This Is How We Roll

Who Would Think?

2011-07-12T09:14:00.002-04:00

That what you did could have such a huge impact on me?

I sat next to you on just a few occassions at your sister's soccer games. Joked with you a bit about having to entertain your younger brother, and heard about you from my own daughter a few times. I just can't really say that I knew you. And maybe that's better for me.

What I do know is that your family was, and is, a wonderful, fun, loving and kind family. Your sister is Kaylen's best friend and has been for nearly two years. After spending a few hours a week sitting next to your mom or dad on the soccer field during their games, I got a pretty good feel about them. They are totally commited to their children, and were to you, H.V. You were their pride and joy, just as A.V. and E.V. are too. You could tell from the way they talked, bragged and recounted the weekly activities they would do with each of their kids. It was totally apparent to anyone who spoke with them, just how important you each are.

I'm sure you could see that....and I heard that you were pretty close to your Siblings. And I saw you get up out of your comfortable chair to walk E.V. to get a snack or to throw a ball with him. I just would like to know if you could really recognize this during your ordeal? Did you have any clue that you would destroy major pieces of each of your family members and many of your friends, not to mention the outsiders such as myself/your teachers/your neighbors/etc.?

I'm not the only one asking "why"? I know your parents were preparing to move the family out of state and that would be a huge troubling thing for anyone to consider, not to mention a teenage boy, with a girlfriend, lots of friends and a great soccer career, but was it that bad? Was there something else? I've always been the kind of person who wants to know the answers, wants to know how people feel and wants to understand the "why" of it all. This tragedy has elevated that need. I, as do many, feel the need to find the answers so that we can share them and try to prevent these types of situations from occuring. If only.

By almost all accounts, you had the perfect 14 year old boy's life. Beautiful girlfriend, lots of friends, great athlete, pool in the backyard, a family that loves you to pieces. What else did you require? What was missing? Why couldn't you talk to your family about everything that was leading you to even consider ending your life?

I live in a little bubble, or so I've been told. I tend to be an optimist and I don't see the cup as half empty. I think we should all focus on the positives of our life, as it is as short as the blink of an eye. And you tend to notice this as you get older. I know I am not like most people in this regard. I wonder would it be helpful for me to attempt to share my hope, my joy, my positiveness, and be an ear or a shoulder for those in need?

A friend of mine and my SIL have talked about a support group, a hotline, something! Because this is becoming so prevalent. I think kids these days have so focused on themselves and their problems that they cannot see the future, or at least hope for a future, in the midst and they think it would be easier to just remove themselves, no consequences. The problem is, there are dreadful consequences. How do you make them see this? How?

Lord, I pray that you will be with the brokenhearted V. family during this past week of terrible tragedy and numbness, I pray that you will comfort them in the coming weeks, months and years as they deal with H.V.s decision and absence from their lives. I pray they beat down the guilt that will surely come from this tradegy and I especially pray for all the other young boys and girls who feel so overwhelmed that they think this is the best decision for themselves. Please comfort the many that grieve over this death and others and give us direction in what we should do with these situations. Amen.

Let the countdowns begin

2011-05-31T10:12:00.002-04:00

Lots of firsts this year and lots of planning going on. It hit me when I was reviewing my June calendar....this was my Facebook status this morning:

Last day of school for my Senior is in 8 days,
prom in 9 days,
commencement in 14 days,
party in 18 days.
Sigh.
Good thing big vacation is in 30 days, I'll need it, mentally and physically.

Pray for me....

A first: Planning a graduation party

2011-05-24T12:51:00.002-04:00

Do you know I have a five tab Excel spreadsheet going for Austin's graduation / open house in three weeks and not much of anything done except tables & chairs ordered and invitations/announcements sent out? It's a bit overwhelming. The food prices and choices are crazy. At first I thought we would make a lot of the food, but I have no idea what to choose and want to make it easy as possible for myself (haha), so that means catering most of it and boy does that get expensive fast. Not mention the drain on finances with prom just before it and a big family vacation just after it.

Ahh, the joys of motherhood.

I really am having a hard time accepting the fact that I have a 17 year old young man about to graduate and start his college career.

I'm so proud of him. I'll be telling you all about him nearer to his graduation, but here is one of my favorite candid shots of him....what a cutie...

My experience as a Juror

2011-05-23T06:30:00.003-04:00

So the last post was totally referring to being summoned to Jury Duty. My first in all my years, can you believe it? I have been so envious of other people over the years because they've been called mulitple times and me? Never!

So this was for my local courthouse, one that serves seven smaller Metro Detroit communities and they only needed six jurors plus an alternate. I was hoping for the whole experience but Friday was my daughters' 13th birthday and I had so much to do, so if I didn't get picked I was going to sit around until lunchtime and then take off to run my errands.

But guess what - I got picked (as evidenced by my post title). There were four of the original seven that were dismissed; one for her husband being an active police officer, one for her husband being a retired fire chief, one random guy who was an engineer (there's a standing joke that if you are an engineer, you're off the jury) and one lady who was removed for cause because her daughter had been abused by her boyfriend and she was just too emotional to be a juror of a domestic abuse case.

Yes, this was a criminal case, one in which a guy was being tried for domestic abuse on his girlfriend and in front of her daughter. It was such an amazing experience. I liked every part of it but the waiting and delivering the verdict. We waited about an hour before they even called us in for jury selection, it was another hour for the seven person jury to be picked (voir dire), then it was time for a lunch break and every time we had a recess or left we had to go in through the jury deliberation room. It was quite a lot like what you see on television, except a lot less drama and pretty people.

The evidence against this man, at first glance, was a little on the light side. He never hit this woman, drew blood, beat her. But, we all freely admitted to each other that we were inexperienced in this matter, so when the judge gave the actual definition of domestic abuse, we saw that quite a lot of his behavior did, in fact, seem to be domestic abuse. We also, in our discussions, determined that this woman seemed to have been setting this man up for prosecution. There was video of his behavior at one point in the altercation and we got to see about 30 seconds of it. All it consisted of was terrible language directed at her. She sustained a cut on her finger from his grabbing her laptop, bruises on her body from when she, herself, fell down the stairs while trying to video him, and some hurt feelings.

Somehow, I got picked to be our foreman. I hoped it only involved signing the paper, but no, it had to be just like tv and when the judge asked for the verdict, I had to stand and read it outloud! It ended up that we convicted him of the domestic abuse charge based on the legal definition. I can't remember the exact words of the law, in fact, we had to come back out of the jury deliberation room to have them re-read to us. But it amounted to he did intend her harm, he did touch her without her permission and he did cause her distress. These were all in the definition. To me it was mostly emotional abuse, which is clearly still abuse. He called her some horrific names and when she was on the stand, she started to cry when she had to repeat some of them.

We think that this incident was not the first and that someone, maybe the police because they were clearly on her side, instructed her to video if it happened again and to proceed with prosecution. At one point in the video she says "figures he would not be as bad this time when I'm recording it". He was a stupid drunk and she probably could have kicked his butt if she tried, but there should be consequences to that kind of behavior and I hope he is able to get help for it.

I got out of the courthouse at 4:20pm and rushed home to take care of Kaylen's party that was to start at 5pm! Poor girl didn't even have decorations up for when she came home. All in all, though, it was a crazy busy, interesting and then fun day.

Another item off the bucket list...

2011-05-19T14:22:00.002-04:00

You may or may not have known that I turned 40 this year...

Yes, I know, it's a sad, sad state of affairs.

I have had a bucket list for a few years and prior to the bucket list there was a secret hope of mine that never seemed to come to fruition. Everyone I know, my age, younger than me and older than me have all experienced this, some - multiple times, I might add.

It's a strange hope/wish by most people's standards and after experiencing it I may change my tune, most do, but I may finally get to experience this item and cross it off the bucket list, tomorrow.

I will find out for sure tonight.

Care to guess what I may be doing tomorrow?

Jessica Frech, creative and an interesting voice...

2011-05-18T13:10:00.003-04:00

A must see video, especially if you've ever seen any of those "People of Walmart" pics.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvxNgdFeWqM

So Spring....

2011-05-12T14:06:00.000-04:00

seems to have finally arrived!

The last couple of days have been so beautiful, but this is clearly the year of the longest winter evah. I want to have a talk with Mr. Puxatawny Phil, he was drastically wrong this year when he predicted an early spring. Here in Michigan, we've had low temps and delayed ends/starts of the seasons. It has taken until just this week to barely reach a high 70 temp. I think we had snow in April too! We usually flirt with 70s and 80s in April. It was just rainy and cold for most of that month and not any sun. That's the only complaint I have about Michigan is that we don't get enough burn-your-irises-out sunshine. Oh and let's not forget the "if it's cold, I have to have snow on the ground or else I'm miserable". Other than that (oh and the general economic state we're in), this is a beautiful state with four distinct seasons and lots to see and do.

Last fall we moved from one building to another in the same complex, but NOW I have a window cubicle (doncha just love the word cubicle?). I have never sat at or near a window in all my working years. I quite enjoy it. But. It. Is. Very. Distracting! I see the squirrels, the blooming tree and the cars coming and going and the afternoon just drags on. It's most especially hard on a nice day. Like today. I want to go home! Hope your day, work or no work, is good! Hurry up summer!

Got this Maxine in an email and loved it...

2011-05-11T14:35:00.002-04:00

WOW, I'm rich!

Silver in the Hair

Gold in the Teeth

Crystals in the Kidneys

Sugar in the Blood

Lead in the butt

Iron in the Arteries

And An inexhaustible supply of Natural Gas.

I never thought I'd accumulate such wealth.

Vacation Recap 2

2011-05-06T05:18:00.000-04:00

Here are some of my favorite shots/memories of Vegas 2011

Serendipity's Famous Frrrroooozen Hot Chocolate

Me and Rich at Harrah's Piano Bar, we closed the place down and had SOOOO much fun.

delectable goodies at Venetian

beautiful tile work at Encore

Gondolas and some unbelievable blue water at Venetian.

Had such a good time and can't wait to go back!

:

Is it May already????

2011-05-05T08:21:00.000-04:00

I guess so....May 5th to be exact (darn it, wish I could have thought to say something yesterday....something like "May the 4th be with you" hehe).

Vacation Recap 1

2011-05-04T13:53:00.005-04:00

Where has the time gone this year? I remember it being Christmas and so dang excited for the upcoming vacations we had planned (Vegas / Washington D.C.). They have both now come and gone.... Here are some of my favorite pictures from Washington D.C. The big vacation, for the whole family is yet to come and I hope to capture some once-in-a-lifetime shots there.

The awesome Capitol; we got to tour the inside and it just blew my mind. A must do/see when in D.C.

The colors on the flowers, everywhere, were spectacular!

Beautiful cherry blossoms and dogwoods were everywhere. I need some of these in my yard!

The Supreme Court

The awesome Washington Monument; one of three places on a must do list that we could not tour... : ( that's what happens when you go during one of the busiest time of the year.

Bo, the Obama's Portugese Water Dog came out for a meet and greet, lol

Q and Kay were my companions for the trip. Had a lot of fun with them!

The White House

Arlington Cemetary; very sobering. Over 300,000 soldiers buried here. Graves as far as the eye could see, at times.

at the Pentagon Memorial; very poignant this week.

Nine Words Women Use - a Must Read!

2011-05-03T09:05:00.001-04:00

NINE WORDS WOMEN USE

(1) Fine: This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up.

(2) Five Minutes: If she is getting dressed, this means a half an hour. Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given five more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.

(3) Nothing: This is the calm before the storm. This means something, and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with nothing usually end in fine.

(4) Go Ahead: This is a dare, not permission... Don't Do It!

(5) Loud Sigh: This is actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A loud sigh means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you about nothing. (Refer back to # 3 for the meaning of nothing.)

(6) That's Okay: This is one of the most dangerous statements a women can make to a man. That's okay means she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.

(7) Thanks: A woman is thanking you, do not question, or faint. Just say you're welcome. (I want to add in a clause here - This is true, unless she says 'Thanks a lot' - that is PURE sarcasm and she is not thanking you at all. DO NOT say 'you're welcome' ... that will bring on a 'whatever').

(8) Whatever: Is a woman's way of saying F-- YOU!

(9) Don't worry about it, I got it: Another dangerous statement, meaning this is something that a woman has told a man to do several times, but is now doing it herself. This will later result in a man asking 'What's wrong?' For the woman's response refer to # 3.

* Share this with the men you know, to warn them about arguments they can avoid (if they remember the terminology).

* Share this with all the women you know to give them a good laugh, cause they know it's true!!!

hehe

2011-05-02T10:38:00.001-04:00

Freebie

2011-04-28T12:53:00.001-04:00

Join Aveda's Birthday Program today and get a free, full-size product on your birthday!

Whoa Nelly!

