Jamie & Us Now and Forever

Oh really I didn't know that...I am so glad you told me!

2012-01-18T21:20:00.002-05:00

I am getting the to age where I would love to impart my wisdom unto others.

I remember the first time, I had recently graduated from college and my cousin was still in high school. I realized I could save him some pain and expense if he would take my advice about Math. "Take math in high school and learn all you can while it is free," I told him. I had had to pay for 3 college courses in math, Beginning Algebra, Intermediate Algebra and College Algebra so I could take Statistics which was the required course for my major.

I don't know that he took my advice on that topic, but he recently told me I turned him on to some cool bands in the 80's most notably Gang of Four.

When I was at the paper I loved helping folks and showing tips and tricks to get work done quickly.

I used to attend Alanon meetings and loved telling things that would help others, like "He who angers me controls me" or "Resentment is the poison I drink hoping the other person will die."

Then there is my favorite Computer shortcut I want to share with everyone-Window D...I just love that quick trick to reduce all windows down to the bottom so you can see your desktop - See I even want to impart wisdom while writing this post - LOL.

For some reason when my mom has wisdom to impart I cringe inside and don't want to listen. I feel like she constantly wants to tell me the right way to be...

"You know you aren't supposed to tell the child to clean her plate, it could lead to obesity..." (and she is obese and I have been flirting with it for years)
or
"When I cook I always do it this way..." (She never cooks anymore)
or
"Do you measure your cat's foods each day so they won't get fatter" (Her cat is fatter than my cats)
or
"Have you ever cleaned out your garbage disposal/dishwasher etc. etc etc?"

I will quit here, enough said...I just wish I didn't get so defensive and reactive.

If I could just smile gracefully and say "Oh! I didn't know that! I am so glad you told me!" it would be so much better.

Wish I could be the patient loving nuturing daughter...

Our winter is outside time

2012-01-15T23:10:00.002-05:00

Jamie hasnt learned to ride without training wheels yet. To tell you the truth I may ask a younger more fit friend to run alongside her and help her learn. Pitiful I know, but I just can't run more then 30 feet or so and she won't do it without one of us beside her.

She did get a new scooter for Christmas and that does seem to be helping her balance. She just isn't interested in giving the bike another try without the training wheels.

I take her and Samson to the park quite often and the scooter is what she chooses to bring. Lots of folks at the park which is good in some ways but not so good for Samson. I don't feel ok letting him off the leash when there are others at the park, as dogs are not supposed to be running free.

Some mornings when I don't go in right away, I take Sammy to a small park that is fenced in and I walk the sidewalk while encouraging him to rip and roar around.

We really do spend more time outside here in the winter than in the summer. In the summer it's so hot I either want to be in my pool or inside. Winter is the out and about time.

How is your winter going?

Walking the walk and Talking the Talk

2012-01-12T19:45:00.002-05:00

I am learning to be a realtor...and what I have learned is you just have to do something...anything. The key is to get in front of people every day and let them know you are in real estate and could help if they would like to buy or sell their homes.

So I am out getting in front of them. Now that I have a listing in my neighborhood I decided I need to let folks in the neighborhood know that I am an agent and am doing business here. I have my name on the sign now, so now to reinforce it somehow.

But how?

Yes I could mail them all something... There are 702 houses in our neighborhood. And my brokerage doesn't pay for postage. But they do let you make color copies...hmmmm. So why not walk it around? They say face to face is best for meeting folks anyway.

So I developed a newsletter, called it My Neighborhood's Real Estate Journal and wrote an article about how great the neighborhood is, got another article from our local Realtors association and finally a small article about my new listing. Then on the other side I put 3 larger photos of the new listing with the information about it...

I started my 'Door Knocking' Campaign yesterday, did 20 houses yesterday. Today I did 30 houses this morning and another 30 this afternoon. For each 30 doors knocked on I typically talk to between 6-8 folks. So ninety down, 612 to go.

They say Rome wasn't built in a day.

Tis the Season

2011-12-30T22:27:00.010-05:00

If Jamie had her way we would be on the go every day and night...which we pretty much have been.

The beginning of the month was crazy with studying for my state real estate exam...I studied most of Nov and beginning of Dec but managed to pass my test on my first try and then got to do more classes courtesy of my new company.

I wrote my first listing last week with the help of my broker, but it goes live next week as they wanted to wait until after the holidays. It is a neighbor who cooincidently wanted to sell his house the week I passed my test. I happened to stop by to inquire about his new baby and mentioned passing my exam and wow this could be fun...

Anyway, lots of Jamie's friends have birthdays in December (three of her best friends!) and her birthday is next week. Poor baby would love a party but I have convinced her to wait until summer for a pool party again.

Our Christmas was awesome, Jamie got her coveted Monster High dolls (thanks Uncle Larry) a Hello Kitty scooter from Grandma Judy, a bike from Grandma Fifi and a Android tablet and zhuzhe universe from her Grandpa and Grandma Char and her new Aunt Jen Ron and Uncle Bruce sent her a handmade Chinese princess dress. Everyone was extra generous this year which was great because our income is down this season.

Mike and I got candy and the pleasure of seeing our little girls pleasure. Life is good.

Now to get busy.

Jamie's Fifth Christmas

2011-12-25T10:51:00.003-05:00

Wonderful Christmas morning, Merry Christmas everyone!!

Crazy busy but loving life

2011-12-17T22:35:00.002-05:00

I am a licensed Real Estate associate! I passed my state test and have signed with a local broker here in town that I used to be the rep for when I was at the paper.

I feel like this is a good fit for me and my skill set and it's my passion. I hope I excel at it and make a good living for my family.

We went out to eat the night I passed my state test for the first time in four months. Jamie picked Fridays.

And I think I may have my first listing!

WIsh me luck, I will try to post more now that I am done with the crush of studying!

Tee shirt rug using Hula Hoop

2011-11-28T14:50:00.002-05:00

From this site:

http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/hula-hoop-rug-995304/

This looks so cool! Hoping to try it sometime. This pattern says it works best with boys size large tee shirts with a 33" hoop. So I am guessing that you could use a smaller hoop, say 28 for girls 4t.

Cool idea huh? Love this magazine and thanks Tara for the FB post about this great idea to recycle favored tees.

Destructive Sleepovers

2011-11-03T23:19:00.003-04:00

Jamie has a BFF who when she sleeps over there is always some sort of horrendous mess and most recently destruction has become the norm.

They have learned to be quiet after they are put to bed and to do a real number on her room while we think they are sleeping.

Friday night they went to bed and proceeded to take all her books out, most of her dolls and toys. They also used magic markers on the Hello Kitty bed sheets (they colored in the clouds) and also on furniture and the hand painted waistbasket.

Last time they dumped all her toys out and the Moon Sand all over everything.

On a regular play date last summer they climbed the walls in the bathroom tearing the porcelain double towel bar down off the wall. (Which is of course no longer being sold at Home Depot - I found it on Ebay for $400!)

They love each other so much but I just can't handle this mess and destruction! I had the girls do over an hour cleaning up the room Saturday morning, and Jamie and I still worked for another 2 hours that afternoon to get it back in shape.

I really do love their friendship and both sets of parents enjoy the Adult time when the kiddies are at their friends, but really!

Our country isn't really number one anymore

2011-10-23T21:49:00.003-04:00

Ok as someone who has recently become unemployed I have given some thoughts to the state of employment and unemployment in our country today.

One of my former colleagues, let's call him 'Ray' who normally was not very outspoken with the management team told our managers last year that 'they could treat us as badly as they wanted as they knew we couldn't easily find another job'. (this didn't go over well, in fact another colleague who spouted off in that meeting was fired a week later).

Ray was really was so succinctly true in that statement. Think about it. Most of the folks I know who are employed are pretty miserable in their job. I mean from all different sectors.

First of all the corporate sector:

I recently worked for corporation in a failing industry. The newspaper industry once enjoyed HUGE revenues and profits for producing a product most consumers in the market bought and invited into their home. A trusted source for news and information. And yes the newspaper is still trusted and purchased. But by fewer and fewer people each year. There is just so much competition out there for information, they are struggling to maintain any sort of healthy market share and although there is still revenue coming in it is nowhere near what they were used to before the housing bubble burst.

This is also happening in manufacturing, telecommunications and even the health care industry. Profit has become number one and since the profits are down the employees seem to bear the brunt of it. Ok so that is the corporate sector.

Then there is the education sector (which is really part of government/state services). Working for either is no longer a stable job you can count on being in for the rest of your life. I have a friend who was 'downsized' from her job with the state, (and is now on government paid disability) and a husband who teaches high school in a failing school. He is contantly struggling to keep up with the myriad of demands from his school administration, the county, school board and the state. He is at school Mon-Friday from 6:30 am to 6pm every day and works on grading papers and tests, lesson plans, rubrics and countless other tasks that seem never-ending. There is rarely a time when he can take more than 20 minutes to be with his family. He has been to church with us 2 times since school started back. He is constantly told he needs to work smarter, better and faster and provide more with less. He has aged five years in 10 weeks.

We have all heard of pensions being repealed and retired folks losing benefits they thougth were theirs for a lifetime. Nothing is a sure thing these days.

I am not sure about the military sector but do know of several folks in the service who are getting out this year.

The retail/service industry seems to be thriving. I have asked those who work for Rent A Car, Cable, Pool Stores etc how they like their jobs. The answers have varied but usually are along "It's a job and it's ok until the economy shifts."

Will it shift? Or the optimistic way to say it is when will it shift?

As someone who is now unemployed after almost 19 years with the same company I have a different outlook now. Our country needs help and it needs it soon. Why must health insurance be either unattainable or $500/month?

And why is it so hard for any family to live on one income? My parents did it, lots of folks did it, but it just isn't done anymore.

I just think it's crazy.

We live in the so called best country in the world.

I think we are slipping.

The deal was...

2011-10-16T18:44:00.002-04:00

Ok so this is one of Jamie's new sayings...I can't believe it...It just seems so adult...

She said "The deal was.." when explaining a twist in the Barbie Mermaid movie. I asked her what that meant and she responded, "That means if you don't follow the directions that you stay a mermaid forever"

Great day!

2011-10-15T12:32:00.002-04:00

Not just because it's my Birthday. Life is just grand for some reason.

Yes still no job.

I am thinking of becoming a realtor and am exploring options and next steps to see if this is realistic.

Some say because of the economy that it isn't a good option.

But it's my passion. When given the choice I have on House Hunting or Flipping Out on the television and have spent countless hours on zillow and realtor dot com. What can I say, I just love looking at houses for sale.

I spent the last 6 years of my recent tenure as an ad representative working with the real estate sector, mainly agents and brokers so I have some background.

Now I just need to go through Real estate school, pass the test, get licenced and get more training and mentoring to become what I have always wanted to be.

It's my passion and you know what they say about passion...

Busy Busy Busy!

2011-09-25T09:43:00.003-04:00

Wow not much time to post, but life is good. This is the first time in over 20 years that I don't report to someone else to carry out their agenda.

My and my family's agenda every day all the time.

And there still isn't enough time.

Or enough money.

Wish there was more of both.

This is what has been filling my days lately:

Garage sale prep, Sunday school prep, Getting my health taken care of (Using up health benefits, getting new insurance etc. Trying to get over cold or seasonal allergies), getting this house in order, enjoying my pool now that the water is finally under 90 degrees and refreshing to swim in, Working with my new school age child on homework and behavior issues, Reading a bit...

Miraculously NOT worrying about finding a new job or that the money won't stretch enough, or feeling any bitterness or resentment about my recent job loss.

Wow.

Unemployed

2011-09-02T22:39:00.003-04:00

Well I don't want to say too much on here but I lost my job this week.

I worked for that company for over 18 years.

I am still in a bit of a state of shock, but I think I am going to be fine.

I feel fine, really Almost relieved.

What does life have for me next?

My Baby is in REAL School!

2011-08-27T07:40:00.006-04:00

The first week was a bit rocky. Jamie wasn't at all ready to be dropped off at the front door as is their policy. Luckily Kindergarteners are allowed special treatment. So each day I would park the car and walk her into the school and then down the long narrow Kindergarten/First & Second grade hallway.

On Friday they changed the rule, no more walking her down the hallway.

We will see how it goes on Monday when I can't get out of the car anymore!

Love the thunder

2011-08-13T17:33:00.002-04:00

Listening to the thunderstorm rolling in on a Saturday afternoon is one of my favorite things to do on a day off.

Earlier I went to a workshop at church to take part in being a teacher for our Religious exploration program for the young 'Spirit Play' class. I hope I have what it takes, but I am willing to give it a try.

Jamie will be in the classroom I teach. We will see how that goes. The teacher from last year has had some issues with Jamie and he spelled some of them out today during the workshop.

Yes he pointedly brought up two occasions where Jamie hasn't gone along with the group.

He has done this before most recently at a church pool party where he shouted at me about Jamie climbing 'UP' the waterslide. And his child tried it and got hurt.

Yup, my child is challenging. She is very strong willed and wants to do what she wants to do.

His complaints this time were that Jamie won't always sit in the circle during Circle Time, (She prefers to sit in a bean bag chair instead of with the group.

And Jamie wears jewelry or clothes (like High Heels or a tiara) that are a distraction.

I got a little defensive. I really don't like being told my child isn't a good girl. I really felt like he was basically telling me he didn't like her.

And maybe he doesn't. That is part of life I guess. Not everyone is goiing to like my child or me for that matter.

So now I am sitting listening to the thunder.

Summer trip

2011-07-29T10:41:00.005-04:00

Wow the summer is almost gone and so is our vacation. I know they say not to post that you are on vacation, so as not to let the friends of friends know your house is unattended but we have someone staying there.

And I let it out on FB already.

