's. Early last week, I received a $10 gift card for their grand opening sale. Our location has been there for years but, as a promotional ploy, all the stores participate as if they're all grand opening.

I purchased a $37 body bra, marked down to $25 for the sale, plus my $10 gift card. I did pretty well, I think. Oh, and the body bra? I've had several since I was a teenager; however, I haven't purchased one for my new size, lately (that's bra size). The above is exactly what I purchased.

Hubby and I are doing better, too. We had a long talk and it seems what I thought was wrong really wasn't what was bothering him. I forget that I'm supposed to be a mind reader and know these things instinctively. Anyway, he went to a friend's event last night and used our new camera for the first time (I used it on my trip a couple of weeks ago). Let's just say, he won't be appearing as a guest photographer in any magazines anytime soon.

I've been OD'ing on the horror movies this weekend (it is the month for it, isn't it?) and had forgotten what great titles we have, until I started looking. This is what I've managed to get in, in just two days:

1. Rosemary's Baby

2. The Stepford Wives (the original)

3. It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown (watched with the family)

4. The Witches (watched with the family)

5. Underworld

Here's a look at our weather forecast from one of our local television stations. Friday and Saturday look like mild winter days to me, rather than fall days. I think my plans for the weekend are to stay in, eat soup, drink cocoa and read with my daughters. I'll probably also end up caulking the basement baseboards with hubby (if he ever decides he's going to stop being mad and talk to me again).

My tummy is still in turmoil and I'm beginning to think it wasn't the batter but perhaps some clam chowder I ate over the weekend. Or perhaps, it was the two items together. Who knows! All I know is that I was up at 2:00 am, hanging out on the throne again. The bathroom and I are in the midst of a torrid affair that I wish would die, die, die.

Read any good books lately? My reading, as of late, looks a bit like this:

Still Churning, but Something's Different

I think it's the endorphins. I've been working out again (more regularly or maybe I should say "at all") and I think it's having an effect already. I've been feeling a bit more like the old me and, dare I say it, I think I'm feeling a difference in my body too. I'm by no means where I want to be, but I do feel like things are starting to tighten up. This is good...very good. Now, if my body could catch up with my brain and I could wear my groovy cool fall duds, I would be one happy chic. Next week, I have a lunch planned with friends and I may just bust out with my new leopard print shoes by Classified (can't find a picture, so I'll have to take one). I'm feelin' sassy!

Hubby and I are still on the outs, but we're planning to talk tonight. I hope we can resolve this drama before the weekend. I hate spending the entire week having him on my nerves on me on his. I'd much rather keep it peaceful, happy and loving...everybody liking everybody.

It's supposed to get down right frosty out here this weekend. The high for Saturday is something like 42 degrees. It was in the 40's last Saturday and we actually had snow falling in the valley. It was a little trippy to see snow on the mountains the last day of September. Most of it has melted in the lower mountain elevations, but the higher portions still look like a blizzard hit. I'm not ready for my big coat yet!

Sickety, sick, sick sick!

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls...for those of you who may not be in the know or not aware of what is good and what is not so good, here's a news flash; Don't make pancakes with 10-month old batter. It will render you helpless and leave you shivering in the fetal position for days. Good thing I was the only one who ate that poison because I would have surely sent my kids to the emergency room if what was coming out of me all of sudden began to come out of them. So, why did I make pancakes from 10-month old batter? Because I don't like to waste food. Besides, I mixed it with the new Betty Crocker batter I bought at the store only two days earlier. Surely, that would justify good usage. Lesson learned.

I'm back in the office, up-right but not 100% yet. I haven't had an "episode" since Sunday but my guts are still churning something fierce. The pain isn't nearly what it was yesterday, but there are still pangs of unhappiness. I hope I can get through this with all my organs still intact. Jeez!

On other fronts, my babe has too much homework. I'm talking hours and hours of homework. We read, read, read...we have grammar, math and spelling homework. I'm spending more time on homework than I am spending time with her. It's ridiculous! The teacher sends home AR reports (Accelerated Reading). I'm not too clear on whether AR books and tests are mandatory, but I believe they must be. She puts so much stress on them. Anyway, my babe has .8 out of 5 total points. Dammit! She reads all the time! We check out AR books from the list the school district supplies on their website and read those till we're blue! At the bottom of her progress card she wrote, "Read more!" How the hell are we supposed to do that? I broke down and wrote her a one and a half page note about how much she's been doing, how stressful it is and any suggestions she has on how to best help her improve with AR (assuming it is mandatory).