2011-04-13T10:15:00.002-04:00

Please someone stop the hands of time!!!! I DON'T WANT to get older!!!! I am not accepting this birthday really well this year, can you tell? It is tomorrow and I just cringe to think of how old I'll be AND now I understand why people just decide to quit having birthdays and only refer to themselves as forever 29. Maxine says it best:

Ahhh

2011-03-16T13:38:00.000-04:00

Father in heaven forgive me for sinning
I know I need a new beginning
Father in heaven forgive me for sinning
I know I need a new beginning my world is spinning

From sunrise to sunset help me not forget all that you've done for me
From sunset to sunrise help me keep my eyes upon your glory
From sunrise to sunset help me not forget all that you've done for me
From sunset to sunrise help me keep my eyes upon your glory

Say ah yeah (Ah yeah) say alright (alright) every sunset (sunset) and every sunrise (sunrise) Say ah yeah (Ah yeah) say alright (alright) every sunset (sunset) and every sunrise (sunrise)

Oh I need ya, oh I need ya right now

From sunrise to sunset help me not forget all that you've done for me
From sunset to sunrise help me keep my eyes upon your glory You came down from heaven above to show me your way
Your way is to love so help me love love and not judge or hold a grudge saying

Say ah yeah (Ah yeah) say alright (alright) every sunset (sunset) and every sunrise (sunrise) Say ah yeah (Ah yeah) say alright (alright) every sunset (sunset) and every sunrise (sunrise

From sunrise to sunset help me not forget all that you've done for me
From sunset to sunrise help me keep my eyes upon your glory
From sunrise to sunset help me not forget all that you've done for me
From sunset to sunrise help me keep my eyes upon your glory

Father in heaven forgive me for sinning
I know I need a new beginning
Father in heaven forgive me for sinning
I know I need a new beginning my world is spinning X4

Christian lyrics - FROM SUNRISE TO SUNSET LYRICS - PAUL WRIGHT

Yep, already broke

2011-03-14T11:02:00.003-04:00

how prophetic my last post was, especially the title "2011 may just be the year to break me".

I'm experiencing a terrible personal tradegy that has affected me so deeply that I measure my good times in seconds; a fleeting laugh or happy memory, otherwise I am transfixed in a numb or extreme emotionally state.

I tell ya, it sucks.

If you are a praying person, this woman could sure use your prayers. A peaceful spirit, positive reinforcement of me and love and support from everyone around me are what I need.

Terri

2011 - a year that may just break me

2011-03-09T08:51:00.000-05:00

So I'm going to be totally honest with you, my blogger pals, this is truly going to be a rough year for me. In fact, it has a little bit already but just work wise and that seems to be going a little bit better day-by-day now.

The reason this will be a tough year is because in just over a month I will embark on my 40th year here on this earth. Or am I already in my 40th year? I guess that would mean that technically I am already in my 40th year. Geez, I just depressed myself…I was trying to hold it off until April 14th but not sure I can hold it back now.

I will also be seeing my baby boy, Austin James, graduating from high school. : ( I've been going through pictures to get his grad party scrap book ready and really feeling the years have slipped by faster than I could have ever imagined. Truly, when an older person tells you on your graduation day, wedding day, the birth of your first child to hold on to those years and savor every moment, they really know what they are talking about. I can't believe I have a 17 year old about to graduate and start college. Another doozy of an event that I'm not ready for, emotionally and financially.

It seems for this first year anyways, that Austin has decided to go the community college route, probably starting this summer and try to get as many classes completed and then apply to Michigan State for his sophmore year. We've been waiting on pins and needles for his acceptance and they just strung us along, probably because of his borderline 3.4 gpa and low ACT score, while they fill their coffers with scholarship kids. It just didn't make sense to Rich and I that a smart kid with parents paying $20k a year for his education wouldn't get accepted right away. Oh well, next year.

He plans on, at least right now, getting a degree in Wildlife & Fisheries, which would allow him a job in several arenas, but probably government and along the lines of conservation, would be his direction. I, jokingly, tell him he's going to be a cop for animals rights. I'm very proud of him and think he'll do great, whatever he decides on.

Yep, it's gonna be a tough one this year. Sigh.

My, how time flies

2011-03-01T11:29:00.003-05:00

I have the best intentions regarding this blog but I fail miserably!

I've been so ridiculously busy at work the past two weeks that I come home, shove some grub down my gullet (usually take out, no way I can work 12 hours and then come home to cook), sit in front of the tv (that is if I don't have to run someone somewhere for wrestling or soccer), log in to facebook, do my frontierville and citiville basics and then go to bed. I swear my family just did not like me very much this past two weeks. Oh and in there somewhere was a 3 day trip to KC for work too. I brought home LOTS o' work from that trip and had a big cost study due as a result.

I think I may be working with a regular 40 hour workload, and I say that knowing that my usual workload is 30 hours plus some fluff, so 40 hours is still way busy but it's better than the 60 hours.

Hope all is well with everyone out in bloggerville. I came here specifically to go out and check up on everyone's blogs, so here I go.....

Travel on tap

2011-02-03T11:23:00.002-05:00

so I'm quite a happy camper at the moment.

Between Thanksgiving and Christmas we, as a family, decided to plan a big summer trip. I railroaded the rest of the family into choosing the week of July 4th because it's a forced week of vacation for us in the auto industry. So we are going to go to Yellowstone!!! I'm so excited! I gave the kids a choice: beach vacay during spring break down in FL or a week at Yellowstone in the summer. All three of them picked Yellowstone in the summer! That's kind of amazing, but I do have kids that love the outdoors, nature and wildlife so that might have something to do with it. Plus last time we went to FL it was totally disappointing weather wise (50-60 and lots of clouds).

Prior to that we are going to try to go to Washington D.C. for their first trip ever during spring break which is really late this year (April 18-22). That should be lots of fun! It's probably been since I was 12 or something that I was there and I don't really remember so it'll all be new to me. Best thing about that trip is most of the tourist sites are FREE! Love it.

Then just before that trip is one for Rich and I in Las Vegas - yippee!! I usually go for the hotel properties that are affordable for regular ole people like me, say Paris being the high end, Flamingo being the norm...but when Rich goes for a work conference like this one, he gets to stay in the high falutin' places like Bellagio or the Venetian. This time we get to stay in the Venetian and I'm so excited! You. Don't. Even. Know.

So what are your vacation plans this year?

Yes, Yes, I know

2011-02-01T09:08:00.003-05:00

It has been a LOOOOOONG time since I've last blogged. I've been meaning to, honest, and I think I will start again, it just may take some time working back up to regular posting.

But I got this from a daily "deal" type email from my area and I laughed out loud and thought "I have to share this". This is a deal on electrolysis or a brazilian. How creative and unusually descriptive of them....read and enjoy:

Hey Ariel, now that you've traded in your fins for a prince, it's time to face the music about your new life on land. Being a real woman means having body hair, but you can still be as sleek as a mermaid with today's deal from Bloomfield Esthetics. A Brazilian wax is only $25 (regularly $50), while 60 minutes of electrolysis is only $30 (regularly $60). The institution's expert estheticians can remove all of your unwanted hair below sea level, leaving you free to work your mermaid magic without the fear of stray seaweed. Legs are required for jumping and dancing, but being part of this world doesn't have to mean worrying about unwanted body hair.

Creepy and sad....

2010-11-24T07:31:00.001-05:00

Not surprised at all she made it on TV, 'bout time

2010-11-11T12:03:00.001-05:00

For those of you who love food, love Bobby Flay and LOVE the Pioneer Woman, like I do, you'll want to check out her post Hilarity. Mark your calendars or set your DVR's......

She's a Maniac

2010-11-10T14:16:00.004-05:00

You know that Flashdance song by Michael Sembello that sings "She's a maniac, MANIAC, I sure know"? Based on this past weekend and weekends to come, this fall, I'm modifying the chorus to sing:

She's a maniac, maniac on the field
And she's playing like she's never played before
She's a maniac, maniac on the field
And she's playing like she's never played before

My daughter, the soccer player, had eight soccer games last weekend and has five this weekend. She scored a total of 14 goals in three of those games and got an assist in another.

Is she crazy? Possibly. Am I? Most definitely. We literally ran from field to field all weekend.

She's playing on four teams and guesting on two others. She's 12 and plays U13 but is on two U14's (one's a boys league) and one U16 league.

She's either going to be one phenomenal high school soccer player....or....she. will. burn. out.

But she L-O-V-E-S it.

She's a soccer maniac.

Wise words to live by

2010-11-05T13:43:00.001-04:00

"Always put people before things."

"Attitude can make all the difference in the world!"

and my favorite...

"Live Authentically"

Do you know where these quotes came from? The inside foil wrapper of some bite size Dove chocolates! : )

have a great weekend,

Single Dad Laughing

2010-10-26T14:33:00.002-04:00

I love, Love, LOVE this guy. Not sure why I never knew him before, but He's amazing. Check him out here. And check out this empowering heartfelt post about women here. He's long-winded but what he has to say is worth reading. Let me know what you think, or if you already knew about him...

A good one

2010-10-26T07:40:00.003-04:00

BLACK ROBBERS (A True Story)

For anyone who didn't see the episode of David Letterman's show where this story was told, read this: (And remember it's a true story...)

On a recent weekend in Atlantic City , a woman won a bucketful of quarters at a slot machine. She took a break from the slots for dinner with her husband in the hotel dining room. But first she wanted to stash the quarters in her room. 'I'll be right back and we'll go to eat' she told her husband and carried the coin-laden bucket to the elevator. As she was about to walk into the elevator she noticed two men already aboard. Both were black. One of them was very tall and had an intimidating figure. The woman froze. Her first thought was: 'These two are going to rob me.' Her next thought was: 'Don't be a bigot; they look like perfectly nice gentlemen.' But racial stereotypes are powerful, and fear immobilized her.

Avoiding eye contact, she turned around stiffly and faced the elevator doors as they closed. A second passed, and then another second, and then another. Her fear increased! The elevator didn't move. Panic consumed her. 'My God' she thought, I'm trapped and about to be robbed!

Her heart plummeted. Perspiration poured from every pore. Then one of the men said, 'Hit the floor.' Instinct told her to do what they told her. The bucket of quarters flew upwards as she threw out her arms and collapsed on the elevator floor. A shower of coins rained down on her.

'Take my money and spare me', she prayed. More seconds passed. She heard one of the men say politely, 'Ma'am, if you'll just tell us what floor you're going to, we'll push the button.' The one who said it had a little trouble getting the words out. He was trying mightily to hold in a belly laugh. The woman lifted her head and looked up at the two men. They reached down to help her up.

Confused, she struggled to her feet. 'When I told my friend here to hit the floor,' said the average sized one, I meant that he should hit the elevator button for our floor. I didn't mean for you to hit the floor, ma'am.' He spoke genially. He bit his lip. It was obvious he was having a hard time not laughing.

The woman thought: 'My God, what a spectacle I've made of myself.' She was too humiliated to speak. The three of them gathered up the strewn quarters and refilled her bucket. When the elevator arrived at her floor they then insisted on walking her to her room. She seemed a little unsteady on her feet, and they were afraid she might not make it down the corridor.

At her door they bid her a good evening. As she slipped into her room she could hear them roaring with laughter as they walked back to the elevator. The woman brushed herself off. She pulled herself together and went downstairs for dinner with her husband. The next morning flowers were delivered to her room; a dozen roses. Attached to EACH rose was a crisp one hundred-dollar bill. The card said: 'Thanks for the best laugh we've had in years.

It was signed: Eddie Murphy and Michael Jordan

Picking my battles. It's hard.

2010-10-19T09:49:00.003-04:00

It's time to rant!!

I've never really had a problem with any of my three childrens' teachers. I always give the teacher the benefit of the doubt and realize that my kids are not angels, have bad days, are talkative or disruptive every great once in a while. There's never been any suspensions or visits to the principle but there have been a few instances of notes home or detentions for various reasons. I've never felt the need to "push back".

I feel the need to push back.

Kaylen, my somewhat overachiever-of-a-daughter, cares about what her teachers think of her and tries to do her best at everything she takes on. She does tend to like to talk and is a bit of a social butterfly, add to that pre-teen angst and noticing/trying to impress boys, I'm sure she's a handful. But she's polite, pleasant, gets excellent grades, is helpful, yada-yada. She feels like her math teacher (also first hour/homeroom) doesn't like her. I'm convinced it's true. Either that or he's just a grumpy, strict and unyielding teacher....

Two weeks ago it was progress report time. They sent home a copy and asked the students to return with a signature. This is something fairly new to me OR it has just never been enforced before now because I don't recall having to do this before, except if a between marking period grade was questionable (in elementary school). The school provides a website where, as students and parents, you can go in anytime and check on attendance, grades, lunch choices, etc. I am on there often.

So Kaylen forgets to bring said progress report home and is reminded twice to bring it in. On the last possible day, she calls me at work, in tears, and asks me to print it from the website and bring it in. Secretary offered to let me fax it in. She tells me she's in trobule and she might get kicked off the volleyball team.

I print out with a little note saying "we misplaced it, please accept this in lieu of...". Then I fired off an email to the teacher. Telling him I thought the punishment of a 2 HOUR DETENTION was a little stiff.

He writes back shortly thereafter "we have rules, she will serve the detetion next Wed"

I write back "ok she will serve the detention but can you move it back to accomodate her volleyball schedule, including playing the #1 team next week, only one they've lost to"

He writes back "ok, call the office and tell them I said it's okay"

I call the office "please move back two weeks to let her finish off her volleyball season"

Office "this is unusual that you make the request, usually the teacher does it"

Me "he sent me an email and told me to let you know"

Office "okay"

Note from teacher this morning:

"Ms. Ruddell
In the email you sent me earlier today I agreed to reschedule the
detention for next week due to a pressing volleyball game. Later the
secretary sent me an email stating that you called and attempted to
reschedule the detention for the week of Novemeber 1. That was not our
agreement. That puts the punishment 3 weeks from the date of the
incident. The detention needs to be served either Mon or Wed of the
week of October 25. Please respond which day is more convienent. "

Me "UGGGGGGHHHHHHH" (not really, I responded "Monday, October 25th")

The "incident"? Really? She forgot to turn in her progress report showing 3 A's and 3 B's which I was already aware of. I understand there are rules and consequences but I think you show leniency to your good students right? She's so busy between volleyball and soccer (and a very active social life) but manages to be at school and have all her homework done and get good grades, but you'll punish her with detention because she doesn't bring in a paper that clearly makes no difference in anything. I can see if she were missing assignments, failed a test, was in danger of failing a class, etc. AND we provided a similar document by the end of the week, which made no difference in his mind. This is just ridiculous. I'll let it lie here even though I'm tempted to contact the principal because, unfortunately, she has this teacher for the rest of the year...

