I Believe...

I received this via email from my sister. It's long, but I think it's worth the read. Have a Terrific Tuesday!

I believe - That a birth certificate shows that we were born; a death certificate shows that we died; pictures show that we lived!
I believe - That just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other, and just because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do.
I believe - That we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.
I believe - That no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.
I believe - That true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love.
I believe - That you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.
I believe - That it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.
I believe - That you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.
I believe - That you can keep going long after you think you can't.
I believe - That we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.
I believe - That either you control your attitude or it controls you.
I believe - That heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.
I believe - That money is a lousy way of keeping score.
I believe - That sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down will be the ones to help you get back up.
I believe - That sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.
I believe - That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.
I believe - That it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others, sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself.
I believe - That no matter how bad your heart is broken, the world doesn't stop for your grief.
I believe - That our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.
I believe - Two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.
I believe - That your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you.
I believe - That even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you - you will find the strength to help.
I believe - That credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.
I believe - That the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon.
I believe - That the happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have.

Fitness Fridays...on a Monday?

That's right. Last week I just didn't have much to share. This week is different because I caught the Prevention Magazine's segment on The Today Show this morning. They were talking about what you can do to tackle that plateau when you are trying to lose those last 10 pounds. But the thing is, what they said made a lot of sense.... even if you have more than that 10 to lose.

1. Our metabolism slows down 20 calories a day for every pound that we lose. What that's saying to me is that, as you lose weight, you need to adjust your caloric intake. Pretty smart idea.

2. You need to have 4 to 5 days a week of cardio. Do it in intervals...4 minutes of high intensity followed by 2 minutes of rest. Doing so will burn more calories and then you'll burn 66% more fat the next time you work out! Cool!!!!

3. Standing for 1 hour a day will help you burn 100 extra calories.

4. There's been a study done that suggests the more meat you eat, the more likely you are to be overweight. The solution? Eat like a vegetarian 3 days a week for a month.

5. Keep a diary of what you eat - and do so online. The accountability is incredible and you'll also be able to analyse your progress.

Just wanted to share these tips... remember, no pain, no gain :)

Crisis...

What is it with the gas shortages around here??? I went to the store today and realized after our trip to the museum yesterday, I need gas. I could not find any gas stations where there was not an unrealistic line. I know it may not seem crazy to you, but to me...if you sit, with your car idling in a LONG line of cars, just to buy gas...how is that being helpful? What about the gas you are burning while you are just sitting there with the car running? Not to mention the fact that people are turning major roadways into turning lanes.

I have enough gas to make it to and from school tomorrow. Then I foresee that I will probably panic. I think I might try my luck much later tonight...in hopes that all the people are at home watching TV. But who knows? I'm going to ask my professor tomorrow if I can go ahead and turn in my lab that is due on Tuesday, just in case. He's the one who frequently mentions this mess about gas. I mean, I'm certainly not going to drive that far for a 50 minute class only to turn around and come back to the house. So we'll see...

I hope to post some pictures from our museum exploration this week. We had such a good time. I only wish that the museum here was bigger. It makes me want to take The Doodlebug to DC to the Smithsonian.

So I'm off to an afternoon of laundry and studying. Doesn't that sound like fun?

Complex Relationships

I think those two words can describe what's going on here at home. Relationships are changing. Everyday is an adventure.

The Doodlebug is a good kid. She's truly one of a kind. She has a great sense of humor. She's affectionate and considerate and delightful to be around most of the time. We've all lived in this little bubble here at home for eleven years. But things are changing and the person who is having the hardest time adjusting seems to be... The UIC.

Where I sit and marvel at the changes in our daughter, just in the last year. I think he resents a lot of it. Because these changes have somehow changed their relationship. He feels left out. They've always been like playmates. Video games. Funny movies. Amusement park rides. She's changing...and he's got issues.

I think I noticed the first change this past summer. They used to go to some local races on Thursday nights. It was their thing...like a date. But this past summer she decided she really didn't want to do that anymore. Lately he has been pointing out more things...like she doesn't like for him to kiss her on the tip of her nose anymore. She acts like he has cooties apparently. And he's having a hard time dealing with this ... because he sees that she and I are getting closer.

I'm trying to see his perspective. I mean, did I feel a little left out when they went off to do their 'fun stuff' together? Probably, yes. But at the same time, I am loving the evolving relationship that she and I are developing. We are really enjoying our time together. We do our nails. We shop. I finally have someone to do all that 'girly' stuff with. We giggle while watching movies together. We talk about music. I listen to her. Something that I can always remember appreciating my mother doing for me when I was growing up. Sometimes we just want to be heard, right? A sounding board....

