Life in a Blender

Back to Life, Back to Reality!

2006-08-09T20:10:00.000-07:00

Yeah, that 80's song is ringing through my head about right now.
I go back to work tomorrow. Two months off for summer vacation and I feel like I haven't had one day off. I have been so freakin busy that I have not had time to even breathe.

Just to catch you all up on the mass confusion, AKA- my life in the past week or so since I posted last.

* we got the rent house, been working like crazy to get it finished so we can get our renters in. I have to give my hubby props- he is doing all the work basically by himself cause I am just a gopher. He's never put siding on in his life, but he watched a guy do it, now he's doing the whole thing. He learns by watching and learns so much- saves us a lot of money.

* I went on a mother-daughter weekend last weekend and had an absolute blast. We went to a lake, stayed in a beautiful lake home and was able to totally relax and catch up with my four sisters and mom. I literally did not want to come home. I could live out there, if only WalMart were just a tad closer...

* I have escape artists for puppies. We have had to revert to locking up their little cages like its Fort Knox. You should have seen us running around town, going to the Goodwill, the Flea Markets, the Relief Center, WalMart, Freds, anywhere that might have something that would work for a prison for my little escaped convicts. Eleven little puppies running all over the place and I have to keep counting to eleven to make sure I have all of them little terds. I finally found an old timey play pen and guess what, it worked perfect until they chewed their way through it.

* I am so ready for some of my favorite shows to come back on and football season to start. Desperate Housewives, The Shield (still having Vic withdrawals), Law/Order SVU, and a few more. I'm tired of reruns and tired of fifty million "America's Got Talent". That show truly sucks. I have been watching Last Comic Standing, saw the finale tonight. It was pretty good this season. My boy Josh Blue won! Other than that, we've been watching a bunch of movies. Let's just say, Grandma's Boy sucks, Conviction sucks, AquaMarine is pretty good, Failure to Launch is pretty good, Hush is pretty good, Firewall is pretty good, The Hills Have Eyes is FREAKY!

* I got a phone call today, I have a "Fun Warrant" out for my arrest. Its for a good cause, MDA. For those of you who know me, I am a special ed teacher, so this is my passion and I'd do anything to raise money for them. So get off your bums and sponsor me. I've got until Sept. 21st to raise at least $500. I just sponsored CP in a Blogathon for Pediatric AIDS Foundation. So, CP, I'm countin on you girl. You gotta help a sister out here. I don't want to go to baby jail! Check back, I will have a site to go to to sponsor me.

* I graduate Saturday. This will be my third college graduation, but this one is my best accomplishment, M.Ed. in Administration/Supervision. I worked my butt off to get two Master's degrees in three years and finally finished with this one. This one should be it unless I decide to get my Ed.Doctorate, which I doubt will be soon, if ever. But, if you know me, I never say "NEVER" to school. Its in my blood and heart. I love learning. So I will don the cap and gown one more time and walk across the stage. I wouldn't walk, ut I want my daughter to see what I've worked so hard for. She is geared towards a college education and I want her to see how something you put your all into comes to pass.

* My Studmuffin is leaving me for two whole weeks for some training to put more bad guys in jail. I am really not thrilled about this, especially since he will be gone for the kids first week back in school, the house will be at a stand still till he gets back, and I still have all these puppies to feed, care for and find good homes for. I don't have to cook as much when he's gone, but I'd rather cook than him be gone for so long.

Okay, now that I've caught you up, I guess I better get my butt in the bed. I actually have to get up at a decent hour and go to work. ARGH!!!

Later taters.

Stupid Update, Dreams, and Everything Else

2006-07-27T18:09:00.000-07:00

Update on Stupid person that pisses me off: he and another guy in my graduate class FAILED comps, now he won't be graduating. I was the only one out of the class that will be graduating- YEAH ME!! Its really a heated situation at this university though. Two professors who have bleeding hearts and want to help him out and let him do "orals" but their boss says "NO, if he doesn't have leadership ability and knowledge, he should not graduate until he does." (which I agree totally) So... I guess stupid people don't always get a free ride, huh.

So, I'm making my way to the really weird but good part- MY DREAMS, but I have to go all around Laura's house to get there, so hold onto your britches. (This is the "Everything Else" part)

Okay, let me catch you up a little. Monday, I spent all day over at my parent's house watching the house movers pick up and move the house that my father built for my grandmother in 1959 and move it across the back road to a little piece of land that my parents gave me. My sister "inherited" it when they divied up the home land (no, they aren't deceased, just wanted all of us to have a piece of what they shed blood, sweat and tears for) but didn't want to fool with it so she sold it to me.

Well, while I was watching it being moved, one of my professors calls me and tells me that he has decided to go out of state this weekend, so he needs ALL of my assignments completed and in his office by noon the next day. FYI: This is a directed study course, they give the assignments at the beginning of the semester, you teach yourself, do them and turn them in at the end.)

SCUZE ME? DID I JUST HEAR THAT CORRECTLY? Holyshitwhoredammit! I'm in trouble. I had a midterm scheduled for that next day at 12:30, hadn't studied for it and hadn't done half of the assignments that were SUPPOSED to be due in two weeks. So I stay up all night long working and studying and typing like a chicken with my head cut off. A pot of coffee, the jitters and about 12 hours after my regular bedtime, I go to turn in this bullshit and guess what? I am not registered for the class. SCUZE ME squared! So all the powers that be decide since they screwed up and it would be an act of congress to change it... blah, blah, blah... it would just be best to register you for the class in the Fall and that way, you will have until December to get all of your assignments done. SCUZE ME cubed??? I just completed all of my assignments you freakin peckerheads!!!! I am livid, almost postal at this point. Have I ever mentioned how much I hate this university????

So then I go to take my midterm and low and behold, he forgot that we had it scheduled and was at his house waiting on a refrigerator to be delivered. So here I am, no sleep, brain fried, already pissed, all I can do is laugh. LAUGH I tell you. It was either that or cry and luckily I had taken my Happy Pills that week and I just couldn't muster a tear to save my damn life, dammit! So I go to my other class and get home, 30 hours of no sleep and I can't go to sleep for the life of me. At about 10pm (34 hours of no sleep), I fall asleep only to be woken up 4 hours later by a rumbling, tumbling belly. No rest for the weary. I desperately needed some "movement" in that area but it was futile to try to go back to sleep, I just went and studied some more.

So with all that said, I had 4 hours sleep in about a 58 hour period, so last night when I finally got in the bed at midnight, I slept like a freakin baby. And when I am tired, the wierd dreams come like a freight train. Not just one, little snippits, medleys, previews of many, many dreams.

I don't remember all of them, but here are some that stuck with me:

1. we bought a dog that was half porcupine and half chow. When he got pissed off at you, his spiney things would poke out.

2. we traveled from Bastrop to West Monroe (about 30 miles) with 8 horses running bareback and no horse trailer, through the woods.

3. Justin Timberlake jacked off on me as he was running beside me down the middle of the road. I asked him how Cameron was and he thought I was being a smartass, but I told him that I had read an article about how he said that his and Brittney's relationship was like a high school couples and that his and Cameron's relationship was all grown up. He said he didn't want to screw around on her, so there could be no penetration, therefore, he jacks off on me. Then he has this little teeny weeny pecker after all is said and done and these little teeny bopper girls are going nuts and he says to them, "see, its nothing you'd want. Too little and thumps it." {anyone trying to figure these damn things out yet- what the hell?}

4. Two old classmates that I also used to work with were at the movies and had their hair done TOTALLY different than their style is usually. It was Great hair! I mean GREAT hair. Dee, if you are reading this, it was you and your sister-in-law! ???? But the hair rocked! So we chatted and I found out who did their hair and that dream was over. (I hate my hair right now, could this be a sign I need to have something done?)

5. My husband pisses me off because he won't listen to me and I try to tell him something and he totally ignores me. I get mad and wake up angry with him. Poor baby hadn't even done anything. I made him apologize anyhow, made me feel better.

So, any dream interpreters, feel free to analyze away. I'm really surprised because most of the time, my dreams involve snakes or someone trying to rape me (my biggest fears, I guess)... who knows what these mean...

Oh yeah, by the way, a good friend of mine, Certifiable Princess, whose blog I am addicted to is participating in a blog-a-thon this weekend. Check out her blog how to donate to a wonderful cause. She has to stay up for 24 hours straight, writing two blogs per hour, that is 48 blogs (and I have trouble coming up with one a week)!!! So give my gurl a holla and lend a little support. She's not askin for much, just a bit for some sweet babies who've had a rough row to hoe....So go check out CP and give a little, will ya? The blog starts in 1 day and 11 hours.....

Stupid People Piss Me Off

2006-07-21T10:35:00.000-07:00

I don't know if it is because I have been out of my HRT meds or the stress is just getting to me, or what, but lately stupid people are grating on my very last nerve. Especially stupid people who are highly educated and have absolutely no reason to be so damn stupid, but still open their mouths anyway and spill out nonsense.

Someone please explain to me how a person can be one class away from a Master's degree in Educational Leadership (to qualify him to be a principal or supervisor) and be such an idiot. This person is a FIRST year teacher. He does not know shit from shinolah. He doesn't complete his assignments on time, is thirty minutes late to class, when he does do his assignments, they are of junior high caliber. But somehow, he always pulls it off. Even when he fails a test, for some reason he gets a second chance at it. If I were the professors at this university, I wouldn't want my school name associated with him as a leader. That can't be good for their reputation.

Just the other day, we had a school superintendent as a guest speaker in class and this dumbass dude tells the whole class and super that he yells at his kids in his class so much that he started taking a tally of how many he's made cry. He asked the superintendent what to do when he has girls that are too sensitive? OY!!!! Has he gone bonkers? This is his boss, the person he will be interviewing with for a supervisory job in the future. The one that signs his paycheck. Can we say incompetent? If you can't handle a few kids, how in the world do you think you can handle running a school?

And I know from studying and having a million classes with him, that there is no way he could have pulled the comp exams out of his ass without someone giving it to him, but just as always, he passed- I don't know how well he did, whether just by the hair on his chinny chin chin or what, but he better be thanking his lucky stars that I wasn't one of his professors... That means he will graduate with me in two weeks. Gats!

Okay, had to get that off my chest. Bitching session over now.

On a good note, I get my precious little great nephew, Jonah, today for the whole weekend. He is so precious. He loves puppies and water, well I have plenty of puppies and a pool, so he's in luck. Note to self, go get Fruit Loops. I don't think he'd appreciate Raisin Bran for breakfast.

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. I have plenty to be doing, so I best get my rump up and get busy.

Later.

And the Results are IN!!!

2006-07-19T21:52:00.000-07:00

Did you ever doubt me?
I doubt it, everyone I know has faith in my abilities to pass tests but me.

I PASSED!!!!
I PASSED!!!!

"doing a happy dance"

Now I need a margarita. A real biggun!

Now I can dig out my cap, gown and cords and walk ONE MORE TIME!!!

I had a professor and a friend ask me to join them in the doctoral program this next semester. I had to take a long hard breath and think about it for ..... oh about 2 seconds and say "HELL NO, I WON'T GO!!!". I just don't think that is in my future. For what? The right to be called Dr. Floyd? To get a better job? Maybe if I were in another town and state.

No, I think I'll pass, at least for now.
When my kids are grown and gone, I may just be that bored....

but probably not.

Exams, Prayers and Tears

2006-07-17T08:10:00.000-07:00

First and foremost, please read this post from my friend CP and keep her and her little boy in your thoughts and prayers, send up good vibes, whatever you do. Please read about Nick.

Now that you've talked to the computer screen and the person next to you thinks you are an idiot(but for a very good cause)- go home and kiss your kids and hold them tight. We are not assured tomorrow, so tell them you love them today. Man, now I'm all teary eyed, cause my two girls left at 5am this morning for church camp. They will be back at 1am Friday morning. Hubby and I got up at 4am and they were dressed and ready to go. We came our lazy asses back home and crawled back in the bed. I didn't even know when he left for work this morning. I was out! Although I think I may have been ravished or something because I went to sleep with clothes on, woke up without them. I vaguely remember something..... ah, oh yea. Okay, I was a willing participant, just sleepy as hell.

Anyhow, I really shouldn't be blogging right now, I should be memorizing the ISSLC Standards for my graduate comprehensive exams I have in 2 hours, but if my friend CP can blog for 24 hours straight for charity, I can blog one short one in between brain malfunctions. I really am getting too old for this studying bullshit. But until I really figure out what I want to be when I grow up, I'll continue to fry those little brain cells, one test at a time. So send some good vibes, thoughts or prayers up for a sista who is still sleepy and drinking coffee like its the last beverage on Earth.

Okay, now for a little drama going on in my life. My sister-in-law, Studmuffin's sister has been struggling with alcoholism since she was about 15 or 16. She is around 21 or 22 now. She has a precious little girl, H. that we haven't seen in about 5 years, and she is only 5 1/2. H's dad took her away to Washington state when she was only a few months old. He's no upstanding citizen, addicted to drugs but at one point was more stable than SIL. Anyhow, long story short, we haven't laid our hands on this child in 5 years and her and her dad end up on the street in WA, so my mother in law sends them a bus ticket to come here. Dad leaves her here with SIL and goes to Arkansas. Now, SIL is trying to get to know this child and trying to kick her habit, hold down a job selling snocones and going to vocational school. She is a brilliant girl, but let alcohol ruin her life.

So, I'm putting H at my school so I can be there for her and help out with transportation, etc. Now, we are all running around trying to find her some clothes, toys, shoes, uniforms, etc. so she can start school. She came here with very little. Not even a Barbie doll. She is beginning to open up to us a little bit, even came swimming and talked to me a little yesterday. Poor kid has been through hell and I don't see an end in sight. Needless to say, in my "wanting to save every child from a shitty life" mentality, I am already seeing us doing more than just helping out in the future. Oh I hope SIL can straighten up, but it hasn't happened before so why should a 5 year old make a difference when she didn't at 5 months old. But we are being optimistic here. Hoping for the best, but if it doesn't happen, I will open my home and heart to this child. Studmuffin knows it too and though he says we can't take on another mouth to feed, I see the hurt in his eyes when he sees her. He too will open our home and his heart up to her if and when she needs us to. I want to be a positive influence in this child's life. I have always loved her, and longed to have her in our lives again. I know that God will take care of her, though. So in the mean time, I will do what I can. But if you don't mind, send up a prayer to our little Haley- she needs all she can get.

Oh, and if you haven't had a chance to look at my new grandbabies, take a look at them here. Warning, many "awwwwws" and "how sweets" and "oh how cute" and "I gotta have one"s are in store!

Hope everyone has a great week and don't forget to pray for Nick and CP. I'll keep you posted, or better yet, keep reading her blog. She will crack you up- when she's not worried sick about her child....

I will pass these freaking comps...I will pass these freaking comps...I will pass these freaking comps.... I can do it, yes I can!!!!

Back Home!

2006-07-10T19:40:00.000-07:00

Hey ya'll!
Well I'm back from vacation.
We had a good time I guess. Spent 8 days in Branson Missouri. With 3 kids. Need I say more.
No really, it was okay- just a little too fast paced for me. When I take a vacation, my idea of relaxation and resting is laying by the pool and soaking up some rays. I didn't get 5 minutes of that. The kids thought we should run mock 10 to every amusement park, putt putt golf and race track there was. Not to mention two of them argued and griped the whole entire time. I had to come home to rest. Now I need a few days on a secluded beach in the tropics.

While we were there, we got three new dogs. I had two pregnant ones at the vet due anyday when we left. Now we have 11 puppies. They are so cute! As soon as those are old enough to go to new homes, we should have two more litters. Now they are starting to cycle in. So anyone who knows anyone who wants a miniature dachshund, let me know. I should have some pics up of the wee ones in a few days at www.dazysdoxies.com.

I just started three summer classes today. It looks like it will be a pretty intense next five weeks. The kids have 4 1/2 weeks until they start school and I have 4 weeks till I go back to work. It seems like schools are starting earlier and earlier each year. That sucks.

My mom's 75th birthday is this year. We had a big to do for my dad's 75th surprise birthday party but it took all 5 of us girls and my mom to lie our asses off to pull that off. There is no way we can pull the wool over her eyes, so we have decided to just have a family party. I personally wanted to take her on a cruise but when you have 5 children with different income levels and views of what would be fun, it seems like we can't really agree on. One sister says she doesn't have the money, another says she doesn't either and if she did, she wouldn't waste it on a cruise. One doesn't care and two of us are all for it. I am the youngest of all 5 by 16-18 years, so all of my sisters are over the age of 50.

I am at a time in my life that I want to travel and have adventures. My best friend J and I were thinking about taking a trip somewhere out of the US. Bless her heart, if it is not an adjacent state to Louisiana, she hasn't been there. I think we just need to remedy that. Hopefully before we are old and wrinkled up like a raisin...

I have a new obsession. Its called THE SHIELD. Its a very edgy cop drama- one like I've never seen before. Season 6 will begin this fall so DH and I have crammed the first three seasons in every night for the last month. We've got Season 4 and 5 to go. I am addicted. The bad thing is that when the new episodes begin, I will have to wait a whole week to see the next one.

I guess I better get on my homework.
I will try to do better on blogging CP! I promise!

Later.....

What has happened to our kids?

2006-06-29T17:41:00.000-07:00

Can someone please tell me what has happened from the time we were kids to now? When I was a kid, my parents would have to basically come down the road to find me at dark thirty to get me home. I would leave the house in the morning and not return till I was made to. I loved riding my bike, jumping on the trampoline, would stay in the little backyard Walmart pool until I was dried up like a prune, and playing with the neighborhood kids. My parents rarely heard the words "I am bored."
There were times that I would pack up a snack and head out on my bike and ride for miles and miles. I would leave out one way and make a big circle back home, about a 13 mile ride. There were no cell phones, so I would have to stop at Mrs. Opal's house (about half way) and call home. Sometimes if it was really hot, I'd end up at the farm with my dad and hitch a ride home. If it were raining, that wouldn't stop me, I'd go out and make mud pies or help my daddy run waterfers in the fields. I got muddy but it was fun.

Not this day and age. I am beginning to have to dust around my children. All they want to do is lay up in their rooms and watch tv. They don't want to go out and play, don't want to ride their bikes (thanks to the new improved scooters which require no energy), don't want to use their imagination, they just want us to make things so simple for them. The don't make play dolls anymore, they don't use old tin and sticks to make forts or tree houses, they want us to build them an airconditioned $2000 playhouse with a deck (okay, I am guilty of this, we actually built it ourselves) or a den and kitchenette in a tree somewhere. They want, want, want and we have spoiled them rotten.

My kids aren't the only ones, it seems to be the going thing now. Children basically have become lazy and sedentary. Unless you have been on another planet in the last year, you should also know that our children today are more overweight than they've ever been. This has become a fast food, biggie sized, video game playing, tv watching society.

This all greatly concerns me. The federal government is on the right track by taking some of the junk food and sugar loaded drinks out of the schools and replacing them with lower fat snacks, water and sugarless drinks. Not that the kids can't bring this junk from home. But until the lunches become more healthy (instead of nachos, pizza, corndogs, etc) and physical education is brought back into schools, this epidemic will continue.

Yes, some schools, including the one I teach at still has PE, but its not the physical education you and I had. These days, they go color with chalk on the sidewalk or play some kickball if they want to. If they don't want to do anything, they just sit around and talk with their friends. When I was in school, we had to run laps, we had to play games we may not know, I dodged that damn ball, tinikled, and red rovered till I about croaked. But we were all made to participate or it affected our grade. We even actually broke a sweat! How horrific!

Now, major cuts in funding for education has meant taking art, music, and PE out of most of the schools and now our kids are being stressed out and schools main focus is teaching to the test. Don't even get me started on these damn standardized tests. I realize us teachers need acountability, we do have this country's future in our classrooms, but our kids are being left behind more now than ever before. I'm not much into politics, but there are somethings I feel strongly about and these are some of the issues that I am deeply concerned about.

Sorry, I didnt' mean to get off on a tangent, but I have four kids in this generation and I just wish things were more like they were when I was their age. A little booze and occasional joint was about all we would be tempted with. Now meth and crack have become rampant and has dug its addictive claws in our youth. Just the other night, there was a bunch of teenage boys mud riding when a 16 year old was so drunk he laid down in the middle of the road and another boy unknowingly ran over him. When he realized what he done, he drove off- scared to death, I'm sure. A few months back, three teenage boys were so barred out on Xanax that the driver lost control and one is totally paralyzed and another basically needs a new face. Sometimes I find myself wishing for the Second Coming to end all this mess.

I used to laugh at my parents when they used to say "back when I was a kid...." and all the "we didn't have this and that..." Now I am saying the same stuff. But I really wish things were that simple again.

God, does that mean I'm becoming my mother...??? Hmmmmmmmm..........

Trip down Memory Lane

2006-06-20T17:06:00.000-07:00

I know, I know, I have sucked when it has come to blogging here lately. I usually am chomping at the bits if I go check out a blog and its the same freaking title as last week. Well, I am guilty. I have no real excuse except for the fact that my life is basically boring right now and I haven't had anything interesting to talk about. Still don't so bare with me.

I'm still in school and its going pretty well. This is the third out of four weeks so its getting crunch time. All assignments are due this and next week so I'll have my head buried in books for the next few days.

We have twelve days before we leave on vacation to Branson. I am excited but also dreading it all in one breath. Eight hours with three arguing kids isn't my idea of relaxing but, no fear, I am bringing duct tape.

Soon we will be getting ready to have our twenty year high school reunion. A lot of the people we graduated with didn't stay in the area, so its always a treat to see everyone that we haven't seen in a while. Some I haven't seen since the 10 year reunion, so it will be interesting to see how gracefully we have all aged. I have to say that I am probably more comfortable with the way I look now than I did when I was in high school.

I was the youngest child of a cotton farmer, so we never had much. My parents grew most of our food from the garden and canned and froze plenty to get us through till the next season. They never had a lot of money but there was plenty of love and life experiences of growing livestock, stomping cotton, digging potatoes, learning how to drive a standard 1964 Chevrolet at age 11 in the pasture. I was a daddy's girl so anything Daddy did, I wasn't far behind. I drove cotton pickers, combines, drove the cotton trailer to the gin (at age 13), helped put rings in hogs noses, helped deliver calves, bailed hay, and cooked and took care of my daddy while my mom was at work most nights. No, we may not have had money to afford the popular brand name clothes or some of the other things I was so jealous of back then, but now that I look back on it, the things I learned and the experiences I made with my family far outweighs those Chic or Gerbaud pants or Hang Ten or Esprit shirts. So, no I wasn't popular and didn't hang out with the "elite" but I liked to say that I was personable enough that I could hang with the most elite or the trashiest of trash. I was just good that way :), lol.

I did have some wonderful high school experiences, one of those being in the Mu Sigma Honor Society and attending a two week trip up the East Coast, touring Virginia, Washington, D.C. and New York and many other cities in between. We got to see the Macy's Parade, tour the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, Liberty Bell, Plymouth Rock, Washington Monument, White House, and many more landmarks in that area. It was totally awesome and an experience that I would never ever have been able to do in my lifetime - or at least got it all in one trip.

I also developed several incredible friendships with some truly inspiring and incredible people. Unfortunately, we have lost many members of our graduating class since 1987. Young lives that were lost for reasons unknown to us and friends and family left behind with a terrible void. But we will live on and we will use this next reunion as a celebration of life and friendships and goals accomplished. I can't wait. Its hard to believe that we are all quickly approaching forty, I really don't feel that old or think I look that old, even though I could technically be a grandmother right now if my 18 year old fell on his head and produced a child- Lord help us all.... but at least I'd be a young looking grandma. Oh I don't even like the thought of being called that... too scary. Maybe he'll be smart and wait till he's 25 to have a family. We can always hope.

Life's Like a Box of Chocolate

2006-06-06T16:23:00.000-07:00

You squish em until you find one you like.

Yeah I'm grasping at straws here for a catchy title- hell at this point, I'm grasping at a decent blog. Could a person's life be any more boring? I think not.
I really think it seems boring to me because I am not moving at the speed of light, doing a million things at once. So I'm addicted to chaos and adrenaline rushes. So sue me.

I have been off of work for two weeks now and I am so freaking bored I have been cleaning and cooking and taking naps. Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!! I did start back to school this past Monday. Have a VERY early morning class with the most boring instructor that has ever taken a breath. But don't tell her that, she thinks she is the absolute best and if you get on her bad side, she will make your life M I S E R A B L E!!!! I have seen it happen people. Not. Kidding. So what do we all do to keep her happy? We bring food of course. We have a sign up list for days and today was the first day. Um, well, someone didn't know that she DOES NOT do donuts. Yep, they brought not one but two kinds of donuts. Well, she'll have a miserable semester- no A for her, poor soul. Me? I will be bringing Kolachi's and some muffins. Yeah, go ahead and say it people, "suck up." Whatever, so sue a bitch. In grad school, a girl has to do what a girl has to do to survive...if that includes shoving a kolachi in the professor's tater trap- I'm game!

On Thursday, MY baby girl will be ELEVEN years old. I can't believe how she is growing up right before my eyes. It seems like yesterday, she was that little bald baby that brought sheer joy to my eyes each and every day. This child makes my life complete. She has such a sweet spirit and such a compassionate soul that it makes a momma proud. Oh, yeah, she has her moments- not perfect by any means, but this child can kiss her mommas woes and bobo's goodbye with a twinkle of an eye. Yeah, I'm wrapped. What can I say. She's a good girl, makes good grades, has incredible ambition and is just a sweetheart. Okay, she hugs and kisses me about 365 times daily which can be a little overboard, but at least she's not cursing me out! It could be worse- especially with kids this day and age.

