Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Merry Christmas!!

Merry Christmas to everyone. I hope Santa is good to all of you!! I have been busy so not much blogging going on!! Last weekend was our family party and it is always at my house, so I had shopping and cooking to do. I am still not finished shopping, but hope to go out today in the madness to get it all done. Besides that, I have been enjoying having my daughter around. It was very cold here yesterday, but promises to be in the middle 60's for Christmas..very strange!! I promise to do better with my blogging in the New Year!! Have a Merry Christmas!!!

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Rain, Rain...Go away!!

It has been pouring rain here today!! We have had tornado watches out most of the day, and it is 61 degrees. Not that I am complaining about the warm weather, but the rain is really getting on my nerves!!
I enjoyed the weekend visit to my Grandmother's birthday party. She was so excited, and I got to spend some time with her. We had a lot of good food, and I got to see all of my extended family. It was really nice.
Other than that, the week has been pretty boring, so there is not much blogging to do. I still have not gotten out to Christmas shop..so I guess it will be the day before again!!! Merry Christmas!!

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Happy Birthday, Grandma Smith!!

Next Monday is my Grandma's 98th birthday!! Happy Birthday, Grandma! I am planning to go down this weekend to spend sometime with her. I have so many great memories of times with my Grandma. She is so special to me and I am so lucky at age 43 to have her around to share with my daughter! I am hoping to see her on Willard Scott's jelly jar in two years, as we used to kid her about that!! I met him at a Christmas party some years ago, and told him to be on the lookout for her. She is very fragile now, but still strong-willed, so I have no doubt that she will make it there, and then some!
It is overcast here today and we are expecting rain, so I guess this is a good time to get some housework done. The Christmas decorating is done, however, I don't have a tree yet! T has not decided on a tree yet, and it is not for lack of looking, as she has been in several stores, but as usual, she insists on the perfect tree. I have made it clear that there is no such thing, but she still insists that she will find the perfect one, and she will know it when she sees it!! I think she is a little OCD, possibly inheriting that trait from her father, of course!!
An update on hubby...he is working from home until his hands heal, so I guess I will be staying up late to get "me" time in. It is working out ok, however, I don't get too much done here, but the whining has gotten better. That could possibly be that this is the "PMS" week, and I have had a few head spins, so all is quiet on the home front today!! And will possibly be until this week passes. I have eaten a ton of chocolate though, as he has picked up several bars from the grocery store this week!! I think he has the mindset that this will be the solution to the mood swings, and he just might be on to something, at least when my mouth is full of gooey bliss, I am quite for a few minutes.
I have to start shopping for Christmas. T's list gets longer each year and is much more expensive as she grows up. This year she has asked for a "flying V" black electric guitar, a 19" flat screen..1080 P LCD tv, and a list of Vera Bradley purses with all the accessories, and a long list of Virgina Tech items. I made the decision to tell her about Santa this year, although she still pretends at age 12 that she still believes. Of course, we all know that she is just negotiating for that list. Last night I made it clear that she is only entitled to one large item, hoping that the electric guitar would go away because of the noise, but it did not work, she dropped the tv, and said that her dad would put the den tv(52 inch big screen) in her room!! I was at a loss for words as I could not imagine how this tv would fit into her decor, or the room for that matter! Why is it that this kid knows exactly how to push my buttons??? Well, I promised we would go Thur her list tonight and do a mark out of all the things that she could live without. That should be productive, right? She did add some cheap items..nickel nips and giant pixie sticks..ha. I guess those will be the non-essential items that get the pen ax.
I have yet to buy any gifts this year, which is strange for me as I have always been a shopper that does it all in November! Oh well, there is always December 24th!! Happy Holidays!!!!

Monday, December 1, 2008

Monday's Blog!

It is very cold here today and rainy. I was a little disappointed that we did not get any snow today, as was T as she really wanted another day out of school!! It was a really nice Thanksgiving break, and we had a wonderful time at my sister's. I have started decorating for the Christmas holiday, but do not have my tree yet. I wanted to get an artificial tree, but my daughter will not stand for that, so we are back to another miserable allergy time for me over the holidays!!
Dane is still working from home as his hand is broken, and his fingers on the other hand. Taylor is enjoying calling him "Grace", as she is normally the clumsy one, but I think he outdid her this time. The whining is some better, although it has not ceased yet. Men are such babies sometimes!! I keep telling him that I had 78 stitches after my C-section, and was up the same day..no whining, so this is really not a big deal!!
I was saddened by the report of the man that died at Walmart in NY. How sad that some people value material things more than human life!! I can not imagine, and the situation reminds me of a time when a lady had a really bad accident in MD during rush hour traffic. People were blowing horns and yelling obscenities as traffic was backed up and she lay out on the highway waiting for an ambulance to come and take her to a hospital!! One has to really stop and think about the world and the people that live here..are they really that insensitive to human life???
Until tomorrow...