I hope she doesn't see me as the psycho, cry-baby mommy. I just want to make sure I'm doing what's best. Perhaps my strategies are not creating the best possible results. We've even started doubling up on homework each day so that she's not overwhelmed. I also mentioned that both parents work full time in Salt Lake and that there isn't a stay-at-home parent to ease the stress. I believe that many of the teachers here just assume mommy is at home. Sorry to tell them, we don't live in that kind of world anymore.

Hubby and I had a blow out last night over money. It wasn't a typical argument, it was more me being really irritated with the tone he took with me; as if I were one of our girls. Please! I am not a child. If I forget something or don't remember it completely, that does not give him the right to talk to me like I'm five. He didn't see it that way and ended up going to the gym to work out his stress (I guess). Not before leaving big, broken glass in the sink. Was that supposed to be some sort of message? You broke a glass and left it for me to clean up? Is that aggression or did he just forget. Leave it to me to read more into it than there probably is.

On a happier note, I'm looking forward to the fall festivities. It's pretty chilly here now (it's 49 at present and probably won't get any warmer than the low 60s). The leaves are changing and that lovely fall scent is in the air. My oldest is excited about Halloween and keeps asking me if I have her costume (I do, but I never show it to her until the day of Halloween...otherwise, she would worry me to death about it!). She may see it earlier this year because hubby wants to do some costume-esque festivities. It would be nice to have her wear it more than once after the money I spent.

My Love Affair with Amy Winehouse

I've been playing her music non-stop for days and I still can't get enough. Both albums, Frank and Back to Black are genius! She's amazing to me. I've also been thinking and concerned about her health. How many amazing artists of old are no longer here because of substance abuse issues? Really, too many to count. I enjoy a drink just as much as the next guy but, to take it to levels where you black out or completely pass out? I just can't fathom. Is it fun? Is there some sort of charge out of laying in your own vomit for hours or not remembering what you did for several days in a row? I suppose I'll never understand but, truth be told, I'm drawn to the tragic artists. They seem to be so "in touch" with their souls and (probably) their pain.

Donny Hathaway is another one of those tragic artists that I love. Seriously, I'm having an affair with him too and have been for years. I can only listen to him in spurts though because I always cry. Always. He touches my heart and the weak places within me. I'm not sure how many people experience this with music and I probably sound like a raving lunatic but, it is what it is.

If Amy's tour hadn't been cancelled, I think I would have found my way to a venue to see her. It's too bad that so many artists bypass Utah because I'm sure she has a large fan base here. I suppose if she'd had a show in Las Vegas, I would have driven the six hours to see her. Interestingly, the seeing her is a separate issue altogether. She isn't the most pleasant thing to see in her current state.

From her Stronger Than Me video, I see a healthy, bluesy, ballsy chick rocking the hip-hop jazz for all it's worth. She's curvy, vivacious and healthy. In Rehab, she's a bit smaller, but echoes the girl bands of the 60's with perfection. I am so not crazy about the bouffant add-on but cat-eyes never go out of style. By Tears Dry on Their Own, I'm reminded of the Christian Children's Network advertisements and the children who haven't eaten in days. She's literally wasting away. If she were to perform for a live world tour, would she have the energy to do it? People who are in top condition like Janet Jackson and Madonna have postponed and cancelled shows from just exhaustion alone. Granted, they do a lot of dancing and spectacle and I doubt Amy would have as much flash. Still, I'm really hoping that she takes the time to focus on her health and doesn't become a musician statistic. It would be such a loss.

Back from Vacation

I've been back since Sunday, but it's been hard getting back into the rhythm of things, which also includes my attempts at exercising. I had started off well before I left, getting in a walk here or there or doing a workout video. It was a good habit in progress and then...vacation. Vacation to the south which equals to lots and lots of double-dipped, super fried craziness. I didn't go as overboard as I thought but it's still damage to work off.

Hubby and I missed each other during the five day hiatus, but we survived as did my eldest daughter (I took Indy with me. Hey, it's only a few more months before she's too old to fly for free. I definitely took advantage). He managed to get homework stuff done and house work. Amazing! She was happy to have her mom back and I was happy to see her, when I returned.