My relationship with my Dad was awkward during my teen years because I sought out my Mom's opinion more than Daddy's. The UIC and his sister grew up without a true father figure, so he has nothing to draw on for experience in this situation. I told him not to be so abrupt with her. To listen to her. To not criticize her musical taste. Ask her questions but to not be pushy. When she wants to talk, no matter what he is doing, give her the time and really listen. Get to know the person she is becoming. To try to let their relationship evolve without being so forceful. But his feelings are hurt and I swear, earlier he was pouting like a little kid about the entire thing. I did tell him that he was acting like a 'grump'...a term that she had used to describe him not 20 minutes earlier.

So we'll sit back and watch what evolves over the next few weeks...months...or years. But what about you? Do you remember those odd years with either of your parents? Have you experienced this with your own children? Got any sage advice to share? I'm all ears....

Randomness

Is that really a word? But today I am all about the randomness of life.

My Mom called earlier. She wanted to know if I would like to go and have all of my arteries scanned for blockages. What? Seems there's something going on at one of the local churches next month where you can have this done. I don't know how I feel about this. I mean, do I want to know that there's a problem with me before it becomes a big problem? I think she could tell I was a little put off. I know we have a family history (with my Dad) but I'm still young enough (at least in my mind) that I don't want to have to worry about this right now. Anybody got an opinion on this one???? Please?

I've been trying harder lately to keep in touch with my sister. She works at a Dr's office in town. I hardly ever see her, really only at the holidays and stuff like that. She's 10 + years older than I am. She was a stay at home mom for probably 23 years and she went back to school so that she could work in a Dr's office. I've been consciously making myself email her. She wants to discuss our parents' anniversary party. She has the same concerns about it as I do. This is usually her forte, hence my recent panic about the entire thing.

Today I'm really in a funk. I think it has to do with my astronomy class. He started throwing theorems at us today. Do you realize how long it's been since I've had to worry about those? I think it was 1985. I'm just really praying that by God's grace I can maintain a B in this class until December 11th. I have a 'take home' quiz that is due at exactly 11 am on Monday morning. Fun fun fun.

The Doodlebug and I are going to watch Penelope tonight. Maybe do our nails. Experiment with her hair since it's growing out. I think I need to invest in a good straightener for her hair now. She has such thick hair! She wants to let it grow out some and get it layered (towards her face). She is growing up so very, very fast. Part of me loves it because we have such a good time together and the other part of me...well, is sad. Sad because I have realized lately she isn't hugging her penguin, Kelly, when I go in to check on her at night. She is growing up. Each day she changes before my eyes.

I think I should end here and go vacuum.... what? Did I actually say that???? Good grief!

Well another Thursday has come to a close. I thought today would be an uneventful day as I knew I was not working and did not have to go to class. I had thought about calling my sister to see if she would like to go to lunch... but then I found myself at Target after taking The Doodlebug to school. My Mom called...she wanted to go shopping. There I was...hair pulled back into a ponytail (because it's finally long enough!), sweats, t-shirt and tennis shoes. Argh! I had to rush home and make myself presentable. But all in all, we had a good time. I finally found a pair of jeans with a long enough inseam! YEAH!!! And two new tops. I have discovered since my last venture (last week) into coloring my hair...I do not look good in reds right now. I was disappointed. To know me is to know that I wear a lot of red. Oh well... I got something blue and something brown.

Another quiz tomorrow in Astronomy. We all have our fingers crossed that he'll make it a take home. Found out that I can't start the program that I had hoped in January...at least not at the school closest to the house...so it's back to the drawing board. I just couldn't wrap my brain around that one today. Saturday we are going to our annual museum day. The Doodlebug really is looking forward to this. I think we'll visit a few of the malls around 'the city' while we are there.

We are still debating what to do for Halloween. Speaking of that, The Source at Not A Significant Source is taking a poll on what to dress their 'baby' Lucy up as for Halloween...go over and share with her your opinion!

Twilight Humor.....

If you've read the books, you have to watch this parody of Twilight The Movie. We were rolling on the floor. Heck, even if you haven't read the books, watch away!

Of course, here at home everything is Twilight related. The Doodlebug is on to book 2 - just at the part where something bad's gonna happen. I told her she might want to read that part tonight - just to get it out of the way.

On a sidenote, I bought Pride and Prejudice this afternoon while making my potato chip run to the ever-hated Walmart. Can't wait to watch it when I get home from school :)

W4MW - Spend The Day at a Museum ... For Free

The Smithsonian sponsors a day at a museum or cultural arts center for free once a year...and that day is this upcoming Saturday, September 27th. You can get free admission for yourself and a guest by simply filling out a little bit of information and printing out your pass.