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. I have a lot to be thankful for today, and I am so fortunate to have so many things. Also, it is a great time to say a prayer for our military. Many of them are away from their families. I really appreciate what they are doing to keep us safe, and for all the sacrifices that they make for us all!! We are having dinner at my sister's today, so I am thankful that I have family close by to spend the day and I really miss those that are not here this year!! Have a great turkey day!!
Also, for my good friend, Ganny in India and his family...I pray that you all will be safe!! I was so glad to hear that you were safe in Mum bi and out of harm's way!! Stay strong!!

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Cold!! BRRRRRRRRRRRR!

It was 29 degrees today!! T is sick. I took her in on Friday for shots and she has been stuffy ever since then! I think the flu nose spray might have caused the stuffiness, but she has not had any other reactions, so I think she will be okay!! This is the first day she has missed school! She had perfect attendance, so I am a little bummed about that!
I have been really busy these past weeks so posting has been scarce! My husband took a fall over Halloween, and broke his wrist on one arm and a finger on each hand, and one of his ribs. He is getting stronger as the days go on, but not able to do much to help out!! And oh, the whining is unbearable!!! I have had to have a few Martini's each night just to cope with having my days rearranged!!! It has been a long three weeks!! We had some relatives visiting (from the hubby's family) , did a lot of painting and prep for that with a handy man that required constant supervision, and a good friend of ours passed away on last Thursday and his funeral was on Sunday. His death was a shock to us all as he was only 51, but he had been ill for sometime. I know we will miss him dearly, especially with the holidays coming up. He was a part of our family after his wife died a few years ago, and we all had adopted him as an uncle. I think my sister and her family will miss him too. She has lost two "best friends" in a few years!! I can't imagine what that feels like! Anyway, I will try to do better on the posts as I have been lacking for awhile now!! Have a great day!!

What kind of muffin are you??

Chris,
I took your muffin test and here are the results:

What Kind of Muffin Are You?
You Are a Bran Muffin
Some people have accused you of being all work and no play. And that does describe you most of the time.You are very career oriented. When you're not working making money, you're working to improve yourself.You have very little room in your life for fluff. You want to live as good of a life as possible.You are competitive and driven. You like to surround yourself with other motivated people.While you are a go-getter, you are by no means self centered. Quite the opposite.You are a caring, together, and stable friend. You are grounded enough to be there for people.

Monday, October 27, 2008

Monday's blog..

It is cold today and very windy! Last week was really busy, so not much time to blog. We had contractors in for new carpet in the basement, painting, and I even got someone in to empty the closets and carry the heavy things up into the attic. I have lots more to do today, but after spending most of the day at Home Depot, it probably won't get done today!! I lost the nuts and bolts to the table that goes into the basement, so I spent hours at Home Depot trying to find the correct fittings so I could put the table back together! So, that is probably the only thing I am going to do!!
I also plan to make French Onion Soup tonight, if I can get time to go grocery shopping!
Over the weekend, we went out to lunch in Acworth and walked into a lot of shops, and it was very relaxing for a change. I got some neat ideas of what I could do to decorate the guest room upstairs. We are having guests in two weeks for a few days, so I need to do something to spruce it up in there.
Well, hope all of you in blog land had a great weekend! I will try to do better with my blogging soon!!

Thursday, October 9, 2008

News from T's day!

Today was a "first" dance at T's school. She didn't seem to be nervous, but excited, as she was going to hang out with all her friends. I asked if she was going to dance with a boy, and she said no, gross...oh, the joy I felt when I heard that!! HA!! I don't think I am ready for the "relationship" horrors yet, but I do have information from the best friend that she has two boyfriends..ha! Hopefully, it will stay that way for awhile!! With two, I can rest assured that she will be too busy to think of only one, and that her little heart will remain in tact for at least another year!! I tried to remember what I was like at that age, but it is hard to do at my age. She has had boyfriends since kindergarten, so I expect that I should just be thankful that she is a normal kid and that she is growing up healthy and happy!!
Other news, my step daughter got a ring from her boyfriend last week. She is in college and has a few years left, so she says they are not rushing it. Hopefully, she will make the right choices and he will be the one for her. I have not met him yet, but received an email and a picture of him and the ring. Those modern day ways of communication are a changing!! Oh well, at least she told us!! Have a great day!