The trip was very nostalgic for me. I saw my sorority sisters, my best friend from high school, my best friend from college, my father and his wife and all the places I grew up going to and loving. Indy didn't do so well, intestinally that is. She was runny most of the trip. Hubby believes it had to do with the altitude change. That may be, but I also think the difference in food and it's preparation was major. We ate things she's never had before and I'm sure her stomach was rebelling.

As for seeing all my friends, it really made me miss those connections. At times, I thought I was intruding in the normal activities of their lives but it turns out, they never get together. Only a few miles apart, and no lunches, play dates or dinners to be had. Would that be different for me if I was there. I kind of think it would. I miss them tremendously, but I have no plans of ever moving back there.

The city had changed some, but not much. When I went back to my college town, I saw more changes there than anywhere. The street was heavily congested when I left but going back? It was terrible! They've built tons of new restaurants and stores on the major drag and there's just not enough room for everything and daily traffic. They're going to have to do something soon, if the population keeps growing (which it will). So much for the quaint, little college town I remember.

I'll be working out momentarily. I realized that my waist line is really struggling from the C-section I had. It's been hard getting that area toned up so, it's back to the Firm for me and perhaps a bit of Jane Fonda (I know it's dated, but I love her workouts!).

Black on White May Help

Going on and on with my little tangent yesterday must have made a difference...at least, somewhat. When I got home, hubby was working in the yard with the Babe so, I joined in where I could. Not exactly walking in the park, but activity nonetheless. By the time we were done, it was going on 6:00pm and the kids were hungry. Hubby suggested picking something up and then taking it to the park to eat. This wasn't really a practical idea on a school night, so we went out to dinner at a buffet (with coupon!) instead.

Let's just say I enjoyed myself a little too much. By my third trip up, I knew I had blown it for the day (the third trip, by the way, was to the dessert bar so, I 'm doing better than others). Chicken Parmigiana, bread sticks, butterfly fried shrimp, veggie rice, chocolate chip cookies, double fudge brownies. It was a really exceptional Tuesday night dinner and my body was quick to judge me for it.

Afterwards, we strolled around a department store that was located in the same parking lot. I ended up getting a pair of sandals, since my other ones broke on the way to my car last night. I was really bummed. They were lovely, even if they were from Payless. We also bought Indy another Elmo DVD. Potty Time Elmo, or something like that. It might as well be worth while, if we're buying a DVD for a toddler.

When we got home it was "get the kids ready for bed and reading time". It was also, pull-the-left-incisor-tooth-from-the-babe's-mouth time, too. She lost most of her baby teeth last year, but there are still a few left. It wasn't as stressful as in times before thank goodness. She woke up with a nice, new dollar this morning. I think I'll ask her for a loan.

This morning, I woke up to work and was almost done when I decided, "I'm going to do my workout," and I did. Twenty minutes later, I had done a small workout and had broken a mild sweat. It's a start and, I figure, it will help get today started right and maybe make up for yesterday's damage. I felt really good afterward (as I always do after a workout, but apparently, that's not enough) and totally ready for the day. I've really got to get back into a more regular schedule. Truly!

My trip back East is coming up in less than a week. I've been invited to two events, not involving my best friend and I'm feeling a little guilty about them. I get there on Tuesday and I suppose we'll see each other in the evening. She'll be working everyday I'm there except Friday and Saturday (she could only take one day off...odd, I know...and we only see each other once a year). My friends want to have dinner with me one of those night, then there's this thing on Saturday. I feel like I'm cutting into the time I should be spending with my best friend. Now, why should I feel guilty? I'm sinking a lot of money into this trip that I really do not have and I should be able to see all the people I want to but the guilt is really weighing on me. I suppose I need to just talk to her about it and let her know how I'm feeling. I know she's going through her own stressors and I don't want to add to them, dumping my guilt issues her way.

I did ask her to stay in the same hotel with me, so that I could monopolize and maximize the time I have with her and she agreed. Maybe she'll be missing her husband and will want some time away. Yeah, I know. I'll talk to her.

In other news, my friend from high school sent me an email that she's getting divorced. I feel bad about her situation, but she seems in good spirits. She had her first child last year. I hope this divorce isn't rushed.