This is the second year that The Doodlebug and I have participated in the free day. Last year we had a wonderful time and spent hours at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta. We made sure to stop by and fill out the required information so that we could take plenty of pictures. I think we spent hours there, looking at the artwork on display.

Click here to go to the site and to find out more information about what is available that day in your area.

Be sure to check out other W4MW posts over at Rocks In My Dryer.

Regrets...

Do you ever find yourself thinking about things you regret? Things you may have said (or not said), did (or not did), actions you might have taken...that you wish you could take them back? We were talking about regrets today. Maybe it comes with aging...you know, you are forced to make so many life changing decisions when you are too young to really know what you are doing.

Someone commented today that they thought taking a year or two off after high school was a good idea. I quickly vetoed that idea. I did that. And I went to work at the airline. In a good job with exceptional benefits. And I delayed my acceptance to college because of it. For almost 7 years. Then I went back to a community college for a while. We had been married for 3 + years and living in our cute little blue house and I got pregnant. I had horrible 'morning' sickness. I finished up my semester of night classes and didn't go back. I started over again after I decided to leave the airline. It seemed like the natural procession for me. Leave my job, take my buy-out and go back to school. I did this and eventually finished with my degree in Accounting. Why I got it in accounting, I'll never know...maybe I'll add that to my list of regrets.

When I decided to go back this time, I had a short-term plan. I wouldn't need to do four years of education...I could do this quickly. Right. Technically I should be completing my year of student teaching right now. But things got in the way...like me. And now I'm shuffling threw applications to colleges to hurry up and finish my last four or five semesters. I am ready to be done. I'm ready to move on to the next phase of my life. And I am sure The UIC is just as anxious.

This college adventure is just one regret that I have. There are people that I've been friends with that I've regretted in the end. A few people that I dated that I wish I had not. Some words spoken in anger. Things I've neglected. People I've neglected. And occasionally, I realize, with regret, that I am guilty today of neglecting myself. I've regretted the time and energy that I've spent on things that have pulled me away from what should matter the most...my family. my faith. my future. But I also know that a lot of times, these things that I've regretted have a way of molding me into the person that I am today. Would I be as compassionate as I am to people if I didn't sometimes see exactly where they were coming from? I find that a part of my regret is also the part of me that makes me hopeful. Does that make any sense?

What about you? Have any regrets? Feel like regrets are opportunities to mold yourself into something better? Tell me what you think. :)

Sometimes It's Healthy To Ditch Class...

And that's what I've done tonight. I ditched. I'm playing hookie. And it feels good.

My Monday night class is always lecturing with a healthy sprinkle of class participation. She doesn't take attendance on these nights, and she doesn't give us bonus points for being there, so I decided while driving home today that I just wasn't going to go in. I was going to skip. Totally out of character. But I need to spend some time focusing on Astronomy as it is becoming more confusing...and apparently I am not alone in that assumption.

The UIC still took The Doodlebug to karate. In fact, they have just arrived back home. I have been pouring over my notes and textbook, trying to comprehend exactly what Dr. Astronomy wants us to learn. I was so frustrated after the first test that I'm just not sure what his teaching/testing style is at this point.

The weather has been cooler here, which has been an added bonus. I need to start pressuring The UIC about painting the house. We need to get a lot done outside. Like replanting shrubs. Cleaning up the islands. The change in the weather always makes me want to take on some type of project. If only I had the time!

Speaking of time, I'd better get back to the books. :)

Pride and Prejudice.... ah.

I actually watched a movie ... at home ...ya'll...alert the presses! I always feel guilty if I sit down and watch some guilty pleasure for myself. I always feel the need to multitask when I have the tv on...But last night I didn't. I got into my comfy chair, took control of the remote (can I get an amen?!?) and watched Pride and Prejudice on A&E. Oh my....excuse me while I swoon.... :)

I know that I had to read this story for school many years ago.... apparently I didn't enjoy it as much as most. Maybe I should go back and reread it? Because I thoroughly enjoyed the movie last night. I found myself giggling. Just like The Doodlebug. I found myself torn while Elizabeth refused Mr. Darcy's request for her hand in marriage. I felt her pain as she returned to her family, all the while keeping to herself what had transpired. I felt the prickly anger at Lady Catherine's assault on her,demanding to know if she was marrying her nephew. And the the elation at the end when Mr. Darcy told her that he was more bewitched....