Monday, October 6, 2008

Cool! Fall is here!!

It is 58 degrees today and T is getting ready for school. I had to take her to the doctor on Saturday, as she was coughing and stuffy. She got antibiotics, so she is some better today. She is still coughing, but wanted to go to school, so I let her.
The weekend was quiet, as we have been sick for weeks, so we stayed in and ordered food out, and only left the house to go to the grocery store and the doctor. Pretty boring, huh? I am anxious to go to the mountains for the fall to see the leaves and pick some apples. I am hoping we are all well soon, so we can make the trip. Have a great day!

Friday, October 3, 2008

Feeling better and Friday's thoughts...

Today we are finally feeling a little better after two weeks of a bronchitis bug. It seems that the culprit was a guy at D's work, not our T that gave us the bug. He came into work coughing his head off and that was all it took for D to bring the bug home. It was a two week sickness and we were very lucky that T managed to stay healthy with both of us hacking all around her! Even though we are better now, the sinus stuff is staying around a little longer than it should. You would think after two rounds of antibiotics that we would be fine!! Oh well, maybe the change in season is the reason that we are having some allergies still, and not the bronchitis. Anyways, it is nice to wake up and find that our ability to breathe and talk has returned!!
About the debate last night, I think Sarah Palin did well. I did not know what to expect, but was pleasantly surprised when she held her own in the debate. I was not that impressed with Biden, as she was able to use his own comments against him, which I thought was a significant blow to Obama's credibility. Two things that really struck me odd with Biden was his comment that he was doing well with a nice big house and a so to speak senator's salary?? I thought this was a bad judgement comment, considering that most of the Us population is in financial ruins...and the comment on the Constitution and the Vp responsibility was also a boggled comment. Check out the article for yourself...he got it backwards!!! It also did not help that some of his attacks on John McCain's voting records were not very well represented. Did he not think that the media would have the proof it needed to check the facts?? BTW, this is just my opinion, but I think he also represented a "old policy" view on many things that I personally am not interested in hearing again. To boot, it seems that the democratic party is not all together this year. First you have the Hilary thing, and then this..how can you change things with the same old Biden and the wishy washy comments about a party united, when they can not move forward on the issues at hand, but still are stuck in the past, blaming Bush and using each other's comments against people in their own party?? Biden was onto Obama in the previous months prior to his VP pick, so how can he change his comments now that he is the nominee to make people think that he truly feels that this guy is what this country needs?? Did he lie previously when he attacked Obama's voting record, and what about his previous support of John McCain??? What is he doing here?? Does he feel that we all are that naive that we can trust someone like him to do anything when he can not decide whose side he is on here??
To Sarah Palin's credit, she did fend him well, but at times, I was very proud to see her look into the camera and talk to America. This is something that put her in a "real person' status for me. I don't always agree with the political rhetoric, but I found this to be a positive spin in getting her true self out there. I think that the media needs to give her a break, and I also think that even though most people voted that she was not that experienced, that she showed that she was willing and able to go into Washington and fight for Americans...the proof will be in the next four years, but honestly, with all that is going on in the world, McCain might be the right choice because I just don't see how Obama can change things with the same "old Biden" who literally told us he would not change in the debate.. We have to have someone in authority that has had experience in the military, and in Washington to get anything done here, and even though I might not agree with all of his policies, he just seems to be the safe person here. This is a race that will go down in history..and it is not one to take a gamble on when there is so much at stake in the world. As I have explained here, this is my opinion, and even though it is not worth the blog it is written on, it stands the same and I think every American should think about what is at stake here when they go and vote. The real truth is that you can never really trust an elected official to do what they say, but in these times, we have to vote on someone to do the job. What other choice do we have here???
Well, enough said on that...I am sure that I will get some nasty comments, but all the same, like I said earlier..it is just my opinion, for what it is worth...
Hopefully, the world will still be standing after November 4th....we can only hope that we make the right choice and get the reform that is needed to get our country back into shape and move forward...have a great weekend!

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

McCain /Palin ticket

Please go to http://www.mccain-palinpins.com/ to host a campaign pin to show your support for the McCain/Palin ticket.

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Cooler temperatures!