Changing My Thinking

It's very frustrating to step on the scale and see no change. I've been very careful about what I've been eating. More than anything, it's been a course of action to shrink my stomach and it is working. I mean, think about it; people who over-eat stretch their stomachs out to sometimes gargantuan proportions. I have not done this, but it has stretched enough to accommodate one or two too many burritos and hamburgers. With work, you can force your stomach back to it's normal size. It's not normal yet but I'm sure that it's getting there (I can tell when I eat that I can't eat as much). So, what I want to know is this; why is it easier for me to subsist on only a thousand or so calories a day but getting up to do my aerobics is nearly impossible?

I'm at the 1200 calorie mark and a bit above, which means my body isn't in starvation mode; however, I am not the workout machine I once was. Not because I don't want to be, but because time and distractions seem to be a huge problem for me as of late. I could blame it on Indy, who is twenty-months old now and into everything! If I'm gone for longer than a standard Elmo movie, all hell breaks loose. The kids have been watching t.v. in our room, since we sold the big screen but there is one downstairs. Why not just set your kids up down there? Then, you're only one door away and you can still walk on the treadmill. Good point.

I could blame it on the babe. Homework seems to take nearly an hour and a half to complete each day (I don't remember this in second grade. What are teachers doing nowadays?). On Mondays, we have to do it in the afternoon, but every other day is a morning session for homework. That way, I've got her full and focused attention. She's so much better at staying with it in the mornings. So, if you have to do homework in the afternoons on Monday, why not do a morning workout on Mondays and afternoon workouts every other day. Good point.

I could blame it on my hubby who works crazy hours but when he doesn't, chooses his free time to work out. Then, I have to get dinner ready, bath the kids and then get them ready for story time and bed. Some nights, all the Babe wants is Ramen Noodles and Indy could live on pretzels and lunch meat for the rest of her life. Call that dinner some nights and do your workout. Or, cook enough one night to have enough leftovers for a day or two later. Good point.

I've got to change my thinking! Here it is all italicized and pretty, now I just gotta do it.

Finally, blonde Pictures

The lighting quality isn't so great, but you get the idea. This is the front part, just out of the shower. It was taken about two or three days after I colored it the first time.

Here's the back and a better look at some of the highlights and curlies I have. Again, my hair is wet in these pictures, so it's much wavier this way then when dry. I have colored it once more, since these pictures. Normally, you would only color the roots but, since I have to "lift" my hair to take out the color, I just end up doing my entire head. The lift removes all pigmentation, then I add the color. It's a very drying process. I usually don't wash it for a couple of days. This way, the natural oils have come back and restored the elasticity to my hair.

It's grown a lot and the pick is making my mini fro look more like a regular fro. By Christmas, I may have a decent helmet to sport. By this time next year, I could be ready for twists and such. It's been such an adventure and my hair is loving me for it. I have growth in places I never knew I was missing hair from. All those years of retouches and too tight braids gave me bald spots. Who knew! It's all back now and thick, thick, thick!

(Oh, and if you've been reading the Enchantress site, my shoes came today and they are hot! I can't wait to meet that goal, so I can sport them. Seriously...hot!)

More Eventful Than Previously Stated

You know, in thinking about the weekend, it was much more eventful than I indicated in my last post. Aside from the blow-up hubby and I endured, we really had some major happenings occur. For instance, my computer decided that it would reboot over and over again in a cycle and never actually start up (the desktop). So, I got on my laptop to try and troubleshoot the issues. Of course, it wasn't a simple solution but a scary one that involves me begging and pleading with my computer friends to teach me how to back up my files before the drive crashes completely. Long story short? We bought another computer, yesterday. Now, I've got to figure out how to install the wireless modem on the new one, without involving technical support hosted by our friends across the pond; I don' t have a problem with who's hosting, just the language barrier issues...especially when it comes to setting up your livelihood.

Hubby is all about the finishing up of the basement in a hurry, now that our 52" television is now gone (sold for a nice profit). Indy is all about Elmo right now and watching it in our room is just not the same. She doesn't even have to say it (which she can't) but, we can tell. We're looking for a flat, LCD because plasmas aren't in the picture for us, at least not for another ten years or so. Those things are trouble from the jump and I need a t.v. that's gonna last.

So, today is another one of those days where the random friend comes over and helps move us a little closer to the ultimate goal. I keep thinking it will be winter before this happens because it just seems like there's always something to stall the progress, just when we think we're making headway. (Another set back, Buying the new computer has probably set us back on getting patio furniture this year. Bummer.) Will I ever walk on my treadmill/elliptical trainer again?