I know a lot of bloggers talk about the movie. With a fondness for Colin Firth in the role of Mr. Darcy.... but last night, the movie was wonderful. Go here to see the trailer.... Have you got a favorite 'old classic' that you enjoy watching as a movie????

My favorite line, by far:

Mr. Darcy: You must know... surely, you must know it was all for you. You are too generous to trifle with me. I believe you spoke with my aunt last night, and it has taught me to hope as I'd scarcely allowed myself before. If your feelings are still what they were last April, tell me so at once. My affections and wishes have not changed, but one word from you will silence me forever. If, however, your feelings have changed, I will have to tell you: you have bewitched me, body and soul, and I love, I love, I love you. I never wish to be parted from you from this day on.

What I've Been Doing...

1. Went to school Friday and got back my test. I regrettably inform you --- I got a 79. I don't think I've ever made a 79 on a test in my entire life! He took 10 points off because I got a measuring unit wrong on a math problem! Argh.
2. Picked The Doodlebug up from school and went to see my parents. I'm trying to make a point of taking her by at least once during the week. Enjoyed sitting in the breakfast room and talking to my Mom and laughing because we could hear Daddy snoring in the den.
3. Went to Chickfila for dinner Friday night. Or rather the drive-thru because we decided to go to the mall. And not the nearest one. But we had so much fun! Well, The Doodlebug and I did. The UIC looked like he'd rather go and have a tooth filled...
4. Found her the Twilight t-shirt at Borders. Then she informed us she needed some jeans. Off to Old Navy. Gosh, she got two of the cutest pairs of jeans I've seen. One pair are those super skinny jeans like I used to wear. I love them and they look adorable on her. Picked up an Old Navy halloween tee while we were in there. A lady who I was talking to in line gave me a 20% off coupon...how cool was that???
5. I could not find any jeans. Bummer. I need a new pair as all of mine are so darned faded now. I have long legs...length is always an issue. Usually I can find something at Old Navy but not then.
6. Listened to my Ipod all the way home. I think that The UIC thinks we are insane. LOL He listens to mostly country music or Huey Lewis and The News! We listen to everything ....
7. I have noticed The Doodlebug GIGGLES ALL THE TIME. My Mom pointed that out to me. It's a constant source of sound now.

And so that was my Friday in a nut shell. The mall was fun. The laughter with The Doodlebug was the best part though. I wish I could bottle up that feeling...

What did you do Friday night? How do you usually spend your weekends?

It's The Weekend, Baby...

I woke up this morning thinking that statement. That was something that we used to say back in high school. A LONG time ago. I don't know why I thought of it, but it made me giggle.

I'm about to head out to drive to campus. I bought one of those adapters to make my ipod play in the car, so I'm anxious to try it out on the drive. I have requested a few books on CD so until they come in I am trying to stay entertained. I think there is too much talk on morning radio. I find myself scanning stations a lot. The Doodlebug and I loaded some new songs on our ipods yesterday so I'm anxious to have a listen.

I've decided that I need to start back with keeping my food diary. I don't eat very well during the time that I'm in school. I think I consume a lot of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in the rush...and drink too many sodas. A lot of people think that actually writing down what you eat is the first step, so that sounds like a good tip for Fitness Fridays to me.

I discovered yesterday that one of the shelves in the bonus room closet collapsed. Oh great fun...so I think that means I'll have to weed through it this weekend. There are two closets in this room...They basically take up an entire long wall and are behind two doors. I might as well try to clear them both out. The one with the problem...it has a lot of holiday stuff that was never put into the attic as well as some of our winter clothes. A ton of movies and CDs. This should be interesting. Because in all honesty...it is packed from top to bottom. Or last least it was. Now it's probably all just packed in the bottom. Argh...

Here's hoping it's a great weekend for one and all. I need to find a good book to get lost in now that I'm finished with the Twilight stories. Got any suggestions?

Fall Is Around The Corner...

Today we have had an overcast day. That means that the temperatures have been somewhat bearable... it's been nice. Driving home I think I actually noticed some leaves changing colors. Of course, since the drought the past few years, it could not be the seasonings bringing along the changes, but I like to have some wishful thinking here.

When The Doodlebug was little, I always decorated the house for all of the holidays. Fall was one of my favorites. Now granted, I'm not a big fan of the color orange...but I love it in the fall. I love the crispness of the orange, gold and burgundy leaves that litter our yard. I love the way they feel underfoot. Everything seems sharper in the fall...like there's an electrical charge in the air.

I'm thinking about pulling the fall stuff out of the attic. I want to decorate the mantel and the dining room. I'm also considering decorating the front yard again this year but I'm not sure if I have the time to really work on that.

Do you decorate for fall? and if so, when do you start?