We have been up to Michigan to stay for a full week where I visited cousins, stepsisters and nieces/nephews and uncles and my Dad. We stayed with Dad the whole time, it was hard for him, he is 80 and not used to his routine being upset. Not that he changed his routine all that much but the rugs got out of place a bit (After I cleaned all the floors), lights were left on, his bathroom was used by a five year old who left the fan on and the door ajar, etc etc.

We visited my Cousin Kris who is my best friend/cousin. She is the one I must never miss seeing while up there, and we never do miss it. She lives across the street from the lake but we didn't make it out to the lake any of the days we were there. We mainly visited and taught them 'the game' (Settlers of Catan which I am addicted to and am trying to pass my addiction on to as many loved ones as possible)

I also went to a small family gathering and saw cousins and children of cousins and grandchildren of cousins that I barely know anymore. But it was great...everyone we visited had a bit of a rural flavor to their home.

We are now in North Carolina after a 14.5 hour trip that should have taken 11.5 hours, staying at my brother in law Bruce's. Bruce lives on a large lot (over an acre) and is so far from town that my cell doesn't work out here. Kind of nice, no phone but internet.

Jamie is now eagerly awaiting going to the movies to see Zookeeper for a matinee on our last day here. We haven't done alot for Jamie here in N. Carolina, as we mainly just hang in the house visiting. I would rather take her somewhere to run off some energy but it is 100 degrees out there already and it isn't noon yet.

They have bowling and roller skating there too, but she picked the movies. Maybe we can find an inside play place.

We brought the dog and I don't think Mike really wanted to. But Samson has been great. He is so mellow and great on trips. Mike has even said what a great decision it was to bring him. This vacation has been mostly about visiting rather than going to attractions as money is a bit tight this year. So no Cedar Point (which I love) No Hershey Park (Which Jamie Loves) and no Museums or Presidential Burial grounds (which Mike loves).

Just sitting and resting. Which is really what a vacation should be. I know I needed it.

When is the last time you went on a sitting and resting vacation? I think this was my first.

Summer time Life - Kittens & Sleepovers

2011-07-11T20:08:00.003-04:00

Jamie's BFF is Emmie, the blond in the photos. She also goes to our church. We make sure there is alot of 'Emmie time' as it is really important to Jamie to see her often. Emily's mom recently informed me they may move back to the Northwest next year when she is done with college. I hope this doesn't happen - it will be so sad for Jamie and for Emmie.

These kittens are at a neighbors down the street from us. Jamie and I were going by there a couple/few times a week to pick up and handle the kittens to help domesticate them.

Did you know if a kitten isn't handled by a human between 4 & 8 wks old they will prbably never become a good house pet? They need that imprinting at that very crucial time. Apparently we didn't over often enough as they are both running from everyone now.

Destined to be yard cats just like their parents.

Summer time Life - more baseball

2011-07-11T20:05:00.003-04:00

Summer time Life - Part 1 Ballgames

2011-07-11T19:30:00.004-04:00

I didn't post the photo of Jamie crying because of the scary Ronald McDonald the next section over. We have gone to a couple of games already this year and will probably go to a few more.

One of the benefits of where I work is Season tickets right behind home plate. Our home baseball team is a Minor league team and the park allows usage of unused tickets any Sunday - Thursday. And since Jamie is very much enamored of being in crowds in any capacity she loves going to the Baseball game!

My baby is growing up

2011-06-18T08:04:00.002-04:00

Ballerina days

2011-06-18T07:59:00.002-04:00

Doggy Guilt

2011-06-04T00:12:00.003-04:00

Finally photos

2011-06-03T21:23:00.002-04:00

Jamie loves her teacher Ms Pearl. I don't think she realizes she is about to not see her and be with her anymore!

Cutting up at Dance class

Playing guitar at Ms Michelles (Samson's first mommy)

So she really seems to love her dog, except when he eats her shoes or dolls which happens alot still. Good thing I buy most of her shoes at the thrift and consinment stores. The dolls that were ate were new though. It really doesn't bother me a whole lot for some reason. I guess I am really taken with this dog. He is a sweetheart. No more potty accidents - at least not for about 3-4 weeks so that is good. I just make sure my shoes are put up, especially my Birks.

Jamie will be leaving the school/daycare that she has been going to every day since she was 2 in 2 weeks. I am afraid that there will be some meltdowns when we get closer. Just this morning she was shouting she wanted her Dad to come to the Dads day party they will be having later in the month. She won't be there so no Dads day for her and Daddy. Hope she handles it well.

I have her signed up for Arts camp at the magnet school she will be attending this fall. The arts camp runs 3 wks after school ends. Then she will stay home with daddy most of the summer. We will go on vacation or stay on staycation during that time. Then right before school starts we are putting her in the local YMCA camp for a couple of weeks. That will give her another opportunity to be with new kids and also to swim every day and have some fun before school starts.

Then back to Pine Forest. This magnet school has won 'Best elementary Magnet school in the country'. It is the only dedicated arts Magnet school here in this county and is really sought after. More than 200 kids tried to get in and Jamie made it! She is in for the duration of her elementary school career. Then if she is good at dance or art or writing she can go to the Middle & High magnet schools but she will have to audition to make it there.

So it starts...My baby is becoming a child, a person of her own right.

Wah!

I Phonified

2011-05-30T15:10:00.003-04:00

Ok I resisted for as long as I could. Mike has been hinting about that he would like new phone and I beat him to it.

Ok, gotta get back to it!

Do they make bitter apple for kids?

2011-05-22T21:15:00.002-04:00

My child still sucks her fingers while self soothing at bedtime. Always while holding her Lovey Waddy.
Anyway the dentist said she could develop buck teeth so he recommended this bitter apple stuff.

I can only find the formulation intended for dogs.

Any help out there?

Meet our new dog Samson!!

2011-05-17T23:00:00.002-04:00

These photos are all from 2 months ago, so Samson is bigger. He was about 34 lbs when we got him and is now 47 lbs now. The vet has assured me he will be a 50 lb adult. I am thinking he may have calculated on the low side as Samson is about 7 months old now and will have some more growing to do. Or maybe not. It won't be the end of the world I guess. I really didn't want a large dog. But he is so mellow and great. He is wonderful with the kids. He lets the girls dress him up and bundle him up and just sits through it patiently. He loves to play and loves to rest... My kind of dog. Everyone who meets him comments what a nice dog he is.

He does have a chewing issue. He has chewed the hands and feet off of Jamies Barbies and last night moved on to the baby dolls. I bought some bitter stuff but who wants to pour that stuff on everything.

We use the crate during the day and he sleeps in Jamie's room at night. I didn't want to use the crate but he seems to be ok with it and my house isn't getting destroyed. It also keeps the potty accidents from occurring while we aren't here.

All in all we are pretty happy with him, he is so sweet and loving.

Photos are almost all back!

2011-05-09T19:36:00.002-04:00

Mike figured out how I can see around this HUGE firewall Windows apparently installs with Windows 7! SO I can now connect to the External Hard Drive. Now he just needs to transfer the photos from the 'Book' a portable external Hard drive he put them on last month.

Anyway, I haven't had access to any of the recent photos since last fall. That is why I haven't been posting any photos on the blog. I hope he gets me fully connected tonight.

Meanwhile here is a somewhat recent family photo from our neighborhood Christmas party in December.

How Soon is NOW!!!???

2011-04-22T19:23:00.004-04:00

Ok this is ridiculous! Time for some photos!

I have been unable to connect to our book or external hard drive for many months. Has anyone noticed there hasn't been any photos of Jamie lately? Or of any personal nature?

Mike is 'tech' in our home. He has been assuring me he will get this done soon. I know honey but how soon is soon?

Have you heard of :

How Soon is Now???

Lol, anyone catch that that is a Smith's Song? One of the best songs to dance to in the 80's...Ahhhh brings back memories.

Anyway, I am trying not to nag but this is crazy. I have many posts built up to write that go along with the missing photos!

The Determined Struggle has ended!

2011-04-21T22:24:00.004-04:00

The year of career hell has finally ended. I haven't posted alot about this situation as I know people have gotten in trouble with mixing blogging with their jobs. Most of my friends and any readers who have been around over a year might know that I had a woman boss join the company in Oct 2009 who I butted heads with.

Many coworkers left our department (13!!) and even one boss left during her 15 month reign. This may not sound like a lot but our department is only about 12 total folks. Many people thought I would be among the ones who left. That I would leave either from being fired or by quitting because of how miserable I was.

A friend who worked there had a book about Horoscopes in relationships. When you turned to the page with her birthday week and mine the title was 'Determined Struggle'.

But I was determined. Determined to hang on to a job I love, where I have worked for years. (18 years last month!) I help my accounts get a ROI or return on their investment, in other words what I sell helps their business to be profitable.

I am not entirely sure why she was let go. I think it had something to do with 3 sales reps leaving in as many weeks the end of the year. All three cited this manager as the reason they were leaving the company. One of them wrote a several page diatribe listing her faults.

Thanks Deb, Peg and Amy. You were the footsoldiers in the final battle.

I am a survivor.

PS. At our church retreat last weekend I had my fortune told with tarot cards. She told me to shuffle the deck and decide what I wanted to hear about, career, money, love,family etc. I chose for the reading to focus my career.

The first card represented my career past. It was a queen of swords. She told me that I had just completed a pretty intense battle of some length and that now it was in the past. The next card was the present and it was Pan - a time of contentment. The future card was the Queen of Cups who I was told was about Love and positive energy. Here is what

this site

suggests the Queen of Cups means in the Future Position as it was in my reading.

When this card is in the future position, you are headed toward a date with contentment. Aim high in the present, as knowing that you will be encountering the Queen of Cups can give you confidence to take risks in love and life, career and college. Family and friends are going to be a great part of your future, so make sure you know where you stand with them and they with you.

More contentment and the confidence to take risks!! Wow.

Gosh it feels good to feel good about going to work again!

Life is good!

2011-04-13T22:45:00.002-04:00

Too busy to blog lately, but I realized today life is pretty good here in the Jamie and us household.

My immediate supervisor is no longer with the company. Yes we all no what that means in corporate speak.

They announced my new boss this week and it's someone at the company I know and like and also know she likes and respects me. Wow. This will be so different. Yay for me!

Our new dog Samson is working out beautifully. I was reluctant to listen to the crate trainers out there, but you were right! Thanks to you all! and you know who you are! It has helped immensely. We haven't had one potty accident and just a few chewed shoes (one of each of ours) He is so obedient and ready to please for the most part, a typical 'golden' child. He really isn't a pure golden retriever, but he looks a lot like one but a bit smaller with shorter hair.

I took him out for a solo bike ride myself tonight and he has potential to be the dog I always wanted that will jog along side of me (or along side of Jamie) while we ride bikes. Got to figure out how to get him to quit crossing in front of me though. LOL

And Jamie got into the Arts Magnet school we had hoped for her. It will put her on the Arts Magnet track all the way through High School so that means we don't have to move to a better area for her school.

If we are able to so be it. But no pressure. Not only that but kids in schools where the parents and the kids want to be there do so much better in their education as well as their lives.

I just feel this is going to be a great year for us.

Now if I could just get my photos downloaded where I could get to them sometime soon so I could post them online. Oh well not everything can be perfect!

Happy Spring everyone, how is your world?

Mini Vaca

2011-03-30T21:02:00.005-04:00

We just spent 4 days and 3 nights in Orlando, doing what we normally do on vacation these days, going to a water park Sunday (Blizzard Beach – our fave) and then a relaxing day on Monday, then The Magic Kingdom yesterday and another low profile day today.

I know I said no vacations until the kitchen is paid off (will it ever be!?) but this little vaca didn’t put us out for too much. We already had the theme park admissions as we do the Magic Your Way for multi days. If you upgrade to the water park option you get 6 extra days in the water parks over and above your 6 days in the big parks. The trick is to use all the Water Park days before using your last ‘Big Park’ day, once you use up your Big Park days the ticket is done.

Our favorite lodgings ‘The Enclave’ gave us a complimentary day to use so we only had to pay for 2 out of the 3 nights we stayed there. $200 isn’t bad for 2 nights in a 2 br 2 bath condo complete with fridge, dishwasher and microwave, not to mention 3 pools (One inside), Jacuzzis, gym, children’s playground etc. They just raised their Florida resident rate – from $89 to $102/night, but this time we stayed in one that was fully updated including Granite and Stainless steel appliances, new carpets and tasteful décor. So I guess they are updating the units and the rate will be higher to reflect that. I really was ok with the out of date furniture and the Formica, but it was nice.

The Tab: $200 Lodgings; $100 for food at the Fresh Market (2 trips) and $60 for lunch at Magic Kingdom and dinner at Blizzard Beach, $40 for Fridays meal on Monday; $120 for a couple of Walmart runs to get sunscreen, swimmies for Jamie, Benadryl for me etc. and a $75 tank of gas. $595 total. Not too bad, Fresh Market pushed it up quite a bit as we got some fancy steak, empanadas, Rice, pasta and asparagus salads and organic chocolate ice cream bars…woulda been a lot less if we only ate sandwiches.

Some reflections on the Magic Kingdom this go around:
A. Too bad they closed Toon Town. Jamie really liked the Goofy Barnstormer Roller coaster, just right for little daredevils and it has room for Mom or Dad as well. I hear tell they will be opening that section as an expanded part of Fantasyland and reopen the Goofy roller coaster, and will also have some new stuff: some sort of a Circus something and something about Ariel under the Sea. They didn’t mention whether or not they would be bringing back Mickey and Minnie’s houses, which were pretty cute or the Princess Encounters.

B. Over 2 hour wait for a Meet and Greet@!?!?! They had Rapunzel in what was formerly Belle’s enchanted garden. Belle used to do a little stage show with singing and what not but this was just hundreds of little girls standing in line for hours just to get up close to Rapunzel and her dude Flynn Rider! Seriously who does this? We had forgotten Jamie’s autograph book this time so we skipped any of the ‘character encounters.’ Jamie didn’t seem to mind too much.

