Worm Race

2008-12-23T15:54:00.006-05:00

I totally feel like I could have written this book this year! I can't wait til Xmas is over!

Merry Christmas

2008-12-19T06:54:00.000-05:00

Christmas Cookie Rules:
1. If you eat a Christmas cookie fresh out of the oven, it has no calories because everyone knows that the first cookie is the test and thus calorie free.
2. If you drink a diet soda after eating your second cookie, it also has no calories because the diet soda cancels out the cookie calories.
3. If a friend comes over while you're making your Christmas cookies and needs to sample, you must sample with your friend. Because your friend's first cookie is calorie free (see rule #1), yours is also. It would be rude to let your friend sample alone .
4. Any cookie calories consumed while walking around will fall to your feet and eventually fall off as you move. This is due to gravity and the density of the caloric mass.
5. Any calories consumed during the frosting of the Christmas cookies will be used up because it takes many calories to lick excess frosting from a knife without cutting your tongue.
6. Cookies colored red or green have very few calories. Red ones have three and green ones have five - one calorie four each letter. Make more red ones!
7. Cookies eaten while watching any classic Christmas shows on TV have no calories because they are part of the traditional entertainment package and not part of one's personal fuel.
8. As always, cookie pieces contain no calories because the process of breaking causes calorie leakage.
9. Any cookies consumed from someone Else's plate have no calories since the calories rightfully belong to the other person and will cling to their plate. We all know how calories like to cling
! 10. Any cookies consumed while feeling stressed have no calories because cookies used for medicinal purposes NEVER have calories. It's a rule!
Merry Christmas - enjoy your cookies!

Truer Words Have Never Been Written

2008-12-08T16:42:00.002-05:00

Whatever you give a woman, she will make greater.
If you give her sperm, she'll give you a baby.
If you give her a house, she'll give you a home.
If you give her groceries, she'll give you a meal.
If you give her a smile, she'll give you her heart.
She multiplies and enlarges what is given to her.
So, if you give her any crap, be ready to receive a ton of shit.

I cannot explain just how profoundly true this is to my life right now!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

2008-11-26T11:20:00.001-05:00

2008-11-24T17:51:00.000-05:00

Sunday Stealing 2 days late

2008-11-18T08:07:00.002-05:00

1. Do you like blue cheese salad dressing? I'm from Buffalo, of course!
2. Favorite late night snack? something salty then something chocolatey
3. Do you own a gun? No
4. What’s your favorite drink at Starbucks or other specialty coffee shop? ET Mocha from Taste in East Aurora Ny - or Hot Chocolate at home spiked with vanilla vodka
5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? not really
6. What do you think of hot dogs? In February they remind me of summer! Heavy mustard, relish and onions with the roll toasted please!
7. Favorite Christmas song? Eartha Kitt's "Santa Baby"
8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Hot Cinnamon Spice Tea from Harney & Sons
9. Can you do push-ups? Yes, but why would I?
10. What’s your favorite piece of jewelry? My mother's ring.
11. Favorite hobby? Reading, watching movies.
12. Do you have A.D.D.? Occasionally
13. What’s one trait that you hate about yourself? I'm not a very good listener.
14. The last disease you contracted? Kidney stones.
15. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment. Can kidney stones be contracted? Why am I taking the time to do this? Do I have to finish my oatmeal?
16. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink? Water, water and tea.
17. Current worry right now? my marriage
18. Current hate right now? liars
19. Favorite place to be? curled up on the couch with 2 boys, a dog,and my favorite blanket
20. How did you ring in the New Year?usually in bed half asleep
21. Like to travel? absolutely!
22. Name three people who will complete Sunday Stealing this week: can't think of one
23. Do you own slippers? several pairs
24. What color shirt are you wearing? blah pink
25. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? wouldn't know, never have.
26. Can you whistle? yes, but not well
27. Favorite singer/band? Michael Buble, Peggy Lee
28. Could you ever make it 39 days on the show Survivor? why would I want to?
29. What songs do you sing in the shower? "Losing My Religion"
30. Favorite girl’s names? Natalie,Sophia,
31. Favorite boy’s name? Andrew, Lucas
32. What’s in your pocket right now? fuzz
33. Last thing that made you laugh? "Big Bang Theory" last night
34. Like your job? Which one? Yes to all 3.
36. Do you love where you live? Pretty much. Could do without the 6 months of snow.
37. How many TVs do you have in your house? one
38. Who is your loudest friend? Teri Widley - but she would say I'm louder and she'd be right.
39. Do you drive the speed limit or speed? both, but more often speed.
40. Does someone have a crush on you? that would be the day!
41. What is your favorite book? Pride and Prejudice
42. What is your favorite candy? Sponge candy
43. Favorite Sports Team? don't honestly have one, but Go Sabres!
44. What were you doing 12 AM last night? sleeping
45. What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up today?Yeah! It's only 5:15am, I don't have to get up yet!

Grateful

2008-11-16T07:02:00.002-05:00

My buddy gingersnapspice posts on Sunday a week's worth of reasons to be grateful. This has been a very difficult week for me and I feel the need to copy her fine example.
1. Having friends I can call at all hours of the day and ask, "Am I stupid?" and have them reply without hesitation, "No!".
2. Having family who supports me during trouble without really knowing what the trouble is.
3. The unconditional love of my dog. (This may seem strange, but being welcomed home with a smile, even though I've just walked across the street to the mailbox, really brightens the day.)
4. That my children are healthy and happy, doing well in school and seem well on their way to being really great people in their own right.
5. Having movies and books to escape in.
6. Hope.
7. Forgiveness.

Secret Encourager

2008-11-02T14:58:00.003-05:00

Our new pastor is so fantastic, I am almost beyond words to describe how wonderful she is! We have a large confirmation class for our little church this year, 9 kids! Pastor Alice borrowed an idea from her dad (also a pastor) to support the confirmands journey. It's called "Secret Encouragers". Each kid has an adult - they are not told who - who will pray for them, as well as leave them notes of encouragement in their special mailboxes. I signed up to be one of the adults, and have purchased a few cards to get started. What I am looking for is some ideas. Maybe a book or movie - oooh "Facing the Giants" is a good one! - to leave in her mailbox, that might be fun and supportive. She's a seventh grader, so things have to be cool, ya know. Anyone got a thought?

Halloween

2008-11-01T08:09:00.004-04:00

Happy Halloween!

Andrew came in 2nd place for "Most Creative Costume"!

We had a large group of neighbors 25 kids plus parents come for dinner then trick or treating! Loads of fun! Can't wait to do it again next year!

Crabby Mama!

2008-10-26T13:05:00.002-04:00

Why is it that stepping on a Lego in every room of the house makes me fly into a rage?! I have banned TV, DS and Computer for at least the rest of today and possibly longer depending on how well the boys clean! I am the only person who cleans this house and I am no longer willing to be! I'm not the one who pees on the toilet! The Lego's aren't my toys! The new heater for the downstairs bathroom doesn't need to be left on my dining room sideboard! The weather is colder and sweatshirts and heavy coats are all over my kitchen! Laundry baskets are so full they reach the basement ceiling! I am about to go on strike, except that I have to finish cooking potatoes to take to our sister church whom we are serving dinner to today! I hate when I get in whiny crabby mama mode!

Bollywood

2008-10-22T14:51:00.003-04:00

I have to admit to having an obsessive nature. Well, at least when it comes to movies and chocolate. Once I find something I like, I can't stop watching (eating) it! After going to see Pirates of the Caribbean (the first one), I became so obsessed with Johnny Depp that had to watch almost every movie he has made. It drove my husband crazy. My current obsession is Bollywood. The movie Jodhaa Akbar in particular. A lovely epic about an Indian Emperor in the 1550's who marries a princess to form an alliance, and they fall madly in love! The actress is one of my fav's, but the leading man was new to me. I, of course, am now going through all of his movies - which is quite a feat, considering Bollywood movies average 3 hours or more, and I am working 3 jobs (the housework is getting neglected!). I find myself waiting till everyone is out of the house so I can sit alone re- watching the same scenes, sighing and smiling. I even bought the CD, despite not being able to understand the lyrics! Sigh, wish I had someone to share this with.

Dreaming of NYC

2008-10-18T11:10:00.002-04:00

I dreamt I was in NYC last night! I dreamt I was eating a piece of white pizza (even thought the price had gone up to $6 per slice!). Then I dreamt I was at the Cupcake Cafe slobbering all over the cupcake I was eating! I unfortunately woke before I made it to Chinatown to shop for purses! Sigh! I think I need a trip to the city!

Who Me?

2008-10-15T18:01:00.001-04:00

Okay, so I've started my third part-time job. When I said I would take it, the lady who will be my boss did a happy dances Oh, how very nice (I guess that filing and paper shredding was really tedious!)! And according to one of the half a dozen people I met today, she is being doing more happy dances! Still very nice! I did some training today, I'm not feeling too overwhelmed yet. So far it's stuff I can understand. Did some work from home to make sure the connections were working right and such. Somehow my boss made the comment "That's because you're so calm." I laughed and said, "Who me?" "Yes, that's one of the reasons I like you, because you're so calm." I refrained from snorting in her ear and am still trying to digest someone could honestly refer to me that way! My husband's reaction to this story was "Who You?I guess you're getting calmer in your old age." Gee thanks honey!
Sometimes you're life is so full of blessings that it's all you can do not to skip everywhere while laughing gleefully!