W4MW - Record Keeping

Have you ever wondered just how long you should keep certain documents? Well hopefully the following list will work as a guideline for you to cut down on your paper clutter...or maybe make you aware that you've been tossing things that you should keep a little longer...

What records to keep:

Tax returns, keep forever
Tax return documentation, for six years
Contracts, forever
Real estate records, forever
Last pay stub of a job if you leave that job
Last pay stub of the year for your current job
All mortgage payment checks (statements), until mortgage is paid off
All student loan payments, until loan is paid off
Car loan payment stubs, until the car is paid off
Cancelled checks, for 7 years
Bank deposit slips, for 7 years
Bank statements, for 7 years
Home improvement records, ownership period plus 7 years
Investment records, ownership period plus 7 years

What records to toss:
Credit card statements that are more than three years old
Past insurance statements
Old utility bills, except the most recent one from your old address if you've moved
Recently paid bills (statements), once you have something saying they've been paid

Make sure to stop by Rocks In My Dryer to see what other W4MW tips are available...

I feel

quiet

withdrawn

isolated

singular

hushed

silent

soundless

subdued

serene

low-key

tranquil

placid

stilly

halycon

It's just been one of those days. I have been extremely quiet lately - not exactly sure why. I think it puzzles people though because apparently I'm a lot more accessible than I thought.

Monday Mania continues...

Actually today hasn't been that bad of a day. Went to campus and back. Paid $4.49 a gallon for gas...let's just say, I did not fill up the tank! Got Friday's quiz back...got a 100! Came home. Threw dinner in the crockpot. Did a little research and some homework. Picked The Doodlebug up from school and helped her with her math homework. Listened to her tell me that Stalker Boy asked one of her friends to go to the next dance. She is so funny! She said something like "at least NOW he gets it!" Of course, he tried to make her the prime target in a game of dodgeball in the gym last week. I think she said she creamed him though. Ah, that's my girl!

Had Biology tonight. Got back the first test we took last week. I'm happy...I got a 90, which was the highest grade at our table. I was shocked though, considering all the extra 'fun' reading I've been doing lately. This test had a lot of discussion questions. We may or may not get back our lab test on Wednesday night...so only time will tell.

Finished reading the fourth book, Breaking Dawn, from the Twilight Saga. All I am going to say is that I was a wee bit disappointed in how it all came to end. But I still enjoyed them... now I'm curious to see how the movie is going to turn out. The Doodlebug has already marked the date on her calendar. We are having a Girls Night Out apparently...which is fine with me. She's so funny, she really is a lot of fun to hang out with. It's amazing...but I think this entire middle school experience is making us closer... who would have thought that??? Plus she had a friend over this weekend and she told me later that they all like hanging out with me... which is good. Because I want my house to be the one where the kids want to hang out. I want them to feel comfortable around me. The three of us were up around 3 Saturday morning, sitting downstairs in the living room...just talking.

I've been doing some thinking about what my next step is going to be in regards to school. I'm seriously considering enrolling in a program where I would teach 4-8 grade students. I love kids of all ages, and sometimes it bothers me to exclude kindergarten or first grade from my plans, but in all honesty, I think this might be a great idea...or at least something for me to pray about and look further into. You know, maybe the problems with the other school starting their program in time for me to enroll this fall was just God's way of changing my path? I need to reflect on that a while.

Aside from that, I'll take my first astronomy exam on Wednesday. I'm thinking that mid-terms have to be coming up at some point and there's always a relief then...the semester will be almost over...yeah!

The Doodlebug

The Doodlebug has informed me that she would like some picture editing software. I think she mentioned Photoshop we she was asking about it. Why? Because has discovered all kinds of neat things that can be done with the program.

In just the last few months, she's discovered computer graphic art. I was cleaning up the computer the other day and ran across these. She uses Paint. Wow is all I can say. I have an extremely hard time using Paint to even make a header and she has taught herself to do this!!!!

I don't think she'll mind me sharing her work... This is Cascada. She is actually just one of 5 pictures that she has taught herself how to animate. I'm quite impressed. BTW, I think Cascada is a cat.


This is Nora. Nora has four other pictures and they animate as well. I think she created this one for one of her friends.









Krystal is another animated cat.



Then she has a friend who asked her if she could draw him a picture of Scourge - I think he has something to do with the Sonic games. This is what she came up with....




And that concludes today's tour of The Doodlebug's artwork. At least the work that she has put on the computer recently. In her room, she has this huge portfolio of art ... she loves to doodle...therefore, she is truly a Doodlebug.