C. Rides/Attractions in order:

1. Small World One of Jamie’s faves, looks like they may have refurbished it a bit, had some fantasy characters I don’t remember seeing in there. Also NO LINE!

2. Merry go round – can’t miss this, though we did skip Dumbo as we didn’t get here when the park opened. Dumbo isn’t even 90 seconds long so it isn’t worth any kind of wait and there is usually at least a 45 minute wait for it.

3. Mickey’s Philharmonic show (Jamie’s first real 3D encounter- they say toddlers can’t see the three D and I can attest to that, this time she was reaching towards the screen for Flounder and Mickey, last time she couldn’t even see with the 3D glasses on

4. Snow White’s Scary adventure -this one is kind of dark with lots of witch women

5. Winnie the Pooh which had new kids encounter activities all along the front where the kids could pound mallets to get the gophers to come out, move the honeybees. ‘Paint’ with honey and other fun stuff. WTG Disney for coming up with something to keep the kids from getting crazy bored. Wish they could develop this sort of thing for all the kids’ rides.

5.5 attempt to do the Rapunzal encounter with some photos taken from afar

6. Tomorrowland where I ran to get Space Mountain Fast Passes; People mover -This was great! Skip the 90 second Astro Orbiter and do this instead, gives you a good tour of Tomorrowland

7. Carousel of Progress – where the audiences move around to different stages where there were Amiotronic robot families depicting 1900, 1920, 1940, 2010. It was kind of weird that they skipped the 60’s I bet

8. Stitches great escape – turns out not so great, why did Jamie have to be 40” tall for that? Just for the scare factor I guess. This was just lame. Mike said he fell asleep

9. Lunch at TomorrowLand diner, where Jamie and I split chicken and ribs and Mike ate a turkey sandwich and we drank our drinks we brought

10. Jamie and Dad- Mad Tea Cups/ Me Space Mountain

11. Daddy and Jamie music show in Tomorrowland, Me waiting at Fantasyland where we were supposed to catch up together.

12. Then off to Frontierland where we watched Splash Mountain splash land over and over again forever, then got the Fast Pass for it when Jamie decided she wanted to ride it; then on to Tom Sawyers Island (which was mainly steps up and down and a tunnel, a barrel bridge that rolled and a play structure)

13. Then we saw the 3pm parade (not as good as the evening parade - only about 10 minutes long)

13.5 Dinner (Packed sandwiches) sitting in the shade by Splash Mountain

14.Train ride – We killed time riding the train till our 6:20 space Space Mountain Fast Pass return and rested as we went 2 times around, got off at Main Street to get Mike souvenir fudge then back on back to Frontierland. No Souvenirs for me or Jamie this time but we did trade in Jamie’s’ old ‘Spinning Light up Minnie Mouse’ we had gotten from a prior trip to the World that wouldn’t light up anymore, for a new one that would light up, (this was the second trade-in) so she was thrilled. When we got back we got a Fast Pass for Thunder Mountain and then were just in time for our Fast Pass for

15. Splash Mountain – this was the high point of the day for all of us I think. Jamie didn’t want to ride until we sat at the bridge and watched folks coming down the mountain and getting splashed several times. It was really cute and it didn't have any of those stupid gushers that just dump water on you. You simply got splashed. also in true Disney fashion they had the story of Brer Rabbit and Brer Fox throughout the ride.

16. Thunder Mountain – We were so proud of Jamie, we bribed her with Mikes Fudge if she was brave enough to go on and I think she really liked it. This one is mild enough for a kids first real roller coaster ride (Other than mini coasters).

17. Swiss Family Robinson tree house – pretty lame, Mike skipped this one as he was ready to go. Wish we had gone on Aladdin’s Magic carpet ride instead!

We then left among Jamie’s loud and plaintive pleadings to stay for the 9pm Parade. We just didn’t have it in us to stay any longer. This was our first full day in the Parks; we normally go back to the hotel for lunch and a nap. This time we were there from 8:15-8:15pm. It was a wonderful day, with overcast skies, no rain, very moderate temperatures with maybe a high of 82 degrees.

Sunday when we went to the water park it was a high of 90 and didn’t feel that hot as it wasn’t humid. That was a great day for the water park, and then it rained on Monday, which was great for a hang around the hotel day.

Oh and when we got to the hotel on Sunday after the water park our room was not ready at 6pm! They didn’t want to give us another room as the General Manager had reserved us a room that was totally renovated – the one with the granite etc. I asked for a late check out for us having to wait for the room until 7pm and they agreed.

So waiting for the room to be ready, led to the first of three trips to Walmart. It seems we do this almost every trip we take, no matter how I over pack. The late checkout we earned meant today we got to enjoy the facilities one more day before taking off for home.

All and all a wonderful mini vaca!

I have been writing this post as we are driving home, or should I say Mike is driving home. We just had to pull off I-95 just north of the I-4 interchange. The rain was coming down in sheets and the wind gusts were stronger than anything I have felt before – we are guessing 80 mph gusts. Dozens of vehicles also pulled over, and it felt like the wind was going to knock the van over.

Someday I will have an air card or a phone with internet so I can post live, but this will have to suffice. I am writing while Jamie is watching Tinker Bell and Mike are driving.

What a great life I live! Almost home, and then we go get our new dog Samson who has been staying with the family we got him from. Poor baby didn’t want us to leave him there which I was glad to see. I thought he was missing his other family. I miss him; it will be good to see him, the kitties and our home again. Be home soon!

PS - Just picked up our dog that promptly came home and peed on the carpet on Mike’s side of the bed, same place he peed the day before we left. Guess the Odor neutralizer I applied wasn’t effective. Does that stuff wear out? I had it from prior kitties that had issues; it may be 8 yrs old.

PPS - We closed the bedroom door to keep Samson out of there while reading the bedtime story to Jamie and he went into Jamie's room and Shat all over the rug! Darn it, not sure I am up for this poop cleaning part of it. Any advice out there?!?

2011-03-14T23:17:00.002-04:00

Ok I guess it was getting too 'zen' around here with Buddah Fish. We brought home Sampson Saturday night for a sleepover.

Mike wasn't pleased, but I assured him it was a test run. The friends who gave us the ten gallon tank need to downsize on their pets as they have 3 dogs and 2 cats and fish and may be looking for a new house to rent soon.

When we visit Jamie LOVES Sampson (Not pictured above but looks alot like this) and he is the most well behaved and laid back puppy I have ever seen. He is 5 mos old and appears to be a golden retriever.

It went well...Lets just say Mike melted at how Jamie and Sampson bonded.

So we will be taking him on Friday for the entire weekend.

We aren't really 'dog people' so we are a bit intimidated.

Where do we put him during the day? When we are on vacation? Will he chew the door, or our furniture? WIll the cats ever get along with him? Will Jamie get bored once he isn't the new thing around here? and most importantly:

Will he end up my dog?

Chances are he will. And I think I'm all right with that.

Buddah Fish

2011-03-09T21:51:00.004-05:00

We have had a goldfish in a small 3 gallon tank Mike had for a little over 6 months. We originally had two but one died.

So a friend recently offered us his 10 gallon tank as they were upgrading to a larger one.

We went to Petsmart on Sunday and were ready to buy an Oscar, which is this cool african cichlid that is very expressive...well as expressive as a fish can be I guess. They act a bit like a puppy in that they come right up to the top of the tank and you can even pet them.

I have always wanted an Oscar,, actually a Tiger Oscar. When I was younger my boyfriend had one and it was a cool pet for a fish.

But the Oscar isn't a nice fish. Not to the other fish who he lives with. In fact he is a bit of a cannibal in that he eats goldfish when he gets larger.

And speaking of getting larger - they said he would too big for the 10 gallon tank within three months. And he will kill or bully any other fish in the tank while growing.

We were also told to get the tank set up first and let it sit for a day or so. So Sunday Mike set up the tank and tonight we bought our first fish. Since we were told we really should have a 55 gallon tank for an oscar we switched our plan.

Did you know it's best to only start with one or two fish in the beginning. That with a new tank you can actually kill off most of your fish if you full stock it in the beginning. Something about the 'cycle' of the water chemistry. They STRONGLY recommend you start with just one or maybe two if the fish are very slim bodied.

So we got Buddah fish tonight instead - a Dalmation Molly. A Molly isn't a slim bodied fish, so hence just one to begin with. He is a boy and if we want to can get girls later and they can have live offspring.

The reason we are calling him Buddah is we have found that the fish tank is a relaxing center to our living room. And since he won't be spreading mayhem and carnage like the Oscar would have, it seemed like a good moniker. And also I found a small White Buddah at thrift store this week and it looks really cool in the tank with our black and white fish.

If we do decide to get him some gal friends we can call them Karma and Peace and Harmony as three females are recommended so he doesn't pester the one to death. So one male, three females and maybe a bunch of babies darting around.

Yeah sure, sounds real harmonious.

What the ______?

2011-03-08T22:36:00.002-05:00

Ok so Jamie starting using this expression. As in "What the H___? I had a little talk with her about it on the way to school yesterday. I asked her where she got that expression and it turns out her teachers 13 yr old daughter has been hanging out in the afternoons there.

I told her that I didn't think it was a phrase that she should be using as a little girl. She replied that she is now a big girl. I said yes you are getting to be a big girl but are still a little girl. I then told her about all the things that she will be expected to do when she is 13. Like what Mommy?

Oh like dishes every night, sweeping and mopping the floor, homework every night, helping with the laundry and keeping the house straightened. She kept asking what else? Like she was looking forward to all those chores.

Maybe time to assign her some real chores?

Think she is ready to start manning the new Shark mop we just got?

No...not yet, soon enough she will be expected to do her share. Maybe we will start smaller. (Besides I kind of like using my new mop!, I know what a dork!)

Do they make a child size broom and dustpan set I wonder?

The Pixies and Gang of Four on tour!

2011-02-13T08:01:00.004-05:00

Two of my old favorite bands are on tour this year and I won't be able to see either one of them unless I am willing to travel.

And as I tell my daughter when she pleads to go to Disney World, adopt a tiger or help the homeless pets, 'Not until we pay off the kitchen'.

If I still lived in the Detroit area I would be all set. This is a show I could go to by myself as I love this band and would be dancing and jumping around so wildly it wouldn't matter if anyone was with me. Although I sure had a great time at what I thought was their final tour about five years ago with my great friend Diana. She didn't even know their music but she had a blast too. That tour they came to Florida and I only had to travel five hours to Tampa to see them.

Here is the Pixies Tour Schedule:
April 9: Metro Centre, Halifax, NS
April 10: Centre – Casino Moncton, Moncton, NB
April 12: Salle Albert-Rousseau, Quebec City, QC
April 13: Metropolis, Montreal, QC
April 16: Civic Centre, Ottawa, ON
April 17: The Center in the Square, Kitchener, ON
April 18: Massey Hall, Toronto, ON
April 20: Wentworth Room, Hamilton, ON
April 22: Fox Theatre, Detroit, MI
April 23: Eagles Ballroom, Milwaukee, WI
April 24: Roy Wilkins Auditorium, St. Paul, MN
April 27: Centennial Concert Hall, Winnipeg, MB
April 29: TCU Place, Saskatoon, SK
April 30: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, Calgary, AB
May 1: Shaw Conference Center, Edmonton, AB
May 3: Orpheum Theatre, Vancouver, BC

I got the above set list from an 80's music blog:

http://www.slicingupeyeballs.com/

Cool blog if you are into that sort of thing.

Meanwhile I will listen to KEXP streaming since I won't be attending any cool shows in the near future. If you want to listen too, they are at:

http://kexp.org/Default.aspx

They are out of Seattle and they are advertising their Sasquatch fest on Memorial Day with Death Cab for Cutie among others... Anyway they archive most of their shows so you can listen to any of them that way and I guess they stream live. I haven't figured that out yet. Here is where I found KEXP (again):

KEXP.org: Mellow Online Radio for Work and/or a Super Bowl Hangover
February 2, 2009 at 8:18AM by Meryl Rothstein
"Easy listening" is usually an insult. But KEXP is easy listening in the best possible way. KEXP.org, the Web site of the Seattle-based, listener-supported (and therefore commercial-free) radio station is what you should listen to at work when you realize Pandora still hasn't quite figured out which songs you like. Or when you're extremely hungover and exhausted, like you undoubtedly are after last night's Super Bowl.
The site offers almost all of the station's content, from its blues show to its electronic show, for free. But what you should really listen to, no matter the time of day, is the 6 a.m. morning show. Mellow without being Lite, alternative without being painfully hip, it's distracting enough to keep you entertained, but not so distracting that you can't get your work done. It'll remind you of that half-asleep hour after your shower but before your coffee. And that no matter where you are, the weather's probably worse in Seattle.Read more: http://www.esquire.com/blogs/endorsement/kexp-music-at-work-020209#ixzz1DqVoxgg6

Here is a Gang Of Four quote found on Slicing Up Eyeballs, regarding the new Gang of Four tour supporting their new album.

Gang of Four reconnects with ‘intensity and aggression’ Greg Kot interviews Jon King, co-founder of the U.K. postpunk act, which currently is touring the U.S. in support of Content, the band’s brand-new album. [Chicago Tribune]

Northern Florida is not the mecca for new music.

That's all I'm saying

I Like Dark TV

2011-02-07T00:04:00.006-05:00

I am currently watching Shameless with William Macy, and it is among the darkest of the dark tv shows I watch. It's about a drunk alcoholic dad whose wife left him with 5 or 6 kids. The oldest girl takes care of the family and I find it strangely compelling.