Your thoughts?

:(

Parenting from one generation to the next Part 2

2010-09-30T06:35:00.006-04:00

See Part 1 here

Part 2

To work or not to work (as a teenager)?

Nearly from the moment I turned 16 I was working. It was encouraged. There hasn't been any "off" time except for maternity leave, I've always worked since I was able. Rich started working regularly when he was 14 or 15, by necessity, and may have had a little stint between jobs for a few weeks but has also always worked. We both thought it would be good for Austin to get a job this summer. He does have a girlfriend afterall, and happens to have expensive hobbies (hunting and fishing), but after looking for about four months, applying at several locations in our area, we all decided that he didn't need one. And to be perfectly honest, I don't see how the kid could even have one at this junction of his life.

School is first and foremost a priority. Austin gets very good grades but they don't come easy. He works hard and sometimes struggles. That would be reason number one not to have a job. I can just see him coming home from school, jumping into work clothes and being gone from 3-9pm. What possible energy would he have to then complete homework or study?

Then let's throw in the sports. Austin is a natural athlete and has been playing sports since he was 4; hockey, wrestling, soccer, archery. Currently he is in the middle of his soccer season and he has practice or game every weekday. Practices are either 3-5 or 5-7. Games are 7-9, oh and don't forget if it's an away game you have to go super early and ride with JV because their games are at 5:30. So on an away game day he could be gone from 4:00-9:30pm. Where does a job fit in to that? And his hobbies I listed above are often all he does on a weekend with the exception of a little time with his GF and going to church (because mom makes him).

How in the world is this boy supposed to work a part time job???

On the one hand he would be getting valuable experience about learning how to work with others, some difficult, how to work for and please the bosses, and he'd be getting some much needed cash-ola (which would help out mom and dad too!).

I can't say this would be a bad thing until I think about the consequences. His grades might fall. We would see even less of him than we currently do, and how could he play sports?

Maybe we'll re-evaluate come winter time when things slow down, but I think this is the right decision for Austin. While Rich and I couldn't wait to work and get our hands on some money, Austin seems to be doing pretty good and we don't want to disrupt that. The only downfall to our decision is that this economy has put such a strain on the job market and so many have lost their jobs that many of the low paying teenage-type jobs are taken by desperate and overqualified adults who need the money. And many of them want experience. Two marks against Austin before he even walks in the door. Not sure if that will improve by the time he pursues a job or not.

Parenting from one generation to the next Part 1

2010-09-29T06:14:00.003-04:00

Just sitting back and trying to figure out if we are making the right decisions as parents and noticing, along the way, how some of the things we have chosen to do with our kids are so different from the things our parents did for us, right or wrong.

It's a learning process - you learn from what you were shown/taught and you learn along the way, with some victories and some mistakes.

My parents did an excellent job raising me. Rich's parents had a tougher go of it, rocky divorce, four kids, step family, etc. I would have only wanted a couple of things to be different for us:

Part 1

Being more knowledgeable about college.

That is no fault of my parents, neither of whom have a college education or know the ins/outs of making a college education happen for their children. Both come from fairly poor and wonderfully simple and loving Christian families that I'm proud to be descended from. My mom was mostly a stay at home mom, available for our every need. At one point she returned to work as needed but still managed a schedule to be home as much as possible. My dad has been very successful in his career as a draftsman/designer at several nuclear power plants. He had some vocational training and then went right to work. In the 70s and early 80s we moved around and found the jobs with the big pay as a contractor. At some point it all came down to earth and dad had to stop being a contractor and "settle". He took quite a pay cut and we buckled down. This was in the middle of my high school years. I was going to be a teacher, as much as I knew at that age, and would attend Eastern Michigan University. I was accepted and went to enroll for my first semester not long after graduation. When I saw the first semester bill for full time college ($2500 off campus Freshman) I freaked thinking "how in the world am I supposed to do this? I can't do this on my own".

Shortly after that I un-enrolled, went to work full time in Downtown Detroit (what was I thinking? What were my parents thinking? lol), bought a new car and enrolled at the local Community College to go part time for my Associates. I was very excited to start working and doubly excited with the new car.

But if I had it to do all over again? I wish someone would have sat me and my parents down and explained our options for making full time college a reality for me. I wish I had gotten my Bachelors right after high school and I wish I had gotten that teaching degree and now worked for a local school system. But things happen for a reason and while I wish those things, I am where I am supposed to be and (several years later) I have the degree and an excellent job. This is the motivation behind the desire to get Austin off to a four year university so that he can get started off on the right foot in this world where you must have a college degree to go anywhere and be successful. I was hesitant at first, thinking he needed to start slow and attend a community college, but we've slowly come to the realization that that decision would be purely selfish for wanting to keep him home and save some money, neither of which will help him in the long run. I hope we are making the right decision. Time will tell.

My questioning self

2010-09-28T09:37:00.002-04:00

Did I ever tell you that I have a vivid imagination? I don't think I did as a child, any more than a normal child. I didn't have imaginary friends (that I can remember) and I didn't make up fantastical tales about how the dirt got on to the newly mopped floor or how that piece of bread dough mysteriously disappeared off the cookie sheet (yes I used to eat bread dough - blech!). I might have initially denied any involvement but usually my naturally honest nature showed and I confessed. I'm not much of a liar either.

This can be good and it can be bad.

Right now I'm struggling with some things someone told me that seem to be total fabrications, but that's another thing I'm not good at ~ knowing if the absolute truth is being told. I hate this unbalanced feeling. One minute being convinced none of it is true. The next minute thinking the worst. I'm praying about it but my also naturally questioning nature is front and center.

How do you handle this type of situation?

The Wheel of Life

2010-09-22T06:33:00.003-04:00

Love this....

Do you know 1 of 5 or 1 of 7?

2010-09-17T10:01:00.004-04:00

Very surprised and upset to hear all the latest figures coming out about poverty. I stayed home quite a bit the last couple of days and took in some of the latest news (not my favorite thing in the world but I had time on my hands, unfortunately). One of the reports I heard is 1 out of every 7 adults and 1 out of every 5 children are in poverty right now. Here. In the great United States of America. How sad is that? It's likely you know someone right now that needs help with food and or clothing.

And what am I going to do about it? Every May I put out cans and boxed goods for the mailmen on their end hunger drive. I volunteer at Gleaners and at our church's week of homeless help, and I donate clothing often, but it doesn't seem like enough. I need to do more. My family has, Thank You Lord, faired very well over the last couple of years of economic struggle. I'm going to look into this more and see what else I can do.

Think about what you can do to help with this terrible situation in your area. Let me know what it is that you are involved in, maybe I can get some good ideas. God Bless all those children and adults that are in need at this time. Amen.

To Text or Die

2010-09-13T14:19:00.003-04:00

So Rich and I have been investigating new phones for 2 of our 3; one just doesn't like his and the other no longer has a ringer, it only vibrates and that one hardly ever uses his phone so he hardly ever answers. So I was on Sprint.com looking into my renewal/upgrade options and decided to check on my bill. I usually don't pay too much attention because it's regularly the same amount (unless someone has snuck in some data usage taht they shouldn't have!). I have unlimited texting but not internet for the kids (they are on it enough at home). So I noticed I can look into each phone number for details and I can see their minutes used, data used, texts, etc. This is what I saw for the period July 24-August 24:

Austin (oldest, has a steady girlfriend) - 736 texts
Quintin (no GF but core group of friends and communicates with Rich and I well) - 1201 texts
Kaylen (youngest and a female ((can talk at least twice as much as a boy))) -

9964 texts!!!!

Unreal. I do believe there was a period of about a week without her phone AND we take it away around 9pm so she doesn't stay up texting all night. Oiy.

School's back in and she's adding to her contacts daily and talking constantly about BOYS. I have a feeling that number will be growing....

her answer to the above dilemma??? TEXT, obviously.

First Day Back

2010-09-07T14:03:00.004-04:00

...to school!!

I can't believe I have a Senior, a 10th Grader and a 7th Grader (not in this order below).

Quintin (10th), Kaylen (7th), Austin (12th)

Obviously not the best of my picture taking abilities but this was all I could get them to agree to very quickly before they walked out the door and you can see they all don't look to be of the same mind. hehe

Hope all ya'lls first day send offs were great. Now let the grumbling and complaining commence!

Blog ya later,

Check it out

2010-09-01T07:42:00.002-04:00

I have made a photo blog now with a P.O.T.D posted daily (well at least during the week). You can find it from my profile info or by clicking here.

What did I get myself into?

2010-08-30T08:11:00.004-04:00

Weekend was great although we didn't end up on top of the tournament leader board, no, far from it. But I do have a good story to tell. Kaylen played several positions last year and was a bit confused about her roll on the team. I think her Coach liked her size and speed and she's got a great foot so he saw her as a potential good "striker" or center forward. She stays up with the last defenders and tries to get breakaway balls for goals. Anyways that's where she started this season and I didn't think she was giving a great effort so I gave her incentive. She's ALL ABOUT time with her friends and I told her she could have a sleepover this last coming weekend before school starts. The deal is 1 friend for 1 goal. Then I sweetened and said 2 friends for 1 goal. :)

She was a little bit more motivated than usual I think and it worked out. She just ended up with one assist (which to her was a goal but only to count toward her numbers!) and pulled off two goals. We did not win a game; lost two and tied one, but I was happy for her performance and now we get to plan not a sleepover but a party! She talked me into changing it to a party with lots of people, including boys, and one person staying the night. I'm a sucker for her. :)

Blog ya later,

Let the weekend begin

2010-08-27T09:54:00.002-04:00

This has been a long week. Not nearly getting enough sleep and this week was the beginning of the mess that my life is for the beginning of school. High School Soccer, High School Football and Club Soccer and Middle School Volleyball. Fun Fun Fun!

This weekend Kaylen has a soccer tournament in Bowling Green OH. I think their team shows a lot of promise this year. Fingers crossed they do well in their new league: State Premier.

Austin's HS soccer team is 2-1 right now. They lost two days ago to their local rivals. But only by one point which was a penalty shot. Not the best way to win. We will get to play them again in a few weeks.

Quintin is the "man" on his JV Football Team. They had their first game last night, 21-6 win. He did not come off the field except for kick offs.

Today I'm taking Austin to his senior pictures session. I can't believe I have a Senior and I can't believe how much this is going to cost me. Ugggh. I can give you a breakdown but that would bore you I supposed. Suffice it to say, at the start of school, for school items and sports, the boy is costing us $1200. This is deposits and such. Does not even touch on actual photos from his senior pics, the grad party to come, homecoming and prom and don't even get me started on college this time next year.

On that subject, we sent off Austin's application to MSU. He still needs to get his counselor to send in his transcript and school records but we play the waiting game now to see if he will get accepted. He has a couple of back up plans but its his true desire to go there based on three factors: His major is offered there (Fisheries & Wildlife), they have a bass fishing club, location isn't too far. While I'm extremely nervous, for various reasons, I am also very excited for him to take this opportunity to go away from home for his education. Fingers crossed I can actually handle this, this time next year. I will likely be a basketcase.

I'm going to start showing some photos. I am nearly fully equipped with my new Canon T1i and lenses. It's very exciting for me. Now I need to get a handle on editing and software to do those wonderful things that I've seen others do. I have such great blogger friends who have started their hobby/business on their blog and it's inspired me. Thanks Lisa and Kristin and Amy!!

Ok, goodbye for now and I'll blog ya later,

It breaks my heart

2010-08-26T12:55:00.002-04:00

I saw this on Kristin's (The Goat) Facebook page and it was a good reminder for me to DO something. I highly encourage everyone to do this.

Read this article

then feel motivated to go to this site (if you are a Michigan resident), if not, go to your state's Secretary of State or government page for donors.

Ask and you shall receive (just maybe not exactly what you asked for...)

2010-08-23T14:38:00.004-04:00

A good reminder when we are feeling down about our circumstances or our needs being met:

I asked God for strength, that I might achieve.
I was made weak that I might learn humbly to obey.
I asked for health that I might do great things.
I was given infirmity that I might do better things.

I asked for riches that I might be happy.
I was given poverty that I might be wise.
I asked for power that I might have the praise of men.
I was given weakness that I might feel the need of God.

I asked for all things that I might enjoy life.
I was given life that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing I asked for, but everything I had hoped for.
I am among men most richly blessed!

True or not, something to think about...

2010-08-19T08:15:00.000-04:00

TEXAS Bar Sues Church

In a small Texas town, ( Mt. Vernon ) Drummond's bar began construction on a new building to increase their business. The local Baptist church started a campaign to block the bar from opening with petitions and prayers. Work progressed right up till the week before opening when lightning struck the bar and it burned to the ground.

The church folks were rather smug in their outlook after that, until the bar owner sued the church on the grounds that the church was ultimately responsible for the demise of his building, either through direct or indirect actions or means. The church vehemently denied all responsibility or any connection to the building's demise in its reply to the court.

As the case made its way into court, the judge looked over the paperwork. At the hearing he commented, 'I don't know how I'm going to decide this, but as it appears from the paperwork, we have a bar owner who believes in the power of prayer, and an entire church congregation that does not.'