Movie Night @ The Momster's

I think I have a confession to make. Now sit down...take a deep breath. Are you ready?

I had never seen a Harry Potter movie until about a month ago. Shocking, yes? Especially since I'm such a literary nut. But about a month ago, I was on our local library's website when I decided to see what movies they had available. And because The Doodlebug had been telling me how good they are... so I requested the first two. They were good. So tonight we settled in and she and I watched the 3rd and 4th movie. Now we've just got to get caught up on the rest of them. I think after I finish up the Breaking Dawn, I'm going to get her copy of the first Potter book and give it a whirl.

So what about you? Are there any movies and/or books that everybody buzzes about that you've never seen nor read?

At this very minute...

I am sitting here listening to my jeans toss about in the dryer, with the cat purring softly at my feet. And the only thought in my mind? Why don't I have a dobbleganger who can go to campus for me and let me go back to bed???

More later...

I Remember...

Random Bloggity Stuff

Well I got to come early tonight from Biology. We had a test...and then we could leave. I was out of there in less than 30 minutes. I called The UIC who was enroute to a meeting with The Doodlebug in tow and we met in the church parking lot and exchanged her. Now she and I are at home...and I have a dilemma on my hands.

Our next door neighbor got remarried sometime last year and her house stayed empty for a while. I think she's been holding on to it because a) it was a part of her last divorce settlement and b) she thought eventually her parents might retire up this way. Well, a while back her new husband's daughter and her baby and her boyfriend moved in. I think they are really young. I think they really don't get the responsibility of having to take care of a house and a yard. Not that our yards are huge, but they are a good size - and that means there's a lot of grass to cut. Needless to say...guess who's not been keeping up the lawn? But that's not even my point...I'm just painting a picture here. Yesterday when I got home from school the grass looked a little odd on the side of the driveway. I sat there for a minute and then I saw it. Someone had pulled into our driveway and driven across our side yard and was parked at their front door. I mean, I could see the indentation in the grass. It's still there today.

There was no way I planned on mentioning this to The UIC as he loves his grass and tries to take really good care of it. But I mentioned it tonight because it's been bothering me. Let's just say, he is less than pleased. I asked him not to go over and say anything. But then I started thinking...was that the right thing to do? I mean, what if they do it again? Maybe they don't get the big picture because they are living there and probably not paying rent...maybe they don't see that this is our yard and he had to work hard to cultivate the grass to grow over there where they drove their car? So... I started thinking. Should someone casually say something? What would you do in this situation?

And of course my Twilight obsession is continuing. I am now on the final book in the series. I just started it this afternoon while waiting in the car rider line at school. Reading sparks my imagination so much that I hate it when I get to the end of a book... I almost miss the people that I am reading about. The Doodlebug is enjoying the first book in the series. Several of her friends are reading it as well. I'm not sure about her reading the third book though. I told her last night I think she should wait till she's older. Now she's bugging me though - she wants a "Team Edward" shirt. Or a Twilight shirt. So now I am on the lookout. Anybody know where to buy a Twilight shirt?

Tomorrow we go in for the bracket repair on her tooth. Then tomorrow night is the dance. I don't know what she has done, but she is not being pestered by the boy in her health class anymore. And this means we have nothing to tease her about when she gets home. Aren't we bad parents??? But she's excited about tomorrow. I'm excited to have a day where I can catch up on the housework. Oh that sounds sad.

And I guess that wraps up this edition of Bloggity Stuff. Afterall, all this stuff's gotta go somewhere, right?

WFMW - Disposing of Paints & Other Stuff

Super Short W4MW today - but I wanted to share the following with you...

You know how you'll paint a room and then you'll have paint left? Well if you're like me...you keep that old paint for various touch ups over time. But how do you safely dispose of the paint once your ready to change colors?

You can just pour the liquid into a plastic container of scoopable kitty litter to dispose of it. Problem solved. The litter absorbs the liquid and hardens. This is a much better option that pouring it down your drain.

Of course, we keep a container of kitty litter in our garage for any spills - oil, paint, etc. It makes the clean up so much easier!

Head over to Rocks In My Dryer for other W4MW tips!

What Day Is It?

You know it's going to be an interesting day when you first think that in the morning? What day is it? Do I have to get out of the bed....

But alas, I did. I had The Doodlebug to drop off. Cat to be fed. Laundry to be done. Astronomy class to attend. But I did something really stupid today. I drove all the way to school with hardly any gas in my tank. Then I drove back with the low fuel light on. I ended up stopping down the road and filling up - it took a little over 23 gallons. Don't think I'll do that again. I truly had to be running on the fumes at that point.