I guess Fall has officially arrived, as it was 50 degrees here this am. A nice break from the heat and the high electric bills, but none the less, I am not a big fan of cold weather, although the fall is not too bad here.
Not much going on this week, just sick with bronchitus and waiting for the antibiotics to kick in and cure my ills!! I have once agian picked up t's germs, although, her bout was only two days of sinus! She got off easy this time! But, unfortuantely, I have given this dreadful bug to my husband. He is coughing now too, and headed to the doctor for antibiotics. Hopefully, he will not be as miserable as I am now.
T got her mid term grades and they were great. She actully had a "100' average in a couple of her classes, nothing under an 88, so I was very thrilled with that. She is enjoing her new school, making lots of friends and getting involved in some clubs. I have never had an issue with her in school. She is a networker and always has a plan. That is one thing I am thankful for in my life! She is a social butterfly. Where this trait orginated, who knows??
Well, it is off to get dogfood and to do a little grocery shopping. Have a good day.

Sunday, September 21, 2008

The Fair!

Today was a beautiful day and we took T and one of her friends to the local fair. They had a blast on all the rides. Dane and I only rode one ride and I felt sick afterwards. I guess I am not as young as I once was and my body can't take the jerks and thrills of the rides, but I did have an awful cold today, so maybe that was the problem. It was fun at first. I don't think Dane enjoyed it either, and complained of being dizzy afterwards. The girls never complained and took in most of the scary rides with no pain...oh to be young again!!! I enjoyed the petting zoo, and purchased food to feed the camel and the goats. I also liked the baby kangaroo's. although, they were not that frinedly. I had to get 4 cups of food for the camel, and he actually licked my hands clean. Thnak goodness, they had a sink close by to wash up after that!!
Not much else going on over the weekend..just dinner out and slumber parties, as usual...I think I am going to ask the neighbors for their tax deduction as my daughter's friend is here more than she is at her house!!
I hope everyone had a great weekend.

Monday, September 15, 2008

The Mop and Glow maid!!

Friday was an interesting day. My husband decided, after a few cocktails that he wanted to hire a new house cleaner to clean our house. I was not too happy, as I have always had the same company, and the only issue that we had was that the owner of the company had a baby, and could not come on the day that we wanted. My husband went on the Internet and got a maid that said she would be at our house at 8:30 am on Friday. I rushed to get t to school and arrived back home at 8:15am. 8:30 am came and went and no maid. At 10:15am, she finally shows up alone. I was somewhat aggravated because being late is one of my pet peeves, and I would have normally sent her on her way, but I decided to give her the benefit of doubt, and showed her around the house. I gave her cleaning supplies and told her what I wanted done. I went out on the back deck and did some paperwork, and then a few hours later, I took the van to be serviced. At around 4:30pm, she still was only on one level of our home. My husband arrived home and quickly came out to tell me that our wood floors had white streaks all over the floors. I found the lady in the basement and asked her what she had put on the floors. I told her specially to use Murphy's. She told me that she had mopped with Mop and Glow!! I nearly fainted!! HA!! Needless to say, my husband was livid!! Somehow, he kept his composure until she was gone, but managed to get her to drop the price 15.00. So, after she left, we had to go and strip the floors and use Orange Glow to get the finish back. It took over 5 hours to get the shine back!! So, at 11pm, we went out to dinner at a local diner that is open 24 hours!! We were exhausted! I was so mad at my husband for getting involved and for calling another maid!! I hope he learned his lesson!! It is not good judgement to drink a few Captain Morgan's and make calls to have house work done to a maid that is available immediately without getting references first!! Maybe next time, he will listen to me!! Not only did he spend more money, but he also had to clean the house over. I think he finally got a taste of what I do each day to keep the house nice!! If not, I think I will head out to the store and buy some more mop and glow!! There is more than one way to get him to help out around here!!

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Thursday, Sept.11, 08

Today I am doing laundry. Fun??? I watched the Sept. 11th memorials this morning on tv, and then went out to do errands. American flags graced our neighborhood, and as I drove around the area, it appeared that everyone was flying their flags to honor all those who lost their lives on September 11th. As I was watching the news, it all came flooding back to my memory of that day, 7 years ago. I can't help but wonder of my child will remember that day that we were all attacked. I am so glad that the memorials will be in place to make sure that no person forgets that dreadful day. The pentagon memorial was especially touching, the bench that was for the youngest victim, a three year old girl, and then the oldest victim, 71 years old. What a great memorial..they even faced the benches toward the sky for the youngest victim, and for those that were killed inside the building, benches were facing the Pentagon. I can only hope that the other memorials are as touching as those. Have a great day!!