I grew up with two parents who drank, but they weren't as slovenly as this character. He's this guy you hate, but love to watch. Mike won't even watch any show with unsypathetic characters (Like House for example), so this is one of my guilty pleasures I watch on demand.

Other TV shows I like are also filled with dark story lines that include more drunkeness (Californication); Drug addiction (Nurse Jackie); Mental Illness (United States of Tara); Serial killers (Dexter) and Hollywood Excess (Episodes).

Most of these shows are so gritty and realistic it makes me appreciate my mostly orderly, peaceful life.

I really think TV is better now than it has ever been in the past.

Getting Ready for another Consignment Sale

2011-02-06T23:58:00.002-05:00

Yes I know today was Super Bowl Sunday, but for me it was Super Tag Tuesday. Our spring Consignment sales is come up in less then two weeks so I decided it was time to get with the program.

I tagged over 90 pieces of clothing and about 12 other objects. Hope to get at least a couple hundred dollars back from Jamie's clothes that don't fit or don't fit her fashion requirements.

For example - She doesn't like elastic on her arms, doesn't like tennis shoes, doesn't wear shorts EVER. Until this winter she wouldn't wear jeans, but apparently jeans are now cool at her preschool. Jeans and boots have joined the skirts and mary jane shoes she has been wearing since she turned two.

My living room is trashed with hangers, and clothes and toys all over.

Mike stayed down in the den and kept an eye on Jamie all day so I could get a lot done.

He is a good man.

2011-01-09T19:15:00.002-05:00

I copied this from Lauri over at Leap of Faith, not a very stirring testimonial LOL
1. What is something mom always says to you? Listen
2. What makes mom happy? If I listen
3. What makes mom sad? If I don't listen
4. How does your mom make you laugh? when she is funny
5. What did your mom like to do as a child? I don't know
6. How old is your mom? 16?
7. How tall is your mom? 40 feet
8. What is her favorite thing to do? Go on her computer every time
9. What does your mom do when you're not around? I don't know
10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for? When you go to a restaurant
11. What is your mom really good at? Drawing
12. What is your mom not very good at? working
13. What does your mom do for her job? work, goes on her computer, talk to people
14 What is your mom's favorite food? basketti
15. What makes you proud of your mom? When she works good
16.. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be? A bee
17. What do you and your mom do together? Go somewhere like Chuckee Cheese, museums
18. How are you and your mom the same? we both like to go places like the museum and the store
19. How are you and your mom different? we don't have the same hair.
20. Where is your mom's favorite place to go? Home
21.How do you know your mom loves you? because I am funny
22. What makes you happy? Suck and hold Waddy (Suck her fingers and hold her lovey)

Wow

2011-01-08T04:50:00.002-05:00

The other day we were cuddling before getting up for work and school and I said, "I wish I didn't have to go to work today!"

Jamie just said, "Wow."

Winter blahs

2011-01-06T22:11:00.002-05:00

Ok I know Florida isn't having the kind of winter most of the country experiences, but we have been getting more than our share of cloudy days and cold temps. I can't believe I have only been back to work for four days from being off for 2 wks.

I just wish I could be independently wealthy and have the time and money to do whatever I wish.

It was Jamie's fifth birthday Tuesday - and all we did was go to Chuckie Cheese with a couple of her friends. It was going to just be Emmie, but then Emmie was off with her dad so I had to go get her (Tuesday is usually a night that we take Emmie while her mom works late). Anyway because I knew I couldnt get Emmie there til 6:30 I put out the call on FB to a couple of her school friends parents and one of the dads brought Chayse from Jamie's school.

I wasn't really pleased with Jamies behavior as she latched onto Emmie and kind of kicked Chayse to the curb when we got there.

Chayse wouldn't speak to Jamie at school the next day but they are friends again today.

I hope Jamie learned something.

We hope to have a party later in the month, but I have yet to call around to make that plan. Either a jump house place or a pony party at a riding stable (that also has a jump house). Jamie has a list of about 10 kids...

Its at least $350 for a party, just what I cant really afford right now.

BLEGH!

Typhoid Martha

2010-12-31T08:20:00.002-05:00

I came down with a bad sore throat the other day and was lucky enough to get right in to the Dr.
They did both throat and nose swabs and ran cultures. I have both, Strep throat and the Flu. I am thinking it's H1N1 as he prescribed Tamiflu. I am in Day 3 and still don't feel good. Mainly head, throat and body aches.

I miss my boy. He was always right there with me, especially if was sitting or laying around which I am doing alot of right now.

I sent Jamie to daycare the last two days as per the Dr's suggestion. I guess the thought was she would less likely catch what I have if she wasn't sitting with me all day.

Mike has been taking her out on her bike every day - he got both of our tires pumped up and we all went out on Sunday.

She loves her bike. And her Unicorn Pillow Pet, her Tangled doll and tower and her games. Not so much for the Walking Dog she HAD to have. and the FinFin was fun that one night but she hasn't asked for it again. FinFin is this cute little fish in a fake aquarium that swims around and makes little noises. It is supposed to be trainable and interactive. (IT IS SO BLOODY LOUD!!)

I haven't done much, glad I cooked like a fiend last weekend, we have been eating leftover Lasagna, chili, ham, bean soup from the ham and Beef burgandy. I think we pretty much finished everything off yesterday so I will be cooking some Shrimp and Pasta today I think.

Yup, mainly just resting. I think this is God's way of forcing me to rest. Yup, just get me sick so I will sit.

Happy New Year to you!

A Game Player is Born!

2010-12-27T16:59:00.004-05:00

Yes Jamie has been playing Chutes and Ladders, Candy Land, Memory game and Hi Ho Cherry O!

Those games are ok once in a while but I have to say they are pretty monotonous. She really excels at the Memory Game, as she beats me most time we play. (this is the game where you play out all the cards face down and pick two at a time trying for pairs). I guess her little brain is fresher at remembering.

A friend had gotten Blokus from a friend, who suggested it for her child who is Jamie's age. She sugggested it as a game that could be enjoyed by parents as well as almost five year olds.

So I bought it as a 'Santa' gift to the whole family. And my Mom bought her 'Go Fish' and "War" Yes these are both card games that can use an actual regular pack of cards, but these are cute with the Toy Story characters as the numbers.

Jamie LOVES playing all three of these games! And me and mom LOVED playing them with her.

Try Blokus for a fun simple strategy game even a almost five year old can play. It's a strategy game that I hope will give her the background knowledge and skills to progress to playing my all time favorite Strategy game Settlers of Cataan someday. In Blokus all you need to know is to put your next piece on the board touching corners of their own color.

Jamie caught on immediately.

Fairy Tales can be Scary!

2010-12-27T13:04:00.004-05:00

Christmas is over, the houseguests left this morning. Photos are forthcoming, I need to download from both cameras.

I got a lot of library books last week - mostly picture books to read Jamie. One of them was a beautiful edition of 'The Little Match Girl'. I had forgotten the ending of the story and set about reading it to Jamie a couple nights before Christmas.

When I came to the last page I decided not to finish it...

Do you know the story?

It's about a poor little girl out selling matches shortly after Christmas Day. She is barefoot and afraid to go home to her father who will beat her for not selling any matches. She sits down to rest and lights the matches one by one for warmth and imagines various scenes including a warm stove, a loaded holiday table and Christmas Tree and her loving grandmother who died recently.

She goes into her grandmothers embrace and begs not to be let go.

Then on the last page she is dead.

Wow talk about morbid.

Then because Jamie recently saw Tangled and got Rapunzal doll and tower for Christmas we found the Grimm fairy tale version. Also pretty morbid, but ends more happily.

Here is the final paragraph:

"Thus he wandered about miserably for some years, finally happening into the wilderness where Rapunzel lived miserably with the twins that she had given birth to.
He heard a voice and thought it was familiar. He advanced toward it, and as he approached, Rapunzel recognized him, and crying, threw her arms around his neck. Two of her tears fell into his eyes, and they became clear once again, and he could see as well as before. He led her into his kingdom, where he was received with joy, and for a long time they lived happily and satisfied."

I can see why they were referred to as the Brothers Grimm.

Why is our 1900 sf house so crowded with only four people in it?

2010-12-24T10:35:00.002-05:00

My mother and brother in law (s?) arrived yesterday and today I am having difficulty with wrapping and doing the last minute stuff. We have the old crib mattress in our room on the floor and had the gift wrap stuff in the guest room.

I knew I would need to wrap today and there is a large open desk in the guest room. I didn't count on my motherinlaw being out of sorts and needing to lay down.

And Uncle Bruce is 'Skyping' with his new fiance from China in the dining room, but some of the gifts are for Jamie that I am wrapping so that wouldn't have worked anyway.

So we moved the pallet in our bedroom (Uncle Bruce is staying in Jamie's room) and put up a caard table so I can wrap.

Mike took Jamie out to ride her scooter and get her wiggles out and get her out of the way.

So One Peep is sleeping, 2 peeps are scootering, 1 peep is wrappping and 1 is 'Skyping' all through the day!!!

I am stumbling around but all is good. Hope my mother in law feels good enough to come to church with us tonight for the Christmas Eve service.

RIP Truman

2010-12-21T21:58:00.005-05:00

Truman wasn't quite 3 yrs old. He was part of a group of three littermates that we adopted from Animal Care and Control when they were a couple months old right around Mothers Day 2008.

He had blocked with FUS (Feline Urological Syndrome which is where their urethra gets plugged up with crystals) about a week ago. After all night catheters and a couple of days at the vet we brought him home last Saturday. This is the third male cat I have had out of four to develop this evil syndrome. I think it must be something in the food water or litter lately. WTH?!

Anyway after picking him up, I was dosing him everyday with pain meds, antibiotics, prednisone and valium. Apparently he is the one kitty in a million with an adverse affect from the valium. He got glassy eyes and was staggering a bit but I figured it was from the pain meds and didn't think anything of it. He stopped eating Sunday and assumed the 'position'. Cats who are in miserable pain tend to hunch themselves up in a bit of a crouch into themselves. He also stopped eating and when I dosed him he vomited up the pills and some bile. That was Sunday late afternoon and we thought he would be ok until Monday morning. We were wrong. The doctor thinks the valium caused liver damage that we were unable to reverse. He stayed at the vet all day and last night and died about 4am. Which was shortly after Mike and I got up to see the eclipse.

My poor sweet boy.

Eclipse was pretty cool

2010-12-21T02:54:00.003-05:00

Mike and I both woke up and made it out there to see the Lunar Eclipse tonight. Glad we didn't take Jamie, it was pretty cool, but she wouldn't have appreciated it. And it was COLLLLLLLLLLLDDDDDDDDDDDD BRRRRRRRR!

In memory of my great Aunt Pat

2010-12-16T22:24:00.004-05:00

My mothers Aunt Pat died last weekend. She was the family matriarch and loved by us all, especially my mom. My mom talked with her often on the phone and had a close relationship with her. She was my Grandmothers youngest sister and lived to be 85 yrs old. She did not die of old age. It appears she was choking on food at the table at the nursing home and they weren't able to dislodge the obstruction in time. What a terrible way to die. She lived a long and happy life and had four beautiful daughters two of which are pictured here. She was always so kind and loving and I so enjoyed her company. I love you Aunt Pat!

At the Speed of Life

2010-12-13T07:59:00.003-05:00

My post title is stolen from my pastors sermon yesterday which really touched a chord in me.

My weeked was very chaotic with my cat Truman plugging up Thursday and having to be rushed to the kitty ER. $1100 later and now I have my cat on $50/bag cat food. Third of my four males cats I have owned to get this Feline Urological Syndrome. *Sigh* He is home now and very neurotic and needy and not liking getting 12-15 pills a day shoved down his throat. Either am I.

Jamie had a Build a Bear event for her BFF's Birthday party, this is her second BAB event and she had a great time with Mike while I picked up and soothed kitty.

Not at all ready for Christmas. Have 2 VERY large gifts in mind for Jamie and Mike, not sure what to do when to get, how to hide etc.

Then there is gifts for coworkers and accounts. I really can't afford this now...on top of teh kitchen and the cat, but I am being told that even if my company has cut back on gifts for our accounts we still should do something...But what?

Four days left til my WONDERFUL 2.4 weeks off for the holidays.

HO :0 :) :0 :) Ho Ho!!!

Whoa I didn't see that coming!

2010-12-05T14:10:00.008-05:00

Jamie just made this remark a moment ago (Whoa I didn't see that coming) and like many things she says in recent days it took me aback. This is my four year old! Where is she coming up with this stuff!?

Thankful for 5 days off!

2010-11-28T23:08:00.002-05:00

My company sent us all an email memo to us all about four weeks ago announcing that we would all get Friday off after Thanksgiving. I have worked at this company almost 18 years and this the first time they have ever done this before.

Then the sales division set a goal for us to meet and we met it so we all got to leave on Wednesday for a half day. And if you made your private goal you had the whole day off!

Wow it's been nice. Our house has not been this clean and orderly in a long time. I even scrubbed the laundry floor on my hands and knees. Mike is vacuuming and 'smartening' up the house daily.

Today we put up the artificial tree and got it lit. It took a LONG time, I wanted lots of lights and even made a trip to Walmart for some more. One of the sets was a dud though so we just need one more set. No ornaments up yet but that's ok. Last year we didn't get the tree up til about 10 days before Christmas. This year we are going to enjoy the lights and decor the whole month.

Our street is almost all decorated. Our house and a couple others are dark. Thinking maybe we should hire someone to hang the lights. We have no ladder (it got stolen) and Mike is too old to be up there doing that anyway. There is a guy down the street that is just crazy about decorating (Ken from the Halloween House). He has quite a light show going in his yard and on his house and roof. And I know he isn't done. He will be adding stuff right up to Christmas week. He is great about it. Wonder if he might want to do another house while he is at it!

The Routine is becoming routine!