Dilemma

2008-10-07T08:08:00.003-04:00

Okay, so I have two jobs on top of being a mom and wife, and I have just been offered a third. Should be easy, and possibly short term. I'll have to dress nice (yeah!), go downtown Buffalo (fun!), and pay for parking (yuck). However, it means that I will have to stop taking my grandmother's best friend out, once every two weeks, to run her errands. But we're planning a trip to Disney in May, I have a credit card I'd like to pay off, and Xmas is coming (not to mention my pedicure addiction that can always use funding). Does it make me a bad person to think "WoHoo! This could be so fun! I finally feel like I could be an adult with a real job!(part-time temporarily)" Or should I feel guilty for leaving an 88 year old woman to her own defenses? Got any suggestions?

2008-10-05T13:58:00.003-04:00

Sitting....at my computer trying to stay awake

Smelling... the toast ready for my fluffanutter sandwich

Drinking... ice cold water - soon chocolate milk

Reading... about to start "Too Close to the Falls"

Loving... the gorgeous fall colors out my window

Eagerly anticipating....the book I just ordered from the library, the movie from Netflix and another day to myself

Worrying.... about the state of the economy, and that my toast is now burnt because I'm still here typing

Wishing.... I had a maid who would make that sandwich for me, as well as clean the house, do the laundry and plan next weeks' meals

Praying... that the life I lead full of SOOO many blessings continues right along

Grateful...for healthy children, a loving marriage, the greatest parents, family, friends, a life full of more blessings than I have time to count

Sharing...my little thoughts with those who care to read them

Free Cookie

2008-10-03T09:54:00.000-04:00

You can get a free cookie from Kashi.com!

Pampering

2008-09-30T06:44:00.002-04:00

I had a rare day off yesterday. When my husband asked what I would be up to, on his way out the door, I replied, "I'm going to Walmart." He rolled his eyes, knowing the truth behind the statement. Yes, I actually went to Walmart, and I did buy a few groceries. However, the real reason I went, was for a well deserved mani-pedi! Yippee!!
While I was getting my toes done, my friend Teri (who I tried to call over the weekend to come with) called to change my hair appointment to yesterday night with my friend Bethie (who just moved to the area and was going to get her hair done with Teri for the first time). By 7pm yesterday I was one hot-looking, relaxed, smiling Mama! Bethie was just as glamorous! And we all have plans to have a day of shopping and pampering in Nov! It's those really important little things that get you through!

The Big 1-0!

2008-09-25T16:06:00.002-04:00

Hard to believe, but my Andrew turns 10 on Saturday! No more single digits! No more elementary school! You never really believe those people that tell you "it goes by so fast!"! Until it happens. Where did the time go? I'm so proud of who he is going up to be inspite of me! I'm so lucky to have 2 gorgeous healthy kids!

Welcome to High Speed

2008-09-16T06:47:00.002-04:00

Hello, it has very obviously been a LONG time since I blogged about anything. Due to dial-up, I really only used my computer when necessary. I finally got fed up and yesterday joined the world of High Speed! Hooray! Now, let's see if I can find the time to blog again!

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2007-12-23T09:22:00.000-05:00

Gingerbread Houses

2007-12-17T07:19:00.000-05:00

We were invited to join two differents friends family traditions this weekend. Saturday we spent borrowing our church's kitchen to make an abundance of cookies! Yummy the results of cooking from 9am til 5pm with 4 other women and my hubby (who made the rum balls!)!

Then on Sunday, despite the very snowy weather, we joined in gingerbread house making fun! plastic sheets on the floor is a good idea! Here are the results! (I found it strange that the others were talking of their plans to eat their houses. Eat them? Really?)

Quote

2007-12-04T06:55:00.000-05:00

From the book "The Boy Next Door" by Meg Cabot : "Honey, if you ain't a hundred-dollar bill, not everyone is going to like you."

Xmas Songs

2007-11-29T13:39:00.000-05:00

Every year in July, I feel overwhelmed with annoyance by the appearance of Xmas stuff in many stores. Argh! Every year the week before Thanksgiving when the 24/7 Xmas music starts on the radio and half my neighbors already have their lights up, the ARGH! gets me again! The dread of things needed to be accomplished to make the holiday season joyful begins to weigh me down. Cards to make, presents to get, decorating to do, etc, etc, etc. But then there's a moment, a moment where suddenly I'm ready, ready to hear the Xmas music, get working on the cards and spend 1/2 a day decorating the house. I never know when it will strike me. I usually anticipate it to be late - that I will need to force myself to even get the Advent Calendar out on time. But it struck me early this year. Andrew has his 4th grade Xmas concert tonight, and on Tuesday he had his last practice. He forgot the words to the song he is performing as "Bill Holly" of "Bill Holly and the Mistletoes". Jingle Bell Rock. "Okay, " I said, "Let's go play it and practice." Off we go to Windows Media Player and begin to play it. Then on to Google to print out the words. It helped him and surprisingly didn't annoy me. I switched my MP3 player to all Xmas and anticipated enjoying all my favs at work the next day. I am very fond of Eartha Kitt's version of "Santa Baby", The Eagles "Please Be Home for Xmas" , & Harry Connick Jr's "The Happy Elf". I like the goofy stuff like "I Want a Hippo for Xmas" "The Chipmunk Song" and even Cheech and Chong's "Santa and his Old Lady". But there are certain songs that make Xmas feel like Xmas. The John Denver and Muppets Xmas album, Bing Crobsy's "White Xmas" Perry Cuomo's "It's Beginning to Look Alot Like Xmas" and Nat King Cole's "The Xmas Song". What's your favorite?

HOLY CRAP!

2007-11-09T07:28:00.001-05:00

HOLY CRAP!

It has been a while since been here! So long, I forgot how to log on! My lame excuses are : I've had nothing to say and little time to say it because I've been too busy playing in WEBKINZ! In fact I feel right now like I'm wasting precious Cash Cow time! However, I felt a need to do something more adult like this morning so...

Things I am Thankful for as the Season of Thankfulness approaches:

1. I have 2 healthy, sweet, smart boys who get spoiled with prizes when Mommy returns from Parent Teacher Conferences with great report cards and glowing reports!

2. That today is a clear day. Where none of the fog of worries, stresses and annoyances block my view of the blessings that fill my life everyday.

3. Having a talented husband who can not only make my living room into a thing of beauty, but can also make a great chocolate chip pancake!

4. Having a dog. Always coming home to a dramatic display of utter joy at your arrival is really nice. Nearly unconditional love is gratifying. (feed me and I will love you!)

5. Surprisingly unobtrusively planning 3 days worth of meals in anticipation of family being here for Turkey Day! Oh the joy of turkey day leftovers!

6. Harvey & Sons Hot Cinnamon Spice tea!

7. Finding the type of Xmas gifts that you can't wait to give!

8. Feeling like I've justified enough that I am an adult and can now go play on WEBKINZ!

Independence Day

2007-07-07T20:00:00.000-04:00

In honor of Independence Day (sorry it's late) I am suggesting a visit to this website : http://TheIndependenceFoundation.org. This is a non-profit organization started just 2 years ago by a family I know through church and have become very close with. In fact, I now work for Ben as a home health care aide. This family is making huge strides to achieve for these young adults what most of us take for granted every day. Independence. Many have fought and died to make and keep this country free, and yet here at home having a physical handicap keeps many from living a self-directed life. The good, no GREAT news is : after only 2 years the Foundation has been able to purchase a house that three on the their long list of young adults will be able to move into after a couple of adjustments! Also achieved:a Power Wheelchair Soccer League, a transportation program, 2 wheelchair access van donations, a transportation program, college scholarships awarded and many other life changing steps. Other big projects are in the works. The heart breaking news is that these changes don't always come fast enough. This is near and dear to my heart and I hope it touches yours.

Tagged

2007-06-26T18:30:00.001-04:00

Tagged by Reason Enough, whom I will see this weekend!
1 Where is your cell phone? purse
2 Relationship? happy, good 10 years & counting
3 Your hair? fizzy due to humity
4 Work? don't get me started!
5 Your sister? german and fabulous!
6 Your favorite things? 1 asleep on couch 2 at VBS
7 Your dream last night? boring
8 Your favorite drink? today, ice water
9 Your dream car? Carmen Ghia
10 The room you're in? soon to be Book Nook
11 Your shoes? barefoot - ditto
12 Your fears? I have the upper hand today
3 What do you want to be in 10 years? watching my son graduate from High School - WOW!
14 Who did you hang out with this weekend? family
15 What are you not good at? so many things, listening
16 Muffins? cranberry-orange - ditto
17 Wish-list item? enough income to not have to worry, but not so much to add worries
18 Where you grew up? East Aurora
19 The last thing you did? burned grilled cheese sandwiches
20 What are you wearing? tank top and skirt
21 What are you not wearing? winter coat!
22 Your pet? asleep under the fan
23 Your computer? just right
24 Your life? good, very good
25 Your mood? happy despite the humidity
26 Missing? lake Erie
27 What are you thinking about? a cold swim
28 Your car? just right
29 Your kitchen? extra clean due to manual scrubbing yesterday
30 Your summer? BUSY!
31 Your favorite color? blue
32 Last time you laughed? a few hours ago
33 Last time you cried? a few hours ago
34 School? far enough away, yet not soon enough
35 Love? Everyday
36 Tag? three

I am taking gingersnapspice, navilyn, and epiphanyalone, just because I'd like to read their answers!

