My brand new SIGNED copy of Robyn Carr's Second Chance Pass. I'm about halfway through already and don't know where they're going to go from here. It seems they have most of their issues resolved already, but need to build up more trust. So I guess the ex-gf and the wannabe-bf are going to cause trouble? And probably the late husband's mother, too...
She was very nice and the line was short and I'm too tongue-tied around stranegrs to be able to carry on much of a conversation or gush.
But I have the next book (signed, too!) to read after this one.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Happy Birthday Garret!
My newest nephew was born at 7:55 eastern time.
My sister's not a big person and her husband isn't huge and the baby was 9 lbs 1 oz.
All is well :)
My sister's not a big person and her husband isn't huge and the baby was 9 lbs 1 oz.
All is well :)
interesting economic tidbit
Apparently, consumer debt in the US is approx 100% of the GDP.
It hasn't been this high since - you got it - 1929.
It hasn't been this high since - you got it - 1929.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Oh, and early warning
Look for food prices to go way up for the year.
The Governator has declared a drought emergency because we're behind on rain and the mountains have been low on snow for the last 3 years. Farmers and industries have to cut way back on water usage and some have already had to leave their fields fallow or their trees untended.
So now would be a good time for you areas with lots of water to start growing more food, OK? I mean, it makes a lot more sense for you to be growing stuff rather than California, which is a perma-drought area anyway, though the CA climate tends to be a lot warmer, so we can grow some things that most of the US can't, but anyway.
I also heard a thing on the radio today about the problem with bees cross-pollinating mandarin oranges. If they have too many seeds, they're only used for juice instead of sold as Cuties and are worth about 1/10th the amount to the grower. I guess we've just gotten too lazy about hard-to-peel oranges and spitting out seeds? Anyway, the bees drift over from other orchards and cross-pollinate the trees and then the small growers go out of business and the big growers try to sue beekeepers. Nice, eh?
The Governator has declared a drought emergency because we're behind on rain and the mountains have been low on snow for the last 3 years. Farmers and industries have to cut way back on water usage and some have already had to leave their fields fallow or their trees untended.
So now would be a good time for you areas with lots of water to start growing more food, OK? I mean, it makes a lot more sense for you to be growing stuff rather than California, which is a perma-drought area anyway, though the CA climate tends to be a lot warmer, so we can grow some things that most of the US can't, but anyway.
I also heard a thing on the radio today about the problem with bees cross-pollinating mandarin oranges. If they have too many seeds, they're only used for juice instead of sold as Cuties and are worth about 1/10th the amount to the grower. I guess we've just gotten too lazy about hard-to-peel oranges and spitting out seeds? Anyway, the bees drift over from other orchards and cross-pollinate the trees and then the small growers go out of business and the big growers try to sue beekeepers. Nice, eh?
fangirl squeeeeee
Robyn Carr is signing books at the nearest Barnes & Noble tomorrow. She's not my favorite author of all time, but I like her books and she has two out that I haven't read yet. I have a couple of other ones by her, but have read the ones from her Grace Valley and Virgin River series from the library.
So anyway, I am hoping to go hear her talk and get a couple of books signed :)
So anyway, I am hoping to go hear her talk and get a couple of books signed :)
Cribbed from Jen R
You Are a Red Light |
 You take life at a slow pace. Life is long, so what's the rush? You are very selective. You don't make a decision until you're sure it's the right one. You have amassed some wisdom in your life, and you put it to good use. You don't act rashly. You are fair and impartial. People can count on you to do the right thing, even if you take some time to figure out what that is. |
Thursday, February 26, 2009
But in better news...
I made blueberry frosting for DD's cake. It mostly tastes like butter and sugar, because I used less than a cup of blueberries (which were wayyyyyyy sour, so no one would eat them) and about three tons of butter and sugar. It's an interesting pinkish slightly purplish color and the boys didn't want to believe that it wasn't strawberry with blueberry pieces.
The cake itself seems good - we scooped the crumbs stuck to the pans off and ate those for snack and they were good. It was really crumbly when I was frosting it and we'll see what it tastes like when we cut it up.
I bought some pink writing gel frosting at the store today, but I don't think it will show up on there, so I'll have to get out the other colors and see if there's enough of the blue or red to write Happy Birthday.
The cake itself seems good - we scooped the crumbs stuck to the pans off and ate those for snack and they were good. It was really crumbly when I was frosting it and we'll see what it tastes like when we cut it up.
I bought some pink writing gel frosting at the store today, but I don't think it will show up on there, so I'll have to get out the other colors and see if there's enough of the blue or red to write Happy Birthday.
GAH!