She is having a sleepover with a couple of friends and I got stuff to make jewelry and tie die shirts. I have ordered Studmuffin out of the house so me and the little 11 year olds can have a good time. Don't want "grumpy" ruining the fun. He does not do sleepovers well. So we'll get in the middle of the floor, do tshirts, watch movies, they'll eat chips and cookies and chocolate and get loaded up with sugar and keep me up all night. Only twice a year, I can deal with it. Plus I have a nice relaxing weekend planned.

Me and J, my bestest frand in the world, are escaping for the weekend. I'd link her blog but why bother, she never blogs. But I love the girl, despite her nonblogging ass. We are going to the beautiful Nachitoches (for you nonLouisiana folks, its pronounced- Nak-u-tish). Don't try to sound it out, it doesn't work. It's a Louisiana thing. None of our names for cities, parishes, and bayous make much sense. Take for instance, Ouachita- is pronounced Wash-i-taw, not Wa-chi-ta. But we've got plenty of southern hospitality where we lack in English and grammar. And no, where I am from is like night and day from New Orleans. It is a whole nuther country, so don't think that we have alligators living in our yard and that all our people rob, kill, and loot. Not in north Louisiana.

So we are taking a road trip. No kids. No husbands. No work. Just us, our bathing suits and our charm. Come join us. We will be the one's by the pool drinking a rita.

So what else is going on in the blender? Oh, my mom found this old diet in one of her old magazines and wanted me to try it with her. I've put on several pounds in the last few months, so I thought I'd give it a try. Its called the Rice Diet. So far, in 4 days, I've lost 5.5 pounds. It's not too bad, mainly consists of a lot of fruit, vegetables and some starches (where the rice comes in). I have also signed up for a personal trainer. I will train 2 days a week and work out on my own 2 days a week. My goal is to be much more tone and to get back in to my clothes comfortably by the time we go on vacation in 3 weeks. So wish a girl some luck.

Now I think I might go dig out the sewing machine and try and make a purse. Or not. I may just lay up on the couch like the withering vegetable I'm becoming. I neeeeeeeed action. I .....am ......w e a k......

Just to Catch U up

2006-05-28T22:12:00.000-07:00

A lot has been going on around here.

Last week was my last at school until August 10th. Paperwork was outrageous and I still have some last minute things to do tomorrow. I must also clean and organize my classroom because I left it a disaster Friday. I have this thing about rearranging my classroom about every 3 months and I did it again before I left. I am known for my constant rearranging...which is not always welcomed by my coworkers cause I move them around too...but it keeps me motivated.

I've been packing everybody up today. Studmuffin left tonight to go work for two weeks in New Orleans and LSUgirl leaves for 4H camp in the morning. Vetgirl isn't getting to go because she failed her LEAP and has to go to summer school remediation classes. She's not happy about that. How the hell is it that a child lives with a teacher, passes all her grades all year but fails the LEAP. Don't get me on my soapbox about this high stakes testing thing because it really pisses me off to no end. Now the poor child's self esteem is shattered and she is missing two summer camps to go to school half the summer, which also puts me in a bind for getting her to and from school when I have to be at the college the same time she does and it is an hour away. I am really having to do some franagling (is this a real word, not really sure).

Stufmuffin has left me a list of honey do's to complete while he is gone. I have to admit that I am oblivious to all he does outside of and in our home. Tending to all the animals, the pool, doing the laundry, lawn care, etc. I had to print up a freakin calendar to remind me what days to pay bills, feed the chickens (yes, we are proud owners of 17 chicks- 14 yellow and 3 black), backwash/rince/filter the pool, days to do laundry, when to feed the pond fish and ducks/geese, and of course tending to the doggies. He thinks I can't handle all of this while he is gone and I am one determined gal not to let him down. My pride won't let me fail, so all will be taken care of and the house will be spotless when he arrives back home. If it kills me, I tell you.

We have discovered my seven year old son is a pyromaniac. We were outside tending to the animals and mowing for a couple of hours when he found some wooden skewers in the kitchen drawer, climbed up and found some matches above the stove. Yes, he had to work for this people. Then proceeded to burn the skewers in my dining room. So the first sniff I get when I walk through the door is matches. He hides the matches behind the TV. If you looked up mischievious and sneaky in Webster's, flame boy's pic would be right there. Now I knew he had an obsession with drawing flames on everything he can get his hands on (body, walls, doors, books, shoes, pants, etc) but I didn't know he was obsessed with fire. Then I found some small finger holes in my candles. Hmmmmm wonder whose that could have been. Oh let me just say, if number 4 would have been born first, their would not have been a number 2, 3 or 4.

On a brighter note,my garden has started producing by the droves so I put up a lot of vegetables this weekend. I have to go pick my moms snap beans at 8am tomorrow. I love vegetables, don't mind shelling/snapping them, putting them up, cooking them and I love eating them- but I absolutely HATE picking the stuff. Especially in the mornings when the dew is still on the plants and all the sticky leaves itch you to death. I have this thing about getting wet and dirty and itchy. Uck! It gives me flashbacks of when I was a kid and I had to pick and pick and pick. We even made up a song that went to the tune "Going to the Chapel" except it said "Going to the bean patch and we're gonna pick be-eans..."

I start back to school on the 5th, but one of my classes was cancelled because only 2 signed up for it. This means if I don't find this class somewhere this summer that I won't be highly qualified to teach in my classroom (special ed- severe profound preschool) and may be moved to a regular ed classroom (in which I'm certified). I'll still graduate with my M.Ed in August, this is just an add-on class for certification. I am really pissed about this. I have looked all over Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi and Arkansas and can't find it anywhere. I HATE ULM with a passion. My kids will never go there. They have screwed me over so many times - without benefit of KY or Vaseline. And the nerve of them sending me letters for Alumni donations. I have given enough of my time, money and brains to that university. I'll give my donations to St. Judes or to my kids' college fund thank you. They suck. ULM stands for University of LA at Monroe, but I prefer calling it the University of Losers and Morons. They used to be NLU -Northeast Louisiana University" which I then referred to them as Notta Lotta University. Did I mention they suck? Well they certainly do- big ones!

I am so over American Idol. Taylor won, Katharine lost gracefully. Now there is nothing to watch on tv. Everything is full of reruns. So not into reruns.

Oh, I may have some really cool news. Don't want to jinx it yet by spilling the beans, but I should know for sure in a few weeks... I'll make an announcement as soon as I find out... you'll never guess what it is though....

So, anyone taking a cool vacation this summer? Lets hear your plans. We are going to Branson to take in a few shows, see the Passion Play and go to Silver Dollar City. I haven't been since I was little.

So where are you going? What's your favorite vacation spot and why?

Why Katharine McPhee Should Win American Idol

2006-05-24T06:42:00.000-07:00

I know at least half the world wants Taylor Hicks to win American Idol and though I think he is an awesome entertainer and cute as a button- I still think Katherine is the better singer of the two. This song just gives me chill bumps and I hear it over and over in my head.

I guess we will all know tonight, though I agree with most of America when they say that Chris should have been up there with one of them.

Katherine singing Somewhere over the Rainbow

Blog Rut Continues

2006-05-22T12:37:00.000-07:00

Blah, Blah, Blah

That's what I feel about my life in general right now. Nothing to brag about, nothing to write home about, just life, just generic.

There have been things going on around my home that have totally consumed my thoughts though. Trouble in paradise. I almost threw in the towel with my marriage, but after a lot of soul searching and listening, I have decided that I want to fight for it. Life just gets in the way so much.

My husband is the best husband any girl could ask for- you know how I talk about him all the time and put him on a pedastol as my friend says. Well, to me, that is where he should be in the HUSBAND department. Now in the FATHER department, there is much room for improvement and I could take days telling you all about how he grew up in a cold alcoholic home and how he was raised that children should be seen not heard, etc., etc. It is much too much to really go into right now, just know that he never had a family life to draw positive experiences from. Me on the other hand, was raised in a very loving home. My parents are still married after 55 years of marriage and even though my daddy didn't always say the words "I love you" he made darn sure there was no doubt in your mind. I have wonderful, fond memories of sitting in my dad's lap, him rocking me up and down on his foot playing "ride a little horsey" and going everywhere he did- sale barns, on the tractor, stomping cotton, to Mer Rouge for some good ole fashioned mixed ice cream on a cone. I was a Daddy's girl through and through until I got to be an adult and started to see something totally different in my mom than just someone telling me to clean my room and iron my clothes. We bonded and got close.

Anyhow, back from my stroll down memory lane... Studmuffin has many issues when it comes to kids and being sociable. He's come such a long way from 7 years ago when we married. We went into this marriage with my two children from a previous marriage, a teenage boy and a little girl; and his two young children who got to see their mother act like a raving lunatic through their divorce and our remarriage. I'll have to blog about that saga at another time. Then she unexpectedly died 3 years later and so we have had this blended family that we have tried to put together with Elmer's glue and it didn't work out like the fairy tale I wanted. So, I have to loose the fairytale and be realistic and make the best from what I have.

I know it is going to take work and giving on all of our parts and a lot of prayers and openmindedness.

Well, the principal just came over the PA and said if we want to leave we can.... like we wouldn't take her up on that one. So I'm outa here for right now.

2006-05-16T10:32:00.000-07:00

Why Women Are Crabby

We started to "bud" in our blouses at 9 or 10 years old only to find that anything that came in contact with those tender, blooming buds hurt so bad it brought us to tears. So came the ridiculously uncomfortable training bra contraption that the boys in school would snap until we had calluses on our backs.

Next, we get our periods in our early to mid-teens (or sooner). Along with those budding boobs, we bloated, we cramped, we got the hormone crankies, had to wear little mattresses between our legs or insert tubular, packed cotton rods in places we didn't even know we had.

Our next little rite of passage (premarital or not) was having sex for the first time. Conjure up your own experience here!

Then it' was off to Motherhood where we learned to live on dry crackers and water for a few months so we didn't spend the entire day leaning over the Loo!

Of course, amazing creatures that we are (and we are), we learned to live with the growing little angels inside us steadily kicking our innards night and day, making us wonder if we were preparing to have Rosemary's Baby.

Our once flat bellies looked like we swallowed a watermelon whole and we pee'd our pants every time we sneezed. When the big moment arrived, the dam in our blessed Nether Regions invariably burst right in the middle of the mall and we had to waddle, with our big cartoon feet, moaning in pain all the way to the ER.

Then it was huff and puff and beg to die while the OB says, "Please stop screaming, Mrs. Hearmeroar. Calm down and push. Just one more good push (more like 10)," warranting a strong, well-deserved impulse to punch the %*#!* (and hubby) square in the nose for making us cram a wiggling, mushroom-headed 7-lb odd bowling ball through a keyhole.

After that, it was time to raise those angels only to find that when all that "cute" wears off, the beautiful little darlings morphed into walking, jabbering, wet, gooey, snot-blowing, life-sucking little poop machines.

Then come their "Teen Years." Need I say more?

When the kids are almost grown, we women hit our voracious sexual prime in our early 40's - while hubby had his somewhere around his 18th birthday.

So we progress into the grand finale: "The Menopause," the Grandmother of all womanhood. It's either take HRT and chance cancer in those now seasoned "buds" or the aforementioned Nether Regions, or, sweat like a hog in July, wash your sheets and pillowcases daily and bite the head off anything that moves.

Now, you ask WHY women seem to be more spiteful than men, when men get off so easy, INCLUDING the icing on life's cake: Being able to pee in the woods without soaking their socks...

So, while I love being a woman, "Womanhood" would make the Great Gandhi a tad crabby. Women are the "weaker sex"? Yeah right. Bite me.

Send this to seven bright women you know and make their day!!! Or at least make them laugh a little.....

... so . NOW YOU KNOW.... The REAL STORY

Insomnia

2006-05-12T07:09:00.000-07:00

A lot has happened this week and I haven't been sleeping well and am extremely sleepy and tired today.

I have been trying to finish up my portfolio for my internship where I had to put in 120 clock hours of feld experiences and compile it all into book form type of presentation- it has been very time consuming and it was due today and I am still not completely finished. Out of 14 focus areas, I still have three areas that I have not finished.

Also, as a special educator, we are submerged and inundated with paperwork up to our eyelashes this time of year. All that paperwork (an average of about 25 pages for each student). This is all due today. I am not even near completion with it.

I also have a final that is due by today. We are having field day at our school today which is going to be exhausting because we have to carry all of our children and actually do the activities with them. I feel worthless because I am unable to lift due to the breast surgery and the bum arm. So a lot of help I'll be...

Also, I know it is totally stupid to allow a tv show to upset a person but I, like the rest of the world was blown away and shocked with Chris Daughtry being voted out on American Idol. But after the initial shock and a lot of thinking, here is my thought on the whole situation: I think this may have been the best thing that could have happened to his career. He won't be labeled as The American Idol, or the runner up or the one who only got his start as a reality tv winner. He will have succeeded on his own, just from being good at what he does and having a wonderful God given talent. I truly think that he will probably be more successful with his career than the three finalists. Time will only tell. According to radio, he will be the next lead singer for Fuel when his AI contract is over next year. I predict that he will sell more ablums than probably all the other three combined for the sheer fact that people were robbed of hearing/seeing him perform for the last two weeks of the show. I may be wrong- its only an opinion. I am not going to stop watching AI though because it is a tv show that allows the public to vote. If we wanted Chris to win, we should have voted more. We didn't, so now we have to support the next favorite. Just shows you on a show like this that we can't be complacent and think it is "in the bag" or a "given".

I'd like to say that those are the only things that have been keeping me awake at night, but there is more. I had something happen to me this week that has affected me greatly and I am unable to talk to anyone about it. Its not a bad thing, really it is a wonderful thing that makes me a very lucky and blessed person-but something that has truly affected the way I think and feel about my life, my future and my past. Even those who are closest to me would not understand and would probably scrutinize my feelings on this and tell me not to think the way I am...I can't go into it further. But I truly believe in fate and that what will be, will be. I know these things have happened for a reason and that everything will be fine...

Another thing that has happened involves a dear person in my life. I never had living grandfathers coming up and always "adopted" some for my own. This elderly couple in my church became like a serogate set of grandparents for me. They are so sweet and my life was made better just by knowing them. They have both been very ill, the little wife had a stroke and is a hemiplegic and her sweet husband has cared for her ever since. Just the love he shows to her makes me want to grow old with a person who loves me so profoundly. Here within the last year or so, both of their health has been declining, and he has been in and out of the hospital. I saw them at church Easter morning and they looked so good. That hug was the last one I got from Mr. Doug. He gave up last night and took his own life in his own home in front of his own wife. A gun. It was awful and I just can't imagine what came over him. He must have not been in his right mind. Surely he wasn't. My heart is sick that he would do that to sweet Mrs. C. Why would this happen? What is going to happen to his soul? Will Mrs. C be able to care for herself, be able to go in her home again. Will she blame herself? Will she give up too? Will someone take care of her? My heart is truly breaking. I feel all numb inside and I am angry too. Why would he do this to her? to himself? to his children? to his friends? to us?

I can understand that he couldn't take the pain and sickness anymore. I know that sometimes you just want to give up and check out of this world and go live with our Heavenly Father where there is no more pain and suffering, but why did it have to be so violent and in the presence of his sweet, fragile wife? So many questions.

This event has also added to my previous dilemma which is not really a dilemma but i don't know how else to describe it.

So I have had a total of about 4 or 5 hours of sleep per night. Studmuffin has been out of town since Monday and will be home today. My husband is not a party animal and is pretty much a homebody who would much rather be on the couch watching a good movie than partying, bar hopping, etc. In fact, other than working on cases, he's never been to a bar- even when I've tried to get him to go listen to one of my favorite bands and sit and sip a brewsky and maybe slow dance a time or to. Well, he's never been in one until this week. It seems that one of his coworkers has drug him along to probably every club on the strip, strip clubs, pool halls, etc. Oh, to hear him tell it, he is just going along to be sociable and to be the designated driver, but I have to admit that it makes me a tad bit jealous. I guess not jealous really, just dissappointed that he would go out with this person, whom I think is a bad influence anyhow - but don't get me started on that... and not go do it with his own wife. He thought it was all amusing, watching this particular person acting like a fool and a teenager as a grown man. Studmuffin fully admits that he doesn't know what the coworker gets out of it- that he is too old for all that crap. I know my husband and know he would never do anything stupid or be unfaithful and he really needed a break but...so I'm not jealous or fearful in that area. He is probably the most faithful man I know. So, really, I don't know what the but is... so I'll stop there.

So I am in a wierd place today. Sad because of the tragedy, peaceful and hopeful because of the other event and overwhelmed because of all the deadlines and workload.

Can a heart be full and be breaking at the same time? Can a heart be overwhelmed with love and still be empty too? Is fate real? Does things truly happen for a reason when you least expect it? Sorry for the novel, but I had a lot on my mind and heart this morning.

Have a great weekend.
Adiós mis amigos.

No Strike, Just Couldn't Type

2006-05-09T17:45:00.000-07:00

Awwe, ya'll are so sweet. You love me even when I'm bitchy. Way to show a girl some love.

No, I didn't go on strike. Just been crippled and had great difficulty typing one handed. Honest, I have proof!

What happened:

I am not known for my gracefulness- at all. I proved that fact once again Wednesday night. I was attempting to walk out my front door when I stumbled on a piece of carpet and stuck out my left arm to catch my flying ass and knocked the shinopolous out of my forearm. It hurt. Hurt like hell. It immediately swoll up- is that a word? Anyhow, everybody said those dreaded words.... IT's BROKEN! Of course I vehemently denied it. So I went on about my way.

It kept swelling...
and throbbing...
and burning...

Okay, so I took my ass to the emergency room. Mostly to shut Studmuffin up. I told him that my long bones are invincible. You can get a sledgehammer after them and they won't brake. This fact was proven with the multiple times my parents took me to the emergency room only to come home with a sprain or torn ligaments. Even when I was paralyzed for two weeks following a severe boat wreck that separated every rib from my rib cage- and dislocated my jaw, shoulder and hip- but not a broken bone.

So I make a bet with Studmuffin and the ER doc. I say it's not broken, they swear up and down it is. You could hear the doc while he was looking at the xray-

" You gotta be kidding me. I am not believing this..."-

Needless to say, they owe me $25 bucks. I still haven't seen it, but NO BROKEN BONES!!

The bone is badly bruised and swollen, so I come home with this splint. It looks like this....

So other than being as graceful as a camel, not much else is going on. I am just baching it this week while Studmuffin is away at a conference. I feel like my left leg has been cut off. I totally admit to being completely and utterly spoiled rotten. I had to get myself up out of the bed this morning, on time and manage to see the kids off, get dressed and fix my own breakfast and coffee. All by myself. Imagine that. Did I mention I am spoiled?? Since I have been in school so much, he takes care of me. I do well to get through the day on my own. He is my rock, my support, my constant cheerleader.

I drove onto my road today and felt a sense of disappointment. I really get excited and look forward to seeing his car in the driveway each day when I come home. No car there today- bummer. He'll be back Friday. I'm not naive though; I realize he may be truly having a wonderful time, no wife to cater to, no kids to clean up after, to fuss at, to keep motivated, no animals to take care of... he's on freaking vacation. He really deserves a good break where he doesn't have to do anything. I know he is so tired and burned out. I totally take him for granted too much. I need to take control more and do more around here. Absence makes the heart grow fonder...... Boy, I owe him a lot. He says when I get my good paying job and he can quit working two and three jobs, that will be pay back. He can hunt, fish and make time for things he likes to do. I need to save this post for when he reminds me of this....

I have finished two of my three finals. I have one more and I just found out it is a take home. {doin a happy dance} I only have two more classes and an online course left this summer. I will be done at the end of July, take my comprehensive exams, and graduate. You just don't know how long I have waited for that.

There are a few things I want to do when I finish school- I have made a list:
1. take an art class
2. spend more time with my children
3. get my house and business back organized
4. take a trip with my husband
5. finish my honeymoon (7 years ago- by the way)scrapbook; do a family one.
6. eat healthy, lose weight, exercise to tone up and get in shape
7. read a good book for pleasure
9. write a story for the magazine True Story
10. relax, breathe, enjoy life

Bitchin, Moanin and Groanin!

2006-05-01T19:11:00.000-07:00

Okay, I don't like bitchin and whining to people I don't even really know but here it goes. I know people are reading and just lurking around........SO

IF YOU TAKE THE TIME TO READ MY BLOG LEAVE A FREAKIN COMMENT EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE SO I AM NOT JUST WRITING TO MYSELF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I know I'm not a comedian and I don't make you pee your pants on a regular basis, but damn, give a girl a break!! So my life is boring. Tell me so. So you think I suck. So tell me so. So you think I'm brilliant- tell me so, I can handle it!!! I'm a big girl.

I just get sick of reading everybody elses comments and not have a blasted ONE on mine! I lurk some too-but I try to at least say hi. I try to keep things fresh and post frequently, unlike SOME people (won't mention any initials like a big fat K and J and G) who wait weeks to post and you keep checking back over and over to read the same freakin headline. Just help me here people!!!

Okay, this bitchin post is over.
If I get some response, I may be back.
If not, I'm going on strike.............

Pics to share

2006-04-27T20:24:00.000-07:00

In my last post, I told you about all the things around our house that just shouts "Spring is here! Spring is here!"

I thought I'd share some of the joys with you.

Tomato Plant (sideways, I know but you get the gist)

Our 2006 garden

Newly born kitten

Red rose

new baby gosling

Mamma goose and baby

white rose

Princess Rose

Watermelon plant

Signs of Spring Brings Joy, Interuptions Aggravate

2006-04-26T09:29:00.000-07:00

I love Spring, it is my most favorite season, so many signs of God's wonderful creations- they just make my heart sing and bring joy to my world.

Yesterday, I truly was greeted by new life in so many ways when I arrived home from work. The first thing I see as I am walking up to my door is our newly planted garden, starting to show the fruits of Studmuffin's labor. Okra plants are popping up out of the ground and and all our other favorite vegetables looking green and alive! Hey, we don't exactly have green thumbs around our house, but Lord how we try.

This brings a smile to my face, of course, but not as much as my "tommy toe" tomatoe plant in my whiskey barrel by the door. It has literally grown at least 6 inches overnight and has some tiny green balls on it! Its a good day (only to get better).

So I'm in the kitchen whipping up some awesome chef salads for supper and my daughter runs in with something in her hand. My first thought (and fear) was another green baby snake which my husband found last weekend and thought it necessary to bring to me to see- NOT!! I hate snakes. Nope, not a snake, it is a brand new solid black baby kitten that studmuffin found while cleaning out his shop. I thought that mean heffer of a cat was impregnated. Now I know. We only found one- but there may be more...

I'm a dog, duck, pig, person, not overwhelmingly smitten by cats, but something about baby animals...they are just so darn cute. So I'm sitting in the chair, watching Wheel of Fortune and here she comes again. "Come look!, Come look!" and behind her is Studmuffin who says "I'm through- we have a farm." Of course I go to see what all the commotion is about and under our back deck is the cutest little yellow baby gosling. Dang those things are big for just being hatched. I knew the goose had been sitting on some eggs, but the ducks and geese laid and sat all spring long last year with nothing to show. So we are really surprised and glad to see the little tike.

Studmuffin shows me about 20 more duck and geese eggs that "should be hatching soon". Oh my, what to do with all these critters?? So I am wondering all of this- okay, we have dogs everywhere, 6 ducks and 3 geese, now where are we going to find room for bunches and bunches of little ducklings and goslings? Oh, not to worry, he says, they will have several chickens to keep them company when he builds a chicken coup this weekend for his chickens.... Wasn't he just saying he was through because we were having a farm (in studmuffin talk, this means- he ain't doing nothing else because the animals are taking over- but he loves every dad blasted minute of it!)

So I'm thinkin gof officially changing our business from Dazy's Darlin Doxies to Floyd's Beaks, Claws and Paws. Dats a whidea waint it? (don't ask- it goes back to an old family members saying)

Anyhow, so all of this really puts me in a lovely mood, signs of Spring, nice weather, birds and butterflies in the air. What a life.

Then something has to aggravate it. I really feel guilty even griping about this subject, but dang. It's got to be said. I'm sitting in my recliner about 7:45 watching American Idol, I've stripped my work clothes off and in some jogging shorts that are really short but oh so comfy, my shoes in the middle of the floor, supper dishes in the sink- my house not in order- not nasty or really even dirty but just cluttered from all the kids stuff and mine too. I'm relaxing, want to watch my show in some peace and quiet.

Then IT happens. The kids run in and say "Momma, some people are outside, they want to talk to you and Daddy". Who would this be? If its not J or an occasional person from the Sheriff's office needing Studmuffin's help with a computer, most people don't visit me on the weekdays. So I start to cringe. I have this thing about people being in my house when it isn't presentable. I really have this thing about strangers showing up unannounced, then wanting to enter my home and "sit down and chat." Come to find out, they are from a church down the road. They flocked to Studmuffin while he was outside burning some wood/junk. When I walked out (as I was whispering to the kids, light a candle, pick up, spray air freshener) I could see the look of "please help me" on his face. He is shy and doesn't talk much to strangers and we have never laid eyes on these people. Everything is going well they are just telling us how they'd like to have us there. Then, BAM! Here we go, one of the men pulls his Bible out of his back pocket and he starts preaching to Studmuffin.He has this deer in the headlights look. Oh my. " Please don't push it, I keep thinking, stop now while you are ahead. He was planning on going to church Sunday but no, don't blow it!"