Hubby and I got it all figured out from yesterday's blow-up. He claims that he didn't bring work stress home and, in the past, he has been really good at not doing this. I can't say the same; however, I think he brought at least a smidgen of it home with him. I can't imagine where that came from, but oh well.

So,You had a Bad Day?

It's Labor Day, boys and girls and my day was uneventful until about ten minutes ago. My daughter has a school project (or, you could say "I" have a school project and she's just throwing in some extras here and there) and we were working on it when dad came home. We'd been at it about an hour when he showed up, ate some cereal then got in the shower. He asked me several times if I wanted to go with him to the store (we're pricing out flat screens) and I told him I did, once the project was finished.

He finished with his shower then waited for me to finish with the project (or so he says...it seems he didn't start screaming for me until he was done dressing).

"Why can't you finish this when we get back?"

"Because I want it done so I don't have to think about it anymore. Why don't you just go without me."

"Well, I wish I had known this before. I've been waiting for you and I've got stuff to do downstairs when I get back. You know _____ is coming tomorrow to help me."

"I told you, you can just go without me. I had to get this finished because, I know you wouldn't help with something like this and we still have to read for 20 minutes tonight."

"You can't find twenty minutes before she goes to bed tonight...and I got all this stuff to do."

"Well just tell me what it is and I'll do it!"

"You can't do it! It's stuff you just can't do!"

On and on this went until he stormed out. I opened the door to the garage to ask him, "So, you're just going to leave without taking her?"

"She doesn't want to go...do you want to go (speaking to the babe)?"

"She needs to go with you. She's been stuck at home most of the day."

"I don't think she wants to go. She said she didn't want to go!"

"Fine! Then, just leave her here!"

I know where this is coming from. He had a day from hell at work and now everything is pissing him off. I say, "Just get the hell out of my house and do some therapy shopping until you cool off." At least, that's what I'd like to say.

September is the month of change. I hope he changes his attitude or he won't make it through the month of September!

I Had Forgotten

I'd forgotten how much fun it is to watch my children play with other children. I'd forgotten how silly my hubby can really be. I'd also forgotten how much I love to swim. How in the world did I forget these things?

It was a surprisingly pleasant weekend. It started with a good, long chat with hubby about intimacy. Not a strange subject for us, but a needed one. I was feeling a bit neglected in that department (surprise, surprise. Men always think they're the ones getting left out). Well, his intentions are always good, but I found myself doing more of the pleasuring then I was getting myself. Of course, it's a pleasure to provide the pleasure, but I need a little too, you know? So, there we were, discussing how to make things better when we discovered how much we're still attracted to each other. Wow! After ten years, I can still rev his engine. It's good to be the Queen.

Saturday, I got up super early and went to a two-day sale in hubby's stead (cause you know I hate to shop) and picked up a new desk for our computer. It was 7:00am when the doors opened and a little man, who got there two minutes before I did, ran to the front door as if it were Black Friday. Scary how some people shop. I can't imagine what he needed so badly that he ran from his car, only to pace back and forth in front of the locked door.

We're so excited because this early morning shopping took us one more step towards a basement that looks like something rather than a war zone. The desktop computer will have a home again and we'll be able to update our sad MP3s that have had the same music for over eight months. Hubby is really thrilled about this. I also picked up breakfast for me and girls. I'd forgotten how much I like Slim Slams (Denny's version of the grand slam with egg beaters instead of eggs and ham instead of bacon or sausage) and how less damaging they are to my waistline. See? It's all about choices. For lunch? Chinese pot stickers. Yum! My daughter had forgotten how much she liked them and kept trying to eat mine instead of her own lunch (orange chicken and ham fried rice).

Later on, my eldest (who the night before left a message for a friend) schemed for a playdate. The girls had too much fun and I had a lovely time talking endlessly to her mother. She was supposed to drop her off and then run an errand, but we ended up chatting about all sorts of things. When she finally left and then returned to pick her up, we chatted it up some more. It's so nice to find a sane mommy in the world.

When dad arrived (later in the evening), we watched a family movie and enjoyed Italian. Can't loose that ten eating like this...I keep saying this! Church on Sunday and then swim time at our local aquatic center. We had great fun, until Indy's lips started to turn blue. We figured that was our cue to get out and get warmed up (even though the water was at a comfortable 72 degrees).

Today has been busy, busy, busy and I'm having more technical drama than should be allowed for one person. Isn't there a button that I can push/type that says, "just make it happen,"? Is that too much to ask for? I'd forgotten how much I like it when everything works when you want it to.