This laptop is about 15 months old and apparently the two thumb drive ports (there's a real name for them...) on the left have given up the ghost. DH got me a cordless mouse for Christmas and it was plugged in over there and one day just didn't work. Luckily, there's a port on the right, too, but just now I had to take out the mouse thingy so I could plug in my thumb drive and back up my work.
Because, ah, I'm not exactly doing what I should be....
Yeah, that's me. Superhero butterfly with flame thrower.
(Found this on Book Ninja's blog)
and heres the link: http://www.cpbintegrated.com/theherofactory/
And me today:
Happy Birthday, Baby Girl! whoops, sorry out of time
So far for her birthday, she's had a trip to the grocery store and a nap. Wheeee!
I baked a cake and need to let it cool and then make frosting. I'm thinking butter cream. Or else the store bought one that's in the cupboard...
As a side note, the Manischewitz moist cake mix looks fabulous. I'm hoping it tastes as good as it mixed up and as good as it looks. There's some shortening in the mix which gives it a trace of trans fat, but I used butter instead of margarine in it so it's not pareve, but there aren't any more trans fats. They use real sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup, which is supposed to be better for you. It's still not health food, but it's CAKE so it's not supposed to be.
Oh and as another side note and on the subject of vaguely healthy desserts, I went to the store where we get whole wheat pastry flour and they were OUT. ARG. But I bought several pounds of quick oats for DH at 47 cents a pound instead of whatever Quaker's charging these days.
I need to find pictures of family members for a baby-safe book that a friend gave me with spots for pics.
I want to buy her some new shoes because she's almost to the end of the 6-12 month ones and it's so much easier for me when she has 2 pairs.
Did anyone get her a doll? Maybe I could get her a baby. 1 seems sort of young and she's not terribly interested in stuffed animals, so maybe that's for later.
Other than that, I don't know what she's getting for presents. granny and Mamie Josiane both sent presents, so she'll get something! I suppose I should take the boys to get her some small token of their appreciation. Sigh.
DH is going to be out all evening, so will miss the 'party'. :P
I baked a cake and need to let it cool and then make frosting. I'm thinking butter cream. Or else the store bought one that's in the cupboard...
As a side note, the Manischewitz moist cake mix looks fabulous. I'm hoping it tastes as good as it mixed up and as good as it looks. There's some shortening in the mix which gives it a trace of trans fat, but I used butter instead of margarine in it so it's not pareve, but there aren't any more trans fats. They use real sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup, which is supposed to be better for you. It's still not health food, but it's CAKE so it's not supposed to be.
Oh and as another side note and on the subject of vaguely healthy desserts, I went to the store where we get whole wheat pastry flour and they were OUT. ARG. But I bought several pounds of quick oats for DH at 47 cents a pound instead of whatever Quaker's charging these days.
I need to find pictures of family members for a baby-safe book that a friend gave me with spots for pics.
I want to buy her some new shoes because she's almost to the end of the 6-12 month ones and it's so much easier for me when she has 2 pairs.
Did anyone get her a doll? Maybe I could get her a baby. 1 seems sort of young and she's not terribly interested in stuffed animals, so maybe that's for later.
Other than that, I don't know what she's getting for presents. granny and Mamie Josiane both sent presents, so she'll get something! I suppose I should take the boys to get her some small token of their appreciation. Sigh.
DH is going to be out all evening, so will miss the 'party'. :P
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Beans and ramen noodles for a few months
A couple of days ago, I bought plane tickets for all of us to go to Ohio for Spring break (yeah, it's your usual party sort of destination, isn't it?).
Still trying to track down DD's social security card. She definitely won't have a passport before we go!
Still trying to track down DD's social security card. She definitely won't have a passport before we go!
Heh heh heh. Milk warmers. Heh Heh.
http://babyblues.com/archive/index.php?formname=getstrip&GoToDay=02/11/09
Baby Blues from 2 weeks ago because it's the most recent that I can read online.
Baby Blues from 2 weeks ago because it's the most recent that I can read online.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Uh oh. Better read the Bible...
Now nobody yell at me until you've actually read the questions....
Your morality is 0% in line with that of the bible.
Damn you heathen! Your book learnin' has done warped your mind. You shall not be invited next time I sacrifice a goat.
Do You Have Biblical Morals?
Take More Quizzes
Monday, February 23, 2009
Hooray! Rain!
It's been raining a lot over the last week or two and I've just looked and we finally have above the average amount for the month (4.3 inches is the average and we're at 4.6). Now we just have to catch up on the 3 inches from last month and the 4 or 5 or more from the whole fall...
And this drought map from Liza's blog: interesting, no?