Well, he kept on, he preached and preached and asked questions and prodded. The other two just kind of looked at the guy like, tread lightly, but it was over. He'd done done it. So I spend the rest of the evening telling my honey not to judge a church on one member of the congregation (the "preacher" wasn't the actual preacher).

So, if you are one of these people who go visit members of the community or do outreach, I know it is important and we appreciate the concern, but please call first, please ask when would be a good time and not just pop in- and if you do just pop in unexpected and unannounced... If you see someone very busy in the yard and a woman walking slowly, slightly bent over - kids needing baths, supper needed to be eaten...please take that into consideration. Okay, I'm off my soap box now.

You may go back to your regularly scheduled programming.
Oh, if anyone happens to have a clip of Taylor and Chris' performance last night, please send it my way. I didn't get to finish watching.....visitors.....ugh!

I'm Still Alive

2006-04-24T19:26:00.000-07:00

Well, I came through the surgery okay, if you can come through your fourth major surgery in 11 months, "okay". I'm sore, tired and weak but I'll still trodding through. I am truly hoping this is it for the reconstruction- for you new readers- I was diagnosed with breast cancer 1 year and 5 days ago and am still having surgeries for reconstruction.

I went back to work today- yes, 4 days after major surgery but I have no sick days left (refer to the 4th surgery in a year- them suckers deplete quickly). It was a long day.

Man, I was just sitting here in the dark watching Medium and the TV went off. That was wicked. Kids are in the bed, studmuffin is out working...eerie...

I think I am in the same boat as a lot of my blogger friends. I'm just in a blogger rut. I read some blogs like Beauty and the Beer or Certifiable Princess and they always have no problem with making me laugh my ass off or with keeping us hanging on with their never ending shanks or CPs rantings...so why can't i write something worth reading??? Blah, blah, blah!

I'm heading to bed. Maybe I'll have something noteworthy to talk about soon.

Nite.

If you pray...

2006-04-18T05:57:00.000-07:00

Please say a prayer for my good friend (you may as well say little sister) and her teenage daughter. They are really going through a rough time right now and today she is showing the epitomy of TOUGH LOVE. I've been in her shoes and had to do the same thing, but not for the same reason- and it is the hardest thing a mother can do.

So if you have a minute today, say a prayer for K and C and keep them in your thoughts today....

Making a smoothie!

2006-04-17T10:03:00.000-07:00

Hey everybody- did you miss me? It's been 10 days since I have had a chance to blog and I have sure been missing it- it has become like my journal and my stress reliever. I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter weekend. Mine was full of family, fellowship and food- too much food, come to think of it. We spent Saturday with my best friend's family- who after 23 years of friendship have become more like a real family to me. They are so fun to be around and make all of us feel like we are just one of the Laing's. I think Studmuffin feels more welcome and comfortable there then he does with his or my family. Well, I know he feels more comfortable there than MY family- but that is a whole nuther situation in itself. That night, we went to my mom's for a fish fry, then I came home and cooked, did the Easter Bunny and watched Passion of the Christ. Oh my gosh! I was so taken aback- I had never watched it and just to watch the beatings and crucifixion just made me sick to my stomach. And to think- HE endured all that for Me and you! It truly will make you think and look within yourself with a different perspective. If you haven't seen it, I urge you to take the 2 hours and 6 minutes with no distractions to watch it.

Okay, so you may be wondering why my title today is "Making a Smoothie!"- well, you know I'm "Life in a Blender" and things have just been blending away and a little of this and a little of that and voila' - you have a smoothie! (okay, that was lame, but I could not think of a good title..) Sunday we went to church and had lunch at my mom's, came home, took a nap and watched Desperate Housewives- where Porter was offering fudgecicles to girls to see their vaginas! That was outrageous.

I am off for Spring Break! Yahoo! It is past noon and I am still in my house robe. I didn't sleep late- mind you- I guess that's my internal alarm clock or the fact that Studmuffin got up to go to work and I had no one left to snuggle with.
I so needed a break. I have tons to do since the semester is winding down in college- but I don't have to juggle work, paperwork and school work at the same time, so I can really focus this week on the things I have been procrastinating on.

I have a busy week ahead. I am going out of town for a doctor's visit tomorrow, have another doctor's appt Wed, I have my third and hopefully final surgery for the reconstruction on Thursday and recooperating on Friday. What a way to spend my week off huh! But since I don't have any sick days left, I don't loose pay this way.

We have been busy making summer plans. We are going to Branson for vacation and I am getting so excited. One of the main things I want to see is the Passion Play. I saw it when I was a kid and I want my children to experience it firsthand. We are also going to Silver Dollar City and some shows. There is so much to do that we can't choose which ones, but my hubby has already set aside one full day to visit the Bass Pro Shop and that night for Putt Putt golf. He is a puttputt fanatic- absolutely LOVES it! Its fun to watch him be kidlike when he is playing though. I don't get to see him smile or laugh or relaxed very often so I love vacation. He becomes a kid again.

I have decided I am going to walk at graduation this summer. I had said I wasn't, but since I worked so hard through all the adversities, etc. my major professor wants me to. I don't know if there is a specific reason, like a recognition or something or what, but he asked me to and I am. Its just a couple of hours out of my time- I already have the cap and gown, so its not that big of a deal.

I don't think there is much more going on in my world. Just counting down the days til summer break. The kids are so ready and I'm ready to be sipping cold ice tea out by the pool. Only 5 more weeks to go... Will it EVER get here?

Freaky Friday

2006-04-07T17:02:00.000-07:00

The last post was on Monday. I haven't waited this long to post in a long time. But I have an excuse, I promise.
It has been the week from hell. As you guys know (okay, maybe you don't) but I teach severely disabled preschool children. In my classroom it is me and 2 paraprofessionals (new name for teacher's aide) and 6 students, all but 1 are wheelchair bound. Anyhow, its a lot of work, but I absolutely love my job, the women I work with and all my girls- nope, not a boy one in our bunch.

Anyhow, back to the week from hell. Monday through Thursday, it was only two of us and then today, I was by myself. Oh, it was rough, believe me and I am tired beyond recognition- but I handled it, although my back is paying for it.
My "p" key on my laptop is broken so I have to press it like 5 times before it will even type it. I never realized how many "p's" are in the words I use...it's really issing me off. yeah, I skipped that p just for effects...

I am on the downhill slide on the detox. In two weeks, I have not cheated except for last night when I was miserable and wanted a taste of popcorn so bad. I finally gave in and had a mini snack bag, 94% fat free. So sue me. I can say that I am getting really sick of fruit and vegetables, but my cravings for chocolate and candy and sweets have seemed to disipated. That in itself was worth it. I have also had absolutely nothing to drink except for water and I try to get 64oz per day. I only have 2 more days. I will not go crazy, I will be smart. I didn't do this for nothing. I really do feel better. I have more energy and feel healthier.

Why is it that when you ground your kids that you are actually ground yourself? Its really hard to follow through but I am standing my ground. That means I can't do anything fun. It also means since they can't go to friends' houses or have company, they are up my but and cranky. Or is it hormones? I have a 10 almost 11 year old and an 11 year old. I can just feel the hormones raging....oh God help us.

I am going to try to sew some purses this weekend. I have some cute fabric and I am going to attempt some jean purses made from blue jeans. We'll see how it goes.

Have you ever had something tugging at your heart telling you that there something more out there that you should be doing? It all started when my daughter and I were on our way from visiting my dad in the hospital. If you have ever heard of Delilah on the radio- I've tried a million times to get through to her just to dedicate a song to my studmuffin or my kids and never have gotten in. While we were driving down the road the other night, Delilah was telling about kids who need help in Badaburam Africa. It tugged on my heart until I just had to call. So the first time I dialed the number, I got through to her, immediately. We talked for a long time and I told her how I understand how it feels to want to help a needy child. Anyhow, she ended up asking me if I would be willing to go to Badaburam to help build a school. Of course I gladly and enthusiastically said that I would. It will be a while before that happens, but when it does, I really want to go. I think every child deserves an education. I know there are needy children here and I do my best to help those too, but its something about a child not having a book to read or the experiences that our children are provided each and every day.

So now, I am looking to really getting involved in children's advocacy programs. I haven't found the exact one I want to get involved in yet, but I know that God knows my heart and He will lead me to where I need to be. I just wonder where that is...

Well its the end of the week and I'm heading to the couch.
Have a good weekend everybody.

Manic Monday

2006-04-03T11:18:00.000-07:00

Let me first say a big THANK YOU to all of you who were praying, thinking or sending well wishes for my dad. He is doing much better and finally got to come home over the weekend. The blockage is gone- Thanks be to God- and he is recovering nicely. He is all ready to get his tomatoes planted. I'm telling you, the man just doesn't quit.

Well its Monday morning again and it seems like just yesterday it was Friday and we were having a blast at Special Olympics. It really was fun and our kids did so well. Two of my girls (the only ones old enough) won first place twice and second twice. By the time we got back, we were exhausted and our backs were killing us. It took my husband's truck to carry all the walkers, equipment, etc. We were loaded down and had to bring everything but the kitchen sink.

My weekend flew by, not from having fun, mind you. I had so much homework, work work and house work to do it wasn't even funny, so I worked all weekend. I got a pretty big dent in my assignments and got some critical paperwork done and behind me so it feels good not to have so much on my plate.

This time of year is so crazy for special educators. It is that time of year where we have to do reevals, do their education plans for next year and get all the data and paperwork done for extended school year (summer school). As far as grad school, I also only have a month to go with this semester sothe race is on to finish all this stuff in 4 weeks. I hardly think its possible, but I amaze myself with what I can accomplish at the last minute. You would know that there is one more class that I need to graduate (that I dropped this semester) and now I can't find it anywhere. Just my luck! I hate this university!

Daylight savings time is really screwing with my head. I didn't want to go to sleep last night and Studmuffin watched Fresh Prince of Belair till about 12:30 (which would have been 11:30- our usual bedtime), then I couldn't get my but up this morning. I had to come to work with a wet head thrown up in a pony tail...

My kids were like the tazmanian devils this weekend. It must be the sap on the trees. At school, its like a zoo around here. Vetgirl had a friend stay over and they ended playing on the pier of the pond and the little girl jumped onto a floating dock and you guessed it- fell off, knocking the dogs off. She had to swim to the pier and Vetgirl had to pull her up cause we could't get to her in time. Of course Studmuffin could only see us loosing everything we have by a law suit or something and went ballistic. All is well though. A bath and she was good to go.

Summer camps are coming up and I think I am going to have to get an extra job just to pay for them. They usually do 4-H, King's Camp, and Theater camp but this year they have chosen to only do 4-H and their beloved King's Camp. But even still- its a big chunk for two kids. I can only imagine when the baby gets old enough to go. That's in two years.

The puppies will be 6 weeks old tomorrow. I've got some people interested- they are so cute and playful, it will be hard to let these go... the only bad part about breeding for me.

Well, I have plenty to do and I'm only putting it off by rambling, so I will go get busy. Hope you guys have a great week!

Sometimes the little things just piss me off!

2006-03-30T10:26:00.000-08:00

I am so pissed. I work in a rural school system that has their fair share of problems, especially financial due to money just mysteriously coming up missing last year. No, no heads rolled. I won't go into details because it could come back to bite me in the butt later.

Anyhow, there are a couple of little ticky things that just light my fire:

#1- they are out of money but they come up with this time clock system that scans your handprint and requires your social security number. Then we also have to sign in on a piece of paper. We teach children for goodness sakes, we all have had a background check and you don't trust us enough that we have to scan our hands?

#2 They purposefully set the clocks above 5 minutes later than the regular time so we all have to set our home, cars and personal clocks by that time also.

#3 The have put a smart filter on our internet server that blocks everything under the sun. They even blocked Yahoo because one of the teachers was on a yahoo chat room badmouthing the superintendent (not during work hours though).
Now they just blocked blogspot and any other blog affiliate. I don't know how it allowed me to post but I can't view anything anymore. Yesterday I could get in it all.

#4 They are messing with our time. Docking us for 30 minutes here and there when they haven't ever before but not paying us when we have to work over for hours. They have even altered and changed some of the workers time sheets and required them to clock out, then go do duty so the time won't show up on the clock so they won't have to pay overtime...isn't this illegal?

I know these are all ticky things and may not be a big deal to you but when your job is stressful enough and you have to bust your butt all day and not get anywhere near the national average for teacher pay- these little things just irks me.

Yeah, so maybe I'm just pissed cause I can't read any blogs anymore, but that was my daily activity during nap time. Now I guess I'll just have to work. UGH!

Daddys, Detox and Don King

2006-03-29T08:24:00.000-08:00

Daddys

First for those of you asking how my dad is doing. He's still in the hospital, they took the n-g tube out, still not giving him anything by mouth (since Sunday, bless his heart), did a CAT scan this morning. He's still in pain and starving but he has a great attitude as usual and is flirting with the nurses (remember he is 83 years old), so all is well for the time being. The other doctor, the regular one says no kidney problems so we don't know what the kidney specialist was talking about...

Detox

It is Day 3 of the 14 day Detox plan and so far so good I guess. I have been having a lot of headaches, probably from no caffiene and my brain wants sugar but my mind has taken over and won't allow me to do it. The biggest problem has been drinking 3 quarts of water a day. Its really, really hard and I sip on water from the time I get up till the time I go to bed. The food isn't that bad. I just munch on veggies and fruit all day long. I do feel a little better. I popped up out of the bed this morning while Studmuffin was still snoozing and he said "this detox thing must be working since you sprung up like a chicken this morning..." Time will tell.

Don King

Just let me say that there is two things that I would love to have from my soul sisters, their rythmn and a round tush but I am soooo glad that I don't have the hair. One of my babies' hair was so matted up and dirty and she was so dirty from no bath (I usually give her one once a week- I guess that is the only one she gets) so I decided to take on the task of bathing and washing her hair. Let me just say there is a lot I need to learn about washing black people's hair. Oh my gosh, when I got through with her she looked like Don King and that is no exageration. It took three grown women to hold her and comb it and blow dry it to get it in some kind of order. It is now in 6 different sections and we have taken a break before we start plaiding it...It took us an hour just to wash, comb, dry and seperate. I do have to say that I now know why her mom doesn't do it more than once a month but damn! That stuff gets nasty when she puts her food all in it and everything else. I have to have my babies clean and neat looking, with all their teeth brushed, smelling good and well taken care of. It is a necessity.

And an added Bonus- American Idol recap

Lisa - last night was the first night this girl really impressed me to the point where I would vote for her. I thought she looked great and did a really good job on the song. I felt so sorry for her when the judges just dogged her out. You could see the dissappointment on her face to the point where I just knew she was going to cry. I certainly did not think it was "painful" as Simon put it. I just think they don't like the contestants doing former winner's songs...

Taylor- liked the fact that he just sang. I love the entertainment part of him also, but it was nice just to see a singer for once. Next week he can go back to the entertainer. I did miss the "Whooooo".

Kellie- I did not like that song choice for her. She should have done something really gutsy. I was disappointed. I know she can do better.

Ace- I wasn't really impressed. For some reason, he is not doing it for me anymore.

Chris- I know this is his kind of music, but it was like he screamed most of the song. I would like to see a softer side to him and see what a ballad would sound like.

Mandisa- This girl could sing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and would sound wonderful, so anything she sings is good. I just don't think she should have come out with the gospel song at this point. She still rocks and I love her but she is in a competition for pop singers. She's got to remember that and to NEVA EVVA wear jeans again....

Bucky- it sounded okay, not my favorite for him but he still is not good enough to make it another week. He should go home this week. I think Lisa's performance saved her tonight.

Kathryn- I just love her and she just sings so flawlessly. I think I enjoyed hers the most of last night.

Elliot- He was certainly no Bo Bice and I didn't like his version of it. I think it was gutsy to do a song Bo had done and the judges seemed to have liked it but it was blah for me.

My prediction: Bucky will go home, Ace, Bucky and Kellie or Elliot will be in bottom three. We'll see tonight.

No DTs Yet!

2006-03-27T11:02:00.000-08:00

Well, its Monday, Day 1 of the Detox and so far so good. I got my 1/2 gallon of water, my fruits and veggies and am good to go for right now. Although I do have a headache, which is probably from caffiene withdrawals...

I had a wonderful weekend. It was nothing special but it was nice. Since we were supposed to go to the concert (see Lisa's Blog to get the low down) we were childless all weekend and took full advantage. Studmuffin and I ran off to Vicksburg, went to the boat, won a little chump change, ate good , shopped a little and spent some good quality time together(the most important thing). Things were so calm and it was like we were both so glad just to be alone together. I love that man more today than the day I married him and just thinking of all the things we have had to deal with and all the crap that we have endured and conquered- to have come through it with more love and respect for each other just makes it even more of a blessing.

Then Saturday night we got together with J and B for some Spades. It had been way too long since we had gotten together and we were all ready for some competitive fun and relaxation. I started out sipping on a drink (salty dog) and before the night was over, I was wasted and had to be "tucked into bed" as J described it. Studmuffin said I well deserved it and that I was a hilarious drunk. No, I don't drink that much but I ended up having way too many and it hit me all of a sudden... I didnt have a hangover the next morning but my stomach was on fire from all that vodka....

Sunday, i visited momma and daddy, did some laundry and watched Desperate Housewives. Finally not a rerun.All in all it was a restful, enjoyable weekend. I didn't look at homework or paperwork. Now its Monday and back to reality. I have a new student today and she is absolutely beautiful and just as sweet as she can be. She is in my lap as we speak. Apparently she wants to learn how to type.

This is how well she did on her first training...
kujnj iiiiluuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuhhuyh 76tgv
great job, huh!

Later taters

Preparing for Detox

2006-03-24T13:04:00.000-08:00

Yes, I said detox. No I'm not an alcoholic or druggie.
I am about to take on the task of detoxifying my body from all the bad things going on being exacerbated by the foods I eat.

Yes, I have joined the ranks of those who have saught out alternative medicine to get healthier and fix my broken body. I am sick and tired of going to a medical doctor for them to tell me that I have either a sinus infection or stress and to slow down. I know my body and if you remember this post, you know that I know there is much more going on than just stress.

So I am going to do this for myself, for my husband and for my family.
I won't bore you with the details of my visit yesterday, but it was not pretty. Basically nothing in my body if functioning properly except for my lungs. My adrenals are working overtime, my lymphatic system is almost nonexistant, my kidneys aren't functioning, my digestive system has almost shut down and my liver is not doing its job.

So I will begin slowly tapering myself this weekend and Monday morning- I will be in DT Hell!
Just to give you an idea of what I can and can't have, I've included a Do's and Don'ts list below. Please pray for me and offer encouragement. If you have something negative to say, please just keep it to yourself. I have researched this, I know the pros and cons....I just need to be normal again and feel like I am alive. I just hope this does it... [BTW- this is not to lose weight, it is to flush the toxins out, to rid my body of the parasites, the fungus and the yeast that decided to make their little humble abodes in my freaking body...]

Foods I can have:

fresh fruit
fresh veggies except corn (no canned)
rice (brown or basmati (WTF?))
grains such as quinoa, amaranth, millet, and buckwheat (have no clue so don't even ask...)
beans
unsalted nuts, seeds- no peanuts
fish
olive oil
vinegar, spices/herbs, mustard
green tea
water
lemon
rice milk (ugh)
goat cheese (ugh again) (this is going to be so freakin hard.....)

Foods I cannot have (uh..duh.. what is not above, but let me just count the ways)

sugar (or any dirivitive- sucrose, dextrose, corn syrup, artificial sweetners)
milk, eggs, butter, other dairy
wheat or wheat products
gluten containing grains
corn and all corn products
caffiene: coffee (reg and decaf), black tea,{NO, NOT MY TEA} soft drinks (reg/sf)
yeast
alcohol
chocolate
food additives and preservatives
high fat or fried foods

So please bare with me if I see you on the street and curse you out for no apparent reason. Its probably that tea you are drinking or that air you are just breathing....
It's going to be a rough two weeks but I can do this!!!!

Thursday Thirteen

2006-03-23T17:50:00.000-08:00

Thirteen Things That Staci Would Like To Do Before She Dies

1…. Get up enough nerve to be in a play at the Rose Theatre.

2. Go to Belize, sleep in a hut and relax, relax, relax.

3. Go snorkeling in reef in Maui.

4. Spoil my grandchildren.

5. Watch my child graduate from college.

6. Be promoted to a top managerial/supervisory position.

7. Be debt free (hey it probably won't happen but this is my fantasy)

8. Grow old with my husband and love and cherish each other more than we did the day we married.

9. Make love in a glass bottom boat.

10. Help find a cure for breast cancer and encourage as many women as I can to get mammograms and do self breast exams and be a part of St. Jude's Research Center finding a cure for children's cancer- I give every month and one day it will happen.

11. Retire and move to the mountains and breathe brisk clean air and become one with nature.

12. Have my son tell me that I do actually know something and I am not as much of an idiot as he thought I was.

13. Adopt or help care for a child with Down's Syndrome.
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Chicken Little Goes Back to the Coop

2006-03-23T08:32:00.000-08:00

It was almost kind of sad, but it was time.
I think we'll see him in a commercial or something.
Somebody will pick him up...

Bucky will be next.

Crawling Through Hump Day

2006-03-22T06:47:00.000-08:00

It's Hump Day and my butt is totally dragging.

Special note to that crazy bitch that almost ran right over me this morning: Get the boogers out of your eyes and wake up. I have a red car that I know you saw me turning this morning. I had the right of way you winch. Have I ever mentioned that on occasion I tend to get a tad bit of road rage. I have a time clock to punch. I don't have time for wrecks.

Okay, on with my everday sweet self.
I got through my midterms okay. It wasn't that bad, typical Dr. L fashion.
Of course some of my classmates who have never had him (this is my 4th class under him) didn't fare so well. Those essay test will kill a person. They will really bring you down in a heartbeat if you are expecting the usual multiple choice or matching.

I really should be doing so many more things at this moment than blogging but for the life of me, I just can't muster up the energy to do an IEP on a child that I have never laid eyes on at this moment. I also have some special ed litigation summaries to do and I just have the "I don't want to's" which seems to be my attitude as of late.

Yesterday I saw something that I have never seen so much of in my life time and I was a cop for 13 years before deciding to change careers and start teaching. Studmuffin and company made a huge bust that resulted in 60 pounds of marijuana and a half kilo of cocaine. They literally looked like bales of hay and white bricks. It was a big bust for them. I am so proud of Daddy! He is THE MAN! Okay, the other ones are too- it was a joint effort, but you know Momma has to be proud of her studmuffin.

The kids are on day 3 of their high stakes testing. It seems to be going pretty well. I've been feeding them fish and nuts and peanut butter, good hot breakfasts, doing brain exercises, sensory integration techniques, all that brain based research stuff.They think I am so weird, but gotta get that left brain and right brain working equally as hard. No brain slacking this week.

Still haven't sold the Motley Crue tickets, so it looks like I'll be getting my super duper ear plugs out and going to Jackson this weekend. I was really getting excited with the idea of spending some time at home and at my mommas. Two of my sisters are coming in from out of town and Izzy B and J man are coming too. I would much rather play with them. My dad isn't doing so hot and I think about him more and more these days. He is 83 but has never acted like it. If something happens to him, ya'll may as well bury me right along with him. I am definitely a daddy's girl.

Well, I have procrastinated long enough. I guess I will get off my arse and get busy. Happy Hump Day you guys!

I'll be back tomorrow for Thursday Thirteen.

Anything To Get Out of STUDYING!!*&%$#

2006-03-20T12:53:00.000-08:00

I had the best weekend with my good friend Beth. No, we didn't do anything profound or magnificent- just hung out. The girls played (do they call it playing when they are 11?)- arg..um..hung out, chilled, whathaveyou while we chatted and laughed and looked at old picture albums, looked at dox luxury items and ate.

We also went shopping and Monkey grilled for us and it was scrumptious. Unfortunately the girls didn't get a chance to ride the horses, but I got my kisses (although I truly thought he was thinking my hand was a luscious apple) from Buck and the rest of the possey. She has a beautiful place that is so peaceful and country. Too bad I don't live right up the road. Studmuffin and Monkey wouldn't know what hit them...haha.

There were some things that happened this weekend that I'll share with you. First and foremost was my dream Saturday night. I dreamed I went to my mom's church with only a shirt on, no panties, no pants and just paraded my bare arse in front of the whole congregation and wasn't even in the least bit of embarrassed. WTF???

Finally, I got to see the movie RENT~! I have had it for a week or so and really wanted to watch it, but I knew that it was probably one of those Sunday afternoon movies where nothing else is going on and the kids were not running around the house. So the kids bunkered down in their beds to watch a little tv, so me and studmuffin popped it in. I did warn him that it was a musical (and broadway play) but I really wanted to see it and because I was going along with him to the Motley Crue concert (which now he wants to sell the tickets because he has yard work to do...another story), that he could sit through a couple of hours to watch it with me.

So he did. It started out kind of slow and it was different listening to the plot in song, but after just a little while, we were both hooked. The movie kept psyching us out, because it would come to a part and you would think it was over, a blank screen would come up, then another "act" I guess would start. Needless to say, it was a great movie that made me really take a different perspective on life- I won't ruin it for you- just get it. Or do like Ginger did and go see the real thing. I am still so jealous, by the way.

I have a midterm tonight and I have not adequately prepared for it. Studmuffin fixed me a pot of coffee last night and went to bed, leaving me at 9pm with nothing but peace and quiet. After about an hour and a half, I grew sleepy and gave it up. Then I have looked at it for about an hour at work, but I still don't know it. Not that I really care- I have the worst attitude toward school right now, but this is for THE professor who thinks the world of me, so I don't want to bomb it. Think I'll go grab me some java and go study for a while.