2010-11-28T23:00:00.002-05:00

Because of T-ball Jamie missed 6 weeks of her Rythmic dance class and they are preparing for a production for next week. She only has had 2 classes and is catching on pretty quickly. I went ahead and paid for a private session yesterday with her teacher just so she could get the extra attention and work out the kinks. Then they let us borrow the ball for the week and we have practiced here at the house a couple of times.

She will be fine. She is so happy and so much better at this than at T-Ball!

"The Mountain" or is she ready to move on to a Bike!?

2010-11-27T14:19:00.002-05:00

It may not look like it but we have a bit of a steep hill right by our house. Jamie calls it 'the mountain' and begs to ride her bike or scooter down it. As we typically get home from work at dark and need to get her fed there is very little outdoor play during the week.

So on the weekend we make sure to take trips down 'the mountain' often. She is getting a bit big for the big wheel.

So last night during some Black Friday shopping she tried out the 2 wheeler with training wheels and I was amazed that she took right to it. (Oh and it was late in the afternoon, and believe or not there weren't that many people at Walmart - hope that isn't a sign that the economy isn't getting better).

Anyway, is a 16" bicycle silly to buy for a almost five year old? I wonder how long it will be usuable til she needs to go to the next size? I don't want to get her something too large for her and this size seems to fit her perfectly. Any ideas out there?

Tis the Season to be Baking (and eating)

2010-11-21T17:37:00.002-05:00

Jamie loves helping me bake, well lets say...she loves cracking the eggs, helping to stir the batter and licking the beaters.

We just saw a commercial for Sugar Cookies, and you know they look so decorative, and I am sure they are fun to make (are they fun or just tedious?)

I just really REALLY love my Regular Toll house cookies, loads more then traditional Christmas cookies. Wonder if maybe I sprinkle some green and red sugar on them?

The other thing I really love as a traditional Holiday baked item is my Homemade Coffee Cake. It is made with sour cream for moistness and has a streusal stripe of cocoa, sugar and cinnamon running through it and on top. It's so yum.

But Mike doesn't like cake and Jamie doesn't like cinnamon. So I need to make it when I know there will be others around.

Think I could serve it for desert on Thanksgiving? I am really wanting me some Homemade Coffee Cake!

Gratitude List for my Job

2010-11-21T15:22:00.002-05:00

In these challenging days I am very grateful for my job as stressful as it can be. Here are some reasons to be grateful for my job which I have had for almost 18 years:

1. I am so glad I have so much vacation time! After 10 years with my company they give you 3 weeks vacation added to the 7 personal days. I also get an extra day off for donating an hour per month to the United Way. Yes folks that adds up to 28 days of paid time off! (Not to mention the sales contests where you can win a half day or 2 hours off as a prize which I have been able to do a few times)

2. I am so happy that I don't work in the retail world. I worked as an assistant mgr in a Swimming Pool store for a while. UGH. working 6 days a week isn't for me; not to mention having customers angry about not getting their pools installed in time to enjoy the summer days, and the others angry that we didn't stock every part ever made for any pool pump ever made.

3. I love to sell advertising. It provides a ROI (Return on Investment) to my customers, so if it works they get paid and I got paid, and my company makes money. We all win. :-)

4. I have learned that I am a pretty good public speaker during the course of my job. My main accounts are real estate businesses, and I often have to talk my talk in front of 50 agents at a time at their weekly meetings.

5. There is some flexibility to being an outside sales rep. Yes some days I am still working at 8pm, but when Jamie's school has a presentation or a mommy's tea I can usually break away for an hour and be there for her.

Back to Dance Tomorrow

2010-11-19T23:36:00.003-05:00

After six excrutiating weeks TBall is over. Jamie goes back to her little Rythmic Dance class tomorrow morning. Not to be confused with her Ballet Dance class on Thursdays.

They are preparing for thier winter recital which is being held in 2 wks so Jamie will be quite behind. I hope she can learn it tomorrow and I will help her practice over the next two weeks.

The photos above are from last year in that class. In fact the 'Jamie Jump' photo was from her first ever dance class.

She's a natural I'm tellin ya!

Who is that woman!?

2010-11-14T21:43:00.002-05:00

Browsing through the photos I came upon this picture and thought who the heck is that woman with Mike?!?!

And for a quick second got alarmed when I saw they were in bed together with Jamie!

Who is it?

Hannah Montana, (Jamie's doll that is)!

Bounce House Birthday

2010-11-14T19:00:00.005-05:00

Jamie has been friends with Ander since the week we brought her home. They came over and Ander and her just connected (when Jamie was four months old!). Ander is the red headed cutie birthday boy in these photos.

Ander's parents did it up right. Simple but so much fun for the kids and actually relaxing and pleasant for the parents too. No loud jangly music with huge rodents, just a bounce house, a train table set up with legos and pizza, salad, veggies and of course Ice cream and cake. (Yum to Bear Claw Ice cream in place of chocolate!)

Note the peel off decals on the garage door and the Yoshi theme - so cute!

I actually got some great shots of the kids in the bounce house as I was able to lay half in and half out and take some shots. (they frown at that at the kiddie carnivals LOL). Oh and notice the Birdseye shot of Ander opening the gifts. The kids always surround the birthday child while opening presents.

Today was another party for the close of the fall Tball season. I forgot the camera so there will be no pictures from it. We shared a meal and had a little ceremony where the kids all got trophies. Jamie's trophy had the boy instead of the girl on it. They were maybe going to get it switched out for us but that was before Jamie used her trophy as a mallet on the concrete chipping the bottom of it. I dont think she even noticed it was a boy on it though.

And now coming up on Wednesday there is yet another party for a boy from Jamie's class.

And don't forget the play date with her BFF on Tuesday.

She has quite the busy social calendar!

Last TBall game (ever?)

2010-11-13T23:29:00.006-05:00

Last game ever and I chose to skip it. She chose this game to concentrate and really attempt to play instead of daydream. She batted a double and did well in the outfield.

As you can see from above normally she shines only when the snack comes out. (a bit like her mommy in that regard) . Also notice Mike in the Orange and white striped shirt as the third base coach.

Oh well though I am sorry I missed it, I stayed home to prepare for going to a good friends little boys fifth birthday which was great. Great weather, great bounce house and great conversation.

After the party we came home to nap and after nap I baked cookies for tomorrow's big TBall end of the season party.

Jamie loves her a party. Every day if possible. She can't wait.

News and Notes

2010-11-13T07:36:00.007-05:00

This week was like every week, running from one thing to the next. I keep books in my car and a game on my phone for down time, but there isn't any down time!! Here are a couple of things I pondered on this week:

AC doesnt work well when it isn't blazing hot- My car was puking out some lukewarm air this week when the outside temp hit about 78. (After starting the morning in the forties with the heat on) As my warranty is about to end I took it to the dealership but they say it's fine. Hmmmm....

The 'I have read and agree button' - you know the one we all just check and proceed when installing Adobe Flash updates. What if they slip in something there that is really objectionable, like "I agree to pay Adobe $100/month to use this formerly Free ware" or "I agree to send my first born to Adobeville when they reach the age of 14" (eerily reminiscent of Rumplestilstiskin) Who knows what we are signing away!

Why do they let murderers change their name? - I watched an episode of 20/20 last night about this guy Peter Zimmer who killed his parents and brother when he was 14 up north in Indiana or Wisconsin. He then only served four years in Juvie for the crime, inherited $177,000 from their estate, and then moved down here to Florida and changed his name. He is now in jail for stalking his girlfriend. She didn't have a clue he was a murderer while with him, she found out since he started stalking her after she broke up with him. (for cheating on her). Oh and he was adopted, and is blaming the murders on feeling abandoned.

Did you hear about the Facebook case where the worker got fired for posting on FB about her boss wasn't being fair? They are saying FB is a legal forum to use for public discourse about the workplace and that the employers can't fire you. Hmmm, wonder about blogs?

Work slows down this time of year, but our new management team doesn't want any part of it. I need to play the game...

On that same note, it is easier to play the game with lots of vacation time coming up. That is really a great thing about my job. Four weeks plus of vacation/PTO time each year. Yup that's 28 days of it. That and the awesome medical plan keeps me from looking elsewhere (and of course the fact that I love my job and what I do). One of my fellow bloggers was without Medical insurance and now that she finally got some medical it doesn't cover anything that was preexisting for at least 6 months. That really stinks. I am so grateful for a good health insurance plan!

Speaking of my fellow bloggers, two of my favorite blogs shut down this week. One was for personal reasons -Someone in the real world found her blog and made it uncomfortable to keep writing from the heart. The other blog shut down for pretty much the same reason, but with hearbreaking results. Tudu is a fellow foster adoptive mom who has adopted 7 kids, 5 of whom were part of a sibling group. She was in the process of adopting 3 more kids who were recently placed in her home and someone from the agency discovered her blog. Because she blogs about the kids lives it was deemed 'dangerous to the kids', so she shut the blog down. They still moved the 3 newer foster kids that they were hoping to adopt this week. That is so devastating for Tudu and her bloggy friends. Let me know if you were a Tudu fan, I am getting address that letters can be sent in her support, that she is hoping to use in court to get her kids back. Tudu has been on my sidebar forever - 'Finishing off my Family".

NoBloPoMo - I am doing my own version of this this month which is at least three posts each weekend. Yeah, I know it's weak. I just can't post every day. (NaBloPoMo means National blog Posting Month and most post every day when participating).

Movies under the COLD stars last night

2010-11-06T16:35:00.002-04:00

Jamie is napping, it's been a nice restful day with her being under the weather. I have spent most of the day on the couch with her except to change the laundry or do a bit of putzing in my new kitchen.

Last night we went to Movie Night at our friends church. Having a bit of a cold snap we had to bundle up under blankets, gloves and scarves etc to be comfortable. I am sure my Michigan born friends and family would laugh to think 50 degrees is frigid to me; but that's the truth.

They showed A Christmas Veggie Tales movie and then Dora. During the Veggie Tales movie the kids were kind of quiet, subdued and almost seemed bored. During the Dora movie there was constant motion and dancing and craziness. I think it's all the "Vamonoses"

Jamie started with wanting a Corn Dog (which she didnt eat much of) some kettle corn (sweet pop corn) and some lemonade. I got a cup of hot chocolate which I ended up sharing (giving to her) it with Jamie. She loved it. She went back for more of the hot chocolate, more lemonade and a lollipop.

Then this morning she threw it all up in bed. I wondered if all the food is what maybe she how she got sick, but she got sick about noon again so maybe this is some sort of stomach flu.

I just know she won't be wanting hot chocolate again for a good long time.

T Ball Hatred

2010-11-06T14:02:00.006-04:00

Why does she hate TBall? Well here is my theory. The league was supposed to be set up as an instructional mini league for 4 & 5 yr olds. Well they didn't have enough registrations for all of the age groups so they combined the 4, 5, 6 & 7 yr olds all on the same team. So that means the four year olds are out in the outfield while the older more experienced players are manning the bases and inner circle. Let me just say Jamie isn't 'outstanding in her field' in this endeavor. Not only is there rarely any action in the outfield, the games are an hour and 20 minutes long.

So she is bored. And we all know it. She constantly wants to leave the field (to go to the bathroom, get a drink etc) and pretty much hates going to the games.

I have been advised that it's important for her to 'follow through' and not quit. So despite the fact that she is missing her Saturday morning dance class as all the games are at 9am we are fulfilling the committment to her team. I say we as the parents are very much involved. Mike is a coach (3rd base mostly) and as a parent we also have to man the concession stand and bring snack, (and sell donuts but that is a whole other post).

Do you think quitting something that a child absolutely hates is a bad thing?
I am seriously considering letting her miss the last game which is next Saturday and putting her back in Dance class so she can get the practice in to participate in the upcoming Christmas time pageant.

Am I being a weak willed parent?

Sick day at home = abc family channel movies

2010-11-06T13:42:00.004-04:00

I was awakened by Jamie's plaintive wail about 5am. She had thrown up all over her bed and her 'lovey' Waddie.

I cleaned her up and off to bed with mommy. So much for the 9am Tball game. Not that either one of us were looking forward to it.

We are having a cold snap here and it was in the mid thirties at 9am. But that isn't the only issue, Jamie simply doesn't care for Tball. More on the Tball hatred in the next post.

I don't know about you, but I am pretty much over the Disney channel lately and Noggin and Sprout are equally as annoying (in different ways), so surfing the channels I came upon abc family and we have been watching movies together all day.

'Hope Floats' was the first one and it really didn't keep Jamie's attention that well despite a young daughter character. 'My Girl' was next and that movie was very sweet, about a 11 yr old in circa 1972 (MY era!) dealing with a parent about to be remarried and life in general with Jamie Lee Curtis and Dan Akroyd; and now we are watching Drew Barrymore (one of my all time faves!) in 'Ever After' which is a Cinderella story - Jamies' favorite princess.

Poor Jamie hasn't eaten a thing and has thrown up as recently as an hour ago. But we are making the most of her sickness and really enjoying this down time with abc family.

Oh good she just said she would eat some toast! Maybe that and some applesause will help.

Halloween house

2010-11-04T22:22:00.003-04:00

This family moved in our neighborhood a couple years ago and they have really injected some life into it. Ken does it up every year with incredible decorations and sound efffects for both Halloween and Christmas. (Last Christsmas he did a Christmas train with a trailer decked out with decor and lights and took us on a ride around the neighborhood)

He inspires us all to do more to the outside of our homes and there is more of the good old fashioned stand outside and chat with your neighbors since he came to town.

Thanks Ken! We really enjoyed your Halloween House, all month long!

Halloween Week

2010-10-30T04:00:00.002-04:00

Yup, it's the most wonderful time of the year! Jamie just loves Halloween - it's a combination of seeing and being seen along with friends and candy... I think she likes it better than Christmas.