Summertime

2007-06-25T15:21:00.000-04:00

Ah Summer, time for outdoor projects like gardening. I am pleased to say we actually have something growing besides weeds! We even have some new things given to us by a friend who needed to thin her garden out! Instant gratification when putting in full grown plants to an enpty space! Joe has also been VERY hard at work digging a four foot deep trench to install our water line - and will be hooking us up to city water tomorrow! He will also be putting a new roof on the garage and finishing the last corner of the clubhouse! And what are the boys up to you might ask. Making mud mountains out of the dirt from the trench, catching crayfish in the creek, being forced to clean out a messy playroom, and finally being allowed to sleep out on the sun porch with Molly! I remember wondering why my parents spent so much time working outdoors all summer long, when the should be playing. I get it now why they didn't and why my kids are irritated that I'm busy mowing, weeding and hanging laundry! I plan to take time to veg, hope you do too! (Yes Lucas actually fell asleep that way!)

Wet and Wonderful

2007-06-04T13:08:00.002-04:00

Joy can be found in many small ways!

Jumping in mud puddles the 1st Sunday June!

Glad for the much needed rain!

Finding a good place to hide from the thunder!

(dog under desk)

Ideas approached skeptically, turn out to be good!

(Hubby wanted the mutton's in, I wasn't so sure.)

Remodeling approaching the finish line!

Three hour naps on a rainy afternoon!

(Thanks guys for letting Mommy sleep!)

Quiet in the house, while everyone enjoys their books

(except for the occasional interruption when we needed

to share a funny part!)

Good books to read!

Perfect things to snack on! (popcorn)

A good laugh before bedtime! (Thanks AFV!)

A good scratch on the back for a hard working hubby

who's sunburn has gotten itchy!

Glad to be right where I am at the end of the day!

Message of the Day

2007-06-01T06:39:00.000-04:00

One of those e-mails you always get, but worth sharing.

Life is short, Break the rules, Forgive quickly, Kiss slowly,Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably, and never regret anything that made you smile.
Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we're here let's dance!

Author unknown.

Alphabet Soup

2007-05-22T18:26:00.000-04:00

While serving up dinner today, I noticed I had achieved a new culinary wonder quite by accident. Everything we were about to consume started with the same letter: chicken, cauliflower, corn, cucumbers, and carrots (drinks not included). We have now decided to embark on the adventure of trying to eat different letters of the alphabet. Perhaps not each night, maybe once a week. Besides zucchini, what else does one eat that starts with "Z"?

One Closet, One Wall and An Idea!

2007-05-17T07:19:00.000-04:00

One solid wall, one useful closet (already filled) and one idea for how to decorate the "den". And it only took 11 years! LOVE my closet! Will really work better than it ever could have opening into the living room! LOVE my big long solid wall - although am still perplexed as to how exactly I want to decorate it. Have to choose which pictures where, but am currently stumped! And my brilliant talented hubby came up with good, really good use for this room that is typically (and currently) a dumping ground. We have needed to use it to fill with all the extras from the living room as we remodeled - it still has a few things left (like the old tv stand and the pictures I need to hang). The room was the previous owners master bedroom, but became our den when Joe removed the double closet doors and built me a big desk. The closet is right next to it. The rest of the room is pretty useless so far. But Joe wants to fill in the 2nd door to the bathroom, move a window, add a desk for the boys and book nook with one of those coffee house comfy chairs! I'm so excited I wish it was already finished! There are so may reasons to love him, but this brilliant idea is top of my list today!

Stolen from Epiphany

2007-05-16T09:34:00.000-04:00

Hooray for the thieves

I've stolen yet another meme from Dad.

1. Introduce yourself…
Hi, I'm Fraukow.

2. It’s Wednesday at noon, where are you usually?
Killing time blogging before meeting a friend for a mexican lunch!

3. What kind of laundry detergent do you use?
All free and clear. Me too - just cuz there is SO much perfume in everything we use!

4. What brand of shampoo is in your shower right now?
Sauve Healthy Curls, my hair likes it, and I try not to argue with my hair. It's got attittude!

5. Did you ever get into a bar and drink before you were 21?
Yes. But never really got into the whole bar scence.

6. What countries have you been to?
Canada, Mexico, Germany, Holland,France.

7. Do you watch MTV anymore?
No.

8. What do you think about Oprah?
I think she's overrated.

9. What color are your bed sheets?
red and teal.

10. You need a new pair of jeans: what store do you go to first?
Amvets, then Walmart.I like them cheap.

11. Did you ever watch The O.C.?
No.

12. What kind of car do you drive?
A Pontiac Vibe and LOVE it.

13. Honestly, is that car insured?
Yes, for more than I really wish to pay.

14. Do you like sushi?
never tried it

15. Have you ever been to Tiffany & Co. or Saks 5th Ave?
I've been to both. LOVE Tiffany's

16. Did your parents spoil you growing up?
Not materially, but certainly with a good education. So many parents these days are too busy to care or too guilt ridden from lack of attention paid to be doing their children good.

17. Do you like roller coasters?
I used to love them, but no I find I don't have the stomach for them.

18. What magazine(s) do you buy regularly or subscribe to?
People, Zoo Books, Trains

19. Do you remember the WB show Popular?
Sort of.

20. When you go out do you prefer to go to a dance club or to a bar?
I can't claim to have been to a real dance club. depends on who you're out with which would be more fun.

21. What do you think about gay marriage?
I like Dad's answer, that it should be a non-issue - everyone should have the same rights.

Great Answer - can only add - why is the government objecting to earning more money? They would have to pay for licenses and all that crap. Plus revenue from more lavish weddings would be good for the economy.

22. Who do you think will be the next president?
I hate to say I don't care, but 2 years of presidential running is naueating

23. Are you registered to vote?
Yes.

24. Do you own an iPod?
I have a MP3 player that I adore, despite the fact it's not an ipod. The boys have idogs.

25. Is your bathroom filled with beauty stuff?
Shampoo, soap, mascara, eyeshadow, deodorant, hairspray, perfume, baby oil. too lazy for anything else

26. What do you normally smell like?
Champange and Strawberries by Victoria Secret

27. Do you like Carrie Underwood?
Never met her

28. Been to “The Vegas”?
Yes, and I got paid to be there. Went when I work for Santo Tours .

29. How far away do you live from your parents?
About 1 hour.

30. Are you happy with your job?
Mostly.

31. Where do you work and what do you do there?
I am a church secretary, and I never know what I'll be up to next when I'm there. I have just started a 2nd job helping a friend with MD do his own stuff, so his mom can do hers. Like that one!

32. What did you get in the mail today?
Hasn't arrived yet, but am expecting some more Netflix movies. Yeah!

33. How do you like your steak cooked?
Medium rare.

34. Britney Spears…ready to have a nervous break down or just having fun?
She definately needs help. Getting out of the spotlight would be a good start. Have always wanted to shave my head though, so am a little jealous.

35. What do you usually order at Taco Bell?
We do Mighty Taco here, and I get a bean and cheese burrito with lettuce and sour cream - yum, now I'm hungry !

36. Have you ever sat all the way through Gone With the Wind?
More than once and I own a copy. Plus I read the book - and should again, it was good!

37. Have you ever been to Mt Rushmore?
No.

38. Is it just me, or was The Marine (w/John Cena) a really horrible movie?
I never saw it.

39. Are surveys like the cocaine of myspace?
No.

40. Where is your favorite place (that you have actually been to)?
The Balckman family cottage.

41. What is your favorite candle scent?
Partylite lily of the valley - but it makes my husband sneeze.

42. Do you believe places can really be haunted?
Yes.

43. Do you smoke cigarettes?
I used to lightly, but completely stopped before I got pregnant and never went back. I do occasionally long for one.

44. Have you ever been to NYC or LA?
NYC yes, LA no.

45. How many states have you been to where all you saw was the airport?
One - Atlanta Georgia.

46. Do you think 50 questions is enough?
Today yes

47. Are you currently planning a trip?
Today to Batavia. In August to Toronto WOOO HOOO!!!

48. Is Ryan Seacrest gay?
I don't care.

49. Do you take anti-depressants? Sleeping pills?
No.

50. What do you think about space travel?
Not something I would ever do, but certainly interesting to watch!

Whatever happened to..

2007-05-07T16:22:00.000-04:00

What ever happened to that girl I used to be? The one who was silly and fun? The one who loved to dance and be adventurous? The one who was so flirty and cute? How ever did I become someone who prattles on about which vitamins give you energy and just why this pastor isn't right for our church? How did I go from some fun to be around to a boring stick in the mud? How did dreams of traveling the world become dreams of someone ELSE cleaning the toilet I didn't get dirty for a change? What happened to the girl who jumped in mud puddles during an August rain shower? How did she go from the dancing on tables to in bed at 8pm on a Friday night? How did I get so old so young?