Oh, LEAP and iLEAP is this week. Everyone send good vibes to LSUgirl and Vetgirl. They need all the help they can get.....

Is it Thursday again already?

2006-03-16T12:27:00.000-08:00

I really don't know why I am doing this list every week. It seems like no one is reading my blogs except for J and B, but in the spirit of Thursday Thirteens, I'm going to keep trucking. Its a good thing I created this blog for my sanity to vent and get things off my chest and not for entertainment value....haha

So here goes...

Thirteen Things on Staci's Mind

1…. I started back eating healthy, cut out the chocolate and candy and boston baked beans and Easter whoppers and laffy taffy and guess what! I've GAINED a pound and 1/2. That truly pisses me off!!!

2. I cannot wait until the bell rings at 3:45 so I can take LSUgirl to get her glasses fixed and then head home. I have so much to do!!!

3. I have to pack to go to my friend Beth's house! Yippee! and then I have to study for my Visionary Leadership midterm. Since AI is down to eleven now, I can go back to watching Survivor on Thursday nights again. Then CSI. I will give up ER tonight in order to exercise and lay in the tanning bed.

4. I spent the majority of my night last night at the emergency room with my little one, R. It seems he was trying to jump off the trampoline and was falling, so his sister grabbed his legs and lost her grip so he fell face first, landing his left cheek onto an upside down metal tub. It was gashed pretty bad and I just knew it would require sticthes, but the good doc was able to super glue that sucker shut! He did a great job. I guess I will forgive the fact that we were there from 6:00 to 8:00 and the gluing took all of 10 minutes. He's fine, a little trooper.

5. Before the tramPOLICE start up with their lectures....yes, I know they are dangerous but we do have a net and we watch them closely. Accidents still happen.

6. I smell poop. Oh, we found it. That is just nasty. Just when her bus is coming down the driveway. Ever seen three grown women working frantically to get one little bitty butt cleaned up? It's kind of comical.

7. I have been tired all day and would love to skip on out of here and go take me a little power nap for a couple of hours.

8. Did I mention that I am so excited to be going to visit Beth this weekend? Me and the girls are goin on a ROADTRIP!!!

9. I got a really good compliment from my professor yesterday that just made my day. He's a great man and I value his opinion and appreciate his faith in me.

10. I really feel like I have neglected my poor parents this week. I usually go see them at least once a week and call a couple of times. It just wasn't possible this week. I miss them. They are gettin on up there in age, but that doesn't stop them. I'm sure they are helping my sister get the community garden going...mmm fresh veggies. I can't wait.

11. Speaking of fresh veggies, Studmuffin and I disked up the garden spot this past weekend. Now we have to fertilize and till it up and it will be ready for some seeds. I really don't want it in the spot that he picked, but the deal is, he tills it, we plant it, he waters, we pick it, I cook it or can/freeze it.

12. I find it quite disturbing that I know almost every one of Dr. Jean, Greg and Steve and Frogstreet Press' preschool songs by heart. It really gets on Studmuffin's nerves, especially when I start the day out singing them in the shower. Did I mention I really need a life?

13. Only 6 more months until I am finished with school. For good. Done. Finished. (Even though my professor is really trying to get me to go get my PhD. so I can teach some classes at the university). I don't think so. I need a break.

Happy Friday Eve everybody.

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!
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OH Giiiiiiinger!!! H E L P!

2006-03-15T11:26:00.000-08:00

Help me Ginger, help, help me Ginger....

What is wrong with my blog?
You have to scroll down to China to find my latest post and the margins are off.
Hurry your butt back to Arkansas so you can help me gurl!!

American Idol Tuesday Critique

2006-03-15T11:11:00.000-08:00

I'll make this short and sweet.
I was not too impressed with the singers and their Stevie Wonder songs. I love his songs, don't get me wrong, but as Randy said- they are very hard to sing if you are not Stevie!

My top picks of the night were:
Girls:
Katharyn McPhee
Mandisa

Guys:
Chris Daughtry
Taylor Hicks

Who I think should go home: Kevin Covais (and I really think he needs to go straight to the orthodontist and get his frontal lisp problem taken care of...meaning the tongue is in the wrong position, unless he has a cross bite. If his oral cavity is too small and especially if the upper cavity is too narrow, then there is a misalignment for everything….teeth, jaw movements, etc. I am just really surprised that this hasn’t been corrected since he is a performer. I even “heard” the misarticulations last night in his singing)- and did you hear his little attitude? I think this little psuedofame and "sex-symbol" label is going to his head a little too much...

Who will probably go home: Melissa McPhee because she forgot her lines and her voice was cracky. Bless her heart.

Southern Recipes

2006-03-14T13:51:00.000-08:00

Lately I have been on a recipe finding frenzy. I could be that I am sick and tired of the same ole stuff I cook all the time and want to venture out and try some different things. I have some picky ones, but for the most part, they'll eat just about anything (except for pickygirl).

So I was cleaning up my Mom's house and doing away with her 10,000 magazines that she packs like a rat and came across an old Southern Living Magazine. I found several recipes in this one issue that sounded good so I thought if I was going to type them out, I'd go ahead and share them with you.

Recipe 1: Easy Burritos and Pico de Gallo

Recipe 2: Flavorful Crusted Pork Chops

Recipe 3: Grilled Chicken (or Ham or Beef or Venison) Quesadillas and Cilantro-Pecan Pesto

Recipes were deleted because they were screwing up my blog page. If you really want them, email me or post a comment and I'll be happy to send them to you. If you don't cook, well, you really didn't miss anything.

Beautiful Man

2006-03-14T11:49:00.000-08:00

Now, isn't this one of the most gorgeous creatures you have ever seen on this Earth?
Oh, I'm not crazy and don't get gaga over celebrities very much at all- no, not even Brad Pitt.

But this boy....mama mia!!!!!

No Tip for Sucky Waitress

2006-03-13T13:24:00.000-08:00

Friday night, my friend J and I took the girls to a swimming party in Monroe. We didn't have time to eat before going, so we were all starving by the time we left. We were in between a Corky's and an Applebee's so J says, its close, lets just go to Applebees. Big mistake.

Here's the scenario. We order four kids meals, an appetizer and an entree we were going to share. This was about 8:30pm. It was busy but not too busy. We wait and wait and wait. Then we get to hear our waitress apologize over and over again to the people behind us for screwing up their order, then overcharging them two times. The third time was a charm, the patrons were not impressed and she was a nervous wreck. Since our waitress was so involved with her screw up- she never comes to check on us. Finally after an HOUR, our food comes and it was COLD. We wait an hour for cold shrimp and pasta. I don't think so. Then one of the girls asked for mustard and ketchup and pickles on her cheeseburger and gets absolutely nothing but meat and cheese. We wait and wait and finally flag down some other chick (we still haven't seen our waitress).

J, who is perfectly fine with showing her ass in public if need be asks her "Is this menu item supposed to be served cold?", she grabs it up. Hold on, you need to take this one back to and add pickles and ketchup and mustard. She acts annoyed.

So, in a while, we get the nuked pasta and condiments for the burger. By this time, we had been there about an hour and a half and really weren't that hungry anymore. So there our bowl sets, hardly touched.

The girls eat, we are ready to go, its almost 10:30 and I have some other people's children I need to get back before they put out an APB on me.
Finally we wave down a manager, he comps us the cold pasta. The waitress brings the bill and for 4...you hear me...4 kids cheeseburgers/chicken fingers, its is $30. Oh, I don't think so scooter! She had charged us $2 a drink for each child when it came with the kids meal. She goes back again. Before J got through with her and the manager, 6 of us ate for $21.95. But...it took us almost 2 hours to get through...

Needless to say, I only left a $1 bill on the table. It wasn't all the waitresses fault, but damn. That shit was ridiculous!!!

Not a good place to be with kids, be in a hurry and no alcohol involved...

Recipe for Beef Enchiladas

2006-03-12T14:34:00.000-08:00

I made this this weekend. It's my uncle's recipe but I'm sure he won't mind me sharing it with you. It is absolutely scrumptious....

Beef Enchiladas

Ingredients:
2 lbs ground beef (turkey, venison, or other ground meat)
1 medium chopped onion
2 cans Red enchilada sauce
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1-8oz Mexican shredded cheese
1-12 count med size flour tortillas

Directions:
Saute’ onions. Brown meat and season to taste. Drain, mix onions, meat, sauce, and soup together and cook on medium heat for 10 minutes. Spoon into tortillas. Roll and place in oblong baking pan. Cover with remaining mixture and top with cheese. Bake 15-20 minutes at 350 degrees F.

Cooking Tips:
I use one hot and one mild red enchilada sauce. It gives it a spicier flavor.

Hope you enjoy....

What is wrong with me?

2006-03-10T13:05:00.000-08:00

I tell you what, for the past month of so, several things have been going on with my body and I just can't figure out several things:

1. why I am so damn tired all the time and have absolutely no energy. It doesn't matter how much sleep or rest I get- I hit the bed and pass out (just ask my poor hubby) and get up lifeless. It seems like I set the alarm clock, roll over, then it goes off. I didn't have to have chemo or radiation for the breast cancer and its been 3 months since the reconstructive part of the surgery. Shouldn't I have my energy back by now?

2. why I seem to be constantly putting something in my mouth, and most of the time it is junk, junk, junk. I did not lose 115 pounds for nothing. I refuse to gain it back and my mind tells me that all the time. My pants are tight and I feel super full and can't hardly breather sometimes, but I still reach for something else. It seems I have lost total control and can't gain it back.

3. I was so thrilled to be skinny and get into cute little outfits and shop, shop, shop- even though it was thrift stores or garage sales or dress for less stores. I enjoyed it. I felt pretty. Now its like I don't care what I wear, my baggy scrubs are perfectly fine, I don't want to go shopping and don't have the energy to do anything of the sort.

4. My back and neck are so tight, keep muscle spasms and hurt like crazy.

My DH has been so incredibly supportive and wonderful through this whole process and believe me, I am not always easy to live with when I am tired and cranky. Bless his heart, his way of relieving my stress is to tell me don't go to work, don't go to school or don't worry about homework- which really just stresses me more... But I have to tell you what he said to me that made me feel so loved. I was telling him that I couldn't quit work because we have too many bills and we need my salary to pay them. He said
"S the things we have are just material things. I would sell or give up everything and live in a cardboard box as long as you were in it with me. I just want you well and happy and nothing else matters. I would do anything for you as long as you are alive and healthy."
Now, some of you may be thinking - so what- but those of you who know me know that my husband looooovvvvvvvveeeeeesss STUFF~!! If he's not wanting a tractor, its a boat, or a 4 wheeler, rent house, or tractor equipment or something. He loves to get new stuff. So his words really showed me how much he truly loves me and worries about me.

SO........
My oldest sister C. and I have always been extremely extraordinarily aware of anything with our bodies that are out of whack, to the point where when doctor's can't figure it out, we research and diagnose ourselves, then tell the doctor's our hunch, which eerily is usually correct.

Anyhow, because all these doctors keep saying to me that it is STRESS, STRESS, STRESS. Yes, I am an educated woman and I know that stress can wreak havoc on your body and mind but sometimes, there are just deeper issues.So, my sis and I have been researching and we suspect that we both may have adrenal fatigue. I have 12 of the 16 symptoms.

So I read up on it and really dove deep into the causes, symptoms, treatments, etc. and it really makes sense and guess what? Stress exacerbates the problems.

I call an endocrinologist to make an appointment (this was in February)so I can get some relief. My appointment is for April 19th. I have approximately 41 more days. Two months it takes me to get in the damn doctor's office just to tell her what is going on. Hell, I'll be dead from exhaustion by then. It makes no freakin sense.

So I am hoping that a cancellation will come up and I will get in earlier. If not, I guess me and the hubby will just have to suffer till I can get in. Anybody out there know anything about or have dealt with Adrenal Fatigue? I would love suggestions and information as to how it was delt with....

2006-03-09T13:26:00.000-08:00

Thirteen Things about Staci

1…. I am so freakin exhausted and so unenergetic that I can't seem to sit up straight which is causing my back to hurt like hell!
2. I want to change my name to Sinna. I love that name but of course it is my dog's name so that wouldn't make much sense even if I could change it.
3. If that freakin fire alarm goes off one more freakin time I am going to explode. Its just drills because they are fixing it but it is still loud as hell.
4. A monsoon came today. It almost took our little old rinky dink metal building away but we are all safe and sound- soaking wet but safe and sound.
5. I still think I have adrenal fatigue and can't get in to see the endocrinologist until April 19th- good thing I am not dying....
6. Just let me say that I made some ass kickin seafood gumbo last night. It was awesome!!! Even picky eater ate it and didn't say a negative word or try to sneak it in the trash.
7. I am having the kind of day where I just want to go crawl into my daddy's lap and lay my head on his shoulder or lay on the couch and lay my head on my mom's lap (what I used to do when I was a kid and having a bad day)
8. Its time to go home and I don't even want to get up to go.
9. I am now having serious issues with chocolate. I seem to crave it constantly. I don't know what the deal is.... I really need to get ahold of this problem or I will blow up like a balloon.
10. Tonight is AI results, I think it will be Will and Kevin, Kinnick and Lisa. I really like Melissa and I don't think she will go home. Lisa is good but her performance was boring. I may be wrong, everyone else is predicting for Melissa to go...we'll see.
11.Chris is just to frickin hot! I would love to rub his bald head. If you are his wife- I didn't mean it, just one of those "if I could I would" kind of things.
12. My girls are having a swimming party tomorrow night. Yes, I said swimming party. It will be indoors, though, at a local hotel with an indoor heated pool.
13. I guess I am going to muster up the energy to get off my bum and go home so I can do my homework, read my assignments before AI comes on. I will be really glad when AI and Survivor are not on the same date and time. Its messing up my schedule. CSI and ER are coming on too- woohoo! Tonight is a good night on tv. Leftovers it will be and I have a date in the recliner.

Happy Friday Eve!

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!
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Amercan Idol- Narrowing it down to 6 girls...

2006-03-07T18:01:00.000-08:00

Wow, as bored as I was last week with the girls, I was extremely entertained this week. Most of these girls rocked. There was a lot on the line- come Thursday, its on. The true competition starts. The top 12 (6 girls, 6 guys). Unfortunately, this means I have to start picking my favorite and with the exception of a few, I like most of them- alot and I hate to see some of them go. I get really excited to get to see some of these performers sing every week, then when they are gone- its like there is a void.

I know, I am probably way too much into this- but this is these peoples lives, their futures, their careers....there is a lot on the line.

With that said, on to the competition:

Paris Bennett: she was good, started the show off with an upbeat song. I loved her outfit and her little dance moves. It was - as Randy says- aaaight

Lisa Tucker: she is very talented, the girl is good but she has yet to "bring it". She hasn't shown her true self and I would like to see her sing a Beyonce or an Aaliya song or something. I really believe this bland performance may have been her last on AI.

Melissa McGhee- one of "my gurlz"- I really love her raspy voice and boy did she rock it tonight. She even looked like one of the Heart girls. I enjoyed it and thought she did a great job.

Kinnick Sky- oh my God- what happened to her. Not that I like her much anyhow. She was all over that song and I bet Alicia Keys was cringing like hearing someone scrape nails down a blackboard.....ssssssscccccccrrrrrrrrreeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeccccccchhhhhhhhh!!! Ugh. My prediction is that she gets the least amount of votes and she will be one of the two that goes home.

Katherine McPhee"ver"- I love the way this girl can sing- belt out anything- and do it so freakin effortlessly. Just a natural. She is also one of my gurlz and I enjoyed seeing her have so much fun and seeing this side of her.

Ayla Brown- boy has she come a long way from tryouts and looking like a tomboy. The capris didn't do much for me. I wonder if that is what I look like in heals and capris- having such long legs. Good grief she is tall. I like this girl too. I really think she did a great job on this song (wasn't this Kelly Clarkson's latest song?)- I like this girl too. She is so very talented in a raw way- for being 17 years old.

Mandesa- nuff said. She rocked the house. The girl is a bombshell on that microphone and I absolutely love the way that even though she is overweight and doesn't have that "hot" factor- she is sooooo comfortable in her skin and her self esteem exuberates through the screen. Oh I wish I had her self confidence! I predict that she will be one of the last two on stage. Unfortunately, Chris will take the prize, but she'll get a record deal and I'll be buying her CD.

Kellie Pickler- can this girl be any cuter. She is a riot and America loves her. Did you hear what Simon said? "I think I prefer you to last years winner". She does remind me an awful lot of Carrie and America fell in love with her innocence and sweetness. Kellie is beautiful and she nails every song. She is so honest "I been practicin..." Too cute. A real cutie patootie.

So, again, my predicitons are that Lisa and Kinnick will go home and the top six will be:
Paris
Melissa
Katharyn
Ayla
Mandesa
Kellie

Now, on to the boyz tomorrow night.
Adios amigos.

My ass hurts!

2006-03-07T11:14:00.000-08:00

All my life I have taken ridicule about having a flat square ass. I take after my dad- he has one too and so do most of my sisters. I've dealt with it, I know I have a flat square ass, but hey, I don't have to look at it- so no big deal.

My mom jokes that I have that dreaded disease of Noassitall. I've tried padded panties, cushions in chairs, exercising, walking, eating...I just can't seem to get any type of meat on my ass. It is rather painful and even causes problems in the bedroom, uh um... my bones literally leave bruises on the hubby (poor baby).. okay TMI but I have to get you the real picture.

So last night, the problem just gets too much for me to handle. I had class at the college and its a 3 hour class with a break in between. They got these new desks with the chairs attached and I swear that these seats are harder than concrete. So twenty minutes in, I'm squirming and twitching and leaning forward and moving my bum all around. It was getting really painful. By the time class was over, I could hardly walk. I couldn't very well sit on my hands, I had to take notes. Not to mention I would have looked like a 7 year old...

Anyhow, I made the comment to DH that my bum felt bruised- it hurt so bad.
Well, I get up this morning, it still hurts, so I make him come examine. He pokes at a spot as I holler and says "right there"- well hell yeah- can't you see by my wincing that it hurts "right there"? anyhow, I literally have bruises on both sides. They are purple. Then I get in the shower and the water stings the bruises. Its like my bones came through my skin or so close that it caused it to be tender and irritated.

Now, this my friends is a true problem. Its not on the meaty portion of my ass, its right in the crease of my hips and butt coming together in the back, like where the leg line of your panties are. If you are a man reading this, just go somewhere else. You wouldn't understand.

How in the hell do you get cushion on this part of your ass?
I need an ass transplant, so anyone out there with a ghetto booty that don't want it- let me know- I'll take some of that tush! :)

AI, time clocks and religion.

2006-03-02T06:23:00.000-08:00

Okay, I must vent on a few things, but first--

AMERICAN IDOL

Let me say that Ginger has called it and I wholeheartedly agree with her. Chris Daughtry IS the NEXT American Idol. He just has it all, good looks, humble attitute, sexy moves, amazing voice and he picks all the right songs for him. Hell, I'd go out and buy his CD today. He's that good. Did I mention how hot he is? Something about that bald little head....

I do still love Taylor though. I can't help it. I just love the way he performs and makes everything his own! I think he'll make it also, maybe for a different type of audience, but AI won't be the last time we see him.

There are definitely some that need to go home. The little Bobby Brady dude, the Harry Connick Jr want to be and Sway.

TIME CLOCKS

How is it that a professional establishment can just randomly change the time on the time clock at their whim? I am habitually running late everyday of my life, so therefore I have to psyche myself out by setting my alarm clock about 20 min fast, my phone clock, my car clock, and my bathroom clock fast by about 7 min so I can "run late" and still be on time... its just the way I am. I push everything till the last minute.

Anyhow, what happens when I get to work at 7:41 yesterday morning (by my clocks) and clock in- a whole vent in itself- seeing how they trust us to be with children 40 hours a week, but we have to scan our hands like we work for the freakin FBI or something-- okay, I'm getting off point. Anyhow, I clock in and the time clock says 7:47. We must clock in by 7:45 or we are late and the times go to the central office for review and go in our personnel files...ugh!

So, they have moved up the clock- I'm late (along with about 4 other of us stragglers). I'm freakin livid. Not to mention some other things going on with this time thing that I won't discuss right now. But a phone call to a very important place is imminent.

We are told that the time clock time is set by somebody in bumfuckegypt way up north and there is nothing they can do about it- bullshit! Why you gonna let somebody a thousand miles away set the time for us down here! Oh my nerves!~

Now to the drama in my home last night on the topic of...

RELIGION

Let me just preface this by saying that when I was married to my ex-husband, he was a different religion that I was raised but since they were very similar- we chose to raise our children in his religion and our daughter also attended the private school at our church- probably the best decision we ever made together because from age 3, LSUgirl got a wonderful Christian foundation and knows more about the beliefs, etc than I do. She attended this school for 7 year until they closed their doors.

Fast forward a few years. We divorced and put her first- and one of the things we agreed on was allowing her to choose if she wanted to continue with the X religion, since she would have to attend classes and other things...or just attend the church I was raised in. She chose both. Okay, we went with this. She would continue with her classes and attend X church with her dad and attend Y church with me. Remember, they aren't the same, but similar. Things have been great- she's getting a great Christian foundation and both worlds.

Fast forward to the last month. My church I was raised in has no childrens activities or programs or whathaveyou and their population is quickly declining due to the age of its members. I am the youngest one in that church- average age is probably 65-70. So we've been looking for a church that has it all- something for us and the kids. We had settled on in F church. Its neither of the religions we are accustomed to but I'm not one for labels or denominations - if I find something we all enjoy and that allows us to walk a Christian walk- so what the denomination. Its great for the kids, or so I thought...

Now fast foward to last night.
Kids walk in from church.
Conversation goes like this...

LSUgirl: (comes in looking devastated) I don't want to go back.
Mom: (thinking some kid has picked on her) Oh, what happened?
LSUgirl: They were talking about me. (Bursts into tears.)
Mom: (still thinking a kid did this) Who was?
LSUgirl: my teacher tonight- she said I was going to hell because I'm X.
Mom: now baby girl, surely you misunderstood-
Vetgirl: nope, that's what she said.
LSUgirl: she said that we were weird and we didn't believe in God and that we were all going to hell.
Mom: (mouth on the floor...blood beginning to boil)(speechless)
LSUgirl: mom, I'm really offended (sobbing) and I'm not going back. I do love God and I do believe in God. (sobbing more and more)

so the conversation goes on...you get the picture.
now, i have sent my child to church, which all the kids have loved since day one and she comes back crying.... I end up calling the youth pastor (the pastor is in the hospital having quadruple bypass) and voice my concerns. He is surprised, concerned, but devout in this religion- telling me how they view the X religion.

I can't understand for the life of me why a sunday (Wed in this case) school teacher would even be discussing other religions with a 10-12 year old class. At this age, aren't they just supposed to be learning about Jesus, being a Christian and having Christian morals and values???

Needless to say, I was/am very upset and this has really left a bad taste in my mouth. LSUgirl doesn't want to go back but Vetgirl loves it and does. My heart and my gut tell me to pull them, but I don't want to hamper Vetgirl's interest and her newly found comfortableness where she learns, has fun and is accepted.

Oh, what is a mother to do......my old congregation may be old as dirt, but they are always welcoming and loving and NEVER judge...

Welcome to the Car Wash- !!

2006-02-28T13:08:00.000-08:00

Look at the new car wash that just opened up down the road from my house!!!
There has been a line a mile long and traffic is backed up.
I've been there 5 times this week and plan to scrape up some more pennies today. I saw a few specks of dust.....

Anybody need directions????

Happy Mardi Gras!!!

2006-02-28T06:31:00.000-08:00

HAPPY FAT TUESDAY!
We may be down, but we ain't out yet!
There may be no stores open past dark, no Walmart, no IHOP and no body living in their homes, but dammit- We are still strong enough to get drunk, take our clothes off and show our tits for some beads! YEAH! That's what I call S-U-R-V-I-V-O-R-S~~~!!! Whahoooo!~

My hubby has been in the Big Easy for the last four days and he said you would not believe the devastation, he described it as being like someone dropped an A bomb~ he brought back some pics he took from I-10 and you wouldn't believe the debris, the boats in the road and median, cars just abandoned and piled up everywhere, trees just dead. Six Flags just dead, part of I-10 just temporarily there to get the traffic through. But we still had Mardi Gras- We still Let the Good times roll. Now excuse me, I am all for trying to rebuild and trying to get over the utter destruction but why is a city going to spend that kind of money to have parades out the whazoo! DH said the rooms were going for $200 a night- nothing unusual for N.O, but damn- from what he was saying- there aren't many down there that are open.

Now you can't get the boats and vehicles out of the roadway and median and can't open up the looted WalMart on Tchopitoulas Street, but you can organize and pull off hundreds of parades.... what is wrong with this picture...

Pics of Puppies

2006-02-27T10:39:00.000-08:00

Sinna's new litter of doxies.

Here's all 4 of them. Aren't they the sweetest!!

Here are three of them. I just love their little pose here!

Here are two of them. The blue and the isabella.

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Here are the other two. Another blue and the black and tan.

So these are my newest babies! I will be putting these pics on the website very soon. If you know anyone interested, have them visit doxie website at www.dazysdoxies.com .

Manic Monday

2006-02-27T09:13:00.000-08:00

Well, so far, I have survived the 4 days without the hubby. My house is clean, my laundry is washed, dried and put away, I even cooked the last two nights- I don't know why- habit I guess. I thought sleeping alone would be awful, but it was okay. I had like the entire bed to myself and no one pulling the covers off of me.