(and Liza went out in a rainstorm to take pictures of turkeys. The birders among you will applaud.)
And this drought map from Liza's blog: interesting, no?
(and Liza went out in a rainstorm to take pictures of turkeys. The birders among you will applaud.)
don't want to finish potato peel pie
I'm reading The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society and am really, really enjoying it. I'm closing in on the end and I don't want it to be over.
It's the story of a London author and journalist who has been writing plucky humor pieces for a newspaper during WWII and now that it's over, she's looking for a new subject for a book. Among all the letters she writes and receives (it's an epistolary novel), is a letter from a man on Guernsey island who somehow got a book she used to own that still has her name and address (well, address of her bombed-out flat, but the letter gets forwarded to her). He is asking if she can help him find any more works by Charles Lamb.
She starts corresponding with him and with a bunch of other people on Guernsey, the members of the Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, which started during the Nazi occupation of the island because there were a bunch of them out after curfew after eating an illegal pig and one woman came up with that as a cover story, so they really did start meeting to talk about books. Eventually, the author goes to Guernsey to learn more about the people and the occupation.
I think I had heard vaguely that the Channel Islands had been occupied by the Nazis, but hadn't really learned anything about it. I've heard a lot about the French occupation and this is quite similar and brought down to a personal, local level - and with English people, which brings it home a bit more, maybe?
AS I said, I don't want it to end. I have a library copy that I have to return soon, but this is a suggestion for a birthday present!
It's the story of a London author and journalist who has been writing plucky humor pieces for a newspaper during WWII and now that it's over, she's looking for a new subject for a book. Among all the letters she writes and receives (it's an epistolary novel), is a letter from a man on Guernsey island who somehow got a book she used to own that still has her name and address (well, address of her bombed-out flat, but the letter gets forwarded to her). He is asking if she can help him find any more works by Charles Lamb.
She starts corresponding with him and with a bunch of other people on Guernsey, the members of the Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, which started during the Nazi occupation of the island because there were a bunch of them out after curfew after eating an illegal pig and one woman came up with that as a cover story, so they really did start meeting to talk about books. Eventually, the author goes to Guernsey to learn more about the people and the occupation.
I think I had heard vaguely that the Channel Islands had been occupied by the Nazis, but hadn't really learned anything about it. I've heard a lot about the French occupation and this is quite similar and brought down to a personal, local level - and with English people, which brings it home a bit more, maybe?
AS I said, I don't want it to end. I have a library copy that I have to return soon, but this is a suggestion for a birthday present!
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Greek mythology and the baby's a prodigy
DS2 came home with his journal from school. There were a couple of days where he drew pictures, but didn't get around to writing stories, so his teacher sent it home with him. Last night, he was gazing at his picture of people with wings on their arms and there was a sun in the picture, so I told him the story of Daedalus and Icarus, then wrote the names down for him and he wrote his journal about that.
"Once upon a time Daedalus made some wings. Icarus flew too cos (close) to the sun. And then Icarus fel(l) in to the ocean."
And below is the baby's first known work of art. She got a pen and a piece of paper and started drawing. She's a genius! I wonder if I can get this to scan so the stuff printed on the other side isn't as obvious.
Oh, and my dad is home now
I talked to him yesterday, not long before he got out of the hospital. It sounds like they're not really sure why he has passed out a couple of times. He has to see his doctor next week and see someone about his electrolytes. Oh and as an aside, he's had this arrhythmia for a long time. And he was more worried about the cost of the tests than the fact that he has something wrong with him.
Apparently, he was a really cranky patient in the hospital.
So my sister Dee is now free to have her baby. She's been working even though she's having lots of contractions. Talk about working up until the last minute!
I'm still hoping to go home for spring break.
Apparently, he was a really cranky patient in the hospital.
So my sister Dee is now free to have her baby. She's been working even though she's having lots of contractions. Talk about working up until the last minute!
I'm still hoping to go home for spring break.
All singing, all dancing, all sledding
Why is a simple idea such a big production?
DH announced yesterday that he was going to take the boys up to the snow today.
So I had to make the WindPro fleece pants I've been meaning to make them.
And find scarves, coats, hats, and make mittens.
And pack dry clothes for the way back.
And roust DH out of bed at almost 10 because if they're going to go, they really should do it during freaking daylight hours.
And wish the boys had boots.
And get out the wool socks and old shoes so they'll have something vaguely warmish for their feet.
And I called a friend to see if they had sleds or something.
And now her DH and son are going to go and they're going to drive. They've gone many times before, so it's probably a better idea anyway.
And my guys were almost ready to leave, but they'll have to wait a bit now.