We went to SPOOKTACULAR at our local zoo last night with her friends from school and their families. It was alot of fun, alot less crowded and crazed than going on a weekend night as we had in the past.

So I took today off as the fun continued this morning with a field trip to Merrill Lynch offices for a bang up treat or treat run. I had to go as my girl has an issue with listening. Before we left Jamie took her pumpkin that you see in the photos and dumped all the candy in the trash can! (I really should have left it there, but I couldn't say good bye to all of those sweet tarts. How sad is that? Could have maybe taught her some sort of lesson. Not that she wasn't right, there was more great candy to be had. And it's not like we ever let her eat all the candy she gets anyway.

This afternoon I took her to her future elementary school for their fall carnival. We had a great time, but I was exhausted and fell asleep by ten.

I woke up at 2am and am still awake at four am. What's up with this exhaustion/insomnia stuff? This isn't me.

Hello Kitty

2010-10-24T19:54:00.002-04:00

This is a rather new obsession Jamie has...it began at her first 'Build a Bear' event which happened to be Tori's birthday party last month. She just had to have the "Hello Kitty" one, (just like the Birthday Girl had picked.) Don't get me wrong, Cinderella, Belle and Aurora all still are in the top picks but a new girl has joined the posse.

Friends and Fun

2010-10-21T21:24:00.007-04:00

Jamie loves her friends. So we try to make sure she gets to see them often.c

Lately we have been doing T-ball (or really Jamie is doing it but we feel like we are doing it too!) Mike is one of the coaches (third base coach) and I just go to watch but sometimes during practice get out there with a glove and toss some balls around.

Jamie isn't really liking the Tball...or should we I say we don't like how she behaves at Tball. She isn't all that interested in being in the outfield for more than a few moments so she daydreams , or sits down in the dirt or decides to go to the bathroom.

So it ends up being frustrating for her and for us. She wanted to quit the first week but we told her she had to tough it out. and she is, but we are not having a lot of fun.

It was supposed to be an 'instructional' league for 4 & 5 year olds, but they combined them with the 6 & 7 yr olds. So that means the little kids are in the outfield daydreaming instead of learning to play the more active positions.

Is it bad that I stayed home to cook tomorrow nights dinner instead of going to the game?

Actually I was going to go once I got the stew together and in the oven, but Mike had pocketed my keys while getting the glove out of the van and apparently the extra keys have walked away again. Anyway I missed another one of her games. Bet the other T-ball moms think I'm not a good T-ball mom. Oh well, maybe I'm not. I do what I can do.

Her New Prized Possession

2010-10-18T22:47:00.003-04:00

Saturday we had quite a day. First to the thrift store looking for a white shirt for Mike's Men in Black costume which was requested by the hostess so he would be the matching counterpoint to her hubby. While there I found my gothy blouse and a long skirt and some nice almost new Childrens Place skirts for Jamie for $3 each. (She mainly wears skirts) We also got her a pair of pink open toed shoes she really liked.

We didnt get her the 15" Dinosaur she wanted. It just didn't fit into the cash budget and it was huge...and so dinasoury. "But I want it, its like the one Ander has!" I almost buckled and went to the Cash machine, (it was $8!~ not cheap by thrift store standards.) But I held firm and told her we would get her something else sometime soon.

Then we took Mike back home to meet the electrician who was there to grind down the screws in my cupboards...He remarked that the cupboard shelves are very thin, that that never happens. Oh great.

Anyhow I took Jamie to T-ball practice myself so Mike could get some papers graded. At practice I threw knotted up rags to her so she would get used to moving the glove to catch the ball. Then because we didnt find the black tie at the thrift store we popped into the conveniently located church rummage sale right there at the ball field.

I didnt find a tie, but I found some great costume jewelry (Note what I had on at the costume party), some more great clothes for Jamie, and Jamie found herself her new prized possession - A scooter! See Jamie it paid off not to yell and cry for that dinosaur! And it was only $5 or maybe $2.50 as they had alot of stuff on clearance.

Poor child wants to be out on that scooter every day all day long! Wish they had an indoor place for kids to ride scooters and trikes. I think the local school system should do it as a fund raiser. They could open the elementary schools and allow the kids to bring in bikes and scooters and balls...maybe charge the kids fifty cents each.

Wouldn't that be a great idea?

More Costume Party Photos

2010-10-17T18:22:00.004-04:00

Costume Party!

2010-10-17T17:23:00.005-04:00

Some friends really did it up last night with a bang up family style Halloween Party. threw this party 2 years ago and Jamie still talks about that party and how we dressed up. (I dressed up as a witch and made her cry and she went as Cinderella) Here is a link back to the great time we had that year.

This year was just as memorable. It was an Alien themed event so Mike went as one of the 'Men in Black' and I went as a goth girl. Jamie was a Goth Vampiress, which is what she chose when the Ariel costume was too confining down at her legs at the Costume store yesterday.

This is the only photo I have as of yet - the host took this shot and sent it via his new Blackberry Torch (cool phone, a bit like the I-phone) hmmm wonder if work wants to upgrade us as of yet!?

Anyway Jamie had a blast, well we really all did, they had Great food, a bounce house, a scavenger hunt for the kids, a wrap up your partner in Toilet paper like a mummy (also for kids) and this cool craft that was supposed to be for kids - Duck tape Bows! I sat at that craft table and made my girls some very kewl bows.

Today, we went to church and I did a bit in the Living room/Kitchen/Laundry etc. and now I am resting a bit.

I just needed to.

More photos to come.

2 more of the final kitchen photos

2010-10-17T17:16:00.002-04:00

I know it was done before, but here is a couple of shots that show the new Faux wood blinds and the prettiness of our Laminate counter top cleared of contractor debris.

There were and still are some screws sticking up into the cabinets. Apparently these cabinet shelfs leave a bit to be desired in the thickness of the wood. This made a difference for the under the cabinet lights and also makes a difference with some of the shelf strength.

I now keep my plates on the bottom shelf in the cabinet as the middle shelf bows under their weight.

We can deal, but if anyone wants some advice, make sure the cabinets have thick shelving! And don't pay off any of the guys until their part is done.

That's all I'm saying.

New kitchen and new hair

2010-10-12T22:15:00.006-04:00

I will get some better photos than these up, I downloaded these from the wrong camera, I have some better ones I think but you can get the basic idea.
These dont show my new blinds and have builders mess all over so I will get some more up eventually.

Today I had my hairdresser go shorter and darker with my hair and I am pretty pleased. It was getting way too blond and too long as well. Wouldnt you know it, I got like 10 compliments on my hair this week pre cut.

Oh well, I am happy with the changes - both my hair and my kitchen.

And I called the contractor today. Told him the job needed to be finished the right way. That spending over $10k and having sharp screws poking up into each cupboard wasn't going to work. That either he or the electrician would need to come back and switch out the screws for shorter screws and fill in the holes with putty.

I will handle the relining of the cabinets.

I left a message on his voicemail. Lets hope he does the right thing by us.

Over $13k and I can't slide my glasses in the cupboards. Something just not right about that.

OK the Kitchen is done!

2010-10-09T22:46:00.002-04:00

And my work begins!

I sent Mike to Jamie's T-ball game this morning at 9am and I didn't stop all day til now.

Is it nuts to want to put shelf paper down in all cupboards before loading em up? My aching back says it is, but it's done!

The electrician's helper man came today, he got here about 2pm and left about 9pm. He hooked up the stove, garbage disposal and installed a new ceiling fan and put our under-cabinet lights in.

The cabinet lights were the last thing he did. I went in the kitchen and fixed myself a late dinner and found that in the bottom shelf of every cupboard over the counters poking out right in the middle of my shiny new shelf paper (that used to be smooth) - A Sharp screw head! ARGHG!!

Photos to come

During Four weeks of kitchen remodeling

2010-10-02T00:02:00.003-04:00

This has been very challenging. See the green paint we almost painted those beat up cabinets we had? ugh it is hideous!

Can you imagine every morning being greeted with no cabinets at the top and boxes every where? for four weeks?

It's coming to an end. The cabinets are here and in place. The guy worked his butt off and get them in, Now for the finishing.

We changed plans several times, first it was painting the cabinets and putting down a silestone countertop.Then we realized that we really needed new cabinets and maybe $3000 was a bit much for the countertop.

So we ordered cabinets, but didn't know it would take weeks. And theat they would come in damaged.

ANd I hated my ceramic tile so we switched out and went with Pergo. (WHile waiting for the cabinets)

And I hate my semi flush mount light fixtures on our slanted ceiling. So they will be changed out as well.

Still don't have a kitchen in fact tonight we have no water.

Grins...but the cupboards are brand new and oh so pretty!

Before shots

2010-09-30T23:18:00.002-04:00

Bet you didnt think it could be as bad as all that, but here is the proof. Our kitchen sorely needed a makeover.

I talked to the contractor tonight and the cabinets are in and apparently undamaged and ready to go!

He will be here bright and early tomorrow to start. However his child has a ball game on Saturday at noon and he may go out of town after that.

So he will rip out all of the bottom cabinets including the sink and countertops, and then may not return for days.

Oh boy the fun continues.

Another Kitchen Delay

2010-09-25T08:20:00.002-04:00

OK this was to be the big weekend! The culmination of all the planning and ordering and stressing about how much debt we were incurring. The cabinets that were due in yesterday....

wait for it...

Well they came in as scheduled, but more than a third of them were damaged. And of course the damaged ones were scattered, in other words there wasn't any row that he could go ahead with this weekend...

Crap. I really need to post some photos to show how we have been living...

It ain't pretty.

We went back to trying to cook meals about a week ago. But with all the top cabinets gone and the contents packed up it's very complicated. Gotta go thru the boxes for the spices, olive oil, bread crumbs tomato sauce etc.

Or you realize how many little implements we take for granted while cooking, you know, the solid measuring cups, the cutting boards etc.

Anyway, the replacement cabinets aren't due in til next Thursday. I can't remember why there was such a rush to rip down the cabinets in the first place, I think it was cuz my contractor thought that the cabinets were 'stock cabinets' or in the warehouse, and turns out the 36" aren't stock only the 30".

So sorry, nobody can come over to my house to hang right now...I don't even want to hang here right now!

Another sad day in the newspaper industry

2010-09-22T22:03:00.002-04:00

My workplace laid off 26 people today. Most of them were seasoned employees and I knew alot of them personally. Good people, from Experienced HR staff to newer but indispensible ones like the IT guy I called on 3-5 times per week to help me out of a computer quandary, to the videographer who videos my top client regularly.

It's going to be different place to work. When will this bloody economy turn around!?

Today. Really. Sucked.

Let's talk about me!

2010-09-19T20:20:00.003-04:00

One of my favorite bloggers - Lisa, from Just Lisa No Filler suggested this post for today, a way to put the focus where most bloggers want it, themselves!

The questions...

1. Are you married? If so, how long?
2. In your current (or last) relationship, who used the L word first?
3. What is your ultimate romantic date?
4. Weddings: traditional or elope to Vegas?
5. For the married/engaged ladies: did you have a say in your engagement or wedding ring?
6. What first attracts you to the opposite sex?
7. Do you believe in living with someone before marrying them? What about pre-martial sex?
8. What do you get for the husband who has everything???

1. Mike and I have been married 11 years next Saturday! Wow!
2. Mike said the L word first, but I immediately followed. We were on our first out of town dates to Orlando for the weekend to see the band Depeche Mode who we both liked. We were at a hotel pool at night, alone when Mike kissed me and said it.
3. Ummm, I'm not much of a romantic, does Dairy Queen Blizzards count?! :-)
4. We had a traditional wedding, but kept it pretty low key. It was a 10 am church service with a brunch following (made by my mom and her friends) for about 100 folks.
5. Mike picked out my engagement ring with the help of one of my girlfriends and I picked out my wedding ring.
6. Sense of humour, and the way he looks at me
7. Yes, we lived together, but Mike proposed one month after moving in with me, we married 6 months later.
8. Mike always needs clothes but never buys them for himself, so easy peasy! Gator shirts are always a winner.

We want what we want when we want it or The Home Depot Kitchen Visualizer - Final colors

2010-09-19T16:50:00.005-04:00

We decided to complicate the issue further as our cabinets will not be in until next Friday or so! So we had our detested Pink swirled white Ceramic tiles pulled out yesterday and replaced it with Pergo brand wood simulated Laminate in a darker 'Hickory Potomac' color.

This of course caused the budget to skyrocket even higher, I think we are up to 13-14k. Scary I am telling you but it should look so incredibly better. It's just going to shoot any kind of savings we had and put us in debt quite a bit.

I know we should have saved up to do it right, so we didn't have to go into huge debt again. We just couldn't wait.

And that my friends is the story of our marriage. This time I vow when we get out of debt we will be saving upfront for the next big ticket item!

(Which will probably be the 6k remarciting of the pool...or the 3k refrigerator...or the 1k repainting of the interior of our living room/dining rooms etc)

Who am I fooling, we aren't not even done with the current project and I have all kinds of wants and needs swirling around to be next. And that doesn't even count the unforeseen circumstances that you know life tends to throw at you.

I need to have faith.

2010-09-13T00:16:00.003-04:00

Ok so the paint we picked for the cupboards we were going to use on the woodwork. It was a light green called parchment. When put on the door it wasn't so light. And it is way more avocadoey if you know what I mean. It harkens back to 1975.

So back to the drawing board. Home depot has a online room color designer, it's pretty cool - you can change the color of the countertops, cupboards, paint and trim. The countertop isn't the right shade but it allowed me to pick some paint colors that would look nice together.

'Hickory' is on the wall (and it really is already!) and so I picked this 'Winter wheat' for the trim. The tile shown in the photo is our actual tile and the cabinets are pretty close.

What do you think?