Ironic

2007-05-03T06:59:00.000-04:00

I received a paper postcard in the mail yesterday with the green recycle logo on one side. The other side states : "HELP PRESERVE OUR ENVIRONMENT!" "DON'T FORGET TO RECYCLE!" (magazines, aluminum, newspapers, paper, plastic, glass) and a 1800 number to call for more info. Is it me or does mailing paper to umpteen million people seem to defeat the purpose it's trying to promote? Is this what I pay taxes to accomplish?

HAPPY EASTER!!!

2007-04-06T18:04:00.000-04:00

Before and After

2007-04-05T13:47:00.000-04:00

HOORAY!!! THEY'RE DONE!!! THEY ARE SO PRETTY!!! This is that point in the project, where the biggest change is finished, and the loads left to do, seems like a minor detail. It's such a comfortable change, it makes us wonder why we left the other way for so long. Happy dance!

And then there were shelves

2007-03-26T14:30:00.000-04:00

It is all coming together so nicely! The shelves are up, painted and have things placed on them. The windows are open letting in fresh air because the sun is shining and it's 73 degrees IN MARCH! My car is vacuumed out and has new mats that are deep enough to catch and hold dirt! I thought my plans for the first day off in many weeks were foiled when Lucas spent much of the night vomiting and therefore, did not go to school. However, my husband is on second shift and we finagled it so I could still get to my much needed (and deserved) pedicure with my buddy Mary! Happy Happy Joy Joy!

Real Mom Part 2

2007-03-19T17:55:00.000-04:00

Real Mom's don't scream, yell or go beserk when trying to figure out how to repair the scorch mark left in the braided rug from the burning napkin that was being used to snuff out the dinner candle by an almost 7 year old who thought he was being clever, but quickly realized this was a bad idea! No one was hurt ,major lessons were learned and now I am searching for guidance on how to improve the addition to the rug. Turning it over is one option, got any others?

Real Moms...

2007-03-19T07:46:00.000-04:00

In response to the "Real Moms..." challenge : This my be a mother-of-boys thing. When approached with a screaming and crying or a yell of "Mom, Lucas is hurt!" the immediate reply is : "Is there any bleeding?" if no, then comes : "You'll live, go play!"; if yes, then : "Sigh, fine let me put down my drink and have a look." Real moms let their boys wrestle even if it means one looses a tooth due to the other's foot! They were SO proud of themselves!

HAPPY ST PATRICK'S DAY!!!!!!

2007-03-17T11:40:00.000-04:00

Spring has sprung

2007-03-14T08:44:00.000-04:00

Spring has sprung
The grass is ris'
I wonder where
The birdies is?
Mom repeats that every year, just like her father did, and now I do. Today when I got up at 6am it was 57 degrees outside! The kind of weather you leave your winter coat, long sleeves and even socks at home. The kind of weather that doesn't require preheating your car or a constant cup of hot java to have blood circulating in your finger tips. The kind of weather that makes you turn off the heat, open windows and doors just to bring the fresh air in. The air that smells like wet happy dirt; dirt craving to spring back to life and make the flowers grow! The air that makes the dog go two extra blocks before doing what needs to be done, because she just wants to get more of that mud in her paws! The kind of weather that you have forgotten during the long, pretty, but very cold winter, how very much you needed in order to have energy. The kind of weather bears decide is worth waking up for after months of sleep! Where swans and geese giggle through the skies, worms burrow deeper to avoid being eaten and all types of animals start feeling frisky! If only it wasn't going to be merely 37 degrees tomorrow!

Jackpot!

2007-03-14T07:23:00.000-04:00

Oh yes, I did run right out and buy it! And I can't wait to watch it on the new TV that will be on the new shelf (once the paint is dry)! Happy Sigh, the littlest things can bring such bliss to your day! What little thing brought bliss to your day?

Serenity Prayer

2007-03-10T15:14:00.000-05:00

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change
courage to change the things I can
and wisdom to know the difference.
Epiphany Alone brought this up. It is one of my favorites. I have a framed version that hangs in my office at work. Right under the clock. My life is one of luxury and ease compaired to many, and everyday I am grateful for all we have and more grateful for what we don't. Knowing people with much larger troubles who deal with them with grace and ease, makes it easier to do the same. Some days it's hard to be calm and accepting, some days it's too much work to change what needs changing. But all the while, others are striving to change, tired and daunted, but not discouraged. Like those ants who never seem to tire, we watch and gain strength in their example. They may wish their lives were easier and we may wish that for them as well as ourselves. However, I am grateful for the example set before me. "God has a plan." my friend is always saying. I just really wish He gave outlines.

Oscar Beauty Tips from the Ellen Show

2007-02-28T07:52:00.000-05:00

Another tip that I thought was good to know. Visine doesn't just get the red out of your eyes, it can take the red out of your blemish! How very handy! The beautician lady on Ellen also said that a slice of raw potato is better than the slice of cucumber to reduce puff eyes and that a paste made from lemon juice and a crushed aspirin will remove zits! Oh La La!

Follow the trend

2007-02-28T07:45:00.000-05:00

You know those hideous rubbery-looking clog things with holes in them that everyone is wearing? In my search to find a pair of slipper I don't despise, I got desperate and decided to try a pair of the clogs. A $6 red pair from Dollar General. They aren't rubber, they are foam, so they are very light. They are also as comfortable as they are hideous. Therefore, very! My boys decided they loved them and needed some of their own! I'm not usually one to follow a trend, however, I think that sometimes all those people are actually on to something. Does this mean I need to buy a pair of the equally hideous Ugg Boots?

Household Tips

2007-02-22T18:15:00.000-05:00

I have been wanting to do a Tips Blog for a while, but was lacking enough material to do one. I love hearing ideas on how to keep things organized or make cleaning easier. So PLEASE give me LOTS of feed back!

1. Those blue dryer balls advertised on TV really do work! I still use a dryer sheets with towels, but it shaved 20 minutes off the time to dry my husbands jeans!
2. Like to moisterize with baby oil post-shower-pre-towel, but hate smelling like a baby? Make your own. Get an oil version of your favorite scent (I found my Victoria' Secret scent on E-bay for $.99 with $1 shipping) and add as many drops as it takes til you like it to a cheap bottle of mineral oil ($.79 at Wegman's). It's a bit thicker than baby oil, but that's a good thing and I smell great!
3. To help keep all your matching sheets together, fold both sheet and one pillowcase and put them inside the other pillowcase. Then everything is very neat and all in one place! ( if your sheets don't match, who cares!)
4.Left over coffee in the pot? Add water and pour it on plants. They love the extra minerals!
5.I haven't tried this but I plan to do so this summer. Place a dryer sheet in your pocket to keep the mosquitoes away!
6.Baby/bridal showers - buy thank you cards in advance. Give the envelopes to each guest and have them fill out their address. These can then be used to give out door prizes as well - no will get missed!
7. I haven't tried this one either, but it sounds interesting. Take a small bottle of baby powder to the beach. When you are ready to leave sprinkle it on to take the sand off.
8. Put a mini marshmellow at the bottom of a sugar cone to prevent the ice cream from leaking.
9. A small bowl of vinegar absorbs cooking odors, like bacon or liver with onions!
10. Those Mr. Clean Magic Erasers are totally awesome! Cleans everything from crayon on the wall to dirt on sneakers!
Hope this helps and I look forward to more tips!

Things I love...

2007-02-15T07:16:00.000-05:00

In honor of Valentine's Day (a little late) here are a few things I love: 1. My Dad, Happy 60th Birthday Daddy! 2. A snow day that my husband stays home for and helps change the sheets on the beds. 3.Having a snow day that I manage to get lots accomplished. 4. Ziploc BIG bags! 5. Being in the middle of a good book. 6. Being strong enough to help my husband bring the pellet stove in the house. 7. Getting to go out to dinner because I didn't feel like cooking after all the other stuff I got done today! 8.How nice my livingroom is looking! What are some things you love?

Another Snow Day

2007-02-09T06:43:00.000-05:00

I was looking forward to today. It was to be a day at my pace; get the kids on the bus, walk the dog, get ready, and go shopping. No hurry, no 5 other things I needed to be doing in the next ten minutes. "Curses, foiled again!" This picture was take Sun at 7:30am, by 5:30pm there was 25 inches. There has been more falling and blowing every day since, hence the 3rd snow day this week! The boys are happy, Mommy really wanted to get stuff done all by herself. She is now searching for a solution that will make kids and self happy. The local bounce house place that won't be busy because none of the other schools are closed, or drag crabby kids with her shopping with the promise of lunch at McD's? Sigh. How one begins to depend on school to give one a few hours of freedom. Hope your friday is a good one!