Since Sinna had the puppies (pics to follow)- she didn't even sleep with me. LSUgirl was sweet, she offered to sleep with me if I got "lonely". I didn't take her up on it though.

I watched two movies, Spanglish and Cold Creek Manor. They were both okay in my book, nothing to scream "Great, gotta see um, must haves...". Just okay.

I did not get my Desperate Housewives fix last night- for the 2nd Sunday in a row, it didn't air. I am so glad the Olympics is over with- now maybe repeats will stop airing....

Sinna, my baby, had her pups last week. Four of them, all precious as can be. Two blues, a black/tan and an isabella. Mom and pups are doing great. It was my first delivery to watch from start to finish and let me just say- I am so glad I am not a dog. The crap they eat! They eat the sac, the plecenta, the umbilical cord and all. Four freakin times, she did this. I almost gagged. Now, after she nurses, which seems to be 23 out of the 24 hours of the day- she licks their tee tee and butt to stimulate them to void and guess what- she eats that too!!!

Then last night she hopped up on the couch and wanted to give me sugars. I don't freakin think so. OMG! That breath almost knocked me down!!!

I actually was only 4 minutes late to work this morning. I'm blaming it on Vetgirl waking me up at 2:30 crying with an ear ache. I went back to sleep but then overslept just a tad. But, I got all the kids off, got my coffee fixed, got all my stuff, managed to remember my glasses and phone- all without the help of DH!!! Yeah! I can make it without him!!! Not that I want to, mind you, but its nice to know that everything can be handled and not NEED someone, you know.

Well, I guess that is all there is to talk about today.
Hope everyone has a great week!

MeMe I stole from Ginger

2006-02-24T11:24:00.000-08:00

Year: 1987

1. Who was your best friend?
Beth H. and Jonette L.

2. What sports did you play?
None

3. What kind of car did you drive?
1981 Chevy Chevette or as we lovingly referred to it as "Ten Day Ole Terd" because it was chicken shit brown and literally a shaking piece of shit.

4. It's Friday night, where were you at?
Either riding the "LOOP" which consisted of going around Carter Park, around Sonic Drive In and back over and over again or at Dena and Demaris' house. We were so stupid.

5. Were you a party animal?
Pretty much till I got pregnant, then all partying came to a fast halt.

6. Were you in the "In Crowd"?
I got along with everybody

7. Ever skip school?
yeah but not a lot

8. Ever smoke a cigarette?
Yes

9. Were you a nerd?
I made good grades and was in Mu Sigma Honor Society but I wasn't a nerd or anything.

10. Did you get suspened/expelled?
Nope- never...except that time when I got suspended off the bus for get this- "being the ring leader of scheming to turn the bus over..." I didn't do it- that fat cow bus driver was nutz but it got me off the bus and into the Ten Day Ole Terd.

11. Can you sing the Alma Mater?
No, can't say that I remember one last word of it.

12. Who was your favorite teacher?
I loved Mr. Horton for pottery and my math teacher- I can picture her but I have totally forgotten her name. Oh yeah, and there was the Hottie- Coach Holley for American History.

13. Favorite class?
History and Art

14. What was your school's full name?
Batrop High School

15. School mascot?
Rams (the 2005 State football Champs)

16. Did you go to Prom?
Yes...went with T.P.

17. If you could go back and do it over, would you? Well, there are some things that I would do differently- I would have been less wild but it all makes me who I am today.

18. What do you remember most about graduation? My best friend was about 6 months pregnant and humongous and it was hot and I was afraid she was going to pass out.

19. Favorite memory of your senior year? Senior year would have been Homecoming night. Favorite High School memory was our Mu Sigma trip to New York.

20. Were you ever posted up on the senior wall? Don't have a clue what this is????

21. Did you have a job your senior year? Yes, I had three. I worked at Burger King, LA Job Service and Super 1.

22. Who did you date? Tony

23. Where did you go most often for lunch? outside- mostly around the smoking ring

24. Have you gained weight since then? Well, technically no, I did gain a bunch, then lost about 115 pounds in the last 2 years. I now weigh less than I did the day I graduated.

25. What did you do after graduation? started college at NLU, had Matt and worked at Super One.

American Idol- RESULTS NIGHT

2006-02-23T17:31:00.000-08:00

Okay, we have all given our pics and predictions of what tonights resuts will be.

On with the show.
The girls.

Okay, back row safe- I could have told you that.
But BECKY gone??? She was not my favorite and didnt make my top 6 but dang, I didn't think she was that bad to have the least number of votes for the females. What's up with that??? I thought surely her looks if nothing else would have carried her on to the next round. I wonder if this has anything to do with this news report on yahoo tv news.

She took the high road out and thanked everybody and did a good job on her exiting song.

Now the guys.

Is it a shock that Copa boy is a goner? What Paula? I didn't fall in love with him... what are you talking about.
Oh My God, does he have to sing it AGAIN?????
Go back home Bobby boy. We'll miss you...uhum...yeah.

Now back to the girls.
2nd lowest # of votes.
No brainer there. STEVIE is gone! Now, I still can't believe Brenna is still in there.
Now if she could have sang it like that (the beginning only) the other night, it wouldn't have been so bad. Poor girl. She tried but she just can't NOT sing in that high operatic/falsetto octave. I have no idea if that even makes any sense. I am not musically literate- I just came up with that.

**Side note** My hubby and I are pathetic. We ran to Walmart to get some dog food and get him some last minute items so he can leave me for 4 whole days to go to New Orleans and work Mardi Gras- and we racee back here to watch AI. Now he has the Picture in Picture of Survivor and AI at the same time and keeps flipping back and forth. We need a Tivo. Had my freakin dryer not just gone out AGAIN - I would go get one, but since we have 5 butts to keep in clothes around here- I guess I better be saving for a dryer.

Okay, Ryan is such a little sweetheart. I think it really breaks his heart to tell someone goodbye.
Who will it be????
Okay people- this shows you what happens when people don't vote for who they want to keep. I guess Patrick got forgotten especially since he was first. He just didn't stand out.

Okay, next week, I will definitely start voting many times for the ones I want to keep and not just my favorite. Even as vile as I consider Brenna, people voted for her because she was "remarkable" if you can say that for Brenna. People talked about her at the waterfountain, on blogs and over coffee this morning. Bottom line, of course, I'm sure they talked about Copa boy too but you know there is just only so much you can do with that...

On to next week. Down to 20.
God, I wish I could have that Becky's looks. She may have lost this competition- but this girl is absolutely beautiful. She'll be on a soap opera before long. Just watch and see what I tell you. That or posing for Playboy and making a million dollars.

G'night ya'll.

American Idol- The Guys

2006-02-22T17:12:00.000-08:00

Has anyone noticed that all these guys are either ugly as sin or geeky as hell??? Except for Mr. HOTTIE Himself- Ace Young

1. Patrick Hall- "Come to My Window"- not impressed- I don't think this was a good song choice for him.... I was much more impressed with this guy in Hollywood. It started out terrible but did end up a little better. And isn't Simon so blunt!!! He just kills me!

2.David Radford -This guy just reminds me of a Frank Sinatra/Rat Pack dude. He just seems way to young and green to be singing songs like "This Thing Called Love"- and was he trying to be a little Elvis or what? Again- not impressed. Have to go with Randy on this one also. He does look a bit like Harry Connick Jr. though, don't you think?

3. Bucky Covington "Simple Man" (As I am typing this, I haven't even heard him sing yet- but boy, this dude needs to have some serious grillz work. Maybe he needs to see Nelly's jeweler and get some bling bling. ) and what is with his voice? he is no Bo Bice- I tell you. Okay, this is starting out pretty good. Maybe if he just didn't talk and didn't smile, this guy could be good... He is like Paris, a totally different person when he sings than when he talks.

4. Will Makar- "baby face" - He was aw'ight as Randy says. He had a couple of little moves that were cute. He reminds me of somebody from off of the Partridge family. I can see the teenie boppers loving him. (Ah- Paula hit it- Bobby Brady!)

5. Sway Penala- He is a little cutie pie- and I think he will probably get better as the weeks get by- ooh- he just hit that high note! This was pretty good- I don't know that he should have sang something so high for the majority of the song- but apparently Paula and Randy thought it was really risky and the bomb!

6. Chris Daughtry- "Wanted Dead or Alive"- is he a Bon Jovi- why yes, I think he may could be. I really liked this performance. He looks much better without the distinct goatee. Rough 5'o'clock shadow with the bald head- hmm, I think he'll definitely make it through and probably make it down to the final 12.

7. Kevin Covais- how cute is this little dude. But what is up with this lisp? He is cute as a little button- did I mention this. Okay, his mouth movements bug me and are not that cute right now. He didn't sound terrible but it wasn't the best in the competition of the night so far- but he did nail that last part. He's just so darn cute! Scott was impressed and apparently so were Randy and Paula. Simon.... well- he was just Simon.

8. Gideon- why is he talking like he is reading- so phonemic like or something. Okay, this was pretty good- surprisingly- I was all set not to like this dude. This guy looks like a fro'd out Eddie Murphy- dont you see it?

9. Elliot Yamin- "If You Really Love Me"- Stevie Wonder- another dude in need of a good orthodontist- but I really liked his presentation and the song. That was pretty good. I think he'll be going right on to the final 12. did you hear what simon said???? HE SAID THAT POTENTIALLY HE WAS THE BEST MALE VOCALIST IN 5 SEASONS!!!!! WOW! What a compliment!

10. Bobby Bennett- GET OUT! Don't tell me he sang the Copa! He didn't! That was ... umm.. entertaining. I agree with Randy- not a good song choice for vocals but it was okay for entertainment value.

11. Ace Young- have I mentioned what a hottie this dude is? He is THE total package. And his smile is just invigorating. I just picture him in swim trunks on a surfboard in Hawaii or something. Although I would like to see his hair a little shorter. I thought he did really good- and how gutsy was it to do a George Michael song? It was definitely not his own- he was trying to sound too much like GM but he is the total package. He'll be at the top- I'll be votin # 11 tonight. Did I mention this dude is hot?

12. And last but not least- Mr. Taylor Hicks. I've liked this dude (I am beginning to sound like Randy calling everybody "dude") from the beginning. I happen to be a huge Joe Cocker fan and love his style of music. I think the salt and pepper hair thing isn't going to be a problem for this guy. I think he'll make it to the final 12 and be a source to be reckoned with. This guy is going to go far! Okay, so maybe not such a good song choice- I don't know if it was nerves at the beginning or what but he worked it out... he still should have gone with a Joe Cocker or a Ray Charles tune...

Okay, I do NOT think that the guys brought it like the girls did and I think the girls are going to outway the guys in talent this year.

Okay, my top 6 guy picks are:
1. Bucky Covington
2. Chris Daughtry * favorite pick
3. Sway Penela
4. Elliot Yamin
5. Ace Young * favorite pick
6. Taylor Hicks * favorite pick

So what you think?

I say this is gonna be a good season....
See you tomorrow night America,
good night- got to go vote!

OMG!! I can't get that freaking Copa song out of my head..... Leave I tell you-
Ughhhhhhhhh!

WTF???

2006-02-22T13:03:00.000-08:00

Staci --

[adjective]:

Like in nature to a banana peel

'How will you be defined in the dictionary?' at QuizGalaxy.com

And the American Idol Gold goes to.....

2006-02-22T07:47:00.000-08:00

Okay, in the spirit of the Olympics, I will be awarding the Gold, Silver and Bronze for last night's AI girls' performances:

Bronze: Mandisa- I really like her and I think that America will also. Her "thing" with Simon and her getting Simon to apologize to her definitely will score her points with the public. I was a bit bewildered by her choice of attire. Just strange. She almost looked like she was about to fly away.

Silver: Katharyn McPhee- I really, really like this girl. She can sing and she has everything going for her. She is definitely a source to be reckoned with. I agree with Marybeth that she will be one of the final two.

Gold- Paris Bennett- The reason she gets the gold for last night is because she is the only one that went out there and risked everything! She threw it all out there and did anyone else hear a tinge of Peggy Scott Adams in that voice. She has the blood lines. If she brings it all the time like she brought it last night- the other girls better watch out!

But what is up with her whiny speaking voice? It drives me insane! But when she opens her mouth to sing, its like another person takes over! She will be one to beat also.

Now for the cheers and jeers.

Cheers to all the ladies for looking nice and having no wardrobe malfunctions. We have some really beautiful girls this year but unfortunately, they don't sing as beautiful as they look (Kelly Pickler, Becky ODonohue, Heather Cox.

Cheers to Paris, Mandisa and to Katharyn for not singing slow dull songs that bore you to death.

Cheers to Simon- he wasn't as nasty as usual. I actually found myself agreeing with him and disagreeing with Paula half the night. Oh my Lord!

Jeers to Paula- okay, they all didn't sound that good Paula, it is okay to give constructive criticism or they will never grow.

Jeers to all the girls that played it safe and bored us stiffless by those soft, slow ballads. Anyone can basically sing a ballad- it takes guts to go out there like Mandisa and Paris. Last night was the first night we heard them all at once- they should have BROUGHT IT!! Put themselves out there- Took a HUGE RISK- very few did that.

Jeers to AI for last night being the first night that any of us have ever heard of Melissa MgGhee. I do like her sultry voice.

Jeers, jeers and more jeers to Brenna Gethers. Can someone just take us all out of our misery now. I truly think she is in this competition to make good tv. She said it the other night when they sent her through. "Let's make good tv!" She is another one of those "Fran Drescher girl- can't remember her name" from year before last. Did you see her striking a pose- she looked like she was trying to get a modeling career- kissing and flicking her head. UGH. She really is not worth me talking this much about her. I'm done on that.

Cheers to Lisa Tucker- though she didn't make my top 3, she is my fourth choice. She just amazes me that she is just 16 years old and carries herself and can sing better than some of the oldest ones up there.

Cheers to Kelly Pickler- I just love this girl and her likeability, her preciousness and the fact that she has had so many adversities in life will take her far- but she better step it up with the vocals because she didn't show her true talent with that song.

Jeers to Stevie Scott for slaughtering that Josh Grobin song. OMG! I can't take much of that and someone needs to remind her that this is not OPERA or BROADWAY- Its AMERICAN IDOL people~~~~!!!!

Jeers to Ayla Brown for having this unsaid "I am a goddess" something- I just see it, especially when the judges are scoring her. Like she knows she's good and it doesn't matter what they say.

My predicted 6 that will be in the final 12: (no particular order)
1. Paris Bennett
2. Lisa Tucker
3. Katharine McPhee
4. Melissa McGhee
5. Kelly Pickler/Ayla Brown- according to who "wins over" america with their "All American Girl thing"- not because of raw talent.
6. Mandisa

I am Officially a Drug Head

2006-02-20T13:16:00.000-08:00

Wome of you may be wondering where I've been, others probably didn't even notice I was gone. Well, let me just recap my past week to you.

Remember when I told you my baby girl had the flu? That was Friday before last. A few days later, the other daughter got the stomach virus, puking everywhere. Then the older son got real sick.

Well, Thursday I go to work feeling fine except for a mild scratchy throat. Then about 1pm something hit me from out of freakin no where. I got a headache that would bring down Mt. Rushmore, had chills and every pore within a pore on my porous body hurt and I was so dang weak I could hardly hold my head up.

Okay, my coworker called the hubby to come get me. He's tied up on a search warrant so I lay there in agony on the kids' waterbed in my classroom. I'm sure the parents who came to pick up there kids was wondering what in the world that humongous mound of blankets with feet hanging out was. Their childs' teacher- surely not so! SO!!!

Well he finally gets me home. I take Loratab. Headache still there, fever still there, chills still there. Oxycodone....nope, doesn't work. Hydrocodone....nope, doesn't work. Imitrex....nope doesn't touch it. (I'm beginning to get worried about now), then I take some Stadol nasal spray- doesn't phase it. I'm now thinking brain tumor here.

Hubby takes me to the doctor the next morning and I've got the flu and a cluster migraine. Doc gives me a shot of Stadol and Phenergan. That will definitely do it. I've had this before and it knocked me for a loop. But I decide that my neck may be out of alignment so, "just run me by the chiropractor real quick" before we go home. I don't remember much after that. DH says I was talking about Jack and Jill (that odd observation must have really stuck with me) and crying like a baby saying "I'll be good, I don't want to go night night." (I don't do drugs often, can you tell?)

Anyhow, I figured from past experience that I'll be out for a day or two, several hours later, I'm up with my head pounding like a freight train inside my skull. Did I mention at this time, my husband and kids have left me alone to sleep the drugs off??? so I am there by myself in a drugged state while DH is at a gig in Monroe. I don't bother him, I just take more drugs.

Needless to say, everytime I coughed up a lung, my head would pound louder. So where did I end up? You guessed it- the ER. They hook me up to a demerol drip with rocephin. Kept me till yesterday and now I am finally becoming a part of society again.

Then last night as I am about to go to bed, the litte one comes out of his room puking to hellvena and back. OMG!!! Am I being punished for something I did in a past life or something? Then my mom calls and says she and my dad are coughing up blood and that they (and I am quoting here because it is just ridiculous- "may go to the doctor tomorrow if we think we need to). What part of "coughing up blood" here do you NOT understand. Were you found under a rock?

They did go and are now on potent meds. Now we are just a big ole family of drug heads. While my husband the NARC is out fighting crime. Maybe he has something here about popping those Vitamin Cs......hmmmmm

Odd Observation

2006-02-15T11:47:00.000-08:00

I have a bathroom in my classroom.

I go in there everyday.

There are two posters of Nursery Rhymes: Little Miss Muffet and Jack and Jill.

This observation just hit me for the first time today....

***Thought for the day***

Why would someone drill a water well way up on a hill? Wouldn't you have to dig deeper if it is up on a hill?

Quote of the day!

2006-02-14T13:06:00.000-08:00

" All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt."
by Charles Shultz

Tuesday's Twenty-five questions?

2006-02-14T11:47:00.000-08:00

1) Grab the book nearest to you, turn to page 18, and find line 4.
Oregon Project Manual for Visually Impaired and Blind Preschool Children-
"Names ordinal position of objects (first, second, third)."

2) Stretch your left arm out as far as you can and see what you touch.
I am sitting at my desk- touched my classroom financial records book.

3) What is the last thing you watched on TV?
a snippit of Days of Our Lives while the kids were napping.

4) Without looking, guess what time it is.
1:47?

5) Now look at the clock. What is the actual time?
actual time 1:52- almost changing time.

6) With the exception of the computer, what can you hear?
H snorting through her stopped up nose and D and C playing wheel of fortune on the kids' computer

7) When did you last step outside? What were you doing?
Went to the car to get some red hots about an hour ago

8) Before you started this survey, what did you look at?
various blogs

9) What are you wearing?
red suede jacket w/ black camisole, black pants, black suede boots, black shawl

10) Did you dream last night?
I don't remember it if I did.

11) When did you last laugh?
Today at one of the kids in the classroom.

12) What is on the walls of the room you are in?
I am in my classroom- it is ocean blue with wall murals of various sea creatures- dolphins, whales, jelly fish, octopus, sea weed, fish, puffer fish, bubbles etc.

13) Seen anything weird lately?
A girl with tons of piercings all over her body.

14) What do you think of this quiz?
It is something that helps me procrastinate doing my work even more.

15) What is the last film you saw?
DVD: Red Eye- it was really good and suspenseful
Theater: King Kong- it was slow in the beginning but ended up being very good!

16) If you became a multi-millionaire overnight, what would you buy?
I would pay off all my bills and my parents and sisters bills.
I would build a house and build a children's (teenage level) activity center/bowling alley/skating rink/putt putt golf/arcade and dance hall

17) Tell me something about you that I don't know.
I am scatter brained and habituatly late to almost everything

18) If you could change one thing about the world, regardless of guilt or politics, what would you do?
To take the politics out of education and give teachers, law enforcement and military more pay.

19) Do you like to dance?
Love to but I feel sooo self conscious. When I am intoxicated, I am less inhibited.

20) George Bush
I was first impressed, then was sympathetic, then aggravated (especially with NCLB) and now just tired of it all- we've had worse; we've had better.

21) Imagine your first child is a girl, what do you call her?
Isabella Reayne ["rain"]

22) Imagine your first child is a boy, what do you call him?
First child was a boy, we called him Matt.

23) Would you ever consider living abroad? Oh HELL YEAH! I was just looking at international teaching jobs they have available. I would in a HEARTBEAT! My hubby on the otherhand is not so eager. I think it would be a great learning experience for our children.

24) What do you want God to say to you when you reach the pearly gates?
Hey girl, I've been waiting for you.

25) If your significant other got you/did for you exactly what you "dreamed of" or have "fantacized about" for Valentine's Day, what would it be?
He would send me a sexy little black dress in a gift box with a note saying, "Put this on, be ready by 7", then he would pick me up in a limosine, take me to a quaint romantic restaurant, then take me to a hotel suite with rose petals all over the floor, the bed, in the bathtub of a hot bubble bath with a glass of wine and chocolate covered strawberries and whipped cream. Romantic music playing and a room filled with lit candles....the rest is MY fantasy- sorry- I'll keep that part to myself...

Memories of a Magnificent Woman

2006-02-13T12:48:00.000-08:00

Have you ever felt a void so deep in your life that you dreamed, daydreamed and longed to have a person back in your life? I don't know if it is because of the birth of Isabella (Helen Isabella)or what but a lot of my thoughts of late have been about my late grandmother, Helen Rea.

When my mom and dad built the home where I grew up and the one they are still in today, my dad built my maternal grandmother a house next to them, with enough room between for some privacy and a big vegetable garden. So I lived a hop, skip and a jump away from my "MawMaw". She was an elderly lady my entire life (my mom was 38 when she had me). She had raised 8 children and buried one at 11 months old and was also raising her brother, Vernon who had Down's Syndrome.

Mawmaw was an incredibly wise woman. She could remember everything and I would sit, enthralled in her stories of long ago, during the days of wagons and one room schoolhouses. She had many brothers and sisters so there was never a dull moment in her life. Mawmaw walked on one crutch the entire time I knew her. She would use that crutch to whop us when we did something or said something bad. She made these incredibly good tea cakes that weren't too sweet but had this taste that only a grandmother could bake.

She loved to cook and loved her family. Some of my favorite times were of us baking cookies and making those real maple popcorn balls. Everyone in the neighborhood would come to her house on Halloween night to get one and they left a taste in your mouth that would make you want to slap your mama! Oh, sometimes I would get irritated at her. Sometimes she would lecture me or tell on me for something. I remember one time, I said a curse word in front of her ("damn") and she told my parents. I had to rake her leaves for a week for that. Then there was another time that I did something wrong and I had to help clean out her septic tank- you guessed it, in there, deep with a shovel, shoveling out poop! Ugh!!! After that, I was pretty much an angel around her...

She was born in 1902 and when I was a teenager, she started burning her food and she was put in a nursing home down the road. I made sure to go and visit frequently and she loved having visitors. Her mind never went though and she was tough as an ox. Sometimes she would get so ill that they would call in the family on numerous occasions saying "the end is very near" and she'd bounce back and make fools out of all of us! She was sharp as a tack until the day she died. I remember that day like it was yesterday. My mom and I had been up with her, and it truly was her last days- or was it- she'd fooled us so many times before. I had been an EMT for a couple of years and decided to care for her needs (changing,suctioning, etc) because the nurses weren't doing as well as we wanted.

My mom and I were exhausted from staying there days on end, not wanting to leave her- but we really needed to go home and take a shower. So we did. We got the phone call a little while later, she had gone on to her "Glory Land." We were not with her. Mom and I both felt so guilty for a long while after that but we know she forgave us.

I know that MawMaw was one of the strongest, most loved and respected women I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. I was just lucky that I got to be her granddaughter. Mawmaw, I love you and miss you terribly. I know you are my guardian angel and sit on my shoulder so you can watch over me. I'll see you on the other side...

In loving memory of a beloved mother, sister, wife, and grandmother -Helen Gould McCutcheon Rea...Oct 5, 1902 - April 3, 1993

Attitude Adjustment

2006-02-13T07:45:00.000-08:00

Hi all. I haven't posted in a few days, basically because I only had negative things to say and - well, I just figured you've read enough of my negativity for a while. I don't know what has gotten in to me, I am usually a happy go lucky, easy going person, with not a lot of negativity but here lately, it seems the big N is just seeping out of my pores.

So a promise to myself and all of you out there- I will do better!

I had a pretty good weekend. Friday night, the hubby had a school dance to DJ and he took the two girls, so that left me a little alone time to do some thawing out (I was freezing all day and doing duty in the friggin cold rain only chilled my bones even more- some reading (okay, so I didn't really read, I skimmed sort of), homework (okay, I organized some things so I could get some homework done later) and then I just said to heck with it and curled up on the couch and attempted to stay awake till the crew got back home. I managed, but it was a huge feat!!!!

Then Saturday I went to Monroe to get my nails done and my dead ends cut off my hair. I drove all that way because the girl I used to use moved on me and I had been going to the ching chong people and they kept screwing up my nails. So I took a small little trip. I told her to trim the dead ends, but who knew them suckers went halfway up my head. I thought by the time she got through that I would have a mullet. It does look healthier but I could have done without the short layers.

Then we went back to Walmart- I really should own stock in Walmart. My mom does, I should have bought some when she got hers. As much money as I spend there, they should make me an honorary member of the board or something. My hubby is leaving in a couple of weeks to do security down south and will be living out of his truck for 4 whole days without leaving (mandated for his safety). So of course he had to get some stuff to be able to live. A refrigerator, an ice chest, some eating utensils, some paper goods, a grill, some pots and pans. We can't have him hungry- that boy likes to eat and a cold samich just isn't going to get it. He is leaving the comfort of his home for days at a time so he can pay off some of these bills- so he should have some of the comforts of home, right?