I've been busy studying. I think I did okay on my Biology exam last night. At least I now know what to expect from this professor. A lot of short answer and long answer questions. Why can't they all just give you multiple choice? Wouldn't that be easier?

This past weekend I read New Moon by Stephenie Meyer. I am now working my way through Eclipse. I think I'm roughly around the middle of the book. So far, I've been enjoying them. I'm just curious where the story is going, so I found myself curling up in the recliner with the book after the rest of the family had gone to bed. Funny thing though - all this vampire reading has started the annual discussion around here about what The Doodlebug wants to dress up as. Last year she was a pirate and I made her costume. I'll look later for a picture of her dressed up - but it was adorable. And also a lot of work. This year she was originally going to be a vampire - I think she made that proclamation right after we finished trick or treating in 2007, but now she's not sure with the braces. So we are caught between being a genie and a vampire. My mother, bless her heart, just wishes she'd be something good. LOL

And I think that's about it. Except that Stalker A is going around and apparently telling everyone that The Doodlebug is his girlfriend. She was livid. We both had a good giggle about it after she went to bed last night. Middle school can be so much fun.

Monday Mania

Wow...we survived the weekend. Not that it was bad...but it seemed to be SOOO LONG. The UIC has had a few days off...that's probably what sparked the feeling. Everyday felt sort of like a Sunday afternoon until the actual Sunday afternoon rolled around.


Today we are back to business. Well, except for the fact that he'll be at home. He has an appointment this afternoon with the Dr. to see if the meds are working for his cholesterol issue. I certainly hope so. It's awful that genetics can doom you from the start! Especially when you appear to be healthy as a horse!


I found out over the weekend that someone that I am very close to has decided to go see a "Fat Doctor". Her words, not mine. What are your thoughts of these kinds of establishments? I always worry... I mean, if you can't lose the weight by doing what's nutritionally right, how is a Dr. who gives you diet pills and water shots really helping the situation? He told her that in a year's time, he could have her down to 135 pounds. That just seems so unreal to me. But I guess time will tell. Again, thoughts?

The Doodlebug seems to have settled into her routine of school, karate, and homework. The boys situation is still kind of funny with her variety of stalkers. I ran into a mom last week at the grocery store who was commenting about seeing her in the rider line at school and how much she's grown up. I sometimes worry about this. Not that I'm trying to keep her in a bubble...but I always looked so much older than I was when I was her age...and the boys! This week they'll have the first dance at school and I am so proud of her. To everyone who has asked her to go, she's simply told them that she is going with a group of friends. She said she'd save them a dance. Always the diplomat!


I have my first exam in Biology tonight. It explains why I could not fall asleep last night! I kept waking up thinking what is an ionic bond or the different levels of lifeforms on Earth. Needless to say, I'll be doing a lot of studying today. Astronomy is rolling along. We have a project due in there next week that I'm slowly working through. I actually enjoy his class. The Doodlebug drew him a Tweety Bird last week so I made sure to drop it off Friday. It's funny how excited he gets about Tweety. BTW, here's the picture. I scanned it for her -so it's a little dark. What impresses me with her ability is that she just came in here and asked me for a piece of paper and drew him, from memory, in like 4 or 5 minutes.

So I wish you a fantabulous day. I'm hoping to start back with the weekly COW post next week. Right now I just have so much extra stuff going on in the world around me....

Twilight....

Oops...my daughter is editing my writing...it appears that the book is 498 pages. Apologies Doodlebug :)

Wow, have you ever picked up a book that you just could not put down? That is what happened to me yesterday afternoon when I grabbed my newly acquired copy of Twilight by Stephenie Meyer on the way out the door to go and pick The Doodlebug up from school. I sat in the car rider line and read for 15 minutes until the line started to move...and I was hooked. I spent the rest of the evening, in between fixing dinner and the general household 'stuff' reading. I finished the book last night. Some 428 pages I believe. Can you tell that I like to read???


First let me say that even though I have watched shows about the cold ones I have never read a story about one. At least not to my recollection. But The Doodlebug really wants to read this book and she knows there is a movie coming out soon that is based on it. This meant that I signed on to read it before her just to make sure it was okay. While there were some intense moments, I think the book will be fine. I mean, we've read and watched Harry Potter, so we've dealt with the supernatural before as well as a little bit of violence.

What I didn't expect though was to enjoy the story. I'm not going to give anything away, in case you are considering reading it yourself. But I will say that it was entertaining and I couldn't wait to see just how the story would end. Right now I have the next book in the series waiting on my night stand. I am also in the process of trying to study for my first exam in Biology so I am only reading a few pages when I feel like I need a break from non polar covalent bonds and defining what an organism is. But I am enjoying the chance to sit and read something aside from a textbook. The escape has been nice. Although The UIC just shook his head each time he saw me reading the book last night. He knows how much I love to read...