She's my girl

2010-08-18T10:18:00.002-04:00

So a lot has been going on 'round these parts while I haven't been blogging much and I can't recall them all so I'll just tell you about what's going on in the "right now". I'm hoping to pick up my sweet, darling, lovable 8 y.o. JRT (Jack Russell Terrier), Cookie, from the vet hospital today. She had to have emergency surgery yesterday for a condition called Pyometra. You can click the link to read about it but in short, it's a uterine infection in older non-spayed dogs.

When we got her several years ago, it was our first family dog, and boy was she a good puppy! I thought, since the kids were young, it would be a good experience to see bred her once or twice; have the kids see the birth, help take care of the young, make some cash, keep a puppy. :) So we didn't have her spayed. But we didn't go out of our way to breed her and nothing happened, despite her weekly escapes! When we did get our second pup a few years ago, who was MUCH more work than she, we got him fixed so we were trying to avoid the possibility by then, knowing how much work (read: mess) it would turn into.
I had no thought of what consequences that might lead to. During her "time" or when she was in or near heat, she was always very clean and neat, no one ever knew that she wasn't fixed or had a "time". About a week ago, just after we left for vacation, the boys (who were leaving later than us due to other commitments) noticed that she was bleeding. She was basically leaving a trail of blood everywhere she went. They were very concerned and called to tell me. I assured them that it was okay, normal, yadda yadda blah and not to worry about it. Then I got another call saying how they were constantly cleaning it up. She basically got jailed in her crate then during the rest of our vacation, or let outside for hours at a time so as not to leave such a mess. Poor thing.

So we got back on the w/e and I saw for myself that she was having a serious problem. Monday morning I called the vet, explained the situation and they basically diagnosed her on the phone. Luckily for my sweet baby, she had an "open" pyometra, which means you can tell there is an issue. With the "closed" pyometra, the problem exists but doesn't always present itself quick enough to be corrected with surgery. It is a life threatening infection. Her uterus was removed yesterday with, get this, 1.5 lbs of pus/fluid/blood. She was only an 18lb dog to begin with. That's a lot of yuck to be carrying around!

So, I guess I have now become a proponent of spaying your puppy UNLESS you know for sure you are going to breed her. Trust me, it's much better to pay the $150-200 for spaying a pup, than having a emergency surgery to correct the issue and possibly save your dogs life that is going to run between $600-1000 later on. Ouch!

Vacation

2010-08-16T09:15:00.002-04:00

aren't vacations a wonderful thing? I just returned from a relaxing camping vacation in beautiful Ludington Michigan. I don't want to be back at work, although I do enjoy returning home from a week's vacation, that's always nice.

I'm going to try picking up the blog again but I may try a new location or something different. I have too little connections in the blogging world that I want lately. A few of you have stayed true - thanks Lisa & Kristin & Tee, but I seem to have way too many foreign commentors and spectators now. What to do? I put on the comment pw protection but it hasn't helped. It'll be hard to let this one go though; it's been up for over five years.

I'll post a few of my vacation shots as soon as I upload them, watch for them!

Blog ya later,

Hello...Anyone Home?

2010-08-06T13:49:00.001-04:00

Great info for a summer full of lakes, pools and beach vacations - READ!

2010-07-20T10:47:00.000-04:00

Drowning Doesn’t Look Like Drowning

Drowning? Not likely.

The new captain jumped from the cockpit, fully dressed, and sprinted through the water. A former lifeguard, he kept his eyes on his victim as he headed straight for the owners who were swimming between their anchored sportfisher and the beach. “I think he thinks you’re drowning,” the husband said to his wife. They had been splashing each other and she had screamed but now they were just standing, neck-deep on the sand bar. “We’re fine, what is he doing?” she asked, a little annoyed. “We’re fine!” the husband yelled, waving him off, but his captain kept swimming hard. ”Move!” he barked as he sprinted between the stunned owners. Directly behind them, not ten feet away, their nine-year-old daughter was drowning. Safely above the surface in the arms of the captain, she burst into tears, “Daddy!”

How did this captain know, from fifty feet away, what the father couldn’t recognize from just ten? Drowning is not the violent, splashing, call for help that most people expect. The captain was trained to recognize drowning by experts and years of experience. The father, on the other hand, had learned what drowning looks like by watching television. If you spend time on or near the water (hint: that’s all of us) then you should make sure that you and your crew knows what to look for whenever people enter the water. Until she cried a tearful, “Daddy,” she hadn’t made a sound.

As a former Coast Guard rescue swimmer, I wasn’t surprised at all by this story. Drowning is almost always a deceptively quiet event. The waving, splashing, and yelling that dramatic conditioning (television) prepares us to look for, is rarely seen in real life.

The Instinctive Drowning Response – so named by Francesco A. Pia, Ph.D., is what people do to avoid actual or perceived suffocation in the water. And it does not look like most people expect. There is very little splashing, no waving, and no yelling or calls for help of any kind. To get an idea of just how quiet and undramatic from the surface drowning can be, consider this: It is the number two cause of accidental death in children, age 15 and under (just behind vehicle accidents) – of the approximately 750 children who will drown next year, about 375 of them will do so within 25 yards of a parent or other adult. In ten percent of those drownings, the adult will actually watch them do it, having no idea it is happening (source: CDC). Drowning does not look like drowning – Dr. Pia, in an article in the Coast Guard’s On Scene Magazine, described the instinctive drowning response like this:

Except in rare circumstances, drowning people are physiologically unable to call out for help. The respiratory system was designed for breathing. Speech is the secondary or overlaid function. Breathing must be fulfilled, before speech occurs.

Drowning people’s mouths alternately sink below and reappear above the surface of the water. The mouths of drowning people are not above the surface of the water long enough for them to exhale, inhale, and call out for help. When the drowning people’s mouths are above the surface, they exhale and inhale quickly as their mouths start to sink below the surface of the water.
Drowning people cannot wave for help. Nature instinctively forces them to extend their arms laterally and press down on the water’s surface. Pressing down on the surface of the water, permits drowning people to leverage their bodies so they can lift their mouths out of the water to breathe.

Throughout the Instinctive Drowning Response, drowning people cannot voluntarily control their arm movements. Physiologically, drowning people who are struggling on the surface of the water cannot stop drowning and perform voluntary movements such as waving for help, moving toward a rescuer, or reaching out for a piece of rescue equipment.
From beginning to end of the Instinctive Drowning Response people’s bodies remain upright in the water, with no evidence of a supporting kick. Unless rescued by a trained lifeguard, these drowning people can only struggle on the surface of the water from 20 to 60 seconds before submersion occurs.

(Source: On Scene Magazine: Fall 2006)

This doesn’t mean that a person that is yelling for help and thrashing isn’t in real trouble – they are experience aquatic distress. Not always present before the instinctive drowning response, aquatic distress doesn’t last long – but unlike true drowning, these victims can still assist in there own rescue. They can grab lifelines, throw rings, etc.

Look for these other signs of drowning when persons are n the water:

Head low in the water, mouth at water level
Head tilted back with mouth open
Eyes glassy and empty, unable to focus
Eyes closed
Hair over forehead or eyes
Not using legs – Vertical
Hyperventilating or gasping
Trying to swim in a particular direction but not making headway
Trying to roll over on the back
Ladder climb, rarely out of the water.

So if a crew member falls overboard and every looks O.K. – don’t be too sure. Sometimes the most common indication that someone is drowning is that they don’t look like they’re drowning. They may just look like they are treading water and looking up at the deck. One way to be sure? Ask them: “Are you alright?” If they can answer at all – they probably are. If they return a blank stare – you may have less than 30 seconds to get to them. And parents: children playing in the water make noise. When they get quiet, you get to them and find out why.

For Tracey...I remember when you danced to this all those years ago

2010-07-19T07:18:00.000-04:00

Today I remember you, Chris.

2010-07-08T10:02:00.003-04:00

One year ago today, my friend and co-worker, Chris, passed away from a year long battle with colon cancer. He was 36 and left behind two beautiful little girls and devoted wife. I'm certain where he is right now but does that make it any easier? Yes and now.

Thinking about you Chris.

(last years' posts here, here and here)

Oh Kids....and Pets...you know where this is going

2010-07-06T12:39:00.000-04:00

A little girl asked her Mom, "Mom, may I take the dog for a walk
around the block?"

Mom says, "No, because the dog is in heat."

"What does that mean?" asked the child.

"Go ask your father. I think he is in the garage."

The little girl goes to the garage and says. "Dad, may I take Susie
for a walk around the block? I asked Mom, but she said the Susie was
in heat, and to come talk to you."

Dad said, "Bring Susie over here." He took a rag, soaked it with
gasoline, and scrubbed the dog’s rear-end with it and said, "Okay,
you can go now, but keep Susie on the leash and only go one time
around the block."

The little girl left, and returned a few minutes later with NO DOG on
the leash.

Dad asked, "Where is Susie?"

The little girl said, "She will be here in a minute, she ran out of
gas about halfway down the block and another dog is pushing her home."

I hate mean people

2010-07-01T15:16:00.002-04:00

someone I used to know but who has now turned into a mean, bitter, vindictive person got me today. got me good. pretty sure I didn't deserve it and hopefully the things said were far from the truth. either way it cut deep and it sucks. we got some major ripples, snowball and tremor effect going on as a result. :(

Ah-mazing

2010-06-24T07:40:00.000-04:00

Major thunderstorms in Michigan - check (very common in summer time)

Fast and minor damage Tornados - check (not often, but not uncommon)

Earthquake - check (never experienced one before in the 30 years I've lived in Michigan tho)

All three in one day??????? NEVER...except for yesterday.

Unreal.

Nervous much?

2010-06-23T09:51:00.000-04:00

I have an important meeting today in just a few minutes; if you are a praying person, I'd appreciate some prayers that things go my way. :) That's not asking too much is it?

Saw an old friend this weekend

2010-06-21T08:10:00.002-04:00

Went over to my parents last night to have our second Father's Day celebration. :) We were out back grilling and I noticed my parent's next door neighbors out in the back yard. Here's the quick back story: neighbors were a family; parents and two daughters that were a couple of years older than me. We grew up together, all got married and moved on. Then the younger daughter bought the parent's home and she became my parents' neighbor. Well she was out back with her older sister whom I hadn't seen in a couple of years. I knew she was sick by FB posts and emails but I just didn't expect what I saw.

She has cancer of the breast, brain and bones. She's dying. It broke my heart to see someone like this and so soon on the tails of my uncle's death from cancer. She has no hair, is skinny as a rail and very frail. Her eyes are glassy and she takes a very long time to process what you say and to answer, or speak on her own. What she said was even sadder than how she looked. I asked what kind of treatment and she said chemo and radiation but that she hasn't been that sick and that she is, finally, getting healthy. I looked to her sister and raised my eyebrows questioning. I don't think that is the case and maybe she can't admit it, but I guess if that is how she is dealing with this, so be it. She has a 17 y.o. daughter, a 14 y.o. son and a 5 y.o. son. They are very caring and attentive and I feel for them. All of them.

Here's to you Tracy, may God heal you or make your suffering go away. May your family deal with your illness the best they can. Lord, please be with all those who are suffering with this terrible disease. May they seek You and find You.

The Google Game

2010-06-18T07:52:00.000-04:00

Couldn't resist

Rules:Google Game: Go to Google and type in quotation marks your name and then “likes to” (ex. “Steve likes to”). Type in the first ten things that come up and repost in your own note.

THANKFULLY I could technically skip past the ones that started with "Terry" right? Cuz they were BAD…for example the first two were:

Terry likes to eat poop

Terry likes strippers

So I proceeded on to the official spelling of my name and got:

Terri likes to read

Terri likes to spend some of her spare time with her two dogs

Terri likes to explore cemeteries and caves

Terri likes scones

Terri likes all kinds of sports

Terri likes to cook

Terri likes her cream whipped with a Cherry on top!

Terri likes to use a long lens when possible

Terri likes assembling the clipboards

Terri likes to embed reflective elements with the vitreous and matte textures

Surprisingly many of these are right on the money. I've highlighted the ones that are true about me. Funny eh? Give it a try and let me know so I can check it out.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Innundated with Solider Stories

2010-06-16T08:11:00.003-04:00

Has this been happening with you? I think it's God's way of letting me know that I need to spend more time in prayer for our awesome men and women who are serving our great country. I consider myself somewhat patriotic but can't see myself giving up everything to go into another country, one that is harsh and unforigiving and likely not welcoming for a pittance of pay and potential loss of life. No Way. So for those that do - thank you. Get your hankies out for these doozies:

This video is a great story about a woman who paints pictures of soldiers who have died in service and presents them, at no charge, to the parents or loved ones left behind. Very heartwarming.

This video, I'm sure you've seen. I actually got a few of these in email form recently at work and had to put it off til later because I knew what it was going to do to me. Here's your warning. But it's definitely worth a watch. It would take a hard person to ignore the emotion and feeling in these people's reactions, especially the kids. The first little girl got me. Wow.

Here is part two of that first video. Love it.

I was talking with a guy at work who is in the National Guard Reserves and he was supposed to go to Iraq for his three week assignment but apparently the cuts are in motion and enlisted men got the option to take their assignment instead. He's pretty disappointed but not really surprised. In a way I'd love for all our service needs to be over with and all our soldiers come home, but there would be issues galore if that happened. What would we do with all these employable men and women in an economy already in trouble and not able to employ the people who need jobs right now? There's a reason our military exists and does what it does so good, unfortunately. I hope our leadership truly values that, but I really wonder.

Anyways, if you know a solider, past or present, please remember to not only thank them, but pray for their safety.

Happy 107th FMC!

2010-06-16T08:10:00.004-04:00

Happy Birthday Ford Motor Company.

107 years old today.

What an awesome company accomplishment!