Kitchen lighting is pretty costly

2010-09-11T22:55:00.002-04:00

Ok so I gave the guy the go ahead. (And no that isn't my finished kitchen)

First we were going to do the costly but lovely silestone (Like granite but manufactured) countertops and just paint the cabinets. Kind of like putting a silk purse on a sows ear if you think about it. Our cabinets were the original issue (from 1959! Older even then me!)and to spend almost $3000 on a slab of stone over the old cabinets just didn't make sense.

I got to the Silestone because the original estimate of $8400 was for new cabinets and a formica counter tops. Home Depots formica was running $26/sq ft and the Silestone color I liked was only $42/sq ft. So it didn't seem that extravagant to go from $26 to $42. But actually Home Depot carries formica in prebuilt strips with a bullnose edge and built in backsplash for much less -only $110 for 8 ft long section. And we only need 2 8 ft sections! So comparing $220 with ten times as much...

And so it goes. Now we are in the midst of getting new builders grade cabinets instead of painting the old ones at the same size we had - 36" in the same configuration. We really didn't have much choice with our galley style kitchen. But we are also adding a new Venting Microwave, and new Cooktop as well as the new countertop in formica. For about the same price as painting the old cabinets with the new stone.

But of course that's not all. We had florescent lighting on top of our cabinets (kind of stupid if you think of it, who needs light at the top of the cabinets?) and an electrician needed to be called in to cap them off or redistribute them to other lighting options.

We were told to go look for lighting, but also to clear out the top cabinets one night this week. Well I am ashamed to say it took us 3 HOURS to clear out just the top cabinets and the broom closet and the pantry. There was literally tons of stuff. We must have thrown out 20 bottles of salad dressing and marinades, dating back to 2004 or so. And we ran out of boxes so as well before we even started packing up the panty. So besides the five or six garbage bags of old food we tossed, we also filled up about 10-12 Publix bags of pantry items which now reside behind my couch. And my entire living room is 1/8th inch deep in dust and filled with boxes.

But I digress...We didn't make it to pick out the lighting. So when the man showed up Thursday morning wanting to know what lighting we picked out, I went on the internet and found this photo.

Two hours later a quote was emailed to me at work, seconds before I was going into a meeting with my biggest client and the company bigwigs.

Guess how much?

$2500 more! for the electrical and the lighting! Boy I was pretty shocked. Hope we can swing this and we keep our jobs for a while.

It's scary to do something like this right now in this economy!

Kitchen Redo Contemplated

2010-09-05T22:33:00.003-04:00

Ok so we found ourselves 'a guy'. You know 'a guy' who can do for us. For money of course. First we had him do some siding that had come loose and the resulting water damage to the wood underneath. Also a shower and tub recaulk. Then he did some water damaged wood in the carport at our rental house.

Now we are thinking about a kitchen redo. Our 70's style kitchen is screaming for a redo. The cupboards are off while with chips showing the olive green paint beneath. Some of the guides are worn out or not working and they are old but still ok.

The counters are horrible, the old woodgrain formica and it is chipped and nicked and scratched, not to mention we have a huge dip to the side of the sink so water is always pudddling there. When we got the new frig it wouldn't fit in the space so our handy man cut away at the counter and it ain't pretty there or where the dishwasher went in.

The backspash is beyond ugly, it's a red brick veneer and there is no way to clean it.

Can you imagine? Guess I need to post some photos so you can really see and feel the ugliness.

Anyway it started with a low quote for just painting the cupboards ($1350). But I wouldn't be satisifid living with that countertop or with that yucky backspash, so we morphed up. (For a brief moment we flirted with complete redo including new cabinets, but that will take it up over $10k.) And I just don't want to spend that kind of money right now. For one thing we don't have that much so we would have to go deep in debt and we don't want too much debt. (again)

Now we are contemplating an almost total redo, with new Countertops maybe made of some sort of solid surface or Silestone; mosaic tile backsplash, (see above) new paint, new cooktop, new vented microwave over the cooktop, and new hardware for the cabinets etc.

We have recently purchased the oven, microwave and refrigerator so those will stay the same for now, and not quite ready to tear up the floor even if I do hate it.*

*Does anyone put down vinyl flooring anymore? This tile is killing my back and hips!

Ok on that note, I must go rest my aching Home depot trodding body, more to come on this!

Recalcitrance

2010-08-29T22:55:00.002-04:00

My child is so bullheaded. And so am I and so is my mother. Sometimes it ain't pretty.

I just want my mom to keep her mouth shut and not give her opinion. Certainly not to say things like "Jamie wins most of the battles no wonder she fights so much"

Geesh just not what I want her to comment on. Specially in front of Jamie.

This from a almost 70 yr old woman who will argue back and forth with Jamie about stupid stuff. "Yes it is" "No it isn't" "Yes it is" and so on.

You get the message.

What is it with Moms and daughters. It's like a constant tug of war.

Sometimes I am sad I am not going to have the experience of raising a boy. A boy who would adore and listen.

Is it true what they say? Are boys easier?

Would love a kitchen Makeover

2010-08-25T20:44:00.003-04:00

We got a quote about four mos ago for over $6,000 just to replace the cabinets, and didn't include the countertop, backsplash, plumbing and electrical.

We had a contrator over to do a bit of work today (some of our siding had come loose and the boards underneath had a bit of moisture damage and he caulked our tub and shower). He didnt charge much- $400 so we invited him to give us some other quotes.

Now he trying to talk us into new cabinets in the kitchen. No quote yet but led us to believe maybe only 2k for it all..

I just dont see it.

I also asked him for a quote of just sanding and painting the cupboards instead of replacing them and replacing the countertop, backsplash (with tile of course) etc.

We have to do something, the backsplash is fake red brick (Facade), and the countertop is fake butcherblock formica.

I am so sick of my kitchen, if we sell someday we will need to renovate, so why not enjoy it now while we are living here...We have lived here 10 years and hated the kitchen from the get go.

The first more costly option would involve us tearing everything out. We are just not wanting to do that really...it just sounds like such a hassle. And how do you know to trust a contractor?

Well the price quotes haven't come in, and that will either help us to make a decision or put it off again.

What to do what to do...Any experience out there?

VPK IS a lot of fun!

2010-08-25T00:51:00.002-04:00

Well day two of Jamie's new class at VPK = which stands for Voluntary Pre Kindergarten. Here in Florida we have subsidized PreK. What it mainly does is knock about 80 dollars a month off the child care bill. Or if you take just to VPK Mon-Friday 8:30-noon it's free. Not bad. I am a bit surprised the program hasn't been cut yet by the budget slashers here in the state but we lucked out.

Jamie seems to love her new class and that is a good thing. Her new teacher seems a little more relaxed, she allows the kids to actually play! You know move around the room and do what they want pretty much!?

At least first thing in the morning. I saw my girl showing some actual delight in being there.

And she proceeded to tell me that her old teacher's class was 'crappy'.

Oh my, I need to watch what I say. Over the weekend Jamie said 'Damn!' She is picking up on everything.

Anyway when she said that about her other teacher tried not to laugh. I didnt really like how her other teacher always had them sitting at the table!

In other homefront news, Mike is totally overwhelmed with all the demands of his first week back teaching over 100 students World History.

And I am missing my house hubby.

Child arranged Playdate

2010-08-18T22:42:00.002-04:00

Every day Mike picked up Jamie last week he was greeted with "Daddy, Madison is coming over for dinner, Daddy we have to call Madison, she is coming over" etc etc.

I picked her up one day and got the same spiel. So I facebooked (is that a word yet?) Madison's mom and said 'we have to get these girls together soon.

Madison and her family came over for a Sunday pool/play date. It was first of many Jamie-arranged play dates I am sure.

It was fun, mozf importantly, they had fun. The girls will be separated after this week. Their teacher has decided that Jamie and her 3 friends need to be separated as much as possible. Since there are 3 VPK classes and four in this 'posse' it isn't entirely possible, so Jamie and Chayse will be in one room, Madison and Brooklyn in the other two rooms.

Poor babies, how much harm can four year olds do in a small group? It's not like they are going out hanging with boys in cars! And this will be their last year together as next year they will be going in separate directions for Kindergarten. These kids have been together for the past 2-3 years and face it in their lifetimes, thats an eternity.

So we are maybe going to do a Water Park trip on a Saturday with at least 3 of the families. We are hoping for Brooklyns family to go as well. (remember the pump it up party- that was Brooklyn's birthday party.)

How would you feel about your child getting separated from her friends? I'm sure this will happen again, but didn't expect it until at least fifth grade or so.

High Maintenance girl

2010-08-18T22:37:00.002-04:00

I have created a monster. I put some real nail polish on Jamie's toes and fingers last weekend, it's just a clear coat with sparkles. And she was so excited, both to have it on and anticipating showing her friends at school.

So today she informed me it was wearing off, and I said ok lets finish reading Henry and Ribsy, and she kept interupting the story to show it to me and ask me to reapply.

I told her maybe this weekend and she started whining and kind of cry/nagging me. (know what I mean?) She just kept on...turns into a huge thing. Gosh darn it I don't even do my nails very often!!

Not sure if I can keep this up.

Jamie's Dance Class portrait

2010-08-10T22:55:00.000-04:00

Grandma loves her girl

2010-08-07T17:45:00.002-04:00

Time for some changes

2010-08-07T17:39:00.003-04:00

How do you like the Cute as a Button photo of Jamie at the top? Is from Blizzard Beach, see I let my baby get sunburn!!?

The photos on this blog top and sides were a year old and Jamie is no longer a 3 yr old, but now a wise woman of the world at four!

The trophy we are sitting in front of came from Playing in a Trivia contest for 5 weeks. Our team won first place!

I never get comments but my stats show folks are coming here just about every day.

Do me a favor and say hello and say who you are.

Just wondering. :-)

visit with Aunt Elaine

2010-08-01T15:00:00.008-04:00

My Aunt Elaine isn't really a blood aunt, but inherited by my mothers second marriage. Both my mother and Aunt Elaine divorced the brothers they married, but as we were fond of saying 'we kept each other' and our families continued to be close. She has a way of making a person special, specially a small person. I remember going into the hospital for minor surgery at about age 12 ir 13 and she brought me these little colorful dots for me to paste on paper.

She later gave me a blue crystal bluebird when I got married - my bluebird of happiness. She is my bluebird of happiness. She is such fun and I am so glad we were able to visit with her on our vacation.

Jamie loves her too.

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

Vacation video

2010-08-01T14:40:00.000-04:00

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

Blizzard Beach vs Typhoon Lagoon Vs the long lost River Country

2010-07-29T17:20:00.009-04:00

The battle of the Disney Water Parks.

I feel I am pretty qualified to answer this debate.

I first went to a Disney Water park in the seventies while I was a teen. I went to Florida with a lady I babysat for and her four year old son in a pop up camper. It was a 2 week camping trip from Michigan down to Florida and back to Michigan again.

I don't recall if we went into any of the 'Big Parks' while we were there, if there were more than one big park back then, it may have just been The Magic Kingdom.

I do know we were there for the grand opening week of their first Water Park ever at Disney which no longer exists - River Country, which is pictured above along with the park map.

See here for more photos about the long lost water park Disney abandoned about ten years ago with no explanation. The slides and pools remain, allowed to become encompassed by vegetation which happens quickly here in the Swampy state.

I fell immediately in love with water parks. I had always LOVED pools, but this was Extreme Pools! I don't think I ever did get back to a water park again until I was an adult.

So I am making up for my lost water park childhood now. I made sure to add the water park option onto our Disney passes, and will continue to do it as Jamie is a water baby as well.

We visited Typhoon Lagoon 3 times, the first time Jamie wasn't even 3 and wouldn't do anything but splash about. Last winter we went again as Blizzard Beach was closed for refurbishment; and this time Jamie experienced the mid level slides, but none of the bigger slides, even those that don't have a height requirement. She just wasn't ready.

This time she was ready, both for the Air Grover Roller Coaster at Busch Gardens and for some bigger slides at the waterparks . We went to Blizzard Beach both Saturday and Sunday. Although Jamie wouldn't go on any of the solitary slides that were designed for adults, she did go for the Teamboat ride which was a Large raft she could ride with us, and thus felt safe enough to attempt.

Now for my comparison between the two remaining Disney Water Parks.

Both parks had family raft rides but Teamboat rapids at Blizzard Beach was really long (Perhaps the longest?) and alot more fun. The raft held between four and six so my social child was in heaven sliding down with other folks. Typhoon Lagoons raft ride was smaller, and the raft was smaller as well so no room for any others, just ourselves. They also made you haul the raft up yourselves and had gushing waterfalls dumping water on your head throughout the ride. Not a fan of the gushing waterfalls on my head.

Blizzard Beach had more Shaded Tiki Huts and shaded areas period with all the trees they have. The back story is that Blizzard Beach was originally a ski resort, but when the temperatures got too hot they turned it into a them park. Thus more trees.

Also Blizzard Beach had a 'Ski Patrol Training area' for the preteens. It was centrally located in the park at the base of several of the larger slide rides and had several mid range slides and tube rides as well as 'Icebergs' with ropes strung over them for kids to climb over. This area of the park was designed only for preteens and their parents. Mike was delighted that the workers didn't allow the larger children on the small slides in this area.

Blizzard beach also had 2 Wedgie Inducing slides which didn't involve tubes. Those I find are not as pleasurable unless you like having your bathing suit shoved up into your bodily orifaces. One of them claims to be the longest freefall waterslide in the world with speeds of over 50 mph.

I prefer the slides/rides with rafts and the Tobbagon Ride was one with rafts and my favorite ride. It looked just like a regular tobaggon run, but with water. 8 people all went down at the same time, Mike and I traded off several times, but couldn't convince Jamie to try it.

Blizzard Beach also allowed us to use the Beverage stations for ice for our drinks. No charge no waiting.