Then throughout the weekend, we watched some movies while I read articles and wrote critiques. We watched The Cave(C+), Just Like Heaven(B+), Red Eye , Kicking and Screaming(B+) and Lord of War(D+) (boring- don't bother).

Yesterday, we just hung around and did some laundry, cleaning, etc.

SPECIAL NOTE: My hubby just came by- he had to take N to the doctor because she projectile vomited all over the walls, floor, room, you name it, she got it at 12:30 this morning. Doc said her white blood cell is way up and sent her to the hospital for some chest xrays to rule out pneumonia. Our kids have been battling the flu and a stomach virus for a week now.

He also brought me a dozen pink roses, two huge balloons and a life size card. How sweet! He can really do it up, can't he. He would never forget- hell, he's a day early. My friends pick with me because he always has my gifts bought months in advance while most men are beating down the lines on Christmas eve or something. I am truly Blessed!!! I have a feeling I am going to see just how spoiled and blessed I am when he leaves for a couple of weeks....

Well, I am ready for my American Idol fix this week. I am so glad that the auditions are over and they are down to cutting and trimming to the last 12.

Hope everyone has a great day.
Oh and by the way, if you need a great laugh, just go by and check out my friend Lisa's blog. She is a hoot! Such interesting drama in her life!

Bad Day

2006-02-09T11:48:00.000-08:00

I'm having a really bad day and it seems like everything I do today gets screwed up.
So, I won't bore you with my life today.

However I am going to list my "TO DO LIST" here so that I have somewhere I can check off the things I accomplish and look at so that maybe, sometime in the next 3 months, I can see if I make progress.....

WARNING: This is probably the most boring post in the world, so if you don't want to get depressed or overwhelmed right along with me....stop reading now!

THINGS TO DO:

EDLE 510 Visionary Leadership
• 3rd article review [done]
• 4th article review [done]
• type notes for midterm
• study for midterm
• 5th article review
• attend school board meeting (FE)
• Interview supv/admin- 10 questions (FE)
• Shadow an administrator for 1 hr, record activities (FE)
• Type up notes for final
• Compile portfolio for field experiences (10 hours total)
• Turn in Portfolio and put on PASSPORT
• Study for final
• _________________________________________
• _________________________________________
• _________________________________________

CURR 542 Secondary Curriculum
• Critique 2
• Type up notes for midterm [done]
• Study for midterm
• Work on curriculum proposal
• Critique 3
• Get draft for Curriculum Proposal done
• Critique 4
• Critique 5 (Email WORD doc to prof on April 13th)
o Bring hard copy to class on April 27th
• Hard copy of Curriculum proposal
• Type up notes for final
• Study for final
• ______________________________________________
• ______________________________________________
• ______________________________________________

SPED 570D Litigation
• Reflective Thought 1 [done]
• Reflective Thought 2 [done]
• Reflective Thought 3
• Group Assignment
* Midterm (??)
* Final (??)
• ____________________
• ____________________
• ____________________
• ____________________

EDAS 684 Internship 120 total hours
 Major Projects:
• Update Special Education Policy/Procedure Manual
• Summary and tracking system for students in transition.

 14 General Content Areas
• Publish a school newsletter
• Attend supervisor/principal meeting- summary (get permission from Mr. Hartley)
• Visit a school with options program- tech prep (Danny Shores- Alt School)
• Visit a charter school (New Vision, Delhi Charter School)
• Conduct a needs assessment for staff development activities
• Conduct a study for the professional development programs offered by the Regional Service Center (Region 8- Ginger Merritt or Mary Dale Scoggins) July 1-June30
• Tracking from major project
• Conduct research on the prevention of school dropouts at alt school and incentives to reduce absenteeism
• Compile data required for reports (Data for major project)
• Conduct school plant inventory of needs of special populations (MJH and ES)
• Develop a discipline procedure for special education students or participate in discipline committee (already doing- need meeting agendas, letter from Amy)

• Examine Bulletin 741 in detail and compile a listing of information that could be useful to the participating school (class size limitations, time requirements for classes, etc.)

The Wicked Witch of the Ridge

2006-02-07T12:30:00.000-08:00

You know, I am normally a level headed, cool as a cucumber person until someone has truly lit my fire. I don't like confrontation, never look for trouble, try not to stir any pots or start stuff, but right at this moment I would like to beat this person'a ass and shove my size 11 shoe right up their ass.

You may be asking "who"...but for fear of being found out, I will refrain from mentioning a name, but I will tell you that it is the person that runs the place where I work. I don't refer to this person as a boss because to be a true boss, you first have to know what you are doing and second- must have the respect of your subordinates. "WW" has neither trait.

He/She is really ticking me off and I must say that I would rather move locations and go to a different classroom than stay here and deal with "WW". I am not the only one that feels this way and many others, including nonemployees have tried to get something done but to no avail. WW seems to be a permanent fixture here. I think WW would have to commit murder for them to get rid of him/her.

I don't know what I have done to this person but he/she is now messing with my internship, which is a requirement for graduation. He/she is trying to get me in trouble for doing it during work hours. HELLLLLOOOOO.....how am I supposed to work under someone who works from 8-4 on my own time when I work 7:30-4:00 myself? And, for what I am doing it for, is for the system within which I work. Its like my crew and I have a totally different set of rules to go by. We can't leave- everybody else does. He/she looks at everything we do with a microscope and even though we have a lot of fun where I am, we get our work done...

So, my coworker says to pray for WW and just let it go.
I would if he/she didn't make me want to stomp a mudhole in his/her ass!
I really think he/she is jealous that I will be more qualified than him/her. Could this be it? Such haters in this world.

The bad part is that this person had something very traumatic happen in their life recently that should have changed their whole way of looking at the world. I think it made them more cynical, unappreciative, and think their stuff smells like a dozen roses instead of 2.....I guess their being given a second chance at life didn't have as profound affect as most people have.

Once was LOST but now is FOUND!

2006-02-07T07:37:00.000-08:00

I found them, I found them!!!!!!!!
Well, actually my DH found them.
They were stuck in between two of his big coats in the old office.
I was true to my word. I rewarded him greatly!

If you are wondering what in the world I am talking about,
refer to this post.

Face Lift!!!

2006-02-05T20:10:00.000-08:00

As you can tell, my blog has a new facelift!
Isn't it just awesome??!!!

Ginger did it- I admire her work so much and we figured out not too long ago that we are almost neighbors, even though we live in two different states.

She is incredibly talented, and a teacher too!
Check out her blog and her design page.

Thanks Ginger! I absolutely LOVE IT!!!

Breathing....

2006-02-03T11:18:00.000-08:00

I am taking the advice of many of you who commented.
I am just breathing.
After a major panic attack and Klonopin and a glass of wine (I know, don't lecture, I wasnt thinking clearly), I was knocked out.

My husband was such a sweetheart while I was trying to breathe in between sobs.
He just stroked my hair and kept saying, "It's okay, just breathe" and I think the most thoughtful thing he has ever said to me came out of his lips last night. He told me that he would help me type all my papers (even though he cannot type and chicken pecks) and told me he would even do my homework for me and if he didn't know how, he would learn how to write papers in APA form.

Not that I would EVER expect him or ask him to do this for me, but it meant the WORLD to me that he would even offer. Sometimes I just don't know what a jewel I have until he does something to remind me.

One day at a time.
I'm just taking one small day at a time.
I can do this.
I can, I can!
We can, we can!

POSTAL!!

2006-02-02T11:06:00.000-08:00

WARNING- I am in a BAD MOOD and this post may be hazardous to your health. Read with caution!!

I am on my last friggin nerve! I tell you, I don't usually want to explode but today is the day. I feel it coming.........................................

Today is THE DAY, Thursday. The day I change hormone patches. The day my family hates because all drugs have expired out of my body and the devil comes out. Not that this new kind is even really working but its much better than nothing. I really need to have the dosage increased but he gave me 2 months free samples so I am trying to use them up first. Hey, I don't have a prescription plan (or much of one) so I have to save when I can.

Anyhow, Thursdays are rough for me anyhow and I wasn't in the best of moods to begin with this morning when I got to work, was 8 minutes late and walked in the door to a poopy diaper that smelled like something had crawled up into that little butt and died, I tell you. Something that small (she is 8 years old, but she is the size of a one year old) should not emit odors that bad.

There was cereal all over the floor from Hurricane NINI, J's breath about knocked me down, C was making sounds at the top of her lungs- and as soon as I walked in the door, my paras ran out to smoke. Not a problem, nothing new. But today was not the day...

So, everything is going as well as it can given the circumstances. But then it dawns on me. It's THERAPY day. Now, let me give you an idea of how small my classroom is. I am in a HALF of a portable building which part of it has been taken in to add a toilet, sink and changing table and another part to make a closet/storage area. So with the room I have left, we have a water bed, a makeshift bed, two desks, two computer desks, a kidney shaped table, a ballpit (swimming pool with 500 plastic balls in it), three walkers, two standers, 5 wheelchairs, a microwave, a refrigerator,a column bubble machine, 2 cubby hole shelves, a 27" TV/VCR/DVD, 5 manager's chairs and a book case. Not to mention three full time adults, 5 full time children and one on loan (her teacher is out, we used to have her, long story).

So on therapy days, we have the 2 Occupational Therapists, Adapted PE Teacher, and the Assitive technology/Speech Therapist all come in here and work 20-30 min with each child. Every piece of adaptive equipment that is on the market, I think I have in my room. They all take it out, work with it and leave it where they get through with it.

C keeps crying for music, so we have the CD player on, another child is working on sounds so she is banging her drum sticks on the table and on a pot to hear the difference, another child is running around destroying everything in her path like the tazmanian devil, the adults are all talking and laughing and cutting up and I am trying to get some paperwork done that was due yesterday. I about lost it.

I go off, nicely I might add, and tell them there is too much disruption and distraction that I can't think and to quieten down, turn off the music (which makes the music child enraged and she starts making louder noise with her mouth) and speak a little lower AND along comes the child from second grade that i have to catheterize each day. By the time I get finished with her, I come back to my computer and the software program I was using had timed out, I lost all my stuff and I had to start over.

Then to come to find out, the information I was doing was on the wrong kid so now I have to do it a third time. Stop laughing, its really not funny.

I have class tonight and had 2 chapters for homework and I haven't even bought the book yet so I am praying we don't have a quiz.
Survivor starts tonight but since I have a Thur night class for the next 4 months, I guess I won't even start recording it.

So, hopefully this day will get better. On second thought, I think I will go call the gyn office and see about increasing those hormones. If I'm on my own nerves, I can only imagine what everyone else may be thinking. I really am to young for this crap! My body hates me I tell you!

LOST! Reward Offer if Found!

2006-02-01T07:57:00.000-08:00

A couple of months ago, I was on a mission.
I wanted two items and searched far and wide for them.
The items were:
1. Camel colored cordouroy collared jacket with buttons going down the front with a pink flowerdy lined inside. (wasn't necessarily looking for the lined part, but that is how it come) Found at Target.

2. A blue jean jacket with a collar and a few buttons to wear with khakis or jeans. Found at Mervyn's store closing sale.

So for the last two weeks, I have been unable to locate above said items. I thought, well with everything scattered and piled and in four different closets, I'll not panic until I get the closet cleaned out and redone.

That happened last weekend. Still no camel jacket or blue jean jacket.
Now, I can't for the life of me, find these two necessities. I can't imagine what happened to them or where they may be, but I'm on the search!

I know I did not let anyone BORROW them. The girls say they don't have them. I can't get to their closet to really look yet. It seems a Hurricane came through last week and destroyed the south end of the house.
J do you have them? Did you raid my closet without me knowing or remembering?

Anyhow, I am offering a reward if they are found.
How does two loved articles of clothing come up missing at the same time?
While I am at it, I also have a beige bra missing. Now I know for a fact no one I know needs something that big, plus it is specially made for post mastectomies. So I must have a clothes compactor or something. I wonder if they are where all those 1/2 pairs of socks went....to sock heaven....

HELP, I'm having withdrawals!

Should be...

2006-01-31T10:28:00.000-08:00

Doing homework and work, work.
But instead I am blogging. It's becoming a large part of my day, especially when I have something I really should be doing but blogging helps me put it off just one more day until I wait till the night before to do what needs to be done.

Yes, I am a self proclaimed procrastinator, but a darn good one! I work better under pressure, so I tell myself. Have I told you lately that I lie to myself often?

Oh, this was the darndest thing. Last night, I was walking to class and I was stopped by this woman and asked if I was a model. I like to have spewed tea all over her and myself. I just graciously swallowed, hoping not to drool any out from trying to contain my laughter and told her, no, not me. It was a nice compliment though. Kind of like when I was mistakenly taken for Allison Krauss at a bar in Monroe called Enoch's one time. It got me in free and some free drinks. I never told them the difference.

Well, nothing else really to talk about. I too lead a very busy but boring life.
I am really craving crawfish and could eat it for every meal. It just makes me so freakin' thirsty and retain fluid. Small price to pay for them boogers. However, right now they are $3.99 a pound, but I can only eat a pound and I'm full, so it doesn't break the pocket book. Mmmmm, just sitting here thinking about them makes me want to drool.

Hypothetical question: A couple is divorced but still talk civilly and put their kid first. Ex husband may go away far off to work for quite a while without opportunity to come home to see kid. Ex husband offers to fly ex wife and kid to his location, like over 1,000 miles away if this happens. Ex wife's current husband would flip his lid. Ex wife doesn't feel secure letting kid fly without a guardian or parent. What should ex wife do if this hypothetical situation comes to pass?????

New pics!

2006-01-31T10:05:00.000-08:00

Here she is! The most beautiful baby in the world!!!

Isn't she just the most precious thing you've ever seen?

Now, this is my 4 legged baby, Sinna! Yes, she is a Diva in disguise and she "nose" it.She is an expectant mother and is so spoiled!

This is the epitomy of laziness! He said he didn't want to clean off his bed...

That's all the pics for now. Tomorrow I will post a beginning and end picture of our new room. We are DONE!

Tootles.

Mindless Monday Meme

2006-01-30T13:07:00.000-08:00

Stolen from Ginger

1.Spell your first name backwards: icats

2. Story behind your name: My mom had a baby shower and everyone was asked to put in suggestions for girls' names and boys' names. My mom went through them and found some she liked. Her first choice was Vanilla Lynn (I would have killed her for that~!) and then she settled on Staci. My middle name was my oldest sister's best friend's name. I will spell it backwards. llenaK

3. How old are you: 36.

4. Where do you live: Louisiana

5. Wallet: Pink, won't fasten, $22 cash

6. Hairbrush: black and red

7. Toothbrush: purple Reach

8. Jewelry worn daily: 2 rings (wedding and Opal DH got me last year) and diamond studs (1st gift ever from DH)

9. Pillow cover: whatever is clean

10. Sunglasses: $5 pair from French Flea Market, New Orleans

11. Favorite shirt: any soft, comfy warm one

12. Cologne/Perfume: Gabriella Sabatini and Sand & Sable

13. CD in stereo right now: Mix (hubby made), Carrie Underwood, Rockin Dopsey, Tracy Lawrence

14. Piercings: ears, double

15. What you are wearing now: brown pants, orange shirt, brown shrug

16. Wishing: never have to diet again

17. Wanting: Lots of money

18. What will you be doing for the remainder of the day: go home, turn off crockpot (no one will be home to eat it- Hubby got called out for escapee prisoners- kids going to friend's house); go to class; go home, eat, do homework, go to bed

20. (did you notice there is no 19 but it would take too much time to change it- sorry) Person you wish you could see right now: Isabella

21. Some of your favorite movies: Top Gun, Steel Magnolias... see my profile.

22. Something you're looking forward to in the coming month? Nothing but eating crawfish

23. The last thing you ate: AllBran breakfast bar

24. Something that you are deathly afraid of: snakes and burning to death

25. Do you like candles: yes, my fav is Birds of Paradise- Circle E

26. Do you like incense: no- gives me a migraine

27. Do you like the taste of blood: Ummm.....no. I don't have fangs and like the sun.

28. Do you believe in love: Yes

29. Do you believe in soul mates: Yes

30. Do you believe in love at first sight: Not love, but certainly LUST!

31. Do you believe in Heaven: Yes

32. Do you believe in God: Oh Yes!

33. What do you want done with your body when you die: Donate any organs that would benefit someone. Put me in a coffin and bury me. No cremation.

34. If you could have any animal for a pet, what would it be? A monkey, preferably a chimp that would wear a diaper and use sign language to communicate

35. What is the longest you've ever stayed up? I don't know... maybe 24 hours or so.

36. Can you eat with chopsticks: Nope. Not coordinated enough.

37. What's your favorite coin: Quarters, they are worth more.

38. What are some of your favorite candies: Snickers w/ Almonds; Lays Starbites (burnt peanuts); laffy taffy; tootsie rolls

39. What's something that you wish people would understand about you?1. That I actually don't like going to college after 20 years,it is just become like a bad habit- I am just ready to get finished. 2. That I can't help that my body hates me and that I look like the bride of frankenstein (from surgeries) but I don't like being picked on about how many I have had.

40. What's something you wish you could understand better? 1.Why sometimes I get so mad that I want to explode but I implode instead. 2. Why my body hates me.

41. Who is someone that you really wish was still around? Beth, I would love to have her and Ava around and not have to plan for months and years for a visit.

R E L A T I O N S H I P S

42. Who is/are your best friend/s? Jonette (for 23 years)

43. Do you have a boyfriend/girlfriend? - No boyfriend, just a husband.

44. Longest relationship? the longest relationship I've had that wasn't in a marriage was an on again, off again one with R- about 6 years. Longest marriage, 6 1/2 years.

45. How many actual relationships have you been in? Define "actual" - Several that I thought were, but come to find out- Naw, not REAL ones- two marriages- bunches of flings that I don't care to mention...

46. How many people have you kissed? There is no way to answer that, come on!

47. Are you shy around your crush? N/A

48. Still have feelings for anyone you've been in a past relationship? Not romantic ones. I'll always love my ex for giving me my precious daughter and we will always be great friends.

49. Do you know what it feels like to be in love? yes.

50. Would you sacrifice your favorite possession for your best friends? OF COURSE!!!

F A S H I O N S T U F F

51. Where is your favorite place to shop? Rue 21, Ross, Goodwill (can you guess that I'm on a budget- but I dress nice!)

53. What is your favorite thing to wear? shorts and a t shirt (summer); hoodie/sweatpants (winter)

54. What is a must have accessory? wedding ring, jewelry of some kind- though some times I forget to wear it

55. How much is the most you've ever spent on a single item of clothing? I'd say under $100. I'm much too cheap to spend a lot and that was probably for a coat or boots or something.

56. Who is the least fashionable person you know? my coworker C

57. Do you match your belt with your hair color? No, I coordinate them with the outfit.

58. How many pairs of shoes do you own? about 30

59. What is the worst trend you see today? These girls that have their big belly's hanging out with their pants underneath and a too small/short shirt on

60. Do you do drugs? No

62. What kind of shampoo do you use? Garnier Fructise Long and Strong

64. Who was the last person that you called? My sister (trying to help her find a job- her's went out of business)

65. Where do you want to get married? Been there, done that- twice, but if I had to do it over again, it would be on the sand, barefooted in Jamaica or in the Tropics

67. What would you change about yourself? My looks. I am too tall, too fat and my face looks like a man's

68. What are essentials in your life? (no particular order) computer, hugs, allergy/sinus meds, coffee, tea, my friend, my hubby and my kids

69. Do you send out holiday cards each year? Yes, this year was a picture one of the family with a holiday newsletter.

Recovering From the Weekend

2006-01-30T12:46:00.000-08:00

Whew! This weekend was a real booger.
I had an all day training on Saturday, so that ruined my weekend to begin with.

Our new bedroom was completed and that left us with the awful task of moving the bedroom furniture into the new one, moving both offices into the new one (including hooking up fax machines, 3 computers, 2 printers, stereo, internet, etc.

Then once all that was done, we had to "build" a closet by hanging closet shelves all around the old room, taking our clothes from 4 different spots in the house and putting them in the new closet, then cleaning all the rooms we destroyed, which seemed like every room in the house. It was an entire weekend process, but as of midnight last night/this morning, it was 90% completed. Now I can see my dining room table and floor. I don't have to step over mountains of clothes that seem to have become a permanent fixture in my home.

In the middle of all that, I get this horrifying, frantic phone call from my mother squalling that baby Isabella has been rushed to the hospital not breathing and "it's not looking good!" (my mom's words) So needless to say, since I'd just held this gorgeous angel in my arms the night before and took numerous pictures (I forgot my camera at home- will bring it tomorrow to upload some pics of her) of is struggling for life. Many thoughts went through my mind but all I could do was pray. I called everybody I knew and my good friend Beth started a prayer blog.

God surely does answer prayers. Isabella got out of the hospital last night good vitals, doing fine, color back, and tests normal. Doctor says she aspirated on vomit which blocked her airway, but she wasn't without oxygen long enough to do lasting damage (thanks to the neighbor who cleared her airway and got her back breathing- we will be forever greatful to you!) So mom is now paranoid, with good reason and exhausted- post op and having a very jealous toddler also. Please continue to pray for them...

Wildman's birthday was yesterday. We were supposed to have a party for him at school but due to unforseen circumstances, we ended up throwing a small party at a pizza place Sunday afternoon. So after that, we came back and finished what we could with the bedroom, then at about 10pm I started on my homework, lesson plans, Progress reports and looking up journal articles. Needless to say, I didn't get into bed until very late and didn't finish anything I started.

I'm behind on my assignments, but for some reason, I just don't give a rats ass. I will get it done when I get it done. Just like lesson plans. They were due at 8am this morning, I turned them in at 1pm. Oh well. I am only one me and just have too many irons in the fire to give all of myself completely to anything right now.

I hate having this attitude and it really kills me that I spend so much of my time doing Special Ed paperwork and not working with the kids. I hate the paperwork of this job, but it comes with the territory so no sense crying over spilled milk.

How I would love right now to go to a dark corner, wrapped up in a blanket with some coffee and read a good juicy novel... hey, c'mon, a girl can dream can't she???

MEME

2006-01-27T11:11:00.000-08:00

1. When you looked at yourself in the mirror today, what did you think? You really should have woke up 30 minutes earlier- your hair looks like crap! (up in a ponytail)

2. How much cash do you have on you? $33

3. What is a word that rhymes with "TEST"? blessed

4. Favorite planet? Earth to live on, but Saturn mesmerizes me with its beautiful rings.

5. Who is the 4th person on your missed call list on your cell phone? My sister, Anne.

6. What is your favorite song right now? "Shake It Off"-Mariah

7. What shirt are you wearing? Bastrop High Rams 2005 State Champs hoodie

8. Do you "label" yourself? ? yeah, dumpy

9. Name the brand of shoes you're currently wearing now: Champion tennis shoes

10. Bright or Dark Room? Bright

11. What were you doing at midnight last night? Ummm, I don't think I can put that on here... lets just say "spooning"

12. What is a saying that you say a lot? "You Ain't Right" and "Aw Hell Naw"

13. Who told you they loved you last? Scott

14. How many days of work did you miss this week? None, dang it!

15. How many rolls of film do you need to get developed? None, I don't do developing anymore since I got my good digital one.

16. Favorite age you've been so far?I guess I'd have to say 30, that is the age I was when I married my sweetheart.

17. What is your current desktop picture?

(Remember I am at work, can't be as risque at my friend Lisa)

18. If you had to choose between a million bucks or to be able to fly, which would you choose? both

19. Carmen Electra or Pam Anderson? Pam, there is never a dull moment around her!

20.Who would you love to reunite with? my Mawmaw and make tea cakes and popcorn balls together

21. When was the last time you said, "I am sorry?" Just about everyday.

22. Who has the cutest blog in your click? Ginger!

23. What did you eat last? A baked potato, plain.

24. What kind of car do you drive? 05 Dodge Stratus, much to my DH's dismay

25. What do you plan to accomplish this year? FINISH SCHOOL.

American Idol-revisited

2006-01-26T11:15:00.000-08:00

Now that the auditions are over, here is my commentary.
I think last night's auditions gave us THE NEXT AMERICAN IDOL.
But since the phone rang as they were introducing her, I didn't get her name.

She was the one that belted out "Aint No Mountain High Enough". The one that all 3 of the judges were mesmerized by and that Simon said he loved. The mood that Simon was in last night and to still give her a compliment- just amazing! (What crawled up his drawers anyhow)

She just had the whole "IT FACTOR", the triple threat~

Now, the dude that sang Marvin Gaye's Lets Get It On and swooned Paula to only find out that his wife was standing outside (I think Paula was truly dissappointed)was really good too. I think he'll make it to the final 12.

I think this year there is some real talent, but the bar has been set by Carrie and Bo from last year, so won't no crap get through, I don't think.

Wha cha think B? Am I on the money?

Just Plain POOPED!!

2006-01-25T13:26:00.000-08:00

Jonah is such the little helper and Jaz is having her a blast!
*************************************************************************************

I am just pooped!
I am not used to having a toddler around.
I got Jonah Man about 9pm last night.
By the time we played with the doggies and got our pj's on and got into bed, it was 11:20. Then J wasn't real sure about sleeping with DH and me so he squirmed and rubbed his eyes till about 1am.

Then beginning at 2am, Sinna, my precious 4 legged baby decided that she needed to tee tee every 30 minutes- probably those babies pressing on her bladder.