I am very proud to have been a part of your success for nearly 14 of those years (haha).

A break from this crazy life for the summer? Yes!

2010-06-14T08:21:00.003-04:00

How is everyone this fine, fine Monday morning? We've been getting drenched in rain and humidity, but that's just a part of Michigan summers.

Kaylen had her soccer tryouts this weekend and was asked to be a part of the "A" team again. Same coach as last year. I like the guy but I'm just not sure that he's a better coach than he is a player. Hard to put my finger on it, but Kaylen spent the better part of the year being confused about what he wanted from her. He gave her a few things to specifically work on like a signature move of her own and heading the ball and communicating but she played in every position with the exception of goalie. This new team will hopefully have more size and speed and we'll see where that takes us.

Austin's tryouts were this weekend too but he was in a Bass Fishing tournament (has taken second place twice now out of about six teams). He does have another tryout today but I don't think there's any doubt about him making the team. He was a valuable player and they might be short a few players that have left recently. This will be his last year before he'd move up into the "adult" teams. I hope he gets to play the position he wants to play this year....he's been playing defense but his true love is forward. We'll see, he'll have a new coach so maybe.

Quintin has been working steady on his PX90 workouts with the wrestling team. His football schedule this summer is redonkulous. He has something like 18 free days; other than that there is something everyday this summer. He has his physical today; it'll be interesting to see what the doc says and how much he's grown since last year. He will start drivers training next week. Oiy!

The schedule should be slowing down just a bit now that spring soccer is over. Austin is just playing in a 6v6 league one day a week and he can drive himself to that if necessary.

Hoping everything is going well for all y'all. Blog ya later,

Escalator or Stairs People?

2010-06-09T14:26:00.001-04:00

Check out wimp.com

2010-06-03T11:03:00.002-04:00

they have some of the best little video clips...

I saw this one there and my heart melted...

I got a link to this one and I thought what a great idea and why aren't they trying this for real!?

Betting there's something for everyone there.

And no, this is not some paid advertising, it's just an awesome video link page. :o)

Blog ya later,

And the winner is.....

2010-06-01T12:35:00.002-04:00

By random draw.......

Kristin from The Goat!

Congratulations!

Please send me an email (thisishowweroll@live.com) with your address. You'll be getting a small inconsequential package from moi and a bigger more exciting package directly from CSN containing the fabulous Farberware fry pan!

Thanks for hanging with me. :)

I'm simply in love...with you, yeah you!

2010-05-26T09:01:00.003-04:00

And I couldn't make this giveaway any simpler than this.

Just leave me a note telling me why you like This is How We Roll and how long you've been round these here parts. I will randomly select a winner from all the responses next week.

For responding you will get a chance to win a random item or two that I brought back from Sin City (beautiful Las Vegas!) as well as this beauty….

A beautiful, deep, 12" non stick Farberware fry pan! Valued at $20, shipped to your address or one of your choosing as soon as I get your information (US address only please).

How cool is that?

Make sure you leave your comment by next Tuesday, June 1st so I can pick a winner that day at noon. :)

Blog ya later,

This makes me Smile

2010-05-26T08:46:00.000-04:00

The orangutan and the hound dog.

A Big Loser

2010-05-25T11:00:00.002-04:00

You are the biggest loser on the face of the earth right now, in my books. And I don't mean from the hit show where people lose all that weight.

You defrauded, stole, embezzeled, lied, cheated and acted haughty, defensive and holier-than-thou.

And while you live in a million dollar home in another city and state, you still owe restitution to your previous city and its taxpayers.

Now you'll pay AND rot in a prison, not jail, prison, for 1.5-5 years. Thank you attorneys and judges for making the right decision.

Kwame Kilpatrick, worse big city Mayor ever.

Pink Sidewinders? Bright Orange Pair of Pants?

2010-05-20T10:11:00.005-04:00

first and foremost...my beautiful baby girl is 12 today. Such an exciting and volatile age (oh the stories I could tell). Happy Birthday to my dear sweet Kaylen Ashley. May only the best be in store for you today and ever after ~

I have another outstanding opportunity with CSN stores to do a review and giveaway. I'm so excited when I get these opportunities. Yay for me! And yay for one of you! You'll get more info on that later. It came at a nice time since my giveaway from two weeks ago got all jacked for a few reasons. Anyways I always have to go out and check out their amazing and comprehensive websites (over 200 stores!) and I've been wanting to redo my small half bath. I found this amazing vanity which would look perfect in that small bathroom. Soon, very soon. Take a few minutes to go and check out their bathroom vanities at their site; you won't be disappointed.

Now, regarding the title of this post, I posed it to two of my music crazy co-workers and only one got the artist and song. I'll give you a hint....80s pop/rock.

How about a pair of pink sidewinders and a bright orange pair of pants?

Lots going on and the blog has suffered. Sorry! I'm glad a few of you are still sticking with me because I do love my blog buddies, yes I do.

Blog ya later,

U @ 50

2010-05-17T15:27:00.003-04:00

I've seen better days but I'm definitely okay. I'm very happy that my Uncle is without pain but trying to balance that feeling with an overwhelming feeling of sadness is difficult. Especially when I see how much loss his passing will cause so many people.

I got this in an email today and it's pretty cool. I've never been an overly ambitious person. I'm driven, to an extent, to be successful, I'm loyal and I work hard and I get along with just about everyone, but I will never sacrifice who I am nor time with my family. AND when my family has moved on, I will not sacrifice my "me" time either. So this was pretty profound.

The story behind this short video is that it reads the exact opposite backwards as forward. Not only does it read the opposite, the meaning is the exact opposite.

This is a video that was submitted in a contest by a 20-year old. The contest was titled "u @ 50" by AARP. This video won second place. When they showed it, everyone in the room was awe-struck and broke into spontaneous applause. So simple and yet so brilliant. Take a minute and watch it.

Derail

2010-05-12T08:31:00.002-04:00

Today should be a happy day...spring, hump day, work week half through, school's soon to be out, 5 year blogoversary today, etc. etc. etc.

But today is a said day and it's causing a total derail of my repost blogoversary contest plans. I just feel terribly sad. My Uncle George passed away last night. Not that it was totally unexpected because he had cancer but I just thought he'd be around a little longer and secretly hoped for a return to health but his body was just too beat up and drug under by previous illnesses he struggled with.

My heart goes out to my cousins Scott, Heather and Brad and their families and most especially to my dear Aunt Sandy. I love that family to pieces. RIP Uncle George.

Blogoversary Week, Repost #2

2010-05-11T07:25:00.004-04:00

This is a good one too; posted back in March of 2008. I love my husband, he's a hoot! Remember the rules for the contest....need to see some comments. I know I haven't helped by forgetting to post in a timely manner, but we are rollin' now.

Well an interesting thing happened this weekend (....hmmm I think I've started my blog off this way before.....). I was getting ready Saturday morning to take Kaylen to an Easter Egg Hunt at church and while getting ready I quickly grabbed a bottle of perfume that Rich got me for Christmas:

It's called "Covet" and I love it, even more so now and because of more than it's delicious scent...the thing is indestructible!!! The picture doesn't do it justice, but the glass bottle is super thick (good thing). As I was putting it away in the cabinet over my toilet, mind you, about four feet from the floor, it slipped out of my grasp and fell to the floor, shattering (or so I thought). I was running late and was thinking "oh crap, I'm going to have this perfume spilled all over, I've got to clean it up". As I bent down next to the toilet, I see an intact bottle of perfume and pieces of white porcelain all over the floor. Pieces of white porcelain you say? Why yes, parts of my toilet shattered as a result of this massive piece of solid glass hitting it! Here's a picture of the part of the toilet that broke off:

It didn't look like much so I picked up my still-intact bottle of perfume, put it away and ran out the door.

On my return from the Easter Egg Hunt, I went in to further inspect the damage and pick up the pieces of my broken toilet. To my utter surprise there was water all over the bathroom floor! It looked something like this; see the nice shiny (clean!) water all over the floor:

My consternation was complete. The part of the toilet that broke was under the lid and seat (yes, we have more boys than girls in our house and the seat was up when it hit), right at the top and rear of the rim. I wouldn't have thought water was up that high. duh, until someone in my house admitted to using the restroom and flushing and this resulted. Uggh. I imagine it is happening as the freshwater is swirling around the top coming in to fill up the bowl. So I cleaned it up and reported to Rich who was in FL what was going on. He said he'd take a look at it when he got home. I attempted to turn off the water behind the toilet but the knob was rusted and I couldn't budge it.

So Rich comes home Sunday and I think we all forgot about it, you know - Easter, family get togethers, etc.. Until I went in Monday morning and saw water around the toilet again! I reminded Rich to take a look at it and turn off the water if he could. I avoided that room until it was time to go back to work on Tuesday morning. Rich did a clever fixit job, temporary I hope, here was the main tool he used:

yes, a black sharpie....and here is the end result of his temporary fix:

Needless to say, we'll be shopping for a new toilet, seat and LID this week...

Blogoversary Week, Repost #1

2010-05-10T05:12:00.003-04:00

This has got to be my favorite family memory that I have posted about. I hope you enjoy reading. Originally posted 6/5/2007.

I was reading Sunshine's guest post at Modern Mommie's blog and her tales of "pet cemetery" brought back to mind a crazy pet story that happened at the Ruddell House.

My oldest son LOVES animals, he is the one that has named all our pets (remember the food names?) and claims them all as his own. So one year he wanted to take his birthday money and purchase a hamster. This was about three to four years ago because Cookie was just over a year old. So we purchased a cute little peanut colored boy hamster and all the related paraphernalia that you need for keeping a hamster. He was soooo cute and cuddly and very well behaved. We had him in a glass tank with a mesh overhead and weighted it down with books at the corners (we had heard the fantastical escape stories like Sunshine's before!). Austin named him Buttered Popcorn and called him Butter for short (isn't that cute?).

Anyways, we were all getting along famously except that Cookie was BOUND AND DETERMINED (and I say this because I'd never seen bound and determined till I saw this dog WANT to get at this hamster). It's a wonder poor Butter didn't keel over from a heart attack because Cookie would jump at him all day long, up and down, up and down. Butter was up on a tall cabinet that only Rich and I could reach into. The kids had to get a chair. Anyways we noticed Butter receding more and more into his bedding, almost like he was wanting to hibernate, but yet he was getting bigger and bigger. I thought he was pretty scared of the dog so I had Austin move his cage onto another tall cabinet downstairs and we would keep Cookie away from him more that way.

Well one day I had cleaned out the cage and Cookie was corralled somewhere far away and I put everything back into the cage but didn't cover the top of the cage. The cage was on the floor and somehow Cookie came barreling towards the cage, dove in and got Butter in her mouth. Coronary! I was standing right there and grabbed her up, smacked her behind and yelled "drop!", but those jaws would not open. I called Austin over to hold her, all the while getting more frantic for Butter who was not really struggling in her mouth. It took almost all of my strength to pry those jaws open and catch the hamster. I was amazed that he seemed to be fine after cuddling him and putting him back in his cage. You wouldn't think it could get more exciting, but…..

I'll never forget one morning we were all getting ready for work/school/etc. and Austin screams at me from the basement; "MOM, COME QUICK!". I could tell by his voice that he wasn't hurt but I also knew from his voice that something was terribly wrong. My first thought then was that Butter had died in the night.

Boy was I wrong.

Upon arrival downstairs I see him standing openmouthed at the cage and as I walk over he says "Butter is not a boy". Now that is one of the few expressions and statements that my son has made that I will never forget. It was priceless. And it was a shock…..As I peer into the cage with him we see…..1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 baby hamsters, curled up with their MOMMY, our GIRL hamster! By this point we had only had her a few weeks. Now HIS growing girth was explained, but certainly not in a way we were expecting.

There are just no words.

I called the pet store later that day and told them they sold us a pregnant girl hamster when we asked for a boy hamster. Their response…. "well sometimes you can't really tell and a girl will get placed in boy cages and you know…." Yes, we now know firsthand. So I ask them what can I do about these NINE BABY HAMSTERS I now have. They said "wait until they have all their fur, look about full grown and are eating real food. They also may start fighting or eating each other so you may have to separate them into different cages. Oh and you'll definitely want to separate the males and females quickly so you don't end up with this situation again". Yes, but if you, the wise pet store workers, can't tell if a hamster is a boy or a girl, how am I, a new hamster owner, supposed to do that to NINE HAMSTERS!!!!!??????!!!!! They promised to take the babies to sell them if I couldn't get rid of them.

Little did I know how well I could get rid of them.

Remember how Cookie was BOUND AND DETERMINED? Well she became even more so. Now there were ten things running around that little cage that she wanted so badly, not just one thing. If you know anything about the Jack Russell Terrier Breed, it is that they are small furrowing animal hunters. They will stop at nothing except an impenetrable barrier to get at their prey. We would have to drag her away to the point she was choking, pick her up and lock her out of the basement completely. She turned into a little sneaky Houdini herself and got down there every chance she could. So the excitement doesn't end there.