Joys of technology

2007-01-28T15:24:00.000-05:00

There is nothing sexier than a man with good taste. And my hubby has good taste. During our remodeling of the livingroom, you will recall that the TV was causing issues due to its rather large size and our desire to have not so deep shelves. Problem solved! After doing some research - asking brilliant people named Chris and Mike what to buy and checking the web - it was discovered that now (pre-Super Bowl Sunday)is the time to buy a great TV for a great price. So after picking my hubby up from his red-eye flight from California and feeding him breakfast, I suggested ("Since we're out here."{we live in the boonies}) that we pop into Circuit City and check out the deals. We dilligently compared TV, I asked more questions, boys whined they wanted to be elsewhere and with great speed (likely due to a tired hubby) we made a choice ! (see photo) A very technologically savvy shiny black SKINNY TV that does great things. And even with only a measly attenae (no cable!!!no thanks!) we are able to get a few extra stations and the others have never looked so good! All of this is madebetter by the on-sale-at-Target purchase that is old technology but works great!Life is good my friends! Even better when you have a talented, smart, good lookin' spouse who happens to have great taste!

More Games

2007-01-24T08:11:00.000-05:00

Another kids game. One that predicts the future. First, that lovely little folded paper thingy that you count and swish and unfold to get the answer. How do you fold those anyway? Second, M.A.S.H. No not the TV show. This one stands for Mansion, Apartment, Shack or House. You choose 4 potential spouses, 4 numbers and 4 types of motor vechiles. Then your 81/2 year old son predicts your future. I will be marring Daniel Craig, having 8 children, living in a Mansion and driving a VW Bus! Thankfully, the 2 boys I have count and I'm allowed to adopt the other 6.("Although, it would be fun to have 6 babies around the mansion!" - Andrew). I did ask what I would do with my husband, the relpy was : "Throw him out in the snow!" Well, okay then.

Political Correctness

2007-01-22T08:32:00.000-05:00

Alright, so who remembers that oh-so-funny-when-you're-7 game where one person tells a story, leaving dramatic pauses for the other person to fill in the phrase "So did the big fat lady."?
This is a current fave of my 2 boys to keep themselves amused during any car ride. They take turns telling the story and changing the phrase to things like "So did the big fat balloon." or "So did the big fat dog." Each time it ends with the storytellers balloon popping and therefore "So does the big fat whatever." This brings gales of laughter and shouts of "My turn, my turn!" All the while in the front seat I'm wondering why the lady has to be big and fat. Is it really necessary to use those words? Couldn't she be the silly happy lady or the goofy gabby lady or anything that was more P.C. lady? Ugh! I get where being politically correct really has helped a society lacking in basic manners behave better, but I am beginning to see where it is taking over every little thing. This is a silly harmless kids game that is only being heard by my husband and myself (and, well, now all of you), so what's the problem? I have yet to say anything to my children about using others words - they are just having fun - but should I really feel the need?

What does it mean?

2007-01-16T18:24:00.001-05:00

Okay, so reoccurring dreams are normal, usually caused by something. Can anyone explain mine? I do not have the exact dream every time, more like the same theme. I have to use the bathroom and the only one available is an unpleasant public one. The reasons for the unpleasantness change. Most often it is just very dirty, sometimes the stall doors are made of glass, sometimes there are no doors at all, and other times everyone I have ever known is in the bathroom with me. I have discovered no pattern to these dreams, not a particular time of month or food that I ate that day. I always awake with the same sense of "YUCK!" and bewilderment as to the reason behind the dream. I cannot recall the first time I had one, but it has been happening once every couple of weeks for years. I would love to know why, and love for them to stop happening. Any ideas?

conversation with lucas

2007-01-12T07:20:00.000-05:00

"Mommy, someone killed Martin Luther King Jr. They shouldn't have done that. Why did they do it?" - Lucas

"No, they shouldn't have done that. Some people think that black people shouldn't be allowed to do what white people do. And Dr King was trying to change that. That's why they shot him. It wasn't very smart, was it?"

"No! Are black people still not allowed to do things?"

"No, Dr King changed that. ALL people are allowed to all things. Black people, women, all people, just the way it should be."

"But, they still shouldn't have killed him. It's all so confusing."

"Yes, it really is confusing."

"Can I have 2 cookies?"

"Yes, you may have 2 cookies."

Let's keep them confused, so they always question the reasoning behind bigotry, terrorism and any other acts of violence and evil.

Weekly progress report

2007-01-09T07:06:00.000-05:00

I have been reading "You on a Diet" (by Dr Oz, who is often on Oprah) and he recommends having a friend to tell about your progress. I figured this worked. So I have been doing pretty well keeping to my first resolution to loose weight. I have even managed to keep to the exercising despite having a treadmill that doesn't really work right. (Buffalo weather was accommodating until yesterday!) I have noticed that you can flucuate a pound or two throughout the day, so I am trying not to use this as a way to measure my progress, although I will continue to track with my scale daily. I am finding that my second resolution is causing more difficulties. I'm like a little kid(or many adults) that has been told "No!" and therefore has to do it all the more. Not that I'm dropping F-bombs every 40 seconds, but it's become complusive to say something unseamly. I need to find replacements words that will come easily to mind when an inapporpriate word would normally. Like my sister-in-law Shelley instead of saying "Good Heavens!" or "G--da--it!" she says "Oh, Good Night!" I can't carry that one off, but I'm open to suggestions. Got a favorite?

Suggestions

2007-01-03T12:26:00.000-05:00

Dec 28, 2006 (before) Jan 3, 2007 (during)

Like every new year, my husband has time off and a driving need to demo some part of the house! Last year I got a new gorgeous bathroom, this year I am getting a new living room, complete with a removal of a non-working wood burning fireplace and the addition of a new pellet stove. We are in need of some suggestions of how to handle the surrounding walls. There will be tile on the floor and up the wall behind the stove with a mantle.( the mantle will be a few inches above the window sills) There needs to be book shelves on either side of the stove area, the left side holding the tv, dvd,vcr, etc and the other side for books, photos, nicknacks, etc. My husband does not want the shelves to be too deep. We are considering having the shelves turn and extend on to the other walls (no too far as the front wall has BIG windows) and tucking the tv into the corner - in hopes of having it be deep enough, but not, ya know.. We are both having trouble getting the right visual in our heads. It's there, like on the tip of the tongue thing, but just not quite. Any thoughts?

Glenbogle

2006-12-31T15:05:00.000-05:00

I am just trying to figure out how to add pictures to my blog. This is the castle where one our favorites shows (Monarch of the Glen -avaiable at Netflix) is filmed. Great show, awesome scenery!

Scrooge wakes up

2006-12-31T14:39:00.000-05:00

Not unlike how Dickens wrote it (was it Dickens?), I find my heart recovering from the Xmas blues! As I begin to see friends and family again after Xmas, I ask them all the same question, "Was Santa good to you?" Invariably the answer is "Oh Yeah!" or "He always is!" When asked what was the best gift, they all answer, "Getting to spend time with the family!" So even though we think all the hard work we put into finding the right gift doesn't get noticed, it does in ways we don't expect. The Joy of the Season fills my heart and I plan to hang on to it with both hands. (And if I need a vanilla vodka spiked hot cocoa every night to keep that grip, well then I guess that's what I'll have to do!) HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Resolutions

2006-12-30T14:49:00.000-05:00

Okay, so the presents are unwrapped and being enjoyed, now it's time to reflect on the year past and prepare for the new one. I am all for it. This year has been good. I truly have so very much to be thankful for and feel blessed even when I'm crabby and complaining! I usually don't make resolutions, because I never seem to keep them. I find I don't need to purposely add to the long list of reasons I am often disappointed in myself. However, last year I made a resolution I was able to keep and that made other people happy. It may be mundane, but the cashiers at Wegman's were vocally grateful that I chose to make sure I weighed and sticker-ed all my produce items. One girl even remembered that I had mentioned it was my resolution. She was impressed I had managed to stick to it! Anyway, with one success under my belt, I have decided to do it again. I will be doing what most of America will be doing (at least for the month of January) and focusing on loosing weight. This is something that I have been needing to do for a while and never been fully committed to. It's so much easier not to bother excising and eating whatever tickles my fancy. Well, there is just too much of my fancy to tickle these days and I am ready to be fully focused. It will not be easy, but I think I am deserving of a healthier, happier, and also more attractive self. I deserve to look in the mirror and be pleased with my reflection. This will take some inside changes as well. So, I will be making a second resolution this year. I have already chosen to live my life in a positive light, leaving negativity out of my day to day as much as possible. When it isn't possible, and I get frustrated or really crabby, I tend to use inappropriate language. My goal to to drastically reduce the usage of "four letter words". Wish me luck and let me know what your resolutions will be this year!

Bah Humbug!

2006-12-23T17:27:00.000-05:00

I hate this time of year. It's no wonder suicides increase this time of year! People finally get around to wrapping the presents they have spent SO much time planning, shopping for, money on and aggravation getting, and now they look like nothing. From like October, when you might have a little extra $ and think "now might be a good time to buy for Xmas so that stupid month with 5 weeks (and therefore, bills are received twice) won't crush me", til 2 days before when you get around to wrapping, it all seems to be enough. Then it's wrapped and it looks like 2 boxes of nothing that anyone would ever want. It really is more than the most hardly of spirits can handle. No one really wants to be a Grinch, so we watch all the Holiday TV specials and listen to Xmas carroles(singing along) and wish complete strangers everywhere a Merry Xmas. Then we look under the tree and feel like failures. Is it just me, or just this country? Or has the whole world become so focused on the size of the giving, and not the emotion behind the gift? Is it the media that makes us loose sight of the "reason for the season", or is it human nature to compete in everything, including presents? It's not just that there is so much extra food that we overeat and gain 2 pounds each Holiday season, it's the depression we suffer from finding and giving the perfect gift for too many people that makes us crave instant gratification in sugary foods. I guess those 3 Wise Men weren't so wise after all. Come and pay your respects to your king, but next time, skip the gift giving so generations of people don't have to suffer.