So when 5:50 came this morning, I got up like a good lil fill in mommy would and played and bathed and dressed, etc.
He came to work with me and whew! You can definitely tell I am not used to running around after ambulatory children. Up until 3 weeks ago, all of my "babies" were in wheelchairs but then Hurricane L came. Well, today, J man had himself a bona fide blast. He pushed Jaz around in her wheelchair and she just cackled and laughed and snorted. He is so sweet and such a good little boy. He feeds himself and is very clean and very smart! Must take after his "TT NeeNee"

He wore us all out and finally fell asleep in my arms about 3:15pm. He'll go to Memaw's (my mom's)tonight and stay with her tomorrow.

Beautiful Baby Belle is doing fine.
Still haven't gotten to lay eyes on her.
I'm hoping by tomorrow that I will have a picture of her.

WE HAVE A BABY!!!

2006-01-24T12:53:00.000-08:00

Little Helen Isabella E. was born just a few minutes ago, weighing in at 6 pounds 12 ounces, 20 1/2 inches and a head full of black hair.

There was a small complication, as her cord was wrapped around her neck twice, but is now breathing well and doing just fine.

Mother did great and is happy as can be.
Grandmother is relieved.
Greatgrandmother is picking up the other greatgrandbaby at day care.

Today is a good day.

If my boss wasn't going to be at my class tonight to figure out my internship schedule, I'd be on my way to Natchez, dang it!!!

Thanks for all the prayers.
Pictures will follow as soon as I get them.

What Candy Are You?

2006-01-24T11:20:00.000-08:00

discover what candy you are @ quiz me

Progress

2006-01-24T10:54:00.000-08:00

We are dilated to 4cm
90% effaced
epidural is in
contractions are STRONG and STEADY!!!

won't be long, I hope

Baby Belle is Coming

2006-01-24T07:28:00.000-08:00

This picture is of my sister's grandbabies, Jerry, Kayla and Jonah. Baby Belle will be her 4th. Aren't they just darling...

The picture is of my Jonah man with my baby girl (LSUgirl)

*****************************************************************************

My niece, Kelli is being induced this morning.
My poor sister is having a rough time.
Her husband was rushed to the hospital at 4am this morning and can't move due to a ruptured disc pressing on his spine, but they won't do emergency surgery until he is peeing or pooping on himself. Does this make any sense? Why would you wait until a spinal cord compression.

So, she has her daughter in one room, her husband at home drugged and not able to move and a 2 year old grandbaby to figure out what to do with.

Soooo Memaw to the rescue. My mom took the two hour drive to Natchez this morning to be with her. She will probably bring J (the 2 year old) to me this evening. Luckily I can bring him to work with me.

Kelli has dilated only 1cc but having good contractions. Baby Helen(my grandmother's name) Isabella (my great grandmother's name) "Belle" will be here sometime today I hope.

My heart goes out to my sister. She's got a lot on her today. So if you have a second, say a little prayer for her and my niece...while you are at it, go ahead and add my brother-in-law and mother too....

I just hate that Baby Belle won't come into this world seeing her favorite aunt and knowing how much I love her already but I will be spoiling her rotten very, very soon.

I'll keep you posted.

Not a good start

2006-01-24T07:05:00.000-08:00

Already I am feeling overwhelmed. Not a good sign of what is to come this semester.
I have four classes this semester (12 credit hours). So if you don't want to know what I will be doing for the next 5 months of my life, quit reading now. For those of you who are interested...read on and know that I do know that I am totally bonkers for doing this to myself but I really am looking to retire from college this year and I have to get finished.

Okay, on Monday night, I have Visionary Leadership with Dr. L- he is hard and very demanding but one thing you can be sure of- when you leave his class, you have learned something. You worked your butt off for it, but you carry something with you.

Already in that class, we have five papers to do, 10 hours of field work and a portfolio on the Field Experiences plus a midterm and a final. Not to mention the book is $105. Now, I have had this professor for four classes and I have always bought the book and then never used it. Call it my Type A personality or as some would affectionately call it "anal retentiveness", but I have this incredible fear that if I don't buy this book, that I may need it in some way and then I will feel trapped if I don't have it. Not that I have $100 for something I won't use either.... damn if I do, damn if I don't...ugh!

Now on Tuesday nights, I have my Administrative Internship where I have to do two projects and work with the Special Ed Director for 10 hours a week. Now let me recap here, so far, I work 7:30-4, go to class 3 nights a week from 5-8 and have an internet class- not to mention a family. So when am I supposed to squeeze in 10 hours a week. Then I have to not only take, but pass a PRAXIS exam that costs $400 to take before I can get a grade in the class. Gosh this isn't looking good...

On Thursday nights, I have Secondary School Curriculum. I don't know why I have to have this. I don't work in secondary, never have, never will. I dont have the patience for this. I do want to be an adjunct professor at the university so maybe I can use something. I had to miss this class last week, but from the syllabus, it looks like we have 5 Article critiques (this seems to be a prerequisite for all grad courses for some unknown reason- I call it busy work) a Curriculum Proposal (God only knows what this will entail) and a midterm and final. This book costs $126. (balance so far, $631)

Then I have an internet course which is SPED Litigation and Legislation. Luckily we don't have to purchase a book for this course, but wouldn't you know it, we have to print out four different documents which is a total of 358 pages. There goes at least a ream of paper and two ink cartridges (would the book be cheaper???). Who knows what will be required in this class. This professor seems to fly by the seat of her pants and never really plans anything. One day, you'll check blackboard and she hasn't posted anything in a month, the next week, she may give you 4 or 5 assignments. This type of teaching style doesn't work well with my personality. It totally stresses me out. I live by a calendar and always want to know what is expected way ahead of time. Not that I do it early, usually I procrastinate till the last minute, but hey, at least I get plenty of time to say "I really need to work on this.."

So, if you don't hear from me for a while, you will know why, but I am really going to try to keep the blogging up- as it is a good stress reliever and a way for me to release.... breathe in.....breathe out....

I am a fighter and a survivor. I will get through this, mainly because I have to and because I can really see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Finally

2006-01-23T12:30:00.000-08:00

I have been trying and trying to put my links on my blog page and it keeps deleting them.

I decided to try ONE more time and VOILA'....it did it!!!!

I'm Back

2006-01-23T10:09:00.000-08:00

Boy, was it ever so wonderful to be back at home and in my own bed. I had been gone to Baton Rouge for a Pre Kindergarten Conference most of last week. It was nice to get away and stay in a hotel with no chores, no cooking, no cleaning but I really missed home, my hubby and my kids, believe it or not. Of course, the moment I walked back in the door, I was secretly wishing it had lasted a couple more days....haha!

The kids must have ate nothing but Ramen noodles, cause DH had laid out some deer meat so I could cook the moment I walked in the door. They all acted like they were starving. I also secretly had a moment of pleasure knowing that they missed me and that the household isn't the same without me.

I did backslide on my diet while I was away, but it is a little difficult to have a say so when 4 of the 6 meals I had down there were catered. Of course, wouldn't you guess that the main entree of both lunches was......C H I C K E N!!! Were they trying to kill me? And you would think that going 60 miles from the Gulf that they would have some good ole' crawdads...but oh no, they weren't in season. Now they have them in our little podunk town for a whopping $4.64 per pound. I admit, I wanted some so bad that I got 1 pound last weekend. Once they go down to where I can actually eat some without going broke, it will be my Friday night ritual. Bring em on!!!!!

I start back to grad school tonight. Actually classes started last week but since I was gone to the conference, I'm getting a late start. I have class from 5-8 on Mon, Tue and Thur nights. I'm hoping that the Tuesday one doesn't last too long because I have to see American Idol. Last year, I messed myself up by scheduling classes on Tuesday and wednesday. I purposely scheduled around those nights this semester but they changed one of the dates on me. We'll see if it is an every tuesday night thing or not. If not, I may have to invest in Tivo or something. I gotta have my AI fix.

I am so sleepy that I just can't keep my eyes open. Yesterday, we went to church, went to buy groceries (though we had to put it on a freakin credit card cause I don't get paid till the 27th and but its been 41 days since I have had a paycheck and a short one at that) and it took 3 hours to go buy them, then another 1 1/2 hours to unload and put up. It is a chore that I absolutely hate! Good thing we only do it once a month. I couldn't handle it more than that.

Then I had to balance the checkbook (another chore I absolutely hate the outcome of...haha) and then did lesson plans till 1am this morning. My alarm went off at 6am, I got up at 7:15. Needless to say, I didn't get my coffee, I was half asleep and grumpy when I clocked in. I won't get home til almost 9pm so I am just trying to keep awake and make it through the day. I need a Full Throttle- them things are really good and give me good energy.

Off to work I go- it seems my girls do not want to take a nap. Five out of 5 are awake and looking at me like- what is your problem... we're not sleepy, get us out of this bed. Now, if someone gave me a waterbed, bunches of soft pillows and soft blankets, they wouldn't get me awake. They just dont know how good they have it.

Back in the Game

2006-01-16T14:00:00.000-08:00

I haven't posted in several days because...well, because things have been a little chaotic (okay, not a little, a bunch) on the home front.

Have you ever had a day where everything around you just came crashing down and came to a head and you just wanted to leave it all? Just check out of Mommyville and Wife Motel? Well that is the week I had last week. Now that everything is better, I can calmly and rationally talk about it.

Last Thursday I went on strike. No cooking, no cleaning, no laundry, no helping with homework, no fixing plates, no fixing school lunches, no sex, basically, NO NOTHING. I was "done, done, done!" with it all. I felt at my whits end and felt so unappreciated. I would wake up in the morning with my SD griping and arguing and treating everyone like crap, to the point where she almost sounded demon possessed. She would do everything in her power to ignore me to the extent where she would walk straight past me, look at me and go outside around the house or in the back yard to find her dad to ask him a question about school. She should have known he would tell her "Hell, I don't know, go ask Staci (which is what she calls me and sometimes it drives me mad I tell you- stark raving mad- another issue that I'll get to later). Anyhow, it is like she wants me to dissappear and be out of the equation. It almost worked because my and my baby girl's bags were packed ready to leave.

I know she has serious issues, but damn, when is she going to let go of the fact that her mother is dead and gone and not coming back and that she should feel blessed to have someone here to pick up the pieces and treat her like a real daughter. Not to mention that her dad lets her walk all over him and lets her get away with murder while everyone else in the household has to walk a chalk line.

Yes, I know what you are saying, this child needs counseling. Tried it three different times, but she just sits there like a bump on a log. My friend told me today that she suggests to let her sit there in counseling until the cows come home or until she talks and works through her issues. She's only 10 and if things are this bad now, my God how will things be when she is a teenager. I smell danger!

Then there is my BD (LSUgirl) who is my pride and joy and who makes me complete. She thinks her step dad doesn't love her because he is always on her case and he is not very good at being affectionate with hugs and kisses (stems from his alcoholic family background- a whole nuther blog...lol). I am just trying to get him to lighten up on her a little, yes she is lazy but she has a million wonderful qualities and I don't want her having a complex and I sure don't want her being so unhappy that she goes to live with her dad- which would absolutely shatter my heart into a million and one pieces.

So, needless to say, I was having a mental moment to the point of panic attacks. Instead of taking LSUgirl and running far, far away, we decided to try and work things out, got some friends to watch the kids for the weekend and went to a hotel and delve deep into our family issues. I swear, if it weren't for children, we would be in marital bliss but we are so opposite on so many different levels when it comes to our kids....

Well, we did work through things and we made a bunch of promises to each other to work on things. I've realized that I need to allow my children to be kids rather than to spend half the afternoon doing so many chores (like I had to do when I was a kid) and lighten up on them a little bit when it comes to their rooms being clean, etc. I have also realized that I am also a control freak and must work on that also. DH is going to work on his short fuse and looking at the positives in life and our family. When I am through with school, we have both agreed that we will take some classes on how to parent in a blended family or some serious counseling just for us and to get SD some intensive therapy to work through her issues.

Just getting him to agree that was a feat in itself, as he doesn't like to talk to anyone about his business or his problems. I truly believe in counseling because of the incredible outcomes I have seen while working with victims of domestic violence and child abuse. It works if you allow it to.

so, that's what's been going on in my life. Always drama. Now to add fuel to the fire, I must leave tomorrow at noon to go 4 hours away to south LA to a pre-school conference and leave DH here to take over the fort. This conference is going to cause me to miss my first day back at the university which starts tomorrow. So my life will be back in the fast life, which is where i function best, under extreme duress and stress. Idle time makes me ansy (another issue I need to work on...gosh, does it ever end????)

So any psychiatrist or psychologist out there to give me some suggestions on how to deal with a husband that doesn't like to talk, isn't affectionate, is negative and has a short fuse, a wife who is controlling, a perfectionist, works best going 90 to nothing in 6 different directions, a step daughter and step son who has gone through a divorce, then lost their mother, moved in with us, has anger and acceptance issues and both of whom are struggling in school and another daughter who is a sweetheart but is becoming like a crab in a shell to keep from saying or doing the wrong thing and walks on "broken glass and tacks and pins and needles" as she described it AND (no, I'm not finished yet...) an 18 year old who wants to be an adult and live on his own but won't work or stick with a job, quit school, is irresponsible, has a bad temper with plenty of issues of his own and is chronically depressed but refuses to take his medicine because it messes with is over active libido which he uses way too frequently for me????????.....

HHHHHHHHHHHHEEEEEEEELLLLLLLLLLLPPPPPPPPP!!! Geez, writing it all in a nut shell, no wonder I have mental moments...... My family is crazy!

Stressful Day?

2006-01-11T08:04:00.000-08:00

JUST...............................

About Me from A to Z

2006-01-11T07:09:00.000-08:00

Here lately, Sara has had some good Meme's to "borrow". So here is the "All About Me from A to Z."

[A is for age:] I am 36
[B is for booze of choice] Margarita with lots of salt. Boy do I retain water the next day.....
[C is for career] Special Education Early Interventionist
[D is for your dog's name:] I have 10, so here goes: Sam, Duke, Pepper, Ellie Mae, Bleau, Shontelle, Scarlet, Diesel Suzy Q and Sinna
[E is for essential items you use everyday:] toothbrush/toothpaste, glasses, coffee, computer, kiss from my hubby
[F is for favorite song(s) at the moment:] Jesus Take the Wheel by Carrie Underwood; We Belong Together by Mariah Carey; and The Real Thing by Bo Bice
[G is for favorite games:] football and Spades
[H is for hometown:] Bastrop LA
[I is for instruments you play:] I dont play anything. I wish I could play the piano or drums
[J is for jam or jelly you like:] Apricot or Peach Fruit Spread (0 points)
[K is for kids?] M-18 (Deerhunter); S-10 (LSUgirl); N-10 (Doglover); R-7 (Wildman)
[L is for last kiss?:] This morning when I left for work
[M is for most admired trait:] Loyalty. I am a really good friend
[N is for name of your crush:] Well, we won't go there... (just kidding).. but my one True Love- Scott
[O is for overnight hospital stays:] we don't have enought time or space for this. Let's just say more than 20 and leave it at that.
[P is for phobias:] snakes, that is about it.
[Q is for quotes you like:] "If your DREAM is worth fighting for, you have to want to go thru the STRUGGLES to achieve your VICTORY! (sincere one); "Some people are like Slinkies...Not really good for anything, but you can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs." (funny one)
"
[R is for biggest regret:] many things I did before I was 21- oh, if I could do those years over again, the things I would change!!!
[S is for sweets of your choice:] snickers and oreo cookies
[T is for time you wake up:] 6:30
[U is for underwear:] yes, I wear underwear
[V is for vegetables you love:] Carrots, squash, butterbeans; mostly anything that comes out of a garden except for beets and eggplant
[W is for worst habit:]Sarcasm and playing on the computer while I am working.
[X is for x-rays you've had:] probably every part of my body at this point.
[Y is for yummy food you make:] Gumbo and vegetable soup
[Z is for zodiac sign:]Libra

I tag.... Jonette, Ginger, Beth and Idgie

What's the Dill Pickle?

2006-01-10T08:11:00.000-08:00

Okay, so we've been on Weight Watchers for a whole week now and did good. Our weigh in was yesterday morning (Monday) and everyone did good. LSUgirl and Vetgirl both lost 5 pounds, DH lost 8 and I had lost 4, but I hated to weigh yesterday morning because I had um intestinal issues if you get my drift, so I decided to weigh again this morning and I had gained the 4 pounds back but had gotten rid of the issues. I don't get it. How could I have gained 4 pounds in one day? I think it is my scales so DH told me to go get some digital ones today, so that I will do. I am also going to weigh at my doc's office- I know those are calibrated and accurate.

The kids got their report cards yesterday and needless to say, 2 out of the 3 kids at home are now grounded. I don't know what the deal is but with the little one, it is like a full time job just helping him with his homework and getting him read for his tests and he still fails them. It's like he knows it before he leaves for school and he walks out the door and the brain sucker just zaps all the knowledge he ever had and when he takes his test, it is like it is in a foreign language or something. God help me. Of course, since I am the teacher, DH thinks they should all have perfect grades and that I should tutor each one of them for an hour or two everyday. Well, its not possible. LSUgirl made a C on hers this time and I was livid! She is fully capable of straight A's and the only reason she made a C is that she did not study enough or she didn't apply herself. I expect so much more from her because she is so much more capable. The other two struggle and we know this so we don't hold them to such high standards, but LSUgirl is different.

I got the new child in class today and she is like a walking tornado. She can walk, which we are totally NOT used to and she goes everywhere and destroys everything in her path. I will lose weight just chasing after her.

Well, speaking of Hurricane Nini, I'd better go for now. She has thrown almost every ball out of the ball pit and is now wondering around the room trying to find something to destroy.

Guess what

2006-01-05T10:22:00.000-08:00

I was doing 18 years ago today?
Giving birth to my oldest child, M aka Deerslayer!
He is 18 years old today and thinks he is THE MAN!

Boy does that make me feel old in one way and happy in another way that he actually made it without anything bad happening yet. God does protect his children....

So Happy Birthday big boy!
Mom loves you!!!!!

So Disorganized

2006-01-05T07:53:00.000-08:00

Since I have been back to work for one day and 2 hours, I am still so disorganized. I walked in yesterday and didn't even know where to begin. I was trying to feed breakfast before brushing teeth. It took me the entire day to rid my computer of viruses, figure out our new lesson plan computer software and then I finally got my 3 day lesson plans done at the end of the day. I'd better get started on next weeks or it will take me forever!

In special ed, we have to do what is called "Regression/Recoupment" when we have a lengthy break where we have to record data before we break and record after we return to see if they regressed or recouped their skills. So that takes a lot of time and paperwork.

I start back to college on Jan 17th. I am again taking 12 hours again, but one of the classes is an internship with my special director where I have to work 10 hours a week. I am excited to be doing that, since that is the job I want in the near future. It will be interesting to see how things work behind the scenes.

So other than that, not too much to blog about today. The diet is going okay. It is tough at work because my two coworkers snack all day long and that makes it difficult seeing and smelling food ALL DAY LONG! But I started exercising yesterday and watching the Biggest Loser special episode last night really gave me incentive.

Anybody out there got any good low fat recipes or Weight Watchers recipes? If so, send them on- cause after only 3 days, I am running out of ideas to cook. Last night was stirfry with venison. I haven't really had time to search through the recipes at WW but Sara has helped me out a lot with some recipes, thanks girl!

Well, the Braille specialist needs to confer with me....be back later...

By Joe, We Have a Hole

2006-01-03T15:42:00.000-08:00

We are definitely making progress with the "room". You know, our new add-on that will be our Master Suite as I like to call it. Anyhow, the outside is completely finished and we actually have a door now that goes from the existing room (soon to be a gargantuan of a walk in closet)to the newly built room. We have insulation and all the electrical done, tomorrow- SHEETROCK! I am so excited.

The poor contractor is probably so glad to be getting close to finished, since my darling, wonderful hubby has been gaugle eyeing the whole project since it started. No, he is not micromanaging or being one of those "in your face" kind of people. He is .....LEARNING. He is the type of person, he can watch you once, then do it himself. He is making all kinds of plans. Oh DEAR!!!

Just wanted to give an update. I am really getting excited for the move. We got a bunch of stuff for the room for Christmas and I can't wait to put it up. It is all antler/deer and duck themed. The theme for our room is of course, Louisiana Wildlife. My deer border is ready to be put up. I am so ready to move in, I can't stand it. Just one tiny piece of heaven. I don't know if I'll ever come out.

Back to work tomorrow. Ya'll pray for me. I won't remember how to do squat.

One Last Day

2006-01-03T05:49:00.000-08:00

After being off for 7 weeks, I must return back to work tomorrow. Part of me is so glad that I will get back to my girls and the good friends I work with, I have missed them all so much but the other part of me is going to miss sleeping as late as I want, sipping coffee in my robe while I check email, blog, or what have you. I have really become accustomed to being able to make lunch plans with friends, or run to the store in the middle of the day, or just taking a few hours to myself with no one here.

But I must get back to reality- I really do love my job and I have become so bored without work and school to fill my day that I have begun to find things on the internet to look up, or "need" something in the "big" city about 30 miles away (where the mall and shops are...). I used to hate to shop, but here lately, it has become therapeutic or something. That has got to stop because when I get really bored, I go out and buy something. Boy, my checkbook has suffered because of it. Because of the holidays, there will be a 40 day gap between paychecks that are already cut in half because I've been off so long. This means our empty fridge will stay that way until I get paid on the 26th. Ugh!!! I don't mind it really, gives me a chance to clean out my freezer but the picky eater in the family hates it. She hates vegetables and that is what is mainly in our freezer- garden veggies and deer meat.

We started Weight Watchers yesterday. We are doing the online version because there are no meetings around here and with our busy schedules, who has time for meetings. We did good for the first day, even had points left over (maybe because the cupboards are bare...lol). We had cereal and banana for breakfast, homemade vegetable soup and a grilled cheese on whole wheat for lunch, and a chef salad and chicken breast for supper with fat free chocolate pudding for dessert. For those who know me-No, I didn't eat the chicken!!! (chicken makes me violently ill). So anyhow, 1 day down, the rest of our life to go. I do like WW because if you do have a special event to go to, you have extra weekly points for that, if you want a piece of chocolate cake, you just don't have many points to finish out the day- but most vegetables are 0 points and I love veggies, so this is a good plan for me and the hubby. The hardest part is giving up the all day snacking- which is what I have become accustomed to since being off of work for so long. I get bored, I go scavenge the pantry. That is a hard habit to break.

Oh, in keeping with one of my resolutions to put God, my marriage and my children first in my life, I have started reading a new book. Well, let me tell you how it came to be first- as this doesn't happen often in my life. I was doing a little shopping (spending my gift card from Christmas) and I passed by this store, LIfe Way Christian Bookstore. I have been in there before looking for a gift many years ago, but it is not somewhere where I would just go browse while I am shopping. Anyhow, I was "led" into that store not knowing what in the world for but for some reason (Divine Intervention, I am sure), I was led straight to the family section and my eyes focused right on this book. Now, at first I was like, my marriage isn't headed for divorce, why in the world would I need this book, but I was told by my Lord to buy it anyway. Now, I am a Christian and I try to be obedient to my Lord but very rarely does He just come out and tell me to do something; although, that is why I am teaching now, but that is another story I'll tell you later.

Anyhow, I brought this book home, still wondering why I needed it in the first place. My husband and I have a strong, committed marriage- but of course, like all married couples, we have our disagreements, arguments and those days where we just don't even speak to each other, but all in all, we have a loving, solid relationship. Anyhow, the name of the book is "Divorce-Proof your Marriage" by Dr. Gary and Barbara Rosberg. This is a profound book that I would encourage all married couples to read. It is not a quack book that says "We know everything and this is what you need to do to save your marriage", it is a Christian based campaign to divorce proof America's marriages that helps you strenthen your marriage and guard against the slow slide to emotional or legal divorce. Just the first few pages got me because the authors told of their personal story that almost mirrored mine- putting school and work before family and marriage and their family having a void where I am supposed to be in their life. So you may be hearing more about this book in the near future and where it is taking me.

So, I have begun two of my resolutions. I know it is going to be hard work and something that I have to work at everyday. I am up for the challenge....I just pray that I can keep the focus.

My New Years Resolutions

2005-12-30T12:40:00.000-08:00

First of all, I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and have recovered from all the eggnog, turkey and candy that seems to been the culprit of weight gain in my household.

The year 2005 has been a rough one for me and my family, but it has also been one of healing. This past year, I was diagnosed with breast cancer but luckily it was caught very early and only required extensive surgery, no chemo or radiation. That diagnosis sparked many things in my life...

1. I realized that we are not promised tomorrow and that we should live each day to the fullest...like that song that says "Live like we are dying". Literally.

2. I realized that my strained relationship with my parents could be mended with a lot of forgiveness and a lot of love, acceptance and understanding. I thank God that we were all able to get past the painful place we were and forgive each other and be able to love each other the way a family should, the way our family always has. I could have lost my dad last month as he was very ill, but love and faith conquered in the end and we were blessed with a wonderful holiday with him right in the middle of it.

3. I also realized that in the big scheme of things, it is okay to not have the fanciest house, be the richest one on the block or to teach your children the meaning of no. I also learned that sometimes it is okay to say yes and not be so obsessive about a clean house and children having their chores done to perfection. Some things just matter more than those. Like love, family, laughter, joy and friendship.

I also lost two classmates this past fall which only reiterated the above three "revelations". So, with all that said... I have several New Year's resolutions this year. They will not be easy which is one reason why I am telling you them, so I can have someone to be accountable to.