So now we need to pack a lunch, because her DH doesn't like to spend extra money.
Though they'll probably stop for something hot on the way back.
Oh, and don't forget the remote control car thing that's supposed to run on snow that DS2 got with his Christmas money!
I'm guessing this will be easier as we do it more times.
DH announced yesterday that he was going to take the boys up to the snow today.
So I had to make the WindPro fleece pants I've been meaning to make them.
And find scarves, coats, hats, and make mittens.
And pack dry clothes for the way back.
And roust DH out of bed at almost 10 because if they're going to go, they really should do it during freaking daylight hours.
And wish the boys had boots.
And get out the wool socks and old shoes so they'll have something vaguely warmish for their feet.
And I called a friend to see if they had sleds or something.
And now her DH and son are going to go and they're going to drive. They've gone many times before, so it's probably a better idea anyway.
And my guys were almost ready to leave, but they'll have to wait a bit now.
So now we need to pack a lunch, because her DH doesn't like to spend extra money.
Though they'll probably stop for something hot on the way back.
Oh, and don't forget the remote control car thing that's supposed to run on snow that DS2 got with his Christmas money!
I'm guessing this will be easier as we do it more times.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Dad update
He's getting tired of being in the hospital and more worried about how much it's costing him rather than what's wrong with him (typical male, a friend of mine said, but remember that my dad was/is a mathematician and numbers mean an awful lot to him). They're saying it's something with his heart and he has a stress test tomorrow and then should be going home.
My sister's baby is due any minute now and my mom has told her she can't have it until Dad is home.
My sister's baby is due any minute now and my mom has told her she can't have it until Dad is home.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
they're doing tests
that's about all the update on my dad. They've scanned and poked and drawn half his blood and are going to do an MRI and who knows what else tomorrow and then all get together and talk about it. Oh, and they have him wearing a heart monitor for a day. His two incidences are months apart, so they might not find anything at all.
And DS2 is making me INSANE. He wouldn't get out of the car when DH took him to karate today after school and insist that I MADE him start doing karate again and he never said he wanted to and he never agreed to it and grump grump whine (and lie lie lie - or at least selective memory).
And now he's whining because he wants to play on a computer or watch a movie and I told him he had to wait until DS1 has finished his homework (DS2's class doesn't have it this week) and that he should read a book or something. I'm trying to cut him some slack because he hasn't been feeling well but, well, I don't feel that great either.
And now he announced that learning is NOT fun. He wants to be stupid his whole life (I just asked and he said yes).
Oh, and bestest buddy, with whom my boys spent several hours on Monday, has strep, so we just might be in for round two. And I shouldn't even admit this, but even after the full course with ds2 a few weeks ago, we have about half a bottle of antibiotics left in the fridge, so I guess we're ready.
And I just called him Spiderman because he's trying to climb up the door jamb. He thinks that's great. He had a Spiderman comic from the library last week and it's way exciting.
And DS2 is making me INSANE. He wouldn't get out of the car when DH took him to karate today after school and insist that I MADE him start doing karate again and he never said he wanted to and he never agreed to it and grump grump whine (and lie lie lie - or at least selective memory).
And now he's whining because he wants to play on a computer or watch a movie and I told him he had to wait until DS1 has finished his homework (DS2's class doesn't have it this week) and that he should read a book or something. I'm trying to cut him some slack because he hasn't been feeling well but, well, I don't feel that great either.
And now he announced that learning is NOT fun. He wants to be stupid his whole life (I just asked and he said yes).
Oh, and bestest buddy, with whom my boys spent several hours on Monday, has strep, so we just might be in for round two. And I shouldn't even admit this, but even after the full course with ds2 a few weeks ago, we have about half a bottle of antibiotics left in the fridge, so I guess we're ready.
And I just called him Spiderman because he's trying to climb up the door jamb. He thinks that's great. He had a Spiderman comic from the library last week and it's way exciting.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Dad
I just had an email from my mom, saying that my dad had another dizzy spell, this time at my brother's basketball game, therefore in front of other people, and he passed out for at least 10 or 15 minutes. He never went to the doctor after his dizzy spell around Thanksgiving (big surprise). He's having a billion tests run and spending at least tonight in the hospital.
So anyway, send lots of love and best wishes for finding out what's wrong and doing something about it.
I want to go there for Spring Break in March/April.
I just realized that I STILL don't have DD's social security number so I STILL can't get her a passport so she has no ID except her birth certificate. I need to call the SSA tomorrow.
