not a good start

Two weeks in, and my laptop is in the shop again.  I'm slowly dying without all my favorites.  I know there are places I want to check in, but can't remember them all.  My pictures, my photoshop, my itunes.  I'm dying. 

I have been using the time to work on my long time goal of learning how to redo my blog myself.  I really need a better looking blog design. I want to update my blogroll and make some changes, but I'm too poor (and cheap) to pay someone to fix up my hobby.  The sparse amount of money I get from this blog isn't enough to justify it at this time.

I was so cranky yesterday.  I have a post brewing about loss, and I kept trying to remember how blessed I am.  But it was really difficult.  Today was better, but I still felt the crankiness trying to sneak back.

We purchased a Wii Fit Plus this weekend.  I love it.  I love that I can get some exercise while having fun.  And the games aer pure silliness. 

And there is more.  But that's it for today.

Oh, blessing for today.

The ability and funds to have a nice haircut and order a pair of boots I've wanted for a while (on sale).  So many can't afford to have niceties, and I'm blessed that I can.

Counting down and updates...

We aqre a little excited here in casa de mamalang...my husband will be home in the next week.  This long, long year is coming to an end, and we are all ready to move on as a family.  But there are a lot of other things happening here as well!

PB had her teeth pulled last Tuesday, and she came through like a champ.  She has to have a palate expander put in soon, and had to have some of her upper baby teeth removed so that the adult teeth could start coming in.  I feel a bit bad, as chewing is a little difficult, but she's doing great.  They sedated her to make her more comfortable, and the thought of her under anesthesia still makes me want to cry.

I bought this cool plate from Bethany and she added this cool cupcake into the mix.  The kids love that cupcake.  Monster uses it to pretend to hypnotize us...and the colors are Bug's favorites!  Thanks Bethany!

Monster is moving up to a Yellow Belt this weekend...Yay Monster.

PB's birthday party was last weekend. A post will be coming about that soon.

Please, be patient with the light posting...I'm trying to fit everything in while getting to see my hubby :)

Linky love and Random Thoughts...

• I posted a new giveaway over at my review blog.  Seriously, you could win!  Odds are good!
• I tweeted about a real estate agent carrying her dog while showing houses on House Hunters last night.  I now have around 10 new followers, all Real Estate Agents.  I'm not looking for a house...Seriously.
• We're going to see Brittany Spears Saturday Sunday (we being my girls, my sil and I).  I'm not sure how I feel about this, other than thank goodness they were free tickets or we wouldn't be going.  We are also going to Ikea, which I have never been to.  I'm excited about that!
• My husband is coming home in the next 60 days.  At last.  And we go to Disney just after that.  YAY!
• I forgot to adjust my alarm for school time, then slept through it when it did go off.  That meant that I woke up as we were supposed to be leaving the house.  I still managed to get everyone to school on time, and I am showered and dressed appropriately.  I had to buy lunch, and I was 30 min late, but all in all I'm good.

listing...

things I need to blog about, but I'm too busy doing to do so...

Last day of school
summer day camp
getting a tooth filled (with another session coming)
game night
End of the fiscal year (and I'm in accounting/budgeting)
Philadelphia Zoo
Cleaning my house
Wishing for many more hours in every day...

and now, I'm off to do the one thing that I never seem to have enough time to do...

sleep.

Miscellany, migraine edition.

MommyWizdom was hosting this week's Fun Monday, and I had every itention of participating, until the migraine from hades ripped my Monday away.  Maybe next week I'll enjoy a Fun Monday.

So speaking of migraines, I haven't had one in about a year.  But Monday I had one.  And this morning I started down the path to one a soon as I stepped foot in work.  I left and 30 minutes and 3 ibuprofens later I was fine.  I think I may be allergic to my office. 

Have you seen this site yet?  Oh my goodness.  Honey, we might want to make sure Monster never has access to the computer without one of us present.  This could push him right over the edge to the criminal.

It was a long day.  I returned to shredding after a week's hiatus.  I needed that week...Mother Nature is not nice, and last week was proof of that.

That's it.  I'm sore and tired and going to bed.  And dreaming of not getting a migraine tomorrow.

Random thoughts

I always have so many ideas running around my head for posts, and no time any more for actually writing them. Bummer.

1. I've been shredding regularly for almost 2 weeks now. I managed 4 days last week, and 2 times this week so far. Of course, this means I have to shred tomorrow and Saturday (unless I choose to start my week on Monday...lol). It is kicking my butt. Seriously. Tonight I did notice that I was able to amp up a few moves for a few seconds, which I guess is an improvement. I just feel like I will be on level 1 forever. I hate that. I'm impatient. But I'm working hard to keep my eye on the ultimate goal, which is looking and feeling better.

2. The kids and I are going on a bus trip to New York City. We're being dropped off at Macy's 34th Street entrance. I'm trying to figure out the best way to see some tourist attractions (the Statue of Liberty seems to be high on everyone's list (my MIL and mom are going as well)) from their. I'd ask for suggestions, but since I don't have very many readers, I'm not expecting much response. Hey, maybe I should facebook it!