We were on a constant hamster roller coaster from the day they were born. One died almost immediately, probably the runt. Butter was an excellent mommy and even though she was very protective of her babies she was never mean. Well those little critters started their escape acts within a couple of weeks. Several times we went on hamster hunts in the house. Butter never got out; only the rugrats. It happened so often that we enlisted the best and worst possible helper to locate them – Cookie. She would put her nose to the ground and find them within a few feet and we'd snatch her up and flush them out and probably look like clowns trying to capture them (the Ruddell Hamster Dance!). I was at my wit's end. I started telling everyone I could that I had hamsters to give away. I got three people lined up right away, but that left five more. Oiy. Well on the next few escapes I didn't try so feverishly to find and save the little critters. Maybe I didn't pick Cookie up quick enough, who knows at this point, but we lost four of the now almost full grown hamsters. That left us with four, one of whom we thought was a boy and whom we decided to keep, but far, far away from Butter since we didn't want to end up in this "situation" again. So the other three went to their new homes. The remaining one didn't have a happy ending though. Cookie did get to him because no matter what we did he would never stay in his cage. We did pry him loose from Cookie's jaws, but he didn't get as lucky as Butter, it was a while before we noticed Cookie prancing around with him in her mouth. By the time we got him out he was badly injured. Probably some internal damage because there was a little bit of blood coming out of his mouth and nose and one of his back legs was broken. I called the vet and explained the situation and he guessed it wouldn't be long until the little guy died. We nursed him for about three hours but there was nothing we could do. It was heartbreaking seeing Austin try to help him eat or give him water. He was a little bit upset with Cookie but he understood that is ingrained in her brain to do that.

We were always very careful with Butter, and she was always a great little pet. She was with us for about 2 years before she died. Apparently hamsters don't live very long. Austin took it pretty hard because he was her main caregiver. That was ten giveaways and deaths of his pets. I don't EVER want to repeat that again. Phew. Dogs are just fine thank you.

Wow

2010-05-08T07:38:00.003-04:00

That was some April/May Fool's Day joke or sumthin eh?

Yeah, sorry about that folks! I got caught up in ALL the things I had to do before vacation and I neglected to do one of the most exciting things I promised you all!

I will start tomorrow with five days of my favorite reposts AND end it with a giveaway drawing to celebrate 5 years of blogging. Yeah baby!

Stick me with...I promise!!! :o)

Big News about my Blogoversary...

2010-04-30T06:50:00.003-04:00

Wow...on May 12th it will be my five year blog-o-versary! I can't believe it. Thanks to those of you who've been reading lately, I know there hasn't been much going on, but there will be on May 12th, so get ready.

Next week I'm on vacation - Vegas Baby! - but I'm going to schedule up some of my favorite posts from over the last five years. I hope you'll be by to read them. I'm also going to have a giveaway, I think a nice prize package from my favorite vacation spot - Vegas - will be up for grabs! Be sure to come by, leave a comment and send some of your faithfuls over to leave a comment by your recommendation. I will put an entry in for your comments (only one per day Monday-Friday for you) and I will put an entry in for each person you send over who give you credit (again one person = one comment M-F). It will be a random draw, but the more entries, the more likely you are to be the winner.

So don't miss me too much and enjoy my favorite posts starting on Monday and comment for your chance to win.

Blog ya later,

In Between Flusher

2010-04-28T06:25:00.001-04:00

ok, this may be TMI for some of you, but this really makes me wonder...

We have a building with about 300 people in it, bathrooms with multiple stalls and frequently there will be more than one person in the bathroom at one time. So, it's not unusual if you sometimes you just gotta take care of business and are in there for 5-10 minutes (uhm-hmmm) and others are in and out. Well, and this is nothing new, there is at least one person, if not more that I just don't know about, that are frequent flushers. And what I mean by frequent flushers, to be more specific, are, in between flushers. You know, in between sitting down and standing up. I just don't get it.

Just the other day, someone comes in flushes, I think it must have been before they even sat down because the door had just closed. Then during what I can only guess was their "taking care of business" time, there were two more flushes. Then I heard some shuffling and another flush. Four flushes? Seems a little overkill and definitely not a water conservation conscious move.

Ever hear of anything like that? Are you a frequent flusher? Does this baffle and confuse you like it does me?

Puzzled about flushing,

Still Alive!!

2010-04-27T08:57:00.002-04:00

But just barely.

Work Update:

Huge happenings at Work - major studies=lots o' work. And did you see or hear this yet. Yeah Baby! We're on the right track, thank you Alan! Still a long way to go; don't believe that this, by any means, gets us out of the hole of the last four years, but it's a start.

The Nasty Big C Update:

My neighbor's daughter, sweet Liela, 37 years old with two daughters (4 and 6, I think) passed away the second week in April. :o( My neighbor Jim, is going through Chemo right now. My uncle George is home but not doing so well. The relatives are making the trek up from KY to visit with him, someone put out the call to come soon. Rich's Boss, Bob, also not doing well and may just have a matter of weeks. May I just say, again, cancer sucks donkey balls.

Vacation Update:

Thinking about vacation, during this terrible week of work, is the only thing keeping me sane. I leave Sunday, with some good friends, to go gamble, eat, lay out at the pool, gamble and eat some more and take in a show or two. I'm REALLY REALLY looking forward to it. Makes me sad that Rich is not a big fan of Vegas.

Homelife:

Rich just spent the last four days in FL enjoying some beautiful sunshine and warmth (except for his return yesterday which was delayed HOURS for storms). The kids were busy as usual and I was just functioning as a taxi, until Saturday night when full "Mommie Dearest" mode had to kick in. My youngest just does not get the idea that 11/12 is too young for a boyfriend. We've been going round and round for weeks now about this and it's getting old. Suffice it to say, based on several rules that were broken, she is grounded for life (or least until I go on vacation Sunday and Rich changes the rules).

That be all for now. Blog ya later any who are still with me.

I had a GIANT birthday

2010-04-15T07:07:00.003-04:00

My birthday yesterday was FABULOUS!

I tell ya what, EVERYONE should get a facebook account for their birthday. I got so many birthday wishes, I was smiling ALL DAY, it was awesome.

I had a great lunch with a bunch of my co-workers, one of whom, bought my lunch. I went out in the afternoon to the plant and got some stuff done I have needed to do for a while.

I left work about ten minutes early and went home, straightened up a bit and waited for the family to come over.

My parents, brothers and wives and my hubs and kids all celebrated with me last night. We had pizza, salad and the best cake ever to be baked on the face of the earth from Sweet Tooth Cakes. My mouth is watering right now thinking about the piece I brought in for breakfast. Hmmmmm hmmmmm good! My SIL Tamora doesn't like it, she says eating their frosting is akin to eating a tub of butter, but I say "Bring it on!!!!". :o)

I got my new Giant Sedona DXw for a birthday present. It's something I've wanted and needed for a very long time and finally replaces my 20 year old Giant Rincon (least I think that is what my old bike was, same maker anyways). It was a good bike but bit the dust early last summer. Rich tried to get it fixed and the bike shop said it was not worth it, get a new one. Now it's time to GET IN SHAPE!!

Happ
y Thursday...this is my Friday...Blog ya later,

It's My Day and I Feel Good!

2010-04-14T06:29:00.000-04:00

I'm a few (okay, several) pounds heavier, got a new tweak in my right knee, have residual achiness from sprained left ankle (three years ago) and quite a few more gray hairs than I thought (hoped) I would at this age. But you know what?

I'm loved.
I love.
I'm overall healthy.
I have three beautiful children.
I have a fantastic husband.
I'm alive.
I'm saved.
I have a great job.
I have a wonderful extended family.
And super friends.

Happy Birthday to me! I couldn't be happier and I hope you all have a great day!

Blog ya later!

19 days and counting

2010-04-13T07:55:00.002-04:00

Soooo about that dilemma last week with my 6th grader and her friend the 9th grader....she came over and spent some time with us and was very shy and quiet. I couldn't get a read on her but came away thinking maybe she acted just a little younger than her 14 years...? We did not let her stay the night but Kaylen did invite her to an all night soccer lock in with her club and we took her home very early the next morning. We are still baffled by why the 9th grader wants a relationship with her and are going to head it off anytime we can, horrible as that might sound. I will protect my daughter when I feel the need to and right now I feel the need to, even though it's unexplainable. She, of course, is having a hard time understanding, but hey, our kids don't need to understand all of our decisions do they? :o)

Having a short week this week, Friday off - yay! Also have a big day tomorrow. AND in a little over two weeks am headed to one of my most favorite vacation spots ~ Las Vegas!! Going with some good friends, can't convince Rich to go to save my life as he hates the place, but I'll go and have a blast and I am soooo looking forward to it.

Have a great week. Blog ya later,

Nyquil + Dilemma

2010-04-09T09:16:00.002-04:00

I would not be able to function the last couple of days if it weren't for my friend Nyquil. You may know my friend Nyquil, but if you don't, you should.

I have had a horrible, scratchy, aggravated throat all week long. I can't lay down to sleep unless I'm double dosed with that stuff. I guess it's not treating my throat, as it seems I'm not getting any better, but it knocks me out and allows me to function the next day, thus Nyquil is my friend. I know some people on whom it has the opposite effect and that's just too bad for them. :o)

Ok, so here's the dilemma.

A certain someone who is in 6th grade and is 11 years old has developed an unusual friendship with someone who is 14 years old and in 9th grade. The first certain someone invited the second certain someone over to stay the night. The second certain someone accepted. Does ANYONE out there but me think this is very, very, strange?

I was immediately against the idea and made her cancel. She's very upset at me. But I cannot see any reason why a girl three years and three grades higher would want anything (good) to do with someone younger. I said it's akin to her wanting an 8 year old in 3rd grade to come over. There's no way, no how. They would have nothing in common and the older one would quickly become bored or annoyed.

So I'm now enemy number 1, but this has caused a lot of thought on my part....anyone have any thoughts/ideas on this? And I already thought of the idea that maybe this girl has designs on her older (handsome) brothers (14 and 16) but she goes to neighboring school system and doesn't even know them so that one doesn't fly.... I just don't get it.

Fun Stuffs

2010-04-08T08:40:00.003-04:00

This is a pretty neat car quiz....test your skillz. I got 16 out of 20 and I work in the auto industry. Some of them are tricky.

____________________________________

Who doesn't love Maxine? Got this one the other day and it made me laugh out loud...

I was in the restaurant yesterday when I suddenly realized I desperately needed to pass gas.

The music was really, really loud, so I timed my gas with the beat of the music.

After a couple of songs, I started to feel better. I finished my coffee, And noticed that everybody was staring at me.....

Then I suddenly remembered that I was listening to my iPod.

________________________________________

Happy Thursday to ya! May be at the Frozen Four Finals tonight, have tickets for semis tonight and Saturday Finals, should be some good hockey. Hoping to get in some poker this weekend with some friends. Blog ya later,

No earthquakes here thank you very much

2010-04-06T07:23:00.002-04:00

I just saw these videos this morning and I gotta tell ya, the pool ones just blow my mind. Water in a pool typically sits 4-6 inches below the lip of the pool wouldn't you say? The way the water is moving in these pools is like you picking up a glass of water and sloshing it around. The one lady says they lost about a foot of water. Amazing.

This is one reason why I am grateful to live in my VERY SAFE state. Well, safe is relative. I do live about 20 miles from Detroit, but as far as natural disasters go......nil. We may get a very small, errant tornado that takes out a few trees or a creek or river that slightly floods, but we never have to worry about earthquakes, major floods, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, etc. Yeah, our economy sucks in Michigan, but we rank right up there for safety from natural disasters. :o) There's something positive!

Uggh

2010-04-05T13:39:00.002-04:00

not feeling well today, stayed home from work. Will likely pay for that tomorrow. :o(

Had a most excellent holiday weekend though. Lots of down time.

Got the kids their Easter "baskets" (yeah, they haven't had baskets in years), but essentially the same stuff goes into bags. Lots of chocolate, some clothes, some money.

Had my family over for dinner. We feasted on Honeybaked Ham, mashed taters, tater salad, corn, green bean casserole, taco bean dip and other yummy foods. Ahhh, one of the things I love s much about holidays - food and family.

Hope your Easter was fabulous.

Happy April Fool's Day

2010-04-01T07:16:00.002-04:00

let's celebrate with this lovely Redneck Love Poem:

I've come to realize...

2010-03-31T06:08:00.001-04:00

1. I’ve come to realize that my chest-size … is enviable by some but a little too big for my tastes.

2. I’ve come to realize that my job … is with a great company, but not ever what I would have imagined I'd be doing.

3. I’ve come to realize that when I’m driving … there are too many distractions and crazy people on the road these days.

4. I’ve come to realize that I need … some time to myself and some time with just Rich and I, these are too far and few between.

5. I’ve come to realize that I have lost … my once close relationship with God, He's still there and I still adore Him but the closeness is not what it once was.

6. I’ve come to realize that I hate it when … I don't get enough sleep.

7. I’ve come to realize that if I’m drunk … (sorry folks can't answer this one LOL)

8. I’ve come to realize that money … is like water in my hands.

9. I’ve come to realize that certain people … are not worth the time of day I spend on thinking about them and what they said, I need to move on.

10. I’ve come to realize that I’ll always … have to drink pop, I can't quit.

11. I’ve come to realize that my siblings … are pretty awesome - blood and in-law.

12. I’ve come to realize that my mom … has had a rough decade but is still a wonderful person.

13. I’ve come to realize that my cell phone … is very convenient.

14. I’ve come to realize that when I woke up this morning … I needed more sleep, as usual.

15. I’ve come to realize that last night before I went to sleep … I was reading this weird book that probably made me dream and talk in my sleep.

16. I’ve come to realize that right now I am thinking … who cares what I've come to realize

17. I’ve come to realize that my dad … loves me, is proud of me and is very stubborn about his health

18. I’ve come to realize that when I get on Facebook … I'm just plain addicted.

19. I’ve come to realize that today … I'm having a hard time concentrating on work, it is a short work week you know.

20. I’ve come to realize that tonight … is a rare sports-free night ~ yippee!!

21. I’ve come to realize that tomorrow … will be one day closer to a long weekend.

22. I’ve come to realize that I really want to … not work.

23. I’ve come to realize that the person who is most likely to repost this is … not likely to do it.

24. I’ve come to realize that life … is good.

25. I’ve come to realize that this weekend … is a very important weekend for Christians worldwide and I need to get in the right frame of mind.