DD just took a mini nap. The phone rang just as she was half rousing and I probably would have got her back to sleep, but then DS2 came leaping into the room, even though he knows damn well that he's not supposed to come barging in there when I'm trying to get DD to go to sleep. So it looks like we're going to be up late again tonight.
So anyway, send lots of love and best wishes for finding out what's wrong and doing something about it.
I want to go there for Spring Break in March/April.
I just realized that I STILL don't have DD's social security number so I STILL can't get her a passport so she has no ID except her birth certificate. I need to call the SSA tomorrow.
DD just took a mini nap. The phone rang just as she was half rousing and I probably would have got her back to sleep, but then DS2 came leaping into the room, even though he knows damn well that he's not supposed to come barging in there when I'm trying to get DD to go to sleep. So it looks like we're going to be up late again tonight.
Life
I discovered the other day on facebook that a woman I know from an email group is the mother of the midwife who caught DD when she was born. Small world.
DD is grumping up a storm right now. She took a mini-nap and a real nap, but the last one ended at 2:30 and she's ready for bed. The boys are screaming at each other and it's nowhere close to their usual bedtime and I can't lie down with the baby because DH isn't here to make sure the boys don't kill each other. DH only announced he was going out this afternoon, but it wouldn't have mattered for DD's naps anyway.
DD just crawled under the opposite desk and unplugged the computer. I hope DH saved everything he was working on.
OK, I put DS2 in his room and really need to do something about the crying baby.
DD is grumping up a storm right now. She took a mini-nap and a real nap, but the last one ended at 2:30 and she's ready for bed. The boys are screaming at each other and it's nowhere close to their usual bedtime and I can't lie down with the baby because DH isn't here to make sure the boys don't kill each other. DH only announced he was going out this afternoon, but it wouldn't have mattered for DD's naps anyway.
DD just crawled under the opposite desk and unplugged the computer. I hope DH saved everything he was working on.
OK, I put DS2 in his room and really need to do something about the crying baby.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
The little things that make me insane
Stupid Macintosh computer and the stupid Green Eggs and Ham computer game. The Mac is the only one it will play on and today it just isn't working. If I can get the screen to somewhere close to the right size, the colors go negative or else clicking on the next page symbol doesn't work at all or... Basically, I just freaked and shut down the computer and DS2 has to play something else until DH gets up.
Where in the WORLD are my other dozen or so rechargeable batteries?? I know where TWO are.
Why won't the baby take a nap? Why does she scream and cry EVERY TIME I change her diaper?
Why does DS1 dump the crumbs from the toaster? Who decides that turning the toaster upside down is what you should do when the toaster isn't plugged in? There's a little drawer that you pull out to empty the crumbs, but no, there I was wiping up the crumbs AGAIN that he missed when I made him wipe up the crumbs.
Why does DH get to sleep in every single day and I have to get up? And the very rare time he does get up, it's a huge production involving actual pushing and then reminding that the baby's enormous, soaking wet night diaper needs to be changed right away? And that if you could keep the boys from coming in and waking me up instead of asking DH to plug the toaster in for them, it would be a LOT more conducive to me actually sleeping? I mean I have ONLY been up three times during the night with the baby while he just sleeps whenever he wants.
I need a vacation. ALONE.
Where in the WORLD are my other dozen or so rechargeable batteries?? I know where TWO are.
Why won't the baby take a nap? Why does she scream and cry EVERY TIME I change her diaper?
Why does DS1 dump the crumbs from the toaster? Who decides that turning the toaster upside down is what you should do when the toaster isn't plugged in? There's a little drawer that you pull out to empty the crumbs, but no, there I was wiping up the crumbs AGAIN that he missed when I made him wipe up the crumbs.
Why does DH get to sleep in every single day and I have to get up? And the very rare time he does get up, it's a huge production involving actual pushing and then reminding that the baby's enormous, soaking wet night diaper needs to be changed right away? And that if you could keep the boys from coming in and waking me up instead of asking DH to plug the toaster in for them, it would be a LOT more conducive to me actually sleeping? I mean I have ONLY been up three times during the night with the baby while he just sleeps whenever he wants.
I need a vacation. ALONE.
Friday, February 13, 2009
WHAT THE **********??????
I just started reading the latest Lori Foster book. She has a series going of fighters in a league something like Ultimate Fighting or whatever it is. I've read the 1st three books from the library and they're.... well, they're Foster. Big, manly men who protect beautiful, perfect women. Escapism. They're OK. The perfect hummana hummana women bug me even more than the perfect hummana hummana men, but, well, I know what I'm in for with Foster.
So I picked up the latest one, My Man Michael, and right away, I'm saying, "WHAT THE **********??????"