Birthday Celebrations and Big, Big Balloons

The babe had her 7th birthday last Thursday. We surprised her with a birthday party at the local skating rink. She had a blast! (her poor parents, however, will never do this again). There were little kids everywhere! Not to mention the Bounce Zone, the Pirates Cove and near complete darkness, we could barely tell where anyone was. This made hubby very nervous, for fear predators would try and bother the little sweethearts. Despite the pandemonium, the babe made out like a bandit and we established contacts with other parents in the neighborhood. I feel better knowing that there are others I can call on, besides our "stand-by" neighbors. I'm sure they get tired of us.

Friday, I took the day off to spend with the birthday girl. We took her to the mall and she got her first manicure (complete with stickers). She loved it! Then, off to run errands with the parents. Friday evening, I hog tied her to the ground and redid her hair (it was rough!). She looks great, now. I won't let it go so long, next time. Hubby brought Chinese home for dinner to surprise me. What a guy.

Saturday, we were up bright and early to watch the Balloon launch (Ogden City Balloon Festival) complete with all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast. The girls loved it, even Indy...who pointed up in the sky at the Balloons floating through the air. Her first experience with hot air balloons. We walked around a bit, but the displays weren't really available (they usually appear later in the day). The babe had a birthday party to attend, so we couldn't hang around and wait for vendors to appear.

She went to her first bowling party while her sister, father and I stayed home and took a breather from the morning events (Dad actually got the neighbor and they worked on sprinkler heads...I guess me and Indy were the only ones taking a breather). The party was a success and she learned how to bowl! I'm hoping to take the family before summer vacation officially ends (school starts next Wednesday). Craziness!

Saturday afternoon, off to grandmother's house we went (grandma wasn't able to join us for the birthday party and felt really bad about it. She decided a sleepover was a great way to make it up to the birthday girl). Hubby and I put the little one to bed early and enjoyed cocktails and a movie. Sunday, we went to church as a family and in the afternoon, shopped a bit for school supplies and clothes. The week has been pretty busy with work stuff and meetings, but I'm trying to keep my eye on the prize (at least ten pounds off before my trip). Yes. I know I won't get there eating birthday cake and pounds upon pounds of Chinese food. TOM is on the way too so, if I can rise above my cravings for the next few days, I think I'll be okay.

Trying it Again...and This Time...

I'm going to try and stick with it. The lummox is gone and I'm going to get off this extra weight I've put on during the summer (stress eating, no doubt). I want to get back on track with what I was doing and get my figure again. I hope that I can push through the dramas of life without loosing my momentum this time. It's difficult...managing work, the kids, house projects, transportation and all the rest while still trying to work on yourself.

Last night, I started watching the Sex and the City series television show again from the beginning (I have the entire series on DVD). I can't help thinking about the comment Bryan makes in that episode of Family Guy; "So, it's about three hookers and their mother?" Too, funny. But seriously, the show is great (despite their more than eagerness to jump into bed with anyone or anything) the writing is clever and funny. I'd like to make sure I'm all caught up before the movie is released.

A Weekend from Heaven (only two days left!)

The lummox was gone for more days than anticipated. I was certainly not complaining and, as a result of his absence, I had one of the best weeks and weekends I've had in a long time. The babe will still off and about in the wilderness, having fun on ATVs and swimming in the lake while I was cleaning my house and taking Indy on our own little adventures.

Saturday, I slept in until 6:30 (late for me) then cleaned up (straightening an organizing several CDs and DVDs in the entertainment center, cleaning the glass coffee and end tables, dusting, vacuuming the living area- including the steps, changing the litter, organizing my room and bathroom) and had everything complete by 8:00am. I then got myself and the baby ready, then off to breakfast at McDonald's, where she watched Toon Disney and ate biscuits, eggs and hash browns. Then, to the park. She swung on the swings, slid down the slide and took a little walk to see the duckies. It was really a great time to go, not only because it hadn't gotten scorching hot yet, but also because there were ducks and geese everywhere! They were eating and grooming themselves and those obnoxious sea gulls were no where in sight. I guess they only show up after the lunch crowd arrives.