So what about you? Read anything lately that really held your attention? Do you ever find yourself (or have you found yourself) reading material that your not sure if appropriate for your child, only to find yourself enjoying the story? The Doodlebug has only 5 pages left in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. She can't wait to start reading Twilight. I think it will be a good choice for her since she has to read 1050 pages before October 10th for her reading class.

Packing A Lunch Box

Here is an interesting link to share from msnbc about packing your child's lunch. A lot to be learned!

It's the super short Fitness Fridays around here!

Anybody working on any kind of fitness goal?

I'd Love You All Over Again...

Today is The UIC's birthday. For some reason it made me realize today that I have known him for twenty years. That's 20 years. More than half of the years that I have lived. When we met, I was just fresh out of high school and he was this 'cool' older man. Now we have been together 20 years, married for 15. We have one amazing daughter and an entertaining furball between us. This is our family. Sure we argue and fight...it's what keeps us healthy. We've been together through some remarkable milestones. On this journey, we are never alone. I know that he is always there for me, and even if he has no clue what I am ranting about, he listens... that makes him special :)

So to my husband, my hunny, I wish you the happiest of days today and a million more tomorrows. And wouldn't you know it - fall ball starts this weekend? Oh well...at least we had him at home for his birthday!

W4MW - Reverse Edition - How Can We Have It All?

I know that many women today believe that it is our right to have it all. That we should be able to have successful and/or fulfilling careers and also be able to take care of our families and loved ones? But where do you find that balance? Because lately I feel like that person in the side show who is trying to juggle about 40 plates on top of a teeny tiny stick.

See, I'm back in school. Not that that's new. But I'm taking two science courses right now and I'm having a hard time finding balance. I find that I spend most of my spare time trying to read ahead. In one class we are dealing with a lot of mathematical equations. In the other, I feel like the Professor is speaking Greek at least three-fourths of the time. I go to campus, an hour away, four days a week. Then two nights a week I attend a satellite campus in my hometown. My days are usually filled with rushing to take The Doodlebug to school, then getting myself to campus and to class, trying to study after driving back home. I study in the car rider line at her school in the afternoon - which sometimes is where I get my best 'thinking' done because it is quiet. Then we rush home and I prepare our family's dinner while she does her homework. We try to have dinner together as a family on the weeknights that I don't have class, but it always feels rushed.

I know that I should utilize my crock pot more. I know that I need to delegate more to The UIC and The Doodlebug, but to be honest, maintaining the house isn't the problem. It's my inner struggle and wanting to succeed at school and wanting to be this incredible Mom who exists only in my head.

So my question for you on this flip-flopped Works For Me Wednesday is ... how can we have it all? Where do you decide to be a slacker and where do you decide to be superwoman? Please leave me a comment - if only to let me know that I'm not alone :) And check out the other dilemnas facing other bloggers over at Rocks In My Dryer.

The Women...

Snicker...I just can't wait to see this movie! I am a The Women junkie...I've seen them all. If you don't know what I'm talking about, click here and watch the trailer!

Water Woes

Well I started to cook dinner tonight to realize that we had no water. I made a quick call to my neighbor up the street --- she had water. So I went in search for the number for the water company and called their after hours number. They informed me that there was a water main break down the street and around the corner...and that was five hours ago. We went to my parents' house to get showers. But you know, there is nothing like wanting to go and get a glass of water, only to realize that you have no water. I certainly hope the water is back on in the morning, or we'll be back in the car and headed down to my parents' house to wash faces and brush teeth for school.

Friday I received a letter from the admissions office at school and I have to go by there in the morning to get this form to be completed and then hunt down my advisor, someone that I have never actually met face to face, then return this form to the admissions office. I am not happy about this. But by this time tomorrow night, it will all be over and done.

Today The Doodlebug and I went out to purchase several notebooks so that we could organize her school supplies a little bit better. A lot of money later, I think things might work out a little bit better for her. As a side note, Target has marked all of their school supplies 30% off, so now is the time to start stocking up on spiral bound notebooks and packages of notebook paper.

Astronomy isn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. My biology class...well I'm still not sure. I was able to pull up the paperwork for this week's lab. There are 9 pages of questions. I'm hoping that my table partners are a little more enthusiastic about that than I am. At least this will be the last of the actual science classes that I will have to take. The others at least will teach me how to teach the subject.

In other words, it's been a boring three day weekend. Hope the week is better.