Greeting Cards

2006-12-15T11:26:00.000-05:00

The hoildays are here and with them come many things, good and bad. One of the good is getting Xmas cards! It is so fun to receive snail mail that isn't a bill or another credit card application or some hideous catalog you would never buy from! The variety is SO big. There are the humorous ones with reindeer doing inappropriate things, the religious ones, the ones you can tell cost 50 cents for 900 at the dollar store and home made ones. Home made come in the Martha Stewart crafty self-made, the photo shop or the holiday letter. I love the photos, which is why I chose to do that for us every year. There are many people on our list that we don't get to see and they enjoy seeing how the kids have grown. This wasn't too hard a decision to make dispite the crafty history of card making in the family. I'm the one who can't draw. My mother took up what my great-grandfather Seedy started and draws her card every year. Everyone in the family is represented and the image is always fun! This has several down sides, but she overcomes that every year too. My brother and my cousin Kim also draw their cards. We receive only a couple of cards with letters - luckily none are boring! My friend gingersnapspice 's is so clever, it's as looked forward to as my mother's! After the card has been read, my mother started a tradition of hanging the cards around the livingroom entrance way. It is a lovely way to display them and a good way to know how popular you are! And finally, when the decorations come down, the card fronts are separated from the backs and used as labels for next years Xmas presents! So many good things from a small piece of folded paper!

Phew!

2006-12-06T15:47:00.000-05:00

My brother-in-law came through his surgery with flying colors. It looks like they got all the cancer and that it has not spread! he is a little sore and groggy, but feeling good. He will be able to go home in 6 or 7 days! Thank you for your prayers! Thank you God for answering them!

Up too early

2006-12-06T06:28:00.000-05:00

I am only writing today because most of the household is up too early. My husband was up extra early on a day off, to go pick up his mother, take her to breakfast and then to the hospital where his brother Bob is having a kidney, with a cancerous tumor on it, removed. The dog decided that the moment (5:15am) Joe closed the door, was a good time to get up, need to go out, and be feed. And the moment I was about to open the door to accoplish the first of these tasks (5:30am) was when my son Lucas decided it was time to come downstairs. He doesn't need to be up, however, until 7am to be able to eat breakfast, get dressed, brush his teeth and catch the bus at 7:40. Since he is happily watching Polar Express, the dog is back to sleep and the other son is thankfully still asleep, I thought I'd vent. It is amazing how even though they haven't a clue what's up, the dog and the 6 year old can sense something isn't right and somehow feel the worry that is filling the air. It one of those moments when 7 years of college and a medical degree would help ease the panic of the unknown. Usually, this type of thing doesn't shake me to the core - just a simple surgery, nothing to worry about. But Bob has so much to loose if things go wrong. He kids wouldn't remember him, his wife ... I can't even express how horrible it would be for her. And Joe has already lost one sibling to cancer. It would just be REALLY bad for so many people. Keep them and us in your prayers please.

Shaken, not stirred

2006-12-03T13:52:00.000-05:00

I am more than willing to admit I am a James Bond fan. Enough so, that I have even tried reading one of Sir Ian Fleming's books, but found the excruciating details a tad boring. (I may need to try again considering that was 16 years ago!) I have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the newest movie. No, the blond hair didn't bother me - it did make me want to learn more about Daniel Craig - if they chose him, he must be good, what else has he done. That is just the sort of train of thought that leads me to seeing movies no one else does and having lots of useless knowledge. I did find he was worth watching - dispite some odd scripts and was all the more eager to see the newest verion of Casino Royale. I was finally able to see it last night and was definately NOT disappointed!! Less polish, more grit, but all still pure Bond. Usually a Bond movie is fun and quickly forgotten, this one seems to lingure. I'd go see it again at full price. It's the longest Bond ever filmed, and you hardly notice. I am now looking forward to owning it!

Gifts of...

2006-11-20T08:43:00.000-05:00

This is the time of year when it hits me with tsumnai force that I have a long list of people to purchase for, a small budget to do it with and no clue what I need to shop for! There are so many ways to find the perfect gift, many new avenues to help. There is a commercial for some internet site where they will help you choose something by having you describe the person you are trying to buy for. How helpful. The fact of the matter is the only perfect gifts aren't things that can get wrapped with a fancy bow. The gift of life, the gift of love and the gift of health. Happiness might make that list, but that is really more of a personal choice. Love is something very giveable, but not really package-able. Life is giveable as long as you are will to be responsible for the results for many years to come. Twice is good for me! Health may be givable if I was a doctor, which I am not, and it is certainly not a guarenteed product or something one might wrap. So that leaves me to the rat race of shopping with the hoards of Buffalonians trying to find the items that no one really needs, but it might put a smile on the face of their loved one, while not putting them in debt up to their eyeballs. Good luck shoppers!

Problem or Inconvience?

2006-11-15T07:58:00.000-05:00

I had a wonderful conversation with my great good friend Lisa yesterday in which she shared a new perspective on life. Is it a problem or an inconvience? She told me a story of a woman eating in a restaurant with a woman behind her complaining so much about her mashed potatoes that they got sent back to the kitchen 3 times. The first woman had across the room from her a third woman, older, and with numbers tatooed on her arm. That woman was telling a story of being the only member of her family to survive the holocust. Problem or inconvience. Later yesterday evening, I received a phone call from my sister-in-law telling me her younger brother Bob had been given the news that he had a cancerous tumor on his kidney. I , in turn, made some phone calls to my husband in California(who wasn't there), the lady in charge of the prayer chain at our church, and another of Joe's brothers - who would be getting the prayer chain call and probably shouldn't get the news from there. I then had to call the wife of the brother-in-law who was home alone with a 22 month and 2 month old on her husbands first day back to work after a 2 months of being laid off. She said it seemed like this was not her life. Surreal and scarey. However, hopeful with promising outlooks from the doctors. I was then able to reach my husband and share the news. While on the phone with Joe, there was hysterical screaming and crying coming from Andrew in the shower. I was informed loudly, thru tears and shower walls that Lucas was a mean, mean liar who had stolen Andrew's favorite pair of stripped underwear out of is drawer, bragged he had them on and claimed they were in his drawer. I tried to appease with the pair that were actually in Lucas' drawer, but it didn't seem to help. Joe is snorting with laugther miles away from the drama! Once the dust settled and apologizes were made, we agreed Mommy would be responible for dolling out the underwear and lying would cease.("Telling the truth is hard!"-sob cry pout). Problem or inconvience. So, I ask for prayers for my brother-in-law and his whole family and that if you find Hanes boxer briefs size S(6-8) with stripes, purchase them and mail them to me and I'll pay you double!

Yuck!

2006-11-10T06:32:00.000-05:00

I got my first unwanted comment today. Another internet advertisement. As if the pop-ups and ads on every web page weren't enough. Now they have invaded my poor little blog! Nothing will make me as mad as when I got spywared! I was just too premenstral to handle it politely. Thank heaven my brother knows me well enough and calmed me down and helped me fix those evil doers! However, the past month I have received 3 phone calls a day from various people (Laura Bush, Jim Kelly, political morons) trying to get my vote - this of course only made me not vote for them. I got a call on the Fri the 13th when we had the big storm that took out power to everyone in WNY. I flipped on the poor woman. She says "This is so and so calling for Jack Davis.." I replied (in a very nasty tone). "You have got to be kidding me! We have no power and you want to talk about politics! GET A LIFE!!" and slammed down the phone. My husbands says "Who was that dear?" (in a pleasant tone). I fummed about how f***ing stupid politicians are. Unfortunately they didn't get the point. I did get a live person taking a survey on ads and phone calls, who was looking for commentary - boy did she get some! Sigh. If people didn't purchase from this irrating ads they wouldn't have any reason to continue them! Stop the madness!! (he he)

Don't make 'em like they used to

2006-11-09T12:19:00.000-05:00

I have my grandmother's Black & Decker toaster oven, that must be a good 15 years old. It has been a very nice little toaster oven. It has the occasional bad day and forgets to stop toasting, but it still gets a 41/2 out of 5 stars. Sadly, this mightly little appliance is on it's last leg. If I didn't use it constantly, it would already be in the garbage. It's really almost frightening to use. However, it's not just the sentimental value and the necessity factors that have me hanging on to the poor old thing. It's the fact that finding a replacement is proving to be FAR more difficult than I could have imagined. I am well aware that things aren't made to last the way they used to be. Just ask my sister-in-law Karen about the evilness of fridge life! But I figured that a toaster oven could be found at a reasonable price that was well made. I looked at the ones in Walmart and was not impressed. I decided to do more research on-line. Boy, some of the reviews are scathing! And most seem to say that the oven feature is good, but the toasting feature is not. If they could make good ones that lasted 20 years ago, why can't they do that any more? If it ain't broke, don't fix it! Argh! Any suggestions?