So not only does Blizzard Beach have a huge amount of shade and available ice, their Lazy River was really long, and the park layout was great - you could see the rides easily. I also preferred their wave pool as it was a regular wave pool. The wave pool at Typhoon Lagoon has a Tidal wave that comes now and again, and I just don't like it. It shoves kids and older folks down and around.

Now for Typhoon Lagoon. Hmmm lets see, some may find that wave pool more enjoyable as it is not predictable and a bit more adventurous. The back story for Typhoon Lagoon is that a Huge Tidal wave came along and flooded out an area, so they turned it into a water park.

TL is more tropical looking, lots of palms and lots and lots of sand. Too much sand.

Yes I like sandy beaches, when there is an ocean or Large lake involved. Otherwise I can take it or leave it. It's messy and can be uncomfortable in your suit, clothes and food.

Almost all of the free Shaded huts in Typhoon Lagoon were in the sand. So another vote for Blizzard Beach. And you couldn't get the ice from the stations, like you could at BB. The Drink stations were activated by the bar code on the cup you would buy for $11, but apparently the technology was different as you couldn't get free ice without standing in lines at TL.

I made a bit of an ass of myself. A lady was getting her cup filled at the drink station. She had activated the ice and soda (I could see the green light over the ice spigot) and I ran up and filled a water pail with it. She said "Oh no these work with the special bar codes only, and I said, "Yup I knw, just needed some ice thanks!" Mike who is usually mortified when I pull something untoward as that, was thrilled, he really likes ice in his drinks!

If you are wealthy you can pay $250 for private shaded patios at either park. I'm not sure how I feel about that. Something smacks me wrong about the wealthy having better digs then the rest of us, just like I don't like the FastPasses the rich can purchase to be first in line at the rides in the big theme parks.

As we aren't wealthy we find the best way to experience the parks is to bring your own drinks and sandwiches in and did all three days. The first day we didn't bring food and had a $50 lunch, so that taught us to be more prepared the next few days. The second day we actually brought in our full sized cooler filled with sandwiches and plenty of cold drinks - even ice. BUt the third day we had checked out of the hotel so had the big cooler iced down holding our milk and staples, so no ice for us on that third day. Plus I had to hike back to the car to get the sandwiches at lunch time. Best advice i have is to bring a big cooler and load it up!

I think with the recession they are loosening the rules for coolers and drinks. Busch Gardens even had a sign saying no coolers, but we brought one every time. We found the stroller really came in handy to transport the cooler and the stuff.

But back to the Water Park Comparison:

We discovered the way to ensure a shady centrally located spot for the day was to get there first. So we did that both on Day 2 & 3, and plan on doing that every time we go from now on. It's just a good practice to do in any kind of park.

One good thing happened at Typhoon Lagoon on our third and last day in the Water parks. Jamie got brave and did rides where she was alone on a tube. And she loved them.

Now I can't wait to take her back to Blizzard Beach so she can do the Tobaggon ride with us!

Lots of Memories from Indian Shores

2010-07-24T19:55:00.007-04:00

We left our beautiful gulf front condo this morning. And it was hard. We didn't get out on time, and the owner wasn't pleased.

We will see how much he keeps from our security deposit. We were there 35 minutes past the check out time of 10am and he called at 10:05 hurrying us along. But I also did some major straightening and even mopped the kitchen floor.

We also missed the Dolphin encounter boat ride I had planned for us this morning as we had to be there at 10:30am.

And I was up at 6am!!

Oh well. The memories and the photos remain.

Jamie learned to swim in that pool. We spent alot of time going from beach to pool and Jamie bonded with 11 year old Ashlynn who was staying next door.

We loved the balcony and gazing at the beautiful Gulf of Mexico and seeing the sun set every night.

My lovely Aunt Elaine visited and brought gifts and laughter (hilarity) to the place one night - it was so good to see her and Jamie just fell in love with her all over again. (More on this visit later when I download the photos)

And of course Busch Gardens. As hot as it was it is truly a beautiful Park. We loved the Hippo most of all I think, they had an underground cave butted up to the hippos pond and we stayed there quite a long time.

Jamie loved the Air Grover Roller Coaster and this show she called 'Harmony' because they sang a song about Harmony, called Critter Encounters. It had dogs, cats, parrots and other exotic creatures trained into a skit about a desert island.

And I loved Sheikra. I rode it at least four times and could have rode it four more, every day we went. It has two straight down vertical drops and is just a blast, Mike even likes it.

So now we are in a 2 room 'Suite' at an Orlando hotel. The living room with the ac is ice cold and the adjoining bedroom not so cold. It is ok, but nowhere what we had become accustomed to on the coast.

The plan is to do water parks the next two days. With our Magic your way tickets we added the water park option as well as no expiration option. That means we have 7 extra days in the water parks that we need to use up before using the last 'Big Park' Ticket. So this is the summer of the Disney water parks.

Hopefully Jamie will be fearless and we will have a blast. Blizzard beach first as we haven't been there yet. We have done Typhoon Lagoon already three times.

Can't wait.

Can we handle yet another day in Busch Gardens?

2010-07-21T23:38:00.005-04:00

Tommorrow will be day 3 at Busch Gardens since Sunday. We WON'T be staying all day, it's just too darn hot to spend the entire day there as you are out in the 90 plus degrees and it just sucks the life out of you.

Yup there are no photos of us. We just melted, but Jamie seems to bloom in the heat. She is a true water baby, just like me, but I can't do the heat anymore.

So tomorrow will be the last hurrah. We will continue to enjoy the condo and the beach the last day and then Saturday we have to pack up and leave.

That will be difficult.

Ok now this is really the life!

2010-07-21T11:34:00.005-04:00

Out here at the pool with the laptop! Blogging!

Ok maybe the connection isn't quite as quick. And grabbing a photo doesn't seem to be an option, but still!

Jamie has a new 'best friend' and is enjoying 10 year old Ashlynn and her slightly older brother. They are staying in the unit next to us. Tyler loves to fish and has kept us all entertained with his netting small bait fish and feeding small shrimp to the heron.

The heron is a trip. He stands by the bait bucket and waits for some fish and if Tyler covers the bucket he circles it squacking up a storm.

Busch Gardens yesterday was HOT. And we stayed all day, well pretty much all day, we left at 6:30. I wore my bathing suit and got wet several times but it was still pretty miserable. The photos I am sure are going to show some bedraggled parents and one Sunburned sweaty child.

We do need to download the photos, all of the photos. Mike downloaded just a few the other night but I haven't taken the time to do it. He's tech for a reason.

I think Jamie is having more fun here at the condo at the pool and the beach than at Busch Gardens. I know I am.

Mommy is never off duty & Fun at Busch Gardens

2010-07-19T15:34:00.015-04:00

You know when a mom is on vacation she isn't entirely off duty. I let my baby get sunburned today. Yes I applied sunscreen liberally more than once today but apparently it wasn't enough. She has cherry red cheeks and a bit of redness on her upper back and shoulders.

I feel so bad. I am hoping the cheeks are from the wind, a bit of wind burn...we were out there from 10 am until almost 3pm. We shall see.

Busch Gardens was a pleasure yesterday. We got there right at 9am so the park was relatively uncrowded and not too hot for the first several hours. We went straight to the back of the park as all the books tell you to do.

The big coasters were open - Kumba was pretty neat, nice and long with corkscrews and tbey even let me ride twice without getting off since there were only 2 people waiting (for the front car of course). First time I ever rode a major coaster like that twice in a row with not even getting off the ride in between.

Then we tried to get on the raft ride but Jamie wasn't having it. Crazy kid will stand in the kids water park and let water cascade onto her head like a shower but hates the real shower or a raft ride that may have waterfalls splashing on her head.

I rode it alone, we were hoping she would see how fun it was but no...And yes, I did get wet but it was good. I wore my bathing suit that looks like an outfit and was cool and comfortable most of the rest of the time we were there because of getting wet. And I was able to get wet again about an hour later in one of the kiddie water areas they have there.

Jamie's highpoint is standing under Sheikra, a roller coaster that does a straight drop down, much like the hawk it is named for. It's tail end splashes over the pathway and Jamie just loves screeching as she gets soaked. While she enjoyed that I rode Sheikra. Or waited to ride it. We were going to do the baby swap, (this allows both parents to ride with only having one wait in line) How it works is that first I ride, then when I get off Mike gets a fast pass to the top of the line, but while in line the coaster kept going down for maintenance. It was supposed to be a 30 minute wait, but it took me almost an hour to get to the top. Then it went down again! I sat up in that car poised for take off for over 15 minutes, another first in my rollercoaster history.

Anyway after I got off we decided to move on and let Jamie have the last ride. (Poor Mike misses out alot at the theme parks, he just doesnt seem to care about the coasters like I do). Anyway, Jamie loves this Baby Hippo water ride that has one this one lame hill. It's really for three and under, but she still loves it. Plus she actually rode the Air Grover this time, which is a mini coaster made for kids. She wouldn't step foot in it in February, but this time she LOVED it.

We will probably do BG again tomorrow if the poor baby isn't as burned as I am fearing she may be. She is napping now...and I am laying here with my feet up facing a gulf front view thinking about cooking up some Pasta and shrimp for dinner. I can hear the waves lapping on the beach below us.

It's heaven.

More of Emily's Birthday Party

2010-07-19T08:25:00.002-04:00

Here are some random shots from Emily's birthday party which happened at our house.
Any of these photos are viewable in full size or 'grabbable' (is that a word?!) just by clicking on them and on the slide show it will take you to slide.com.

We were glad to have it here so we could all enjoy swimming and cooling off a bit in the 95 degree heat. It did rain about 30 minutes into the party, just long enough for all to gather in the porch and eat food and cake and open gifts.
Then it was back into the pool for another dip.

Jamie got a little green-eyed during the gift giving, but actually more so the night before when Mike took her to KMart to pick out the gift. Jamie picked out an Ariel doll who 'swims', had a floating inner tube and her hair turns color when wet. Jamie had a mini meltdown at one point, "But nobody is getting me any presents"

Emily's Birthday Party!

2010-07-18T22:55:00.004-04:00

Is the economy any better out there?

2010-07-12T21:10:00.004-04:00

They let four people go today at my company. We are an old medium in a new fangled world. I work for a newspaper but we do also have a website that is well respected and also very heavily traveled.

Newspapers are having a tough time of it. We are the communities voice and are expected to provide timely news and information both online and in print, but many of the advertisers have abandoned us. The information we provide isn't cheap as our stories are reseached and cross verified. The reputation of a newspaper is extremely valuable and is protected at all costs.

I am in the advertising department and we are given the task of trying to get the kind of revenue necessary to keep the information flowing.

I often wish there were some sort of online message board or community for newspaper advertising reps to compare notes with.

It was sad news to hear of some of my colleagues leaving our company today.

Is it as bad everywhere as it is here in Florida?

Summer is zooming by!

2010-07-11T00:09:00.002-04:00

Is it just me or does summer go by faster every year!?

Mike is a teacher so summertime is much easier around our home. For one thing I basically have a house husband. So that means much less in the way of dishes, meal prep, and housework for me. And more for him.

And that is just fine by both of us. I used to get all bent out of shape wanting him to work during the summer and bring in some extra money into the household.

Now I am just happy to have some relief.

It will be tough when he goes back to work. And it's only about a month away.

The photos above are from a few months back. Kelsey is one of Jamies new friends. We met them at church and spend alot of Saturday nights with playing trivia at Dicks Wings.

(We prefer Dick's to Hooters). :-)

Jamie & Us Now and Forever

Oh really I didn't know that...I am so glad you told me!

Our winter is outside time

Walking the walk and Talking the Talk

Tis the Season

Jamie's Fifth Christmas

Crazy busy but loving life

Tee shirt rug using Hula Hoop

Destructive Sleepovers

Our country isn't really number one anymore

The deal was...

Great day!

Busy Busy Busy!

Unemployed

My Baby is in REAL School!

Love the thunder

Summer trip

Summer time Life - Kittens & Sleepovers

Summer time Life - more baseball

Summer time Life - Part 1 Ballgames

My baby is growing up

Ballerina days

Doggy Guilt

Finally photos

I Phonified

Do they make bitter apple for kids?

Meet our new dog Samson!!

Photos are almost all back!

How Soon is NOW!!!???

The Determined Struggle has ended!

Life is good!

Mini Vaca

Buddah Fish

What the ______?

The Pixies and Gang of Four on tour!

I Like Dark TV

Getting Ready for another Consignment Sale

Wow

Winter blahs

Typhoid Martha

A Game Player is Born!

Fairy Tales can be Scary!

Why is our 1900 sf house so crowded with only four people in it?

RIP Truman

Eclipse was pretty cool

In memory of my great Aunt Pat

At the Speed of Life

Whoa I didn't see that coming!

Thankful for 5 days off!

The Routine is becoming routine!

"The Mountain" or is she ready to move on to a Bike!?

Tis the Season to be Baking (and eating)

Gratitude List for my Job

Back to Dance Tomorrow

Who is that woman!?

Bounce House Birthday

Last TBall game (ever?)

News and Notes

Movies under the *COLD* stars last night

T Ball Hatred

Sick day at home = abc family channel movies

Halloween house

Halloween Week

Hello Kitty

Friends and Fun

Her New Prized Possession

More Costume Party Photos

Costume Party!

2 more of the final kitchen photos

New kitchen and new hair

OK the Kitchen is done!

During Four weeks of kitchen remodeling

Before shots

Another Kitchen Delay

Another sad day in the newspaper industry

Let's talk about me!

We want what we want when we want it or The Home Depot Kitchen Visualizer - Final colors

Kitchen lighting is pretty costly

Kitchen Redo Contemplated

Recalcitrance

Movies under the COLD stars last night