Sunday, December 15, 2013

Morning Peace And Quiet?

I've been out of writing . . . again just because I haven't prioritized "writing" time as well as diligent bloggers do.  I've also been missing reading some of my favorites since Google dropped Google Reader, but anyway . . .

I was catching up on all the buzz of my family and friends on Facebook this morning.  One of my friends posted a beautiful picture of her tree and commented about the peace and beauty of the morning before everyone gets up.  I can relate to this feeling--often pre-dawn hours before the other 4 (the dog gets up with me) in the house are up and needing is a blessed time.


Then my husband comes down the stairs at an early hour for him on a Sunday.  "Do you hear that?  I think we have a cat in our house?"  After exploring, I think we have two cats that are courting just below our bedroom window.  Who knew cats could make such noises (more like a wild beast sound) and so loud?!?!?  I tried to pick up a little snowball to toss toward them to scare them away--the ground is now frozen after yesterday's rain/ice.  I walked outside and tried to yell at them.  I got about six yards away--they still did not move and continued making noises.  I saw Pet Cemetery when I was young--and I am certain the one cat (though it was too dark outside to confirm) was giving me that look with accompanying sound.  I went back inside.  Not wanting to spend time getting my rabies shots a week before Christmas, I ran inside and locked the door (the door locking was just in case Stephen King was in town!)!


So much for peace and harmony!  Tis the season!

Friday, December 13, 2013

Stupid Gifts Blog

I think someone ought to start a "Stupid Gifts" blog.  I have the first item that he or she may want to review.  I was standing in line to purchase a gift after work one day, and I scanned the "stocking stuffers" displayed.  Of course these items are always under $10 and meant as an add-on because after standing in line for ten minutes, you have convinced yourself that someone you know cannot live without this item.  I did not, however, fall into the marketing trap.  I was laughing at the desperateness of coming up with said items.

The winner of the stupidest item on the rack was the head scratcher.  As my joints no longer bend the way they used to, I get the back scratcher.  But a head scratcher?!?!?  It actually would require a more complicated body contortion than would be worth it.  Actually, the item itself for some reason really creeps me out; it reminds me of a spider trying to eat my head.  Who knows . . . maybe I should go back and purchase one to have wrapped under the tree for that hard-to-buy-for person.  Naw . . . a box of chocolates is much more practical!

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Yahoo! Pour Me Another Cup of Coffee!

I really love my coffee.  I love holding a warm mug (yes--even in summer) and just sipping.  I am not a coffee connoisseur, though.  I have been known to warm the same cup of Tim Horton's coffee at school a few times, then finish it on the way home.  Coffee is best when it is hot and strong (I don't even need the caffeine).  I THINK I drink a lot of coffee--but I really don't.  I probably actually drink about 16 ounces a day.  I was relieved when I saw this article from NPR: How many cups of coffee per day is too many?


According to this article, a person can consume no more than four eight-ounce cups of coffee per day before significant health side-effects take place.  Wow--that's a lot of coffee!  Even better news--coffee consumption has little effect in people over 55 . . . well, that it quite some time away.

I know this does not mean that the amount I drink per day is healthy, but it doesn't make my habit seem quite so bad.  I'm off to pour a one-inch "warmer" into my mug.

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

What ever happened to the $25 oil change?

Last week, in preparation for a couple long drives, I took my van in for that simple oil change.  The FrenchFry mobile (as I term it for that permanent smell it gets with kids) has 70,000 miles on it.  I had not had the "good" oil change in a while--so I sprung for the $50 oil change.  Of course, this yielded discoveries that I walked out of the place after spending $175.  Yuck!  Nonetheless, I felt safe knowing it was checked over before my trips.

But . . . it just couldn't be that easy.  It was rainy on our trip to Indiana.  Every time we (my husband drove TO our destination; I drove HOME) pushed on the brakes, the entire van shimmied . . . a hole bunch.  This has been occurring for some time, but my husband pointed out that this amount of movement is not normal.  I agreed to take it to the dealership this time to get checked out.