3. I'm seriously contemplating switching blogging platforms. And the name of my blog. I chose this name at random before I actually understood what a blog was. And it's not catchy, and I've never been fond of it as a blog name...it's okay as my identity though.

4. I've been working on some things that I want to create to put in my Etsy shop. I'm still working through all the things I need to get it up and going. Maybe I need to start a blog that covers that business as well. Hmmm, food for thought.

5. My son was listening to a rcorded book tonight. He was so excited about the whole thing, and he says to me at one point..."mama, don't you just love technology." My heart melted to a puddle on the floor. My son will be a techno geek like his mama. Of course, he'll be a hot rock star techno geek, but still.

6. It is seriously beautiful here this evening. The temp is comfortable, there's just a little breeze, and the rain showers are short and easy. I'm sitting on my front porch geeking out. I really have to do this more often!

That's it for now! Night!

Lots of little things, all rolled up in one

I have a few things I want to share, but don't feel like making them all up into various blog posts, so here we go. 

1.  There's one of those search your name on google with a word things going around.  You put "unfortunately (your name)" in the search.  I usually don't get interesting hits, but this one cracks me up.
"Unfortunately, mamalangs diabolical plan isn’t enough to save her ass from getting killed." (of course, this has my real name, but you get the idea.  Cracks me up.  I wish I could come up with a diabolical plan. (GiST 1...finding funny things out that I didn't know about myself.)

2. Yesterday, when we were leaving the youth center, one of my sons classmates was having a complete meltdown in front of the building.  It involved much yelling, screaming, and eventually her mother throwing her her shoulder and carrying her to car.  I looked over at PB and said "Oh look, she's having one of your meltdowns!"  She chuckled, and then said, "hey, I haven't had one of those in a while.  I'm getting better!"  I should hope so.  You're 10.  I remember those days.  Sometimes I wish I could still just pick her up and carry her off.  (GiST 2...PB finally maturing enough to know when to admit her faults and chuckle over them.)

3. Tonight we went out to eat.  After I put the kids to bed, I wanted to pay a couple of bills (well, I didn't want to, but you know...) and realized I couldn't find my debit card.  A quick call to the restaurant confirmed I left it there.  Thank Goodness. Every Wed I seem to forget something somewhere.  Perhaps I should just stop leaving the house on Wed. (GiST 3...I can get it back tomorrow, and could still pay the bill)

4. This website...Portraits of an Economy, started by Rebecca of Girls Gone Child, will make you cry, chuckle and say uh huh.  (GiST 4... I still have a job, and my husbands job is one of the most secure in the country right now.  We are still okay.  We bought a house with a normal 30 year mortgage, and the houses in our subidivision my take a long time to sell, but they are holding their value...and we don't plan on selling for at least 10-15 years anyway, so we'll be fine by then.)

5. Today my inner biotch came out.  I wasn't mad or cranky or sad, just bitchy.  I could not make my inner monologue come back on.  I know you really wanted to go to the conference in San Diego.  But you have a job, so stop your complaining.  You really want to go?  Pay your own way. (GiST 5...the people that work for me laughed at me a bunch today, making me laugh at myself.  It kept the actually out loud bitchiness to a minimum.)

I'm sure there's more, but this is it for now.  Peace out.
3.

Did you watch for the football, or the ads?

Did you watch the Superbowl? If so, did you watch for the football, or the ads? I watched. In previous years, I used my hubby as an "excuse, except for the year the Colts won. I'm actually more of the come and go than sit down and watch type, but I love to catch the commercials.

A few of my favorites this year...the Nextel Commercials. I liked the one with the truant school child, but I love the one with the Roadies running the airport. I also liked commercial with the Tin Man about green energy. Those are the only two I remember seeing, as I was apparently too involved in the internet to really pay attention.

Since the game didn't have my team, my hubbies team, or even a sort of local team playing, I really didn't care too much about the outcome. I think that made a not too exciting game even less exciting for me. But the ending, it was amazing. I usually end up rooting for the underdogs, so I was a little disappointed that the Cardinals lost. Then I watched the Office and laughed my butt off at the CPR skit.

What was your favorite advertisement?

My 400th post, our 3 year house-iversary, and other misc stuff.

So this is my 400th post.  Woo hoo!  The scary part of that is that I participated in blog 365, and managed to blog almost the whole time.  That means the time before was scarce.  Yuck.

Today was our 3 year house-iversary.  When we moved into this house three years ago, we agreed that we celebrate our house every year.  We chose our first home-cooked meal to be one that we could enjoy every year.  Steak, some shrimp, mushrooms, mashed potatoes and corn.  We thank God for our house, for the blessings we've been given.  It was a little bittersweet with Bug and Daddy not here, but we enjoyed our good food, and talked about the great house we live in. 