Will wonders never cease

2006-11-01T18:39:00.000-05:00

Last night upon going to bed, I turned on my bedside table lamp, which revealed a note written on a tissure (readily available on the bedside table). The note said: I heart u. I knew who had written it, but not when. My lovely 6 year old son (yes male) Lucas had left it for me. He likes to leave little notes. Even before he could actually write words he would scrible lines on a paper and tuck it in my purse or my husband's shoe. This same child took my husband's wallet without asking and put it under his pillow for the toothfairy. After the panic and the stern discussion on why this was not a good thing to do, the thought did occur that this was yet another sweet jesture. My mother says she frequently finds trains, trucks and other little toys tucked in cupboards and closets after Lucas has been there. Andrew's precious stuffed dog Dudley has been secreted away as well. It is frequently vexing, but more often very enduring. I shall really regret the day he out grows this. I honestly hope he never does and should make a point of encouraging it.

Cabin Fever

2006-10-23T17:56:00.000-04:00

Friday October 13th brought Buffalo some early and rather unwelcome winter weather. A warm lake provided an otherwise mild storm with the extra fodder to weigh down tree branches to the point of breaking. Which a few too many of them did. Causing massive power outtages across several counties. The situation is still not recovered from - some are still without power- and others have unstable power. Many schools are still closed and roads are still in need of clearing from tree debris. The roads that are clear are full of tree clearing services from all over the place and some tired county workers and some ever MORE tired electric guys. With every natural disaster, there have been stories of great giving and communities pulling together, as well, unfortuately, as stories of the scumb of the earth who take advantage of those in need with their ugly rip off schemes. Too, the incessant chatter on the news and radio of all the details of the clean up, FEMA, insurance, who will get money from where for what etc, etc, etc... Although this is nothing compared to most other disasters, it has still been a trial and will continue to be for probably several years to come. I can only image how much worse Katrina's aftermath has been for those who lived there. Even though I have had my fill of what's on the news, it's still the first question out of my mouth "How did you weather the storm?". I think there was supposed to be a point to my story. No matter how miserable everyone has been after all this, they are still dancing in the streets because the SABRES TOTALLY ROCK!! Oh and isn't nice to know that your family and neighbors care enough to share a generator to hook up to your sump pump!

Molly's World

2006-10-12T16:20:00.000-04:00

We adopted a dog in March, knowing that it would make for a few lifestyle changes. Several of them have been things we weren't expecting. We figured on the yard cleaning, dog food, and hair to be cleaned up from everywhere. We figured on the wagging tail to greet you at the door and the wet nose sniffing for crumbs under the table. And even how very much the boys would love her. What we didn't figure on was how having to walk her around the block half a dozen times a day (our yard is not fenced in, and she won't do all her duties on her chain) would enhance or knowledge of the neighborhood. So far, we've received four gifts from neighbors that we have never more than waved to in the past ten years of living here. One gave us a pooper scooper - see earlier story on why that item is SO wonderful - another has given up both dog treats and dog food - her dog is allergic to everything and is currently on a seafood and sweet potato diet - and just today, a neighbor fall cleaning his garden, gave us some bulbs to plant next spring. We have running chit chat with several others and get to play with the two puppies around the corner. We have taken walks pretty regularly in the years before this March, but once and evening and usually running after biking kids. So, thanks to Molly, we're getting to know our neighbors better and I find I like this town even more than I did before. Oh, and the other gift we received was a large load of dirt from the nice fellows who have been putting the water line in throughout town. One of the few times my husband has ever really appreciated my friendly chatty behavior!

Bad name

2006-10-02T15:44:00.000-04:00

I just read an e-mail from a friend that was supposed to be taken in a good light toward God fearing Christians, but instead, it has the oppostie effect. A man sent an e-mail to the ABC network to complain about the TV show "The Pratice"(obviously a dated e-mail). He didn't like that they seemed to be promoting a gay life style with a show about a woman who wanted to marry her partner and was suing for the right to do so. He claimed that God and Jesus were gay bashers and that ABC should check the Bible for the proper way to view life. ABC's response was simple - that perhaps this man should try reading the Constitution where freedom is what is considered important. They told him he was the minority in this country and he should stop using the Bible as a crutch for his narrow-minded, self-righteous, and bigoted views. This "Chirstian" responded that ABC would get theirs when he sent the e-mail on to everyone proving how wrong they are. It is people like this that get our country bombed. People who think that because they read the Bible and attend a church on Sunday they can behave in any manor they like at any time and still be "good christians". It shames me to be living in a nation where this type of person is considered normal. How is it possible in this day and age for so many people to still be so blind to reality? That popular question What Would Jesus Do? seems to be asked not by the christians who think they already know the answer, but by the christians who truly want to know the answer. This country is filled with so many truly wonderful, giving, loving, understanding and compassionate people, but it's the idoit's like this that get all the press time, making others view this entire country in a horrible light. It overwhelms me with sadness knowing so much bigotry still exsists.

Happy Birthday

2006-09-27T11:24:00.000-04:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! to my wonderful son Andrew! He turns eight years old today! I can't believe how grown up he is already. He makes me so proud and I am so lucky to have him! Andrew shares his birthday with Google - who also turns eight today! If that's not a sign of good things to come then I don't know what is! I love you Andrew!

2 Babies & 2 Weddings

2006-09-20T14:08:00.000-04:00

Being married to a man with 9 siblings has many benefits. I am quite lucky to actually like my in-laws, whereas so many people I know can't even look at theirs! One of the benefits, there is usually someone in the family who can help with whatever it is you need. Accounting, noterizing, bulldozing, and definately pouring cement! That hardly compares, however, to the great recipes, advice, babysitting, and plain old lending a hand that is always available. But, by far, my favorite thing about a big family is the big amount of celebrating you get to do. Currently we are celebrating the arrival of nephew Noah Daniel Stoffel, born Sept.19th to Dana & Bob; awaiting the arrival of a great-neice or nephew due in April to Jennifer & TJ; the wedding of Annie and Henry November 18th, 2006; and the wedding of Sara and Mike July 18th, 2008! So much to look forward to, so many reasons to buy a new dress(or maybe just shoes!) and to shop for baby things! HOORAY for big families!!!

Fall Season

2006-09-13T18:28:00.000-04:00

I love this time of year. Not just for the quiet of the house with the kids back in school, nor for the incredible beauty of the changing foliage. Not just for the fact I have been able to wear my new and totally favorite coat ever! But because it is the beginning of a new season of TV shows. Yes, I realize I appear to be obsessed with visual entertainment, and it's not to far from the truth. I do include reading - and can often be caught reading a book and watching sereval TV shows at the same time. (no, I do not have ADD). House MD is a fav - so good my hubby will watch it with me and is thrilled at the 8 pm start time, so he can still get to bed early. Looking forward to Grey's Anatomy and our guilty pleasures America's New Top Model & Desperate Housewives. But am also hopeful for a couple of others starting soon : Studio 60 by Aaron Sorkin of West Wing fame and possibly Men in Trees or Brothers & Sisters. Some of the ones that look the most interesting never get off the ground, some never find an audience even though they deserve it, and some will fizzle out fast because the writers burn out quick. If I could only find a way to make a profit out of my love of entertainment, not only would I truly love the job, but my husband might learn to appreciate my narrow scope of knowledge!

History of Kissing in Movies

2006-09-10T14:39:00.000-04:00

So we were watching a recommended movie last night. "Darby O'Gill and the Little People'. Definately worth watching, if for no other reason than to hear Sean Connery sing with a full head of black hair blowing in the breeze. ( that dude's got to be made about going bald after that head of hair!) There is a short, but sweet whooper of a kiss which got me thinking. Just what is the history of kissing in movies? From Valentino as the Shiek to the upside-down in the rain kiss in Spiderman (which Toby McGuire said was well worth the water up his nose). MTV has their own award for the best on screen kiss (The Lakehouse won this year) and frequently on screen action is brought up in interviews (usually when the actor is married to the director who is filming a love scene with some other actor). There is even an italian movie about on screen kisses (EVXTREMELY worth seeing!) Cinema Paradiso (sp?) where the town priest edits the kissing out of the movie before the town is allowed to view it. Kisses are usually a climatic part of a film - yes!finally the characters are together - or they can be sad goodbyes or celebrations of achievement. Mimicing real life but always managing to appear more specatacular. So what's your favorite on screen kiss and why? Mine? sigh, I could never choose! Dorothy and the Scarecrow, Working Girl , Princess Bride, Dear Frankie, Persuasion, For Love of the Game, To Have and to Have Not, .... the list goes on and could include TV but we just don't have the time or space.