So instead of just your ultimate fighting, it's a contender from ultimate fighting who's been permanently disabled in a car accident and he's visited by.... a gorgeous chick from the future who will heal his injuries in return for him going with her to fight for her colony.
I am THIS CLOSE to making a dent in my wall.
But hey, I like a bit of woo woo in books, so if the story would just stop dragging, I would likely finish it. I'm just trying to go from a bunch of sweaty guys beating each other to a pulp in Kentucky to a futuristic colony. Where, I guess, there will be lots of beating to a pulp and protecting the perfect hummana hummana women. My head, she is 'sploding.
So I picked up the latest one, My Man Michael, and right away, I'm saying, "WHAT THE **********??????"
So instead of just your ultimate fighting, it's a contender from ultimate fighting who's been permanently disabled in a car accident and he's visited by.... a gorgeous chick from the future who will heal his injuries in return for him going with her to fight for her colony.
I am THIS CLOSE to making a dent in my wall.
But hey, I like a bit of woo woo in books, so if the story would just stop dragging, I would likely finish it. I'm just trying to go from a bunch of sweaty guys beating each other to a pulp in Kentucky to a futuristic colony. Where, I guess, there will be lots of beating to a pulp and protecting the perfect hummana hummana women. My head, she is 'sploding.
Lots of Friday things
I'm a bit sad because my favorite karate instructor's last night teaching was yesterday. He taught all the adult beginner classes when I was beginning and about half the more advanced classes. He's a really good guy and makes the classes a lot more fun. The guy who's now the manager is a lot more serious and maybe I'll learn more and get in better shape, but maybe not, and he's a nice enough guy, but.... well, he's too serious. I know, it's martial arts, which is supposed to be serious, right? Anyway, I get along great with the extrovert joking around guy and am still working on feeling comfortable with the new one (who used to be manager of our location, but moved on and is now back).
DS1 didn't want to do Valentines for his classmates this year. Not sure if that means he doesn't like the kids in his class or that he's over the girl-chasing phase or that he just was feeling contrary.
DS2 was all excited about the free Valentines from our karate school, giving the receiver 2 free weeks of classes, so that's what he handed out.
Tonight is a wine-tasting party. We were supposed to get wine from Amador county, but I had trouble finding any, so I have one from Nevada county, which I am told is close. I was talking to someone else who had trouble finding Amador wine, too, so I don't feel so bad, especially as I was shopping with the baby, who was getting antsy about not moving and was trying to grab bottles.
The boys are going to a free (well.... we pay a lot every month, but not extra for this) "Kids' Night In" (actually called "Parents' Night Out") during which they will play games at the karate school from 6-9. They usually end up watching a movie by the end.
The baby is coming to the wine tasting. Never too young to educate one's palate right? We're not going to stay long, I guess, since we have to go pick up the boys at 9. DH doesn't particularly like wine, so I am designating him my driver.
The boys had the Jog-a-thon at school today. DS1's class ran around the inner courtyard and then the maintenance guy from the district showed up to drain the huge lake in the middle of the courtyard (the annual unplugging of the drain ceremony, because we had the same lake last year), so everyone else had to go down to the wet playground, which is where DS2 ran. They each 20-ish laps (though the laps weren't quite the same size!). So Mom, warm up your checkbook and I'll let you know the exact number later.
Anyway, I stood around in the cold (mid-40's and humid, off and on sunshine, occasional gusts of coooooold wind) for quite a while today with the baby on my back in the Ergo, all bundled in regular clothes plus her fleece jumpsuit. We were chilly, but the kids were warm enough running in circles. We did have a bit of time between the classes, so we didn't get too too cold. I tried to feed DD a bit when not counting laps and she had a quick drink, but there was too much going on. She fell asleep in the car on the way home and has been out in the garage for about 1 1/2 hours now, with an additional fleece jacket as a blanket.
I made minestrone yesterday, though with black eyed peas instead of cannelloni or whatever my recipe called for; I usually use red kidney beans. Today, I have the worst stomach ache. No more beans until it settles down.
DS1 didn't want to do Valentines for his classmates this year. Not sure if that means he doesn't like the kids in his class or that he's over the girl-chasing phase or that he just was feeling contrary.
DS2 was all excited about the free Valentines from our karate school, giving the receiver 2 free weeks of classes, so that's what he handed out.
Tonight is a wine-tasting party. We were supposed to get wine from Amador county, but I had trouble finding any, so I have one from Nevada county, which I am told is close. I was talking to someone else who had trouble finding Amador wine, too, so I don't feel so bad, especially as I was shopping with the baby, who was getting antsy about not moving and was trying to grab bottles.