26. I’ve come to realize that marriage … is a roller coaster but worth every dip and climb.

27. I’ve come to realize that my friends … are few, but so very special.

28. I’ve come to realize that this year … my kids are growing too fast for me to keep up with them.

29. I’ve come to realize that my ex is … (can answer this one either - what ex?)

30. I’ve come to realize that maybe I should … really intesify my effort to get healthy and lose weight.

31. I’ve come to realize that I love … good food, a little too much.

32. I’ve come to realize that I don’t understand … mean people, why expend the energy to be nasty, what does it get you?

33. I’ve come to realize my past … was meant to be as it happened.

34. I’ve come to realize that parties … are a lot of work but rewarding and fun.

35. I’ve come to realize that I’m totally terrified … of losing the people that I love before I'm ready.

—- Now, go ahead and steal this. —-

Hutaree, a Christian Group?

2010-03-30T08:13:00.004-04:00

Have you heard? Michigan is in the National News.....

Check out the articles here, here and here to name a few of the dozens out there. Check your local papers, it may even be there.

I'm upset by this whole story and torn about certain aspects of it. Read any of the comments on any of these articles and see a majority of opinions railing against Christianity. This is the biggest problem I have with the reporting and the conclusion-drawing that people do. Anti-religion people will use this to further fuel their arguments, just like the overboard anti-abortion people that blow up doctors and clinics. If these people were even planning to kill a policeman and attack the group at the funeral, they are not Christians, in any way shape or form. And to insinuate that people like this are the ones joining Sarah Palin's Tea Party is just preposterous! Way to take it to the extreme left people.

Rich is a big fan of the vigilanty type movies. You know, the ones where a husband/father has someone hurt or take his family and he goes all Bruce Willis on the bad guys? I think that would be the only case where I could seriously harm another person and only at that immediate time, not later. I grew up learning, listening and watching some awesome Christian people, teachers. Killing was never a thing we were taught to do. God will judge, God will seek revenge. Seeing as I may spend the day, on and off, crying if I hit a bird with my car, you could call me a passivist. Regardless, just like most Muslims claim to love people and not support jihad, Christians are not a killing group of people either and for these people to claim they were is just wrong. Even the use of the work "extreme Christian group" is an affront.

So I guess I'm ticked at the media for saying these militia men and women are Christians and I'm upset at the extreme comments people make in response to these articles. Freedom of speech is a wonderful thing though eh? :o)

Your thoughts?

Lost a bet

2010-03-29T08:59:00.004-04:00

What a fantastic weekend. Thoroughly relaxed and enjoyed it. Slept in Friday AND Saturday mornings, a rare treat. Got my grocery shopping done Friday night. Helped SIL move into a condo on Saturday and tweaked my lower back. Spent Saturday evening with my wonderful SILs. Took my two wittle nephews to Kaylen's soccer game. Next day we slept through first service (oops) and then had to go to another soccer game. Hung out with my neice Ellie for a bit before taking her back to her mom. Then Rich and I volunteered at a poker room handing out chips and stuff for the High School soccer team. That was fun and I can't wait to go back and play at their $10 tournaments. Got to get into practice before Vegas baby!

Went to dinner last night at our favorite restaurant. Thought I saw our favorite waitress. Rich disagreed. I disagreed with him. He bet me. He always wants the same thing. Stupid me took the bet and we found out it wasn't Monica. I really hate losing bets to him. Uggh.

This will be a nice short work week, shorter work days and only four of them to boot! Love weeks like this. Hope yours is fantastic! Blog ya later.

Ahhhh just what the doctor ordered

2010-03-26T18:38:00.003-04:00

I needed a sanity day and I gave it to myself.

I have not been getting enough sleep lately and it's starting to show!

I had a meeting on my schedule for this morning that was cancelled mid day yesterday and that's when I got the great idea to take today off.

I slept until nearly 10am. Unbelievable.

Then I went and picked up mom, we went to see this, enjoyed it. Especially the line "you lost your muchness". Johnny Depp ROCKS every role he takes on. Love him. Then I took mom to get her nails fixed, then dropped her off to rest (she had should surgery a few weeks ago). I swept and mopped her floor and then left.

Now I'm just chillin with FB and VH1. Will be enjoying this night as well. Most of the family is at Archery, it's me and Q and the dogs.

Hope you all have a stupendous weekend. I know I will. Blog ya later!

Tip Etiquette

2010-03-25T07:56:00.003-04:00

So I usually cook about five dinners a week and a breakfast and a lunch on the weekend, Rich is usually good for a breakfast and a lunch too. The rest of the time we fix ourselves something quick or we eat out. As a result of all the cooking for the five of us, I really, really enjoy eating out for lunch during the work week.

I've never been much of a make and take sandwich person - give me some meat and salad for lunch, in fact - make it my biggest meal of the day and I'm happy. Most especially happy if I'm going out to have someone else cook it for me!

I try to keep lunches to about $5 but about once a week we'll splurge and go to a more expensive place. There's an all you can Chinese place at the mall and there's Chili's. We went to Chili's yesterday where I got my most favorite salad - The Quesadilla Explosion Salad. Yum! It's a bit on the expensive side...total with tax is $9.32.

So this post is a tell a story and seek opinions....I got a little perturbed at the waitress well after leaving the restaurant and since then have re-thought it all, but wanted to know what you all thought or have experienced. Mind you this is NOT a big deal, nothing major, just a conversation starter....

So I typically will leave a $1 tip regardless of what my meal costs if it's under $7. I figure whether my bill is $2.78 or $6.99 she deserves at least a 15% tip for the time and trouble during busy lunch time and I've noticed in a group, people seem to think the same. Over $7 I give it a little more thought. Did the waiter/waitress refill my drink? Was she/he pleasant? Did he/she answers all my questions and take care of all my issues? What was my total bill?

So yesterdays' meal was $8.79 plus tax which came to $9.32. I put a ten and a one on the table and when she came by to pick up the tab my mouth was full or I would have said "it's all set". She took my co-workers card and my cash and walked away. When she came back a little later she gave the card and slip to my co-worker, thanked us and walked away.

As I left I started thinking about the waitress. She'd already caught our attention because from the looks of her seriously scarred arms, it looked like she might have been a cutter. I was immediately sympathic as I had a cousin who we suspected did this and she was going through a difficult time when she exhibited that behavior. My perterbedness came in right after we left though....couldn't she have acknowledged the money over and above the bill by asking me when she picked it up if it was "all set?" - code for "is the rest of this for me?".

She was a good waitress and I have no problem rewarding that skill and niceness, but is it wrong for me to expect her NOT to expect that the remainder was for her? Or at least if she expected it, to inquire if it actual is for her? Typically when you put cash on a bill, you will get a receipt and the change back to then figure out the tip and leave for the waitperson.

I still wish she would have acknowledged/asked me about it. But later on I just dismissed it. The economy sucks and likely she gets jipped by people all the time. And truthfully, nothing would have changed, the tip was the tip and she deserved it.

What do you guys think?

Have you ever....?

2010-03-24T13:03:00.003-04:00

put staples in to the hold the hem of your pants, wait, make that multiple pants?
used conditioner instead of shampoo?
rubbed your eyes after cutting onions, or worse, jalepenos?
run into, no, make that through, a screen door that you thought was an open door?
while driving, bent down to adjust or pick something up and hit a mailbox with your passenger side mirror?
said something completely derogatory in the company of someone who might take offense, but really, really, didn't mean it?
worn two different socks to work?
opened your mouth to say something but a belch came out instead?
laughed, coughed or sneezed and it caused a subsequent action?
been at the top of a ski hill, wondering at the massive amount of snow coming down just in your area and not realize it was a snow maker as opposed to the "real" cloud kind of snow?
been in charge of someone's very prized expensive toy and caused it to fall down and go boom?
walk out of a store having bought several items, but notice a forgotten small item at the bottom of the cart that you didn't pay for, and kept going?
on the flip side, at checkout, notice that an item you were purchasing was ringing up much less than you knew it was priced at and kindly insisted to the cashier that it should be more.

Terri sheepishly raises hand.

I'm weird like that.

Don't Judge Too Quickly...

2010-03-23T07:09:00.005-04:00

I may have posted one of these before, but hey it's worth it to show again....although I've never seen these on tv, I have caught them online and they crack me up....

Monday's bad reputation

2010-03-22T06:54:00.003-04:00

Monday's have a bad reputation don't they? Well this one does not disappoint.

After nearly a week of 60 degree, sunny temps, 'round these here parts last week, we are back to mid 40s and rainy. Necessary, I know, but doesn't mean I enjoy it.

My Uncle George is having some very serious surgery today on his digestive parts. He already had some serious issues and now has cancer and things have gotten bad enough that he is really too sick to have surgery but they have to go in anyway. Pray he makes it and the situation improves, as it is right now, it is very grave. He's not even 60 yet.

Our beloved youth minister, Nathan, has taken a job at another church in Kentucky. He's leaving in two weeks. I know ministers don't usually stick around for incredible lengths of time but he was hip, cool, and related well with the kids, my kids, and it hurts. I'm sure lots of prayer went in to this decision but doesn't make it any easier to accept.

Went to a fundraiser last night; local police v. local firefighters in a hockey game for a young father who has a rare form of cancer. He seems to be doing well but....praying he continues to get better and it doesn't return.

Saw my neighbors daughter out basking in the sun last week. She looked sickly. She's had quite a few years battling breast cancer and has two little girls. Her husband (LOSER) left her in the midst of her struggle. I don't know enough about her situation but I can't help but draw conclusions and they are sad.

No update on my next door neighbor who just had surgery late last week on his colon cancer. I think they caught it fairly early but you just don't mess with colon cancer, no siree.

I'm sure you can name half a dozen people who have or had cancer that are near you, familial or proximity and it just plain sucks, doesn't it?

Here's hoping Tuesday is better and brighter and no wonder we look forward to weekends so much AND why I love getting away from it all by taking vacations.

My new toy

2010-03-19T07:28:00.004-04:00

I had mentioned a couple of posts ago that I got a FANTASTIC gift from my main squeeze called a Kindle. I also posted a blurb on Facebook about said Kindle and I couldn't believe some people did not know what a Kindle was....so for those of you reading this post and want to know more - read on....for those of you that are in the know or already have one, you are exempt from this post, but let me know if you have one (Kristin from The Goat - I know you do).

In my humble opinion, as far as small electronics goes, this comes in right behind the cell phone and tied with an ipod. It's seriously genius and I love it. But to love it, first and foremost, you have to be a reader. A reader of newspapers, blogs, magazines and most especially books.

The Kindle is an e-reader. All those publications I mentioned above can be wirelessly (super fast) downloaded to your handheld device so that you can read them on the go, anywhere and sometimes for free. Read all it's technical specs here.

If you've been around for a while you know that I love to read. I was keeping up with my reading blog but I kept forgetting to update the books before I took them back to the library so I got way behind. But I typically read between 30-60 books a year or 3-6 a month. I've always loved reading, but it's an expensive habit. That's why I love the library, 'cept I usually ended up owing them every month about $15 because I get busy and forget to return them on time and two cents a day per book adds up quicker than you think! But just like anything this involved getting in my car, driving, "shopping" for what books I want and then driving home. With the awesome Kindle, I get to shop anywhere I want; at home, in the car, etc. and download books in seconds to start reading again. I love it.

It's not free though. The Kindle itself is $259 new and if you are a voracious reader of best sellers, you will pay. I have yet to see a book priced over $9.99 and many are below the $5.00 mark. If you were reading paperbacks regularly, this is comparable. Plus if you know others who have a Kindle you can lend them your purchases. But I have managed to find at least five downloads that are $0.00 so far and I know there are others. Tricky thing is that I believe they trick you by offering you the first book in series for free and then drag you in for the purchase of the rest of the series. Oh but I'm buying because the Kindle is so fun.

It's small enough to fit in my purse. It's a perfect hand fit, weight and size. It's actually easier to hold than a paperback, think about starting off or getting done and how difficult it is to keep the book open because of the binding. It has text to speech so when I'm driving or cooking I can keep up with the book. The buttons are incredibly ergonomic and easy to use. It does not have a screen like a computer (back lit) so it's easy on the eyes, although this means you have to be somewhere in light to read. It turns on fast, I'd wager at least as fast as it takes to grab your book and open it to the page you left off on. The battery last forever! Seriously I read for over a week, finished two books, BEFORE I had to charge that thing. And the best part? I can carry my library with me. 1500 books on one little device. Fantastic!

The only things I would change, and to be perfectly honest, I may be able to do this as I haven't fully explored the options or settings, but I would like to see the time on the screen so I don't have to look away AND I'd love to see how many pages are in the book and what my page number progress is. There are some goofy numbers at the bottom so that leads me to believe I can change options. There is also a percent done number that's nice.

I had the opportunity to try out the Barnes & Noble Nook (competition) before I got the Kindle and I fell in love with it's capabilities, but on the downside it took forever to boot up and longer to download. And I didn't love the way you had to touch type in your search words. The Kindle has real keys as opposed to the touch screen.

So after this really, really long, unpaid advert for the Amazon Kindle, just know that I believe this is one of the best gifts I've ever received. I'm hoping it's lifespan is long, but just like any other electronic gadget that you come to rely upon, they have their limits. I'm going to take good care of it and get my (Rich's) money's worth! If you are thinking about it - don't think any longer.

Have you seen this?