91 Pine Street

2006-09-07T07:32:00.000-04:00

The house I grew up in ( 2nd grade and up) was located at 91 Pine street. Great house, lots of character, neighborhood full of kids around my age and in a great town. (Thanks lots Mom & Dad!) I haven't lived in that house for 11 years, and yet wherever I dream anything that has to do with a house, it's always there. I didn't dream about the house while I lived there, but the minute I moved out, I started. It boggles me a bit. Do I just have a lasting attachment? (understandable) or is it something else? Will I dream about the house I live in now if and when we move? Does this happen to other people? What about people who move frequently? I often have a dream I wish I could understand better. I have nightmares about public restrooms, and still have bad dreams about school. There is so very much of the brain that is unknown.

Anticipation

2006-09-05T14:21:00.000-04:00

Anticipation (yes, I do have the song running through my head). Anticipation of what comes tomorrow. For my boys, it means a back to school with a new teacher and classmates. Lucas moves to the second floor and looses nap time. Andrew moves to the third floor , gets a locker for the first time and gets to have science class with Cool Mr. David! And me, I will finally have more than a couple of minutes quiet around the house. Giving me time to truly clean and nap and stare at the walls. Of course, this will have to be sandwiched between working 2 days a week, lunching and errand running with an elderly friend once a week, taking care of a dog who really would be much happier if I could put her in a papoose and take her everywhere and doing the normal household things like laundry, cooking, getting the oil changed in all 3 vechiles and preparing for the upcoming winter months! ( all three boys need new boots, pants and 1 needs a yellow winter coat). So, for the hubby, tomorrow is just another work day, for the boys, it's a new school year, and for me, it's the window of opportunity to blissful solitude! Feeling like Greta Garbo anyone? ( "I vant to be left alone.")

Misfortune

2006-08-31T14:25:00.000-04:00

How is it that we can find other people's misfortunes so amusing? I'm not talking the "lost my house and dog in a hurricane" misfortunes, but the " it's been terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day" kind of misfortunes. My darling husband told me a story that had me laughing to tears, very much to his annoyance. He took a plastic bag (which I had a premonition about, but put in the bag holder anyway) with him when he took our dog Molly out for walk a few weeks ago. He does (or rather didn't) like to use the lovely pooper- scooper- thing a friendly neighbor gave us - took much extra to carry. Anyway, he needed to use the bag to clean up Molly's mess and was very displeased to find it had a hole in it. (My premonition coming true, making me realize that I really should listen every time I have thoughts like that). He came storming back up the driveway only to have a bird poop on him . The rather angry face and the utterly remarkable story of misfortune was vastly amusing to me(and still is). This did not make my husband feel better. But as I could not stop laughing for several minutes and tried mightly to convey that I was "SO sorry" through the chortling, he did eventually find the humor in it himself. So perhaps, that is why misfortune is amusing to others, to help those who are dealing with it find the humor in it too, eventually. (I didn't mention my premonition and recomend that if you find yourself in a similar situtation, that you don't either.)

Laughter

2006-08-27T12:33:00.000-04:00

If you ask most people who have known me for a long time about my new job, they will laugh and say that it's probably the last job they would have ever picture me having. My brother is highly disappointed that my head hasn't exploded. I certainly never figured that one day I would be a church secretary. But, I am finding that not only do I truly enjoy what I'm doing, but I seem to be just the right person for this job. It probably has a great deal to do with the fact that I have fallen in love with our church. It took me by surprise several years ago when we started attending this church. I had always felt uncomfortable and out of place in a church setting, and for the first time, I really enjoyed the whole church going experience. I found myself getting more and more invovled with all sorts of activites. However, for the last few years we have had a pastor that was not to my (or most of the church member's) fancy. 2 weeks ago a new pastor arrived. I had been getting to know her - from the secretary stand point - through e-mails and had great hope she would be just what we needed. It's alot of pressure on someone to be everything a church needs, but today, today there was laughter in the pews. A sound that has been missing from our services for FAR too long. If this is all the good that happens(which I just KNOW it won't be) it is really great. It's still surprises me how much of a family this congregation has become to me, it truly filled my heart with joy to hear the sound of their laughter. I look forward to it happening again very soon and with much greater frequency.

Movies

2006-08-24T06:56:00.000-04:00

I love movies. Really love movies. I'll watch almost anything. I dislike horror or really creepy movies, but I've even seen a fair share of those. I like when movies have a good effect on your mood. Laughter really is a powerful medicine. I like when movies get you thinking. Who would you sleep with for $1 million dollars? What if you could erase parts of your memory? Can men and women truly be just friends? I love the whole process of movies. I like going to the theatre, eating popcorn and reacting along with a group of strangers. I like receiving them in the mail and being comfy on the couch to watch them. I love watching award shows and reading reviews. I like introducing different things to my kids. Who would have thought they would really get into a Bollywood musical with subtitles and a romantic plot? How can you not love their hysterical laughter at The Batman Movie? But sometimes a movie hits you below the belt. Usually it's when your mood is low or reflective. Sometimes is makes you wonder who you are, why you do what you do, and whether or not you can really consider yourself a good person. Sometimes it makes you truly appreciate the life you have, really see all your blessings. And sometimes it just makes you remember what it was like when your life was in a similar place. I've become the type of person who is focused on not purposely adding negative things to her life. I am trying to choose to look at things in a positive light. It's hardly as though I will never complain, or refuse to see that there is alot wrong in the world, but I will not go out and read or watch things that will purposely be adding to the already to many evil images stored in my memory. It's not naive, just trying to choose being happy. Because happy really is a choice.

Palette

2006-08-21T18:05:00.000-04:00

So why is it some people love sweet wine and others can't stand it? After spending a rather nice weekend in Niagara-on-the-Lake, known for it's "Ice Wine" I wonder this all the more. Ice wine is made after a 7 degree day (usually January), when the water in the grape freezes and they are able to extract just the fruit juice. This makes for a great deal of sweetness and a very limited harvest. Small bottles at large prices being snapped up by those who adore it. So why can I picture being able to live my life quite happily without ever having to taste it again and there are large groups pf people who think the opposite? Is it the genetic make of of my tongue or merely a preference? I enjoy sweet things, namely chocolate (in almost any form), and even frequently crave them. Why not this? It really isn't a life altering question, more of a curious pondering. I would love to see stasitics on this. Maybe I'll search the web, answers abound there.

What ever happened to manners?

2006-08-11T06:55:00.000-04:00

What is wrong with people today? A large group of obviously extremely angry people decided to devise a way to make a bomb while on their flight from London to JFK. Which has them in jail for life and me unable to take mascara with me on my flight to NYC tomorrow. It's just so damn rude! What purpose does it serve to blow up a plane while you're on it? What do these really angry people actaully hope to gain? World domination? Spiritual peace? A big smelly mess? What were their parents doing while they were raising these desperately- in- need- of- anger- managment- classes kids? I mean even major sickos like Jeffery Dahmer accomplished more pain that keeping the world from being able to travel with their shampoo bottles. And what happened to the "Rules of Engagement"? The Japanese had enough honor to attack a military base when they decided we americans were all evil and needed to be wiped off the planet. Lack of good parenting is causing so many more problems than the death of chivalry. Etiquitte Schools need to be brought back and set up all over the world. Teaching people to disagree in a civilized manner. Teaching people to simply say, "I may find everything about who and what you are completely repulsive, but you are not causing me, my family or frankly anyone harm, so go about you creepy business."
Sigh. If only people could just lighten up!

Why is it...

2006-08-09T18:06:00.000-04:00

Why is it that when you're really tired and all settled in to sleep, your brain starts racing through the long list of things that need to be done upon waking the next day, totally keeping you from actually falling asleep? Why haven't they invented an on and off switch for just such an occasion? Or a mute button for your children? Or wouldn't it be nice if you could hit an "undo" button for those little mistakes. Scientists come up with lots of cool helpful things, why can't they get a little more practical and solve the everyday aggrevations that keep us from remaining sane? Is it just TOO much to ask?

The company she keeps

2006-08-08T18:28:00.000-04:00

The thing about having company, is that it's as nice to have them there as it is to have them leave. And it depends on the company, how long it take before you are ready for their departure. Sometimes it's merely moments, others it could take months. However, having you house back to yourself is always a welcome relief. All the cleaning, preparing, cooking and entertaining was all worth the aftermath of lounging alone on the couch and not having to close the bathroom door ! It's not just me, the hostess, who feels this either. The boys are glad not to be sharing politely, the husband is pleased to get back to tooling around and even the dog flops over on her bed with a loud sigh, glad all the work is done! Time to start planning the next visit!

Worm Race

2006-08-07T14:29:00.000-04:00

I was flipping through the Penny Saver, not expecting to find anything (as usual) when I came across an ad for a "Worm Race". 5th annual at Louie's Lounge, worms will be available or you can bring your own. Hot dogs and hamburgers provided. I said, "We SOO need to go to that!" And we did. I have never laughed so hard with complete strangers in my life. I'm not sure if my boys had more fun than I did. They both came in 2nd place and earned $10 (it was $5 a worm to enter, a tad steep in my book, but far too late to get out of by then). The fun continued for at least week. Starting with discussions of what type of worm they would look for next year as we drove away, to telling all our family and friends we had been to a Worm Race, and finally to spending the winnings on new toys! This is a prime example of how my life usually goes. Something different turns out to be great, my husband even grudingly agreed this was fun. So that's the reason behind the name of the blog. Like anyone really cares, but hey, who needs them to anyway!