Well . . . the $90 brake inspection yielded two repairs totaling $1,200!

Nearly $1500 later, my van should be ready for this weekends trip to grandmas.  I am so glad I got that $20 oil change!!!!!!

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Where is Amsterdam?

Nearly every day one of my children says something that is funny, shocking, awe-inspiring, or just plain . . . uh . . . well . . . dumb.  My middle child were talking about a book that she finished (which I recommended).  I was thrilled that she actually read something!  But then it came . . .

"I didn't know Amsterdam wasn't in the United States!"




Can you hear the crickets chirping in the shocked silence?!?!?

"Uh no, honey.  Have you ever heard of Anne Frank?  Tulips?  Windmills?  The Red Light District?  Anything?"  Our education dollars at its finest.


Sewing restart?

I don't think I've really touched my sewing machine in about two years.  Not sure why.  I'm not very good, never had a lesson, but I come from a family (grandmother, aunt, and mother--who made my wedding dress!) who have excellent sewing skills.  Well--I literally blew the dust off my machine to sew an ipad cover.

We were given ipads for the summer because our school will be implementing them for all eighth graders for the first time in the fall.  However, we did not get a cover/case . . . those will be coming in August.  I could not wait for one, nor was I going to shell out money for one, either.  Then I came across a pattern/tutorial on Pinterest.  I've never really followed a pattern, but my result cost me ZERO dollars (scrap fabric and batting I had sitting around).  I bet it took me less than an hour.  Had some difficulty in figuring it out, but it meets my needs.  I pulled the top center down to see the black-n-yellow polka dot lining.  Now . . . what to work on next?!?!

Pattern I tried to follow can be found HERE.

Saturday, May 11, 2013

Reading Story #1

I would classify my husband as a non-reader.  In fact, he refers to the Chelsea Handler "trilogy" as the greatest work of literature in the 21st century.  Enough said.  He has been reading more for his academic program and for his job.  When he came home from work last night, he told me he has a book he'd like to recommend that he thinks I would like.  Really?!?  Some common reading interest!!!  I'm listening!

My husband would like me and my high school daughters David Allen's Getting Things Done.  (I think he was a speaker he arranged at work).  At this point I'm still happy and still listening.  He proceeds to tell me how this book will make me "more efficient."  Oooops!  Mistake #1.

Perhaps the look for murder in my eyes was his first clue (he actually caught on!) . . . let the backpeddaling begin!  Stammering, he proceeds, "I mean . . . uh . . . it is about making lists to free your mind . . . um . . . and . . . uh . . .  I know you have a lot going on  . . . uh . . ."

Glaring continues.

"Uh . . . I thought since you do so much, this will help you feel like you have more time to yourself."

Glaring eases.  He should have stopped there, but he's male.

"And . . . uh . . . if you and the girls are more productive, then there will be less for me to do?!?!?" At this point both my daughter and I kicked him out of the room.

Things to add to my list--make a dog house for my husband.

Monday, January 14, 2013

He Doesn't Ask For Much #2

It had been a typical crazy five day week back to school after two weeks off.  I had to take a vanload of girls to a visitation, and we were waiting for the daddy-of-the-house to get home to take my son to his basketball practice.

"Hey, mom?" he asked.  "Do you think maybe I could get a new pair of shoes sometime soon?"

"Sure," I replied.  "Maybe this weekend.  Are yours getting too tight?"

"No.  I noticed the one has a crack at the bottom."

I asked him to show me the shoes:

Once I recovered from the shame of not knowing his shoes were so worn, I told him we would go tonight to get new ones.  By the time my husband had gotten home and I relayed the information, my son had brought down piggy bank money to pay for his new shoes.  He truly is the sweetest.  Needless to say, he has new shoes AND still has all his piggy bank money.