The boys are going to a free (well.... we pay a lot every month, but not extra for this) "Kids' Night In" (actually called "Parents' Night Out") during which they will play games at the karate school from 6-9. They usually end up watching a movie by the end.
The baby is coming to the wine tasting. Never too young to educate one's palate right? We're not going to stay long, I guess, since we have to go pick up the boys at 9. DH doesn't particularly like wine, so I am designating him my driver.
The boys had the Jog-a-thon at school today. DS1's class ran around the inner courtyard and then the maintenance guy from the district showed up to drain the huge lake in the middle of the courtyard (the annual unplugging of the drain ceremony, because we had the same lake last year), so everyone else had to go down to the wet playground, which is where DS2 ran. They each 20-ish laps (though the laps weren't quite the same size!). So Mom, warm up your checkbook and I'll let you know the exact number later.
Anyway, I stood around in the cold (mid-40's and humid, off and on sunshine, occasional gusts of coooooold wind) for quite a while today with the baby on my back in the Ergo, all bundled in regular clothes plus her fleece jumpsuit. We were chilly, but the kids were warm enough running in circles. We did have a bit of time between the classes, so we didn't get too too cold. I tried to feed DD a bit when not counting laps and she had a quick drink, but there was too much going on. She fell asleep in the car on the way home and has been out in the garage for about 1 1/2 hours now, with an additional fleece jacket as a blanket.
I made minestrone yesterday, though with black eyed peas instead of cannelloni or whatever my recipe called for; I usually use red kidney beans. Today, I have the worst stomach ache. No more beans until it settles down.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
School fund raiser
I hate doing it, but....
We have a jog-a-thon on Friday. Would anyone like to sponsor my kids?
We have a jog-a-thon on Friday. Would anyone like to sponsor my kids?
Monday, February 9, 2009
Weather again
It was supposed to rain most of the night and most of today, but the pavement was already mostly dry when we got up this morning. They're predicting showers for about a week straight starting Wednesday, so maybe....
My poor nephew
I just had word from my mom that my nephew (who is 4 - I forgot he had a birthday a few days ago) had surgery on his broken arm. The latest breaking news is that it was pins and a non-invasive procedure, but that he had an IV and morphine and all kinds of stuff last night and today.
And I have a fussing baby crawling under my desk.
And I have a fussing baby crawling under my desk.
I heart HappyHourSue
I think I've had this phone conversation before. Maybe not specifically, but that's generally it.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Sunday miscellany
My poor three year old nephew, Z, broke his arm today. Poor thing :(
Both of my sons have poster/presentation/reports due tomorrow and very scant info on what it's supposed to be. I found enough pictures and info for each of them and the rest is glitter.
So now I have a headache. Not totally fair, because I've had a headache all day since DD woke up far too many times last night and then it took a crowbar to get DH to get up with the kids and the baby and then after all that, I couldn't get back to sleep.
But I need some time alone now. Greta Garbo. I think DD could use another nap...
And call me nosy, but I was wondering if someone I know from the kids' school was still in a certain relationship, but I don't know them well enough to ask and so I happened across the pic of facebook because one of them is a friend of a friend.... anyway, glad to know they're still together.
DS2 went for a walk in the woods with DH this morning and brought back a golf ball. Yeah. Nature walk.
And I need to find a still picture of DD walking using a chair, because the videos aren't working for my mom.
And now it's naptime.
Both of my sons have poster/presentation/reports due tomorrow and very scant info on what it's supposed to be. I found enough pictures and info for each of them and the rest is glitter.
So now I have a headache. Not totally fair, because I've had a headache all day since DD woke up far too many times last night and then it took a crowbar to get DH to get up with the kids and the baby and then after all that, I couldn't get back to sleep.
But I need some time alone now. Greta Garbo. I think DD could use another nap...
And call me nosy, but I was wondering if someone I know from the kids' school was still in a certain relationship, but I don't know them well enough to ask and so I happened across the pic of facebook because one of them is a friend of a friend.... anyway, glad to know they're still together.
DS2 went for a walk in the woods with DH this morning and brought back a golf ball. Yeah. Nature walk.
And I need to find a still picture of DD walking using a chair, because the videos aren't working for my mom.
And now it's naptime.
My chakra test
Thanks Jen R!
Your result for The Chakra Test...
The Enlightened One
You have scored 100% Spirituality - Your dominant Chakra is the "Crown or Violet Chakra"
The "Crown or Violet Chakra" is where our spiritual and inspirational energy comes from. It is located at the top of the head. And this is the chakra most developed in you at this time.
You are wise for you age and are one with the world. You understand the world around you and are quite aware of your relationship to it and it to you.