After our visit to the park, I stopped at Home Depot to attack a very small home improvement project at my home. The sink in our bathroom's faucet-head had been in pieces for months. It was only a matter of replacing it, but something always happened where we'd forget about it while we were at the store. I picked up the replacement, took it home and beautified my bathroom sink in only a few seconds. Hubby was so proud when he saw it. I also picked up a movie while I was out...May. It was an interesting, creepy movie that I would never have known about, if it weren't for my movie connection guy here at work. We talk movies all the time and we're both fans of the horror genre. The characterization was done really well, even if the plot was thin in spots. Sometimes, that's enough for me...as was the case with this flick. I watched it while snarfing down a cheeseburger and fries...my last for a while. My motivation is comin' on back. Once "he's" gone, I'll be in full swing again.

Indy went down for a nap at 11:00am and didn't wake up until three hours later. Hubby was home, had showered and nearly dressed when she awakened. We drove to Salt Lake to see a movie with friends and Indy did much better with Shrek the Third than with Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. She basically munched on popcorn the entire time. I guess that's the trick for her. After the movie, we went to the store, then to eat dinner, then home for a night of relaxation and pleasant company. The house was ours and we loved it!

Sunday morning, hubby tells me that he's taken the day off and we go to church together. Many of the members asked about the Babe and where she was (I told you my children and I are joined at the hip). It was sweet because they all genuinely seemed to miss her. After church, we stopped at Lowe's and looked at patio furniture. Lots on sale, but nothing we wanted. On the road again, we stopped at Golden Corral and had breakfast...$12.00 and some change. That will never happen again until we're retired! It was surprisingly good and I ate entirely too much (that's gotta stop) then, after a couple of stops, we were picking up the babe and heading home. She had been crying...missing us, the poor thing. We got home and we all took a three hour nap. Crazy! After the nap, we shopped for dinner, came home and cooked then watched Spiderman 3 (courtesy of my movie friend and his "hook up"). It was great, but I still like part two the best.

Hubby and brother-dear got into last night, with more confirmation that he needs to go home. He's been telling my sister-in-law and his mother all sorts of things about us. Hubby was going to call them and attempt to set the record straight, but he also said that, "My family is going to be them and there's nothing I can do to change them." It could be that they don't believe him at all and their idea that I'm holding him hostage somehow will continue to reign in their minds. Hubby says that his main responsibility is to his immediate family (us) and that he can't keep trying to make them see the light anymore. He did mention, however, that he'll bring up his other brother who started out in much the same way, and then ended up burning down an apartment complex (another story I'll share someday). They believed him until the day he finally admitted to it (even though the rest of us were sure it was him).

Today, I forgot my lunch and took it as a sign that I need to drink lots of water today and fast until dinner. I'm really ready to get back to the workouts and the total regime...my clothes are saying more to me than anything else. Besides, I gotta be hot for my reunion, right? Here's to new beginnings, getting started, motivation and positive energy.

Two Days of Bliss

The lummox has been at my sister-in-law's for the past two nights, and my home has been absolute bliss without him. It's so nice to be able to do things around the house knowing that I don't have him potentially lumbering in to destroy my good mood. The evenings are quiet and event-less (no microwave coming on at all hours of the night, no lights on all over the place, no phone calls to awake a slumbering baby). It's been marvelous! Hubby and I are so ready for his big ass to be gone for good, it's not even funny.

My big girl (the babe) is off on an adventure. She went with friends of my hubby's to a lake just north of here (okay, not "just" north...it's Idaho, so a bit of a drive). She will be joined by other family members of the friends for fun in the sun and splashing in the lake. I hope she enjoys herself and doesn't cause too much trouble for them. They have a son and are probably not used to the sensitive nature of a cry-baby six year old. She was to stay the night at their house last night, then make the drive this morning to the lake.

*Update! Hubby just called and said that they (his friends) said she did really well last night. The played and played, then went downstairs to watch t.v. When hubby's friend looked over, they had both crashed. He also said, as they were packing the RV last night and the babe was wondering around in the splendor of it she said, "Are we ready to go, now?". To which he responded, "No, not yet, honey. We'll be going in the morning. "

"Well, I get up early. I can get you guys up."

Too funny! Hubby told his friend that she definitely wasn't lying about the getting up early. Five o'clock and she's ready for action. I hope she does well for the remainder of the trip.

It's storming in various places in Utah, but not where I work or live. It's sort of a bummer because there have been all of these flash flood warnings and I have yet to see any water. Cars are apparently floating away in these places, but still nothing here. Now, I'm looking out the window and a mass of dark clouds are looming over the area. I'm ready for the rain!