Here they are in a nutshell:
1. To develop a healthy eating pattern for me and my family. That means setting a good example by eating foods that are good for me and exercising and cooking meals that are good for our bodies.
a. My personal goal is for me to lose 12 pounds and to tone up my body.

2. To strive towards financial independence: to pay off all credit card debts, to apply for loan forgiveness for my student loans, to stop making impulsive purchases and putting more money in savings. I do not mean that we will do without everything, just prioritize more.

3. To put God, my marriage and children first in my life: which means finding a church that we are all comfortable in, going and becoming involved in the ministry and setting a good example for my children.

4. To stay healthy and not have any surgeries. I don't know how long it has been since I have not had a whole year surgery free.

5. Finishing school and finding time for me. Period. After this graduation, I will not go back unless it is a mandatory part of my job. My life is consumed with school to the point where I have withdrawals. I must stop making that a priority and find something that interests me that will give me some kind of purpose in life.

See, I told you they were not going to be easy, but I do plan on keeping things simple so that I do not get overwhelmed. I plan on making small changes that will add up to the large ones.

I will need your help. I will use this blog as a sounding board. If I have support, I can make my goals a reality.

So what are your new year resolutions?
What are your plans for New Years Eve? I am going to ride along with my husband while he patrols that night. The kids will be spending the weekend with their grandparents so there is no since in me spending NYE by myself at home. I'll ring in the new year with my hubby, where I should be.

Happy New Year everybody.
May 2006 be a very blessed,prosperous and healthy year for you and yours.

MeMe I borrowed from Ginger

2005-12-27T12:25:00.000-08:00

Four jobs you've had in your life:

1. I worked at the Country Cream- a little rinky dink mom and pop place that has the absolute best hot dogs and ice cream you've ever had!!! It was my first real job besides babysitting- when I was 15 and made a whopping $2.75 an hour.

2. NLU Police Dept- now known as ULM though. Worked there as a dispatcher, then later got on full time as patrol officer, then investigator. Quit when they made me write 275 parking tickets a day and I didn't meet my quota...haha

3. Sheriff's Office- dispatched for several years, then was D.A.R.E officer, then on to major crimes investigation, specializing in child abuse. Loved the job and the adrenaline rush- absolutely hated the politics.

4. Been teaching for MPSB for 5 years, special education. Love it. Now if I could just stay healthy enought to make it an entire year, I'll be doing good.

Four movies you could watch over and over:

1. Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants- this movie is so much more than a teeny bobber movie. It has such deep issues that the more you watch, the more you realize you missed the last time. I also like a good cry sometimes.

2. Top Gun- no, its not Tom Cruise, its just the whole dang movie. I love it and the adrenaline and the love story mixed in. My favorite movie of all time.

3. Bad Boys and Bad Boys II- I love shoot em' ups, fast paced adrenaline pumping movies and Will Smith is only icing on the cake. We watch them all the time.

4. Its a toss up between Steel Magnolias, Fried Green Tomatoes and Where the Heart Is. These are just the perfect chic flics. Nothing like having a sleep over and watching these with good friends, or sisters.

Four places you've lived:

1. Bastrop, LA

2. Monroe, LA

3. West Monroe, LA

4. okay, so I am a boring country girl that has never lived anywhere interesting. I was born and raised in Bastrop and am still there. In college, I ventured out to Monroe/West Monroe. So sue me.

Four TV shows you love to watch:

1. CSI- the original. I love the mysteries and the blood and gore. I love to figure out who is guilty before they do. Its a challenge.

2. Desperate Housewives- this is my first DH season. I watched the 1st in a whole weekend right before Season 2 started up. Now I'm hooked and so is DH.

3. Medium- have you noticed that I really like dramas and mysteries...???

4. Law and Order SVU- this holds a special interest for me, plus it is a cop movie- which I love. When you used to be one and you live with one, you tend to flock to them.

Four websites you visit daily:

1. CNN- have to keep up with what is going on in the world.

2. My best friends blog sites. On The Run Mom and Ramblings of a Southern Goddess. It's become an obsession that my wonderful hubby hates with a passion.

3. Yahoo mail account. Don't get much mail on there, but I check it anyhow. Plus, I have my yahoo that tells me what's on tv that night.

4. Netflix - I must keep up with what's on its way and update my queue You can join my friends page by using djthumper@cox.net. Don't use this email address to contact me though- its the hubby's. Mine is dazymae7@cox.net.

Four of your favorite foods:

1. deer steak- preferably deep fried soaked in syrup

2. pork chops- any way I can get them

3. french fries-preferably McDonalds or Wendy's

4. squash- smothered with cheese

Four places you'd rather be:

Not sure if that means be forever or be right this minute? I'm going with right this minute.

1. Getting a swedish massage- not the deep painful kind my massage therapist at the chiropractor gives, but a soothing, take-me-away kind of massage with oils and rocks and mud...oohhhhhhhhhhh

2. Guanecaste Costa Rica- where my hubby and I spent our honeymoon. The beach was totally deserted and we had it all to ourselves.

3. Belize- I really want to go there, swim underneath a beautiful waterfall.

4. In bed, in my hubby's arms snuggling myself right to lala land.

Four possessions you can't live without:

1. my PC because then I would be totally lost

2. my pictures of my kids- I love to see how they've grown

3. my doxie- Sinna- she is so sweet, loving and loyal

4. my husband- yes, he is MY possession. Without him, I could not function.

Wonderful Holiday

2005-12-26T08:33:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful holiday, which began with my good friend Marybeth (Ladybellagrace) and her daughter coming to visit. It was so good to have her and to be able to chat about old times and catch her up on all the latest with our classmates and of course, the gossip too! Her daughter is an absolute sweetheart and she and my LSUgirl hit it off right away and have began what i think will be a lasting friendship.

Of course, since this was LSUgirls year to spend Christmas morning with her dad, we celebrated Christmas early and Santa came Saturday morning. Never try to put a trampoline together in the cold damp wind in total darkness at midnight. If our kids only knew what us parents go through to see that glimmer of joy in their eyes. So needless to say, after wrapping and putting together, we got in bed at 2:07am only to have our little angels wake us up at 4am. DH was not a happy camper and I don't think I actually got my eyes to focus for an hour or so. But they were ecstatic and it was great to see them happy.

After church, we spent the early part of the afternoon with my family at my sisters and then at my moms. We had way too much food, as usual, but it was delicious. Then we had our Ornament Swap, AKA as Dirty Santa. Then off to my mom's madhouse to open gifts. My sisters were so happy with the purses I made them. I think they were very touched that I took the time to make them something instead of going out and buying it.

Then off to the mother-in-laws. It has took us a while, but we've come a long way and I really enjoy visiting with them. We had deer,duck,squirrel,chicken, shrimp, and sausage gumbo. It was delicious! I must have that recipe- not that I would have a duck or squirrel to put in it.

I also got my baby- Sinna or "Shadow" as my DH fondly calls her- back. She had been at a fellow breeders mating with a beautiful blue mini dachshund. Anyhow, she hasn't left my side since. She is the sweetest thing I have ever seen in my life. She is so funny, she will back her behind up and lift her tail so I can put her diaper on. I don't know how I ended up with such a beautiful, loving, loyal sidekick, but I thank my lucky stars for her.

Well, I now must go clean up this tornado struck home. Surely there has to be a way to get order back....

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and holiday. I wish all of you a happy, healthy, safe NEW YEAR! May all your dreams and wishes come true with the new approaching year.

Teach The Children

2005-12-19T07:10:00.000-08:00

This is an email I received from a very dear friend of mine and I thought it was "blog" worthy since this time of year has become so much about Santa and gettin and givin that we have seemed to have forgotten the true meaning of Christmas.

I went with my mom to a luncheon the other day with other elderly people and heard tales of how thy as children only got a stocking with candy, fruit and nuts and how that was the biggest treat in the world to them. Then my older sisters got one present under the tree each year, usually a baby doll, and how that was enough. They were just thankful to get it.

Now, in this generation, I have spent hundreds of dollars on each child and still feel guilty because it isn't enough or how one child may not have as much as the other. Next year, I think I am going to take my kids back to the "its better to give than receive" mentality and visit homeless shelters, domestic abuse shelters, soup kitchens and take some things to them and volunteer to help others. I don't want my children to grow up selfish and stingy and always wanting and thinking about themselves.

So to all you moms out there, I challenge all of us to get back to the true meaning of the season and do something for someone else- as Mary gave us the best Gift of all.

Here's the email. "Teach the Children"

This is how it happened...I just finished the household chores for the night and was preparing to go to bed, when I heard a noise in the front of the house. I opened the door to the front room and to my surprise, Santa himself stepped out from behind the Christmas tree.

He placed his finger over his mouth so I would not cry out. "What are you doing?" I started to ask. The words choked up in my throat, and I saw he had tears in his eyes. His usual jolly manner was gone. Gone was the eager, boisterous soul we all know.

He then answered me with a simple statement.

"TEACH THE CHILDREN!"
I was puzzled; what did he mean? He anticipated my question, and with one quick movement brought forth a miniature toy bag from behind the tree. As I stood bewildered, Santa said, "Teach the children! Teach them the old meaning of Christmas. The meaning that now-a-days Christmas has forgotten."

Santa then reached in his bag and pulled out a FIR TREE and placed it before the mantle. "Teach the children that the pure green color of the stately fir tree remains green all year round, depicting the everlasting hope of mankind, all the needles point heavenward, making it a symbol of man's thoughts turning toward heaven."

He again reached into his bag and pulled out a brilliant STAR. "Teach the children that the star was the heavenly sign of promises long ago. God promised a Savior for the world, and the star was the sign of fulfillment of His promise."

He then reached into his bag and pulled out a CANDLE.
"Teach the children that the candle symbolizes that Christ is the light of the world, and when we see this great light we are reminded of He who displaces the darkness."

Once again he reached into his bag and removed a WREATH and placed it on the tree. "Teach the children that the wreath symbolizes the real nature of love. Real love never ceases. Love is one continuous round of affection."

He then pulled from his bag an ornament of himself.
"Teach the children that I, Santa Claus symbolize the generosity and good will we feel during the month of December."

He then brought out a HOLLY LEAF. "Teach the children that the holly plant represents immortality. It represents the crown of thorns worn by our Savior. The red holly represents the blood shed by Him."

Next he pulled from his bag a GIFT and said, "Teach the children that God so loved the world that HE gave HIS only begotten SON..." "Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift.

"Teach the children that the wise men bowed before the Holy BABE and presented HIM with gold, frankincense and myrrh. We should always give gifts in the same spirit of the wise men."

Santa then reached in his bag and pulled out a CANDY CANE and hung it on the tree. "Teach the children that the candy cane represents the shepherds' crook. The crook on the staff helps to bring back strayed sheep to the flock. The candy cane is the symbol that we are our brother's keeper."

He reached in again and pulled out an ANGEL. "Teach the children that it was the angels that heralded in the glorious news of the Savior's birth. The angels sang 'Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace and good will toward men."

Suddenly I heard a soft twinkling sound, and from his bag he pulled out a BELL. "Teach the children that as the lost sheep are found by the sound of the bell, it should ring mankind to the fold. The bell symbolizes guidance and return."

Santa looked back and was pleased. He looked back at me and I saw that the twinkle was back in his eyes. He said,
"Remember, teach the children the true meaning of Christmas and do not put me in the center, for I am but a humble servant of the One that is, and I bow down to worship HIM, our LORD, our GOD."

Once Again

2005-12-15T19:57:00.000-08:00

Thirteen Things about Dazymae

1. My niece is in labor. Not sure if it is false or not, but we could be having baby "Belle" (Helen Isabella) very soon. Her doctor says it is too early but I know the dates- she's right on time.

2.I am supposed to be in the delivery room- but she is 2 hours away. Must wait and see if it is a false alarm though.

3. I got a new dog today. She is absolutely beautiful and very sweet. She and DH are asleep on the couch. They have really taken to each other. Her name will be Floyd's Sinnful Chocolate Eclair ("Sinn")- her name was already Chocolate Sinn but I changed it around a little to make it more "us".

4. I really need to buy groceries.

5. Sara has really got me wondering when Jay will pop the question and what the ring will look like...and we don't even know each other.

6. J and I are making candy Sat morning and playing cards (for the first time since late October- due to my surgery and hunting season)Sat night.

7. DH is snoring loudly.

8. Why do I crave spiced tea or coffee at about 9:15 pm?

9. Not one person has answered my Christmas questionnaire. Come on people, I'm curious to know your answers.

10. I don't think there is a KitchenAide silicone baking set left in the south. My four sisters and I can't seem to find one anywhere that has what we want in red for our mother for Christmas.

11. My first baby went home today. Max is his new name and I know he went to a wonderful home with Danielle and her husband.

12. The snoring is getting louder.....

13. I want some good sweet fattening pralines. That is one thing that I cannot cook. I've tried and I still can't get it down pat.

Happy Friday Eve!!!

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!
1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

Odd Numbered Years

2005-12-15T05:40:00.000-08:00

Odd numbered years depress me. Why, you may ask? Because it is those years that LSUgirl (SR)spends Christmas eve and Christmas morning at her dads and "Santa" has to come early here. Having children of a different marriage sure can confuse things and put a kink into traditions. No watching Santa radar on the TV, no hearing Christmas bells outside our windows, no throwing Reindeer food outside for Rudolph and the others on the real Christmas eve. Instead, we will read "The Night Before Christmas" on the night before the night before Christmas.

On those awful odd years, we had to notify Santa far in advance that she wouldn't be here on Christmas morn, so we would ask him to come early, which he always did- isn't he a jolly, sweet, ole sole! Then on Christmas Eve, they would have to open up presents, play for about an hour, eat breakfast, get dressed and I would have to drive her about an hour to meet her dad.

Thank goodness that her dad and I get along and are real good friends. That was a pact we made when we amicably divorced 7 years ago. We've kept that promise for LSUgirl's sake. It makes it so much easier. No hard feelings, no yaya-in, no having to meet in a sheriff dept parking lot, no recorders, etc. Yeah, we had enough of that kind of relationship with the exwife while she was still alive. The kids really suffered and I am proud of myself and my ex for keeping things all about LSUgirl. She is much happier and healthier that way.

Back to my depression. So this year, my baby girl will be taken from me once again and I will be missing seeing her eyes on the real Christmas morning. Her dad and I have agreed that she will be raised in his Catholic faith, so they will be going to midnight mass without me. Sometimes I just wish I could be a clone.If I weren't married, I would be right there with them- not as a couple, but as a mom. I am one of those people that if I were not married and had a family of my own to take care of, the ex and I could share a place and be joint parents. He could date anyone he wants- as long as they are good to my baby. In fact, I think LSUgirl and I were more upset at his recent breakup with Tara than he was. She was really sweet and LSUgirl adored her and she was a Kindergarten teacher, so that says alot for her character right there in my eyes. Anyhow, she smoked and she had some wild kids, so that one was not for him. Poor LSUgirl has been trying to play cupid for years- she even tried to set up her dad with my older sister and my best friend's little sister (who is like my own lil' sis). Poor baby.

I know it could be a lot worse. I could not even have my child on earth with me, or I could be locked up somewhere or my child could be in a hospital bed. I am so very thankful that she is happy and healthy and able to have a huge family that adores her. She is the only granddaughter so they shower her with love, affection and gifts. She'll be happy on Christmas morning, but like every odd year- I'll get that sweet little phone call that says "Merry Christmas, mommy! I love you and miss you!" and I"ll go crawl in my closet for 5 minutes and squall like a baby, then I'll be good.

So to all you divorcees out there- I know what you go through on the holidays. Its rough, but if we do it right and focus on our children's happiness and put our differences and selfishness aside- they will be a better person. I have proof.

Christmas Questionnaire

2005-12-14T06:26:00.000-08:00

Here are some questions I thought would be neat to share...
If you do not celebrate Christmas or are of a different culture- please share your holiday and customs with us.

1. What is your favorite Christmas memory (child or adult)?

2. Have you ever had a "white" Christmas?

3. What is your alltime favorite gift you have received for Christmas?

4. Do you think our and our children's generation have forgotten the true meaning of Christmas and concentrate on the gift giving/receiving rather than the "Reason for the Season?"

5. What is on your Christmas list this year?

6. What is your favorite Christmas menu item (main dish, appetizer, whatever!)
Please provide the recipe.

7. What is your alltime favorite Christmas song?

Revelation

2005-12-14T06:01:00.000-08:00

I've been off work now since the first part of November and have really enjoyed it. I can sleep in if I want, I get to sit here and blog while sipping my morning coffee and I can come and go as I please- not stuck in a classroom all day unable to run one errand.

Don't get me wrong, I love my job but I really needed this break. I went back too early when I had the mastectomies and all it did was drain me more, so no regrets for taking the time off. I did, however, continue with school and my 12 graduate hours which kept me very busy, especially the last couple of weeks with finals and research papers, etc. You've read the blogs, you know what all I had to do. Anyhow, not that my classes are over for this semester, I am at a complete loss and it just hit me over the head that I may be addicted to school. Is that possible? I feel a huge void in my day and life not having to search frantically through the calendar to see what I have to do for the week.

I have no homework to consume me with, I don't have to make three trips to Monroe during the week, I get to stay home with my family and put a hot meal on the table for them (they eat ramen noodles on class nights- poor babies but they still love them), no stress of work and school and juggling everything all at once. This should completely elate me- so why do I feel at a loss and out of my element? Is it because I have been going to college for the majority of the last 19 years- not every sememster of course, but damn near.

Don't get me wrong- there is no reason for me to be bored. I have a million and one things to do around here- first and foremost- I must clean my office and desk off before my DH has a hissy fit. He "can't find anything", "how did I get so unorganized", "I hope your desk isn't going to look like this in our new bedroom"...yada yada yada. Yeah, yeah I know. One thing that has completely gone by the way side since I have been juggling my life is my organization skills and my incessent need to clean and have this house look imaculate. Not a good habit to lose when your husband's previous marriage consisted of a wife who never worked, never cooked, never cleaned and could live in filth and could be happy as a pig in slop (pardon the pun). So I spoiled him early on and now he wonders where in the world did his anal retentive, obsessive compulsive, perfection of a wife went when it comes to house cleaning and organizing. Bless his heart.

Anyhow. I really think I have issues with being addicted to school. What am I going to do with myself come July when I am completely finished? I WANT to sew, take an art class, maybe start making some pampered pet items which all sound fun to me. But what if my fried brain doesn't allow me to enjoy it?

Bottom line is that I have three more weeks until I go back to work and school. Thank goodness the hustle and bustle of wrapping presents, cooking, etc. will keep me busy. I just find myself wanting to run the roads, go shopping, spend money, buy people things, go visit people, etc. Yesterday, I spent the entire day with my mom, being her chauffer. We went to a senior citizen luncheon, to the mall and to Ruston to one of my favorite stores. I had a really good time just doing for her and having some us time. I could have bought out that store! I gotta get back to work before I am destitute! Haha.

Some Good Recipes

2005-12-12T18:30:00.000-08:00

Chews/Haystacks

From the kitchen of Dazy Mae

Ingredients
2 (12 ounce) packages Semi-sweet choc chips
1 (12ounce) package butterscotch chips
1 large can Chow Mein Noodles chow mein Noodles
Spanish peanuts, marshmallows, cashews, etc..

Directions
Melt all the chips together in a large pan over low heat, stirring constantly. Add noodles and stir to coat. Add whatever else you may desire, stirring to coat. Place on wax paper by spoonful and cool until set.

Scott's No-Bake Cookies

Ingredients
1 stick margarine
1/2 cup milk
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup cocoa
3 cups quick-cooking rolled oats
1/2 cup smooth-style peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions
Cover 2 cookie sheets with wax paper. Combine in a medium sauce pan the first 4 ingredients. Boil mixture on medium -high for 1 minute. Stir in the other 3 ingredients, mix well. Drop by spoonfuls onto covered cookie sheets. Refrigerate until firm.

Corn Casserole

Ingredients
1 can cream style corn
1 can whole corn (don't drain)
1 (8 ounce) container sour cream
2 eggs
1 stick butter (melted in baking pan first)
1 box Jiffy Corn Bread

Directions
Mix ingredients well, put in baking pan and bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes.

Watergate Salad (AKA Ambrosia)

Ingredients
2 small boxes sugar free Jell-O pistachio instant pudding
2 cans crushed pineapple in it's own juice
1 small container Cool Whip
pecans to taste

Directions
Mix the pudding and pineapple in a medium size bowl. Add the Cool Whip and fold together. Add pecans to taste. Chill until ready to serve.

Sausage Balls

Ingredients
3 cups Bisquick
10 ounces extra sharp cheese
1 pound hot sausage

Directions
Mix sausage with Bisquick. Add cheese. Form dough into balls, place on a greased cookie sheet and bake at 400 degrees for about 15 minutes. May be frozen before baking.

Enjoy!!!

Life of a Wife and Mother

2005-12-12T18:10:00.000-08:00

I love being a wife and mom and most days I consider it the best part of my life. Okay, I do have my days that I want to check out of mommy motel and go to singlesville but who doesn't.

I watched Wife Swap a little while ago and was amazed at this woman. She lived as a wife back in the 60s and truly believed in being totally submissive to her husband. Now I do have some old fashioned habits myself, like cooking for my family, fixing their plates and serving my husband his, but we have a very modern marriage, all things are split down the middle, sometimes I do more, sometimes he does more.

Anyhow, this chick stays at home all day and meets her husband at the door, takes his coat and shoes, brings him a drink, files his nails and gives him a manicure, etc. I'm sorry, I just think when a wife/mother works a full time job and goes to school like I do, it takes two to make the household run. Well, her living with a man for a week that does everything, including making his wife breakfast in bed must have given her a taste of the other side cause at the end of the show, her husband was serving her breakfast and was doing some cooking and helping out around the house.

I want to do this show so bad but my husband won't hear of it. I've filled out the app and all. Its ready to go. My luck, they'll put me with a man that thinks women shouldn't work or do anything but cater to their husband and that doesn't hold education as a high priority in their life.

Anyhow, I was just wondering if you could swap with another woman for a week, what yould you want to swap with and what do you thing the total opposite of you would be?

Such a cute idea!

2005-12-11T07:53:00.000-08:00

I borrowed this from Idgie while I was surfing some blogs.

Here's the deal:If you read this, if your eyes are passing over this right now, please post a comment with a completely made-up and fictional memory of you and me.

It can be anything you want (let's keep it rated PG-13, please, because I'm a prude that way) - good or bad - but it has to be fake.

Then copy the paragraph above on your own blog.

Sunday Seventeen

2005-12-11T06:50:00.000-08:00

Okay, I forgot Thursday, Friday and Saturday, so here goes Sunday's Seventeen.

1. I had the best time yesterday and last night.
2. My four sisters, mom and I had a pajama party.
3. We ate mexican for lunch, went to SteinMart, rented two movies, had shrimp alfredo from scratch for supper, watched two movies and sipped coffee and wine all night.
4. I was not impressed with the Mexican place.
5. Found one ornament at SteinMart- that makes three, need three more.
6. Watched Christmas with the Kranks and Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (both of which I had seen before, but it was fun laying around in our pjs watching them together.
7. Anne and I were the only ones who didn't fall asleep during Sisterhood- wimps.
8. My sister Rhonda snored like a freight train- right smack in my ear.
9. Wine and coffee do not mix well-which probably explained my stomach ache, although it could have been the reese's peanut butter cups.
10. We got up at the butt crack of dawn- 5:00 to be exact.
11. I drove home in my pajamas. Thank goodness I didn't get stopped. They'd have locked me up for "What Not to Wear!"
12. Only 8 days until my friend Beth comes to visit. She hasn't been home in 15 years. Boy is she going to be shocked at the things that have changed around here.
13. I am ALL DONE with finals and this semester.I have 4 weeks before I have to start back to school and 3 weeks before I have to go back to work.
14. We finally got our woodburning stove in- got wood too, now we need a log holder in the house. Must go find one today.
15. All my Christmas shopping is done, I think.
16. Weaning puppies from their momma is a dirty job. I have used a half of gallon of bleach in 3 days.
17. I am getting in the cooking mood. My grocery bill will be a fortune. Currently, it is looking like my part of the Christmas lunch menu will be: Cherries in the Snow, Sausage balls, english peas with pearl onions, Country corn casserole, tea cakes, buckeyes and a ding dong cake.

Well, in a nut shell, that is what is going on in my life on this cold weekend in North Louisiana.

Go Rams!

2005-12-08T17:53:00.000-08:00

Well, my heart is with you and I will be cheering you on from my living room.
My friend is mad at me cuz we've decided not to go to the game.
I was going, I promise- but things happened and now my gut tells me not to go.
Of course, things just keep happening-and I try to follow my gut.
Ever since I planned on it and bought the tickets, things have just gone down hill.
Then I get home tonight and darn if my dryer didn't go out.
So I guess I will take the money I had set aside to buy hoodies, the kids' tickets, the gas and motel bill and put it towards a new one or getting it fixed and stay warm in the process.

When it rains it poors. Sorry my friend, but I didn't do it on purpose.

Well, it is down to the final four on Survivor. Lydia, Rafe, Danni and Stephenie. I really hope Stephenie pulls it out. She was on the last one and her sorry team couldn't win jack. I would love to see her win the 1M.

Oh, B, guess who is going to be on the Today show on Friday morning? You guessed it, your man BO BICE. I will have to watch that. The advertisement did not do him justice though because he was very off tune with that song he was singing.

Well, for all my friends and family out there with their teeth chattering to cheer our beloved Rams on to victory- my heart is with all of you- don't be too angry with me. And if you are- just get glad in the same pants you got mad in sister.

Happy Friday all.
GO RAMS GO! Do it one more time!!!