I received my swaparooni box yesterday, and I love the items in it.  I'm killing the bottle of dishwashin soap, and we used the sparkler candles on the little cake we had tonight.

I usually don't watch much TV, and I don't think I've ever seen an episode of the office before.  But the part where they were in CPR Class had me rolling.  I teach First Aid/CPR at work, and we use the Staying Alive and Another One Bites The Dust songs to help people find the rythm. 

I'm getting a massage tomorrow.  I can't wait...my shoulders and neck have been so stiff, and I'm in need of a little TLC.

That's all folks.  Those are also my 5 grace items :)

I got nothing

Really, I'm so busy that I don't know if I'm coming or going. Later this week I'll rant about the stupid class I've had to take, or rave about the yummy food we're eating, but today, I'm too tired and stressed.

Tuesday is crazy

I've really grown to loathe Tuesday's. They're busy. I'm tired. And I paid bills, which totally depressed me. My economic stimulus check will not be stimulating much but my bills.

It's bed time.

what a busy day

I have a post started about last night, but we've been busy little bees today. Bug had Honor's Band, which required a practice session this morning and the concert this evening, and PB had a birthday party this afternoon. Some naps were taken, and the library was visited. All in all, a good but busy day. And I just never managed to download a few pics that I want to share with that post...so it will be tomorrows. Have a great night y'all!

is the first day or the last?

I'm exhausted, and ready to go to bed. The morning started bright and early at 6:45 and we went non-stop until just now. Church, Home Improvement store shopping, grocery shopping, babysitting, craft store shopping, woodworking, cleaning, cooking...we did it all today. Now it's time to rest. But I want to know, is today the first day of the busy week, or the last day of the not-so-busy week before (which was pretty relaxed since it was spring break)?

Talk amongst yourselves...I'll be back tomorrow, after I've had some sleep.

Wordless Wednesday

I'm stealing this picture from the samples that were on my new computer. Apparently it was taken by someone named Kevin Forest. I'm ready for spring.

(And yes, I realize it's not wordless if I put words under it. So sue me.)

Sunday already?

That post below? It was Saturday's. Since I was still up, it was still Saturday for me.

This post? It's Sunday's. After several weekends at home, this weekend was a busy one. Sunday School, Church where the girls played bells, home for lunch and some clean up, and then back to church for bell practice. Home for dinner, ready for bed, where did the weekend go? I'm exhausted. I reallllly hate Daylight Savings Time.

Spring Forward

Can I just say that Daylight Savings Time sucks. I hate losing an hour...I need my sleep, and my body takes weeks to adjust. Then we add to that fact that DH and I went out to listen to a band tonight, so we just got home. And although it says 12:47...it's really 1:47. Tomorrow morning will not be a good time.

Night.

March Madness

First the Madness. PB's school has this function every year in March. I remember 5 years ago when Bug was in 4th grade feeling just as frustrated. Nothing is sent home about this. I don't know what this program is for, and it always seems to be thrown together at the last minute. The 4th and 5th grade classes play basketball games against the other 4th or 5th grade classes during the week, and the two classes with the highest points in each grade level play against each other on Friday night. We found out today that PB was playing and needed a yellow shirt. Today. The function was tonight. Nothing was sent home...she was just told in class. We receive an envelope every Wednesday that includes a newsletter and other important papers. The only mention was in the upcoming dates to note section. It stated the time and location for March Madness. That's the entire sum and substance of what we received. Arghh.

Now the fun part. Her class has several of the most athletic kids. PB isn't one of them. One boy has been easily able to score numerous points on teenagers since he was 5 years old. There wasn't any doubt who would win this game. The total points from the games this week were 10, 16 and 52. The other team had twice as many students, and the star player wasn't there. They still won 22-10 (I think.)

I was afraid that it would be a blow out and not so much fun. But it wasn't...and it was a good game. The kids worked together, and everyone got a chance to play. The ball was passed, and every student had a chance to "touch" the ball. The reasons I love this school were reaffirmed for me tonight (even with the lack of communication for this event.)

chaos ending

Well, the living room is livable...I managed to get the main desk cleaned out (with my hubbys help) and now it just needs to be sold so we can replace it with an armoire. My den is a mess, but I can live with that a little longer. Hopefully this week will be better. Crossing my fingers. And now I'm off to bed.

The Weather is not nice

No snow day for me. Instead I went to work and endured the longest day known to man. But an evening spent with my kiddos and hubby, cuddling a bit in our new large bed, and an excellent spaghetti dinner, and I'm feeling much better now.

Can it be spring now?

Come on wintry weather...

I need a snow day. It's probably not going to happen, but I am going to go to bed and dream of waking up to a major winter event tomorrow morning. There is so much to do, and I just want a day to stay in jammies, drink hot chocolate, and clean. I'm going to sleep with my jammies inside out and put a spoon under my pillow. Any other suggestions?