Depending on your percentage score, there is always more room for development. When this chakra is under-active, one's thinking can be quite rigid and lacks a spiritual awareness. If over-active and out of balance with your other chakras, you may be prone to intellectualizing things too much. You can easily become addicted to spirituality and thus ignore your bodily and emotional needs.
What is most important is to find balance amongst all 7 chakras. Have a look at what percentages you scored on the others and work to increase their power and balance with each other.
Root Chakra: 18% Passion, Sacral(Spleen) Chakra: 65% Desire, Solar Plexus (Navel) Chakra: 59% Purpose, Heart Chakra: 50% Balance, Throat Chakra: 78% Expression, Third Eye Chakra: 65% Imagination and Crown Chakra: 100% Spirituality!
"Crown Chakra" Key Words: Knowingness, Wisdom, Inspiration, Awareness, Higher Self, Meditation, Self Sacrificing, Visionary
"Crown Chakra"Attributes: Color - Violet Sense - Beyond sensory Element - Space Seat - Liberation, All Power, Eternal Bliss
If you enjoyed this test, I would love the feedback!
Muddying the waters on the MMR/Autism debate
Turns out the doctor who published the study in 1998 that made thousands of people stop vaxing their kids.... MADE STUFF UP and faked data and just basically lied and then phblished his article and made everyone freak out.
I hope they string him up by his.... fingers. Nothing like a fake scientist to do worlds of harm to real science.
I hope they string him up by his.... fingers. Nothing like a fake scientist to do worlds of harm to real science.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Some other recent pictures
From DS1's birthday party. I took more pictures, but without the parents' permission, didn't want to post them.
DS1 and DS2 playing with the Hot Wheels Shark Park
DD with balloon attached on her back
Climbing the walls
Boys with balloons attached
DS1 and DS2 playing with the Hot Wheels Shark Park
DD with balloon attached on her back
Climbing the walls
Boys with balloons attached
Friday, February 6, 2009
My elemental beauty - bugs crawling all over me. yay!
Your result for The Elemental Beauty Test...
Natural Beauty
50% Earth, 25% Air, 25% Water, and 0% Fire!
You scored 50% Earth! Outstanding!
The Earth element is a natural beauty. They tend to keep more toward greens, blacks, and natural colors for their wardrobe and their make-up, if they wear it to begin with. They tend to be grounded and not caught up in the latest trends. They are more interested in doing what feels right for them and being in touch with what is around them.
For inner beauty earth elements look for stability and commitment. They look after others and their family. They are realistic and tactile, meaning they aren't afraid to touch and be touched. But they can also be quite stubborn and unmoving when their mind is made up.
Zodiac signs for earth are Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn.
You also scored:
25% Water: Water is the etheral beauty. They like things that drape and shimmer. The love vintage and heirlooms; things with emotional ties and history. 0% Water may mean that you don't trust or use your intuition. Equal Water and Air would indicate a person that is a hard worker with a need for security and an attachment to possessions.
25% Air: Air is the fearless beauty. They are offbeat and funny. The mix old fashions with new and love to make new trends. They aren't afraid to be new or crazy. 0% Air could indicate that you have trouble looking at things objectively. Persons with equal Earth and Air are usually those who think and use good common sense.
0% Fire: Fire is the alluring beauty. They like to wear bright colors and show some skin. They are sexually minded and spicy. They use a lot of charm to get what they want. 0% Fire can often be seen in someone that pushes and tries to force self-expression. An equal Fire and Earth person is someone who has the ability to be powerfully creative. Fire provides the motivation and Earth provides the tangible results.
Monday, February 2, 2009
too much information! oversharing alert!
Plug your ears and cover your eyes and move on to the next blog!
I just found out that the natural food store that I pass on the way to kids' school has diva cups. Yay!
I just found out that the natural food store that I pass on the way to kids' school has diva cups. Yay!
And where...
the HEEEEEE is my checkbook? I don't even know when I saw it last, but I have to pay the water bill, which means the garbage bill will be here soon, too. ARG
ETA: I was just looking through my bank account online and see that i haven't used it since early December, the last time I wrote checks for garbage and water. Just about everything else I pay online, except the odd field trip or pizza.
So where is the checkbook?
ETA: I was just looking through my bank account online and see that i haven't used it since early December, the last time I wrote checks for garbage and water. Just about everything else I pay online, except the odd field trip or pizza.
So where is the checkbook?
NOOOOOO! *sigh*
I was going to get some work done on my book. DH took my computer. I hadn't copied it to my thumb drive since starting on the next version, so I'm pretty much left twiddling my thumbs.
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