2010-03-18T09:02:00.000-04:00

Why Cows Hate Winter. It cracks me up everytime I watch it. Seriously.

Jury Duty

2010-03-17T08:46:00.002-04:00

How many of you out there have been called for Jury Duty? Whether or not you've actually served on the jury, you got the little postcard or some letter from your city or the big metropolitan city in your area? I think Rich has been called about three times to our local courts, not sure if he ever served or not. Good looking, middle income, white male - not likely, but that's beside the point. At. least. he's. been. called.

Me? Never, Nada, Not Once!

And I'd like to. Even a big murder case. Yeah, really. (I know, I say that now, but I'd probably hate it).

Then I read this article. Really? Across the country they are having a hard time finding people who can afford to sit there, even for a day. Hello? I'm here! I work for one of those big companies that will pay me to sit on your jury. Yep, over here! Pick me! Pick me!

It's not like I'm trying to hide. My name is on my deed, a car title, I've had my own share of traffic violations. But have I ever, ever received a Juty Duty Summons? No.

So to my city, county and Detroit, you won't have any complaints or problems from me - call me up and let me do my civic duty!!

BEP baby

2010-03-16T15:19:00.008-04:00

Remember that comment from a couple of posts ago about "a certain chick from an awesome band"? Well I am about to tell you about a serious girl crush (+ one boy) I had for one night....

I had mixed feelings about her before the concert, but seeing someone live in concert is a telling thing you know...if they lip sync, how they really look live and how they act...

She's still a little bit ghetto, as far as how she talks and I think she's a little rough around the edges, after all I think I heard she's from a rough area and was a crack addict or something, but still I was thoroughly impressed with her at the concert.

She's sexy, her voice was right on target and she could belt a tune! She interacted well with the crowd and the two special guests. Fantastic is all I have to say.

So here, enjoy some shots I took of the band (above)....and then enjoy some shots from some professionals (following)...and tell me what you think of Ms. Stacy Ferguson, aka, Fergie, from the Black Eyed Peas:

Also a HUGE Fan of the one and only Mr. Will.i.am:

Thoroughly enjoyed the company of my daughter and the awesome concert we experienced together.

Good day lady. I write to your site because I have like it.

2010-03-15T09:06:00.005-04:00

So I'm thinking about finding a new home for the blog.....in the last three months or so I've gotten an outrageous amount of spam comments and I'm tired of it. Anyone else having this problem? I keep deleting and they keep showing up. I seriously get more spam comments than blogger friend comments. Oftentimes they are in Japanese or Chinese (sorry don't know the difference) and when they are not in another language, they are in definitely the poorest written English I've ever seen. This really upsets me as I've had this site, this blog, for nearly five years.

What to do, what to do.

The new truck

2010-03-11T08:08:00.004-05:00

So here is the post on Austin's new wheels.

This is one active child, involved in too much sometimes, but he's got his head on straight and he keeps his grades in the A and B range and he's mostly considerate and well-mannered (he is a teenage boy remember). He's a lot of fun and he's ambitious and dedicated to whatever he is involved in (or with) 100%. We knew we wanted to get him a small truck, something he could throw his hockey bag (have you seen those things? a bag heavy enough and large enough for a 100 pound person to fit in!), his deer carcasses (eww yuck) and his fish in. We toyed with the idea of a two wheel drive but test drove one in a snowstorm and knew that would not fly - we didn't want to doom the kid before he got used to his new truck by wrecking it. So we went on a mission around Christmastime looking for a 4x4 in our price range. It ended up being in '98-02 year range and the mileages were 150k+. Not ideal but not show stoppers. We low balled a couple of Rangers (we are a Ford family) on Ebay but never met the reserve prices. We called and went to look at some that were posted on Craigslist. We visited countless used car lots. It was exhausting.

Then one day the last few days of Feb, I was talking with my brother and telling him exactly what we were after and what a disappointment everything we were finding was and he said...why don't you talk to Aaron, I think he's selling his Ranger. Ummm really? He's one of Daniel's long time friends and we've probably known him all his life. So Rich calls him up and gets the details.

It's a 2004 - newer than what we've been looking at.

It's a 4x4 - exactly what we wanted.

It's an FX4 - an upgrade to a regular 4x4.

It's got just enough teensy-tiny things wrong with it, coupled with the fact that he knows us well, that the price, although more than what we wanted to spend, was fantastic!

So we reached a deal and picked it up last Saturday morning first thing. Here is Austin seeing it and checking out the interior for the first time.

He's so cute. His feathers aren't easily ruffled and he doesn't show a lot of emotion. I almost had to talk him in to getting excited, but I could tell that he was really, really pleased when he saw it and realized it was his.

Of course I had to document it and share it here, right? :o)

Here he is driving it home with Rich.

So far, this thing drives like a dream. I took it to work on Tuesday because he still hadn't gotten his parking pass for school. Very solid truck. It could use a thorough detailing so that might be upcoming this spring but otherwise perfect for him, this truck just suits Austin to a "t".

Funny story to share. We toyed with the idea of getting him a personalized plate. I wasn't too sure how much more it cost, but we threw out a bunch of ideas and I put them into the Michigan "Plate it Your Way" website to check availability. Well, Austin's true and first love is hunting, so we started with the obvious.....DEERHNT, N2HNTG, BUCKLVR, etc. Most of what we tried was taken but we still weren't sure we'd do it.

So I go to SOS yesterday to get the title transferred and get him a new plate. I found a combination that worked with his initials and HUNTR and went ahead and ordered it. I was pretty pleased and came home and told Rich.

We were sitting down to dinner afterwards and Austin comes in from soccer practice. I informed him that we got him a personalized plate. He shakes his head and says something to the effect of "I wish you would tell me before you do something like that". I look at Rich, give him a little smile and tell him, well I thought, since we were buying it and your such a cutie, I went ahead and ordered one that says "QTPIE".

Oh you should have seen his face and mannerism - forget considerate and well mannered and he didn't say a word for a minute.

Then he says "are you serious!?" "Yes, I'm serious." But I start to giggle. He missed that part apparently, because he just continued down the path of righteous anger. Then he says, "Well I'm taking it back because I can't drive around and go to school with that on the back of the truck!". By now Rich is laughing with me and I told him "you can't take it back, you have to drive around with that for a year, then you can change it to anything you want". I waited a full minute, maybe two, before telling him I was just kidding. He does this stuff to me all the time so I really, really enjoyed that. When I told him what it actually was, I don't know if it was relief or actual approval, but one thing is for sure, he's darn-tootin' happy to drive around in a truck that DOESN'T say "QTPIE".

So Busy

2010-03-10T10:14:00.003-05:00

how can I apologize? am I even apologizing to anyone? okay dad, I heard you the other day. I will make a concerted effort to blog more often....

let's see what's been happening around here:

got back from Playa...I posted some pics from there in an earlier post, it was such a wonderfully relaxing vacation, must be why I am still sane weeks later....
Rich got me a new toy...the Amazon Kindle...the new total love of my life, I kid you not. It goes everywhere with me, I spend money on it, I keep it safe in a cushioned sleeve and lovingly hold it every day. Really. If you are thinking about it....I couldn't recommend it enough.
Q had his wrestling banquet and I am a proud momma soon to be out $400 earlier than I expected to be. My 9th grader got his Varsity Letter in Wrestling. They moved him up very late in the year for a few varsity matches but he got ring worm and couldn't wrestle two of them and got a void for another (no one to wrestle with) so we were pretty sure he hadn't qualified, but guess he did after all. Now gotta go order that Varsity Jacket a little earlier than expected....he's a super star that boy of mine. :o)
We bit the big bullet and got Austin his first car. I'll do a post just on that shortly, but let me just say his father and I are thinking we did a little too good of a job, ya know....
Mom just had shoulder surgery and there were some after surgery complications, oh a little bitty bit of some chest pains that made them admit and monitor her for another 20 hours or so. She is at home now recovering but in a lot of pain. Praying for her full recovery because she wants to be able to hold some more grandbabies....and NO WAY will they be from me, so Daniel and Chris - kick it in gear!!! We're not getting any younger!
Kaylen and I went to a kick-butt concert last night - will save that detail for another post as well, but gotta say I'm in a serious girl crush right now on a certain chick from a awesome band....

Until next time, blog ya later....

A Two White Truck Family

2010-03-02T07:51:00.003-05:00

It's been a crazy week folks. Travel for work right on the tails of my vacation; LOTS of soccer this past weekend (I'm talking 9 games Fri-Sun) and then I got really sick Sun & Mon. I'm betting that the sickies were instigated by the air travel and propogated by the crazy running around all weekend and by Sunday evening I was just drained.

Some good news though; we found Austin a car - scratch that -a truck. We've been looking since Christmas time and this one just dropped in our lap this weekend. It's someone we know and it fits the bill perfectly. It is a bit above our max price though so I guess that's not perfect, but other than that it's a great deal. We won't be able to get it for another week or so because we are buying it cash and since it was a little more than we planned we have to scrape together that last little bit. Maybe this coming weekend or the next. The seller is not in a big hurry. Austin is quite excited and thankful. He's getting a 2004 Ranger FX4 extended cab in white. It's got a lot of miles (120k) but that's how come we can afford it at that model year. We started out looking at 1998-2002 years which were in our price range but they often times had over 150k miles. This whole truck is in good enough shape that if we have to put in a new engine, it would be worth it, unlike a model that would be 4+ years older. Let's hope it all comes together and that my insurance doesn't kill me. :o) He's a good kid and he is deserving of a good vehicle.

Ok, gotta run. I still owe some more vacation pictures.
Blog ya later,

Playa del Carmen, part 1

2010-02-22T08:06:00.006-05:00

Back to the old grind and wouldn't you know it; the first day back to work, a Monday, and four inches of snow (and counting!). Way to stick it to me on my return from a week in Playa del Carmen!

We had a fabulous time. I have to say that I was miffed a little that we didn't go on any excusions or trips but in retrospect it was just the vacation we probably all needed. Beach and pool in the mornings, naps in the afternoons, dining out and shopping and people watching in the evenings. Perfect, relaxing, slow, fun and rejuvenating. The weather was great, albeit a little cloudy on most days, but mid to upper 70s with bright hot break-throughs of sun. WONDERFUL I tell ya, WONDERFUL.

Two things that stick out as the "stories" of the week, one I'll share with you today and another I'll share tomorrow.

We had a great condo that we found online and checked into on Saturday afternoon. The rooms were spacious with their own full baths, the A/C was great, full kitchen, nice balconies, 1 1/2 short blocks to the beach, great view from the roof pool area. We were relaxing Sat & Sun and kept up with the same routine, including a short afternoon nap to get ready for the evening when we returned from the beach to find it hard to hear ourselves, think much less sleep, due to jack hammer construction right behind our bedroom walls! Yep, they were building a three story condo unit right next to ours. I had, mistakenly, thought that construction was halted due to the economy because nothing went on there Sat and Sun and it looked abandoned. Nope, not the case, just a weekend break. So we tried to watch tv, read, hang out and it just wasn't conducive to any of those things so we called to complain. They reacted immediately and took us over to another condo complex called Aldea Thai Condominium Resorts. A total upgrade. Yeah baby!!

So we were right on the beach, two ocean front balconies and our own roof lounge area with a plunge pool (about the size of a 10-12 person hot tub). It was sweet! It had a gigantic pool with a swim up bar and daily maid service. Very nice. There were two quirks about the place though...no oven (and we had bought frozen pizza) and a funky smell when we first kicked on the A/C (kind of musty/moldy). Other than that - perfect! We liked it so much we are looking into taking the kids this time next year.

My friend, sans travel companion (read: spouse), had her down moments but I believe she had a good time and will not regret going. She needed this time to prepare for this new chapter in her life. Rich and I felt for her the whole time and we tried to be conscious of our actions when it seemed she was down, but we've known her and she us for 25+ years, she wouldn't have wanted us to change our behavior, we just wanted to be supportive and aware. I wish her the best and hope to see good things for her in the future.

Here's a few shots from our vacation (it just takes too long to upload these pictures anymore). I have some more to get off the camera, but here's what I had for now. Enjoy!

beautiful, colorful storefront on Avenida Quintana:

Nacho Libre, of course:

Brave Parasailers:

The beautiful view from our private rooftop lounge/pool area:

Vacay

2010-02-18T17:03:00.002-05:00

having a most excellent time here in Playa del Carmen....wish you were here.

Internet connection is spotty so I'll leave you with this and update you when I get back.....

Counting down the hours now

2010-02-12T06:26:00.001-05:00

I have LOTS to do today.

Working half day. Getting car cleaned, getting the kids a wonderfully healthy frozen food collection that'd make college kids jealous, cleaning my room in preparation of someone else sleeping in it, getting as much laundry done as possible. Trying on just about everything in my wardrobe hoping it fits better than it did last summer and knowing that it won't possibly and packing everything but the kitchen sink (oh wait I might need that too...)

This time tomorrow I will be on my way to the airport, hoping and praying for good weather on the other side, a good time had by all and no crazy people wanting to blow up some Americans going on vacation to Mexico.

have a good one,

Ancient Japanese Proverb

2010-02-11T08:24:00.000-05:00

Linkedy Linkedy

2010-02-10T07:52:00.003-05:00

Too sad....Captain Phil Harris died. :o( I really liked him and having watched the show, seeing him interact with his kids, I feel bad for them.

Hilariously funny time waster. I especially like the ones from the Superbowl (bowel) Sunday. Check it out when you have time.

Images similar to what I'll be looking for a week starting Saturday. Ahhhhhhhhhhh!

I love this amazing boy and his story.

Happy Hump Day!