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

6th Anniversary of Dad's death

Today is the 6th anniversary of my dad's death. It seems like he has been gone much longer and I miss him. T reminded me today that she still misses my dad, even though she was only six when he died, she still remembers him and all the fun things he did for her.
Also, Sept. 11 is approaching and it is a time to remember all the innocent lives that were lost on that day. It seems that people still have problems remembering that tragedy, and many ask why our country is fighting a war against the terrorist. I find it hard to believe that anyone could question why after experiencing that day in 2001.If we did nothing, we would be in a constant stage of threats from the terrorist, and that would take away many freedoms that we have today. The sad truth is that many people have given their lives for our freedoms, and they are still fighting for what is right. It doesn't matter if you are a republican or a democrat, the soldiers are keeping our country out of harm's way, and instead of asking why there is a war, we should be asking ourselves why we are not thanking each and every soldier that has given their time and energy, and some have given their lives to keep us in a safe country. I guess for the everyday person that does not have experience studying the various terrorist groups, it may not seem real that there are people who hate our country and everything that it stands for...but sadly, we as a nation, are a prosperous nation. Even though the economy has been on a downward spiral, it does not change the fact that there is a reason for the way we live today..there are soldiers fighting a war so that we can sleep in peace. I,for one, will be saying a prayer for our country and our military on September 11, and each day I thank God that we have such a great country and people that are willing to give their lives and time away from their own families to keep our's safe. I will also vote for a President that supports the troops and their cause. I suggest that when you go to vote, that you think about this entry so that we don't have to face another 9/11. No president can negogiate with a terrorist group to keep us safe.

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Thursday

Today I ran errands and stained the deck...fun, fun!! I have been so tired this week because I went to my mom's last weekend, and to my cousin's wedding. I have also been up late this week because my husband has been sick with vertigo.
Last night I watched the Republican convention and saw Sarah Palin's speech. I think she is amazing and I also think that McCain is lucky to have her on the ticket. I am watching his speech tonight and I think it is going well. He is an honorable man, and even though he was not my first pick for President, I think that he has a lot of experience and that he is the better candidate for the job. I can't wait until November!!! The suspense is killing me!!
Also, I went and checked T's grades on the Internet today. She has a "100" average in all her classes in the 7th grade!! Way to go Tay!!!!!!!!!!!!

Friday, August 29, 2008

McCain's VEEP pick!

I was delighted that John McCain picked a female for his running mate for VEEP. She is also pro life, which is a huge sway for me. I really haven't heard much about her, but after reading about her, it seems she has huge balls, so she can't be all that bad. I am sure that a few are disappointed because Romney did not make the cut, but I am hoping that he will find his way somehow, he was my second pick. After watching Obama last night, I think this is a huge slap for him...I guess he should have picked Hillary!! This should be an interesting race!!

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Thursday

It is a sunny day , and I am glad the rain is gone. It was nice for a few days, but was not so nice to my arthritis!! I got up early today and drove T and her friend to school. I took them for breakfast before school and they seemed to enjoy having a little time to relax and eat before school. I could not believe that we had an extra thirty minutes today. T usually has problems waking up, but today, she was up early. Her friend came over last night and borrowed a skirt and top from T to wear today. Both of them were dressed in dresses today. I don't know for sure, but it seems that they must have a crush, or maybe they are just happy to be out of uniforms this year. I felt kind of out of place in my Pj bottoms and t-shirt! It took me a few minutes to get going today...I didn't have my coffee and I got up after T, so I was rushing around trying to find my keys, etc. so we could go.
Today I am going to get some cleaning done. I got a new steam machine for the hardwoods, so I am going to try it out. Also, a guy is coming to do some work on the back deck, nothing major, just replacing some handrails that are cracked. Next, we are going to have some painting done on the front of the house and windows replaced...fun, fun. It never ends around here!!! Have a great day!!!

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Somewhat Sunny Day!

Today started out with tornado warnings..and then lots of rain. Finally, the sun is shining through!! We are receiving the end of a tropical storm here in the south, and even though we need the rain, this is so dreary. The leaves are also changing colors, which maybe an indicator of an early fall. The weather is still very warm though, and very, very humid!
I drove T and one of the neighborhood kids to school this am. It was raining, so I did not want her to ride the bus, although, she fought me all the way! I finally won the battle when she saw the tornado warning on the TV. Thankfully, we missed the tornadoes!! She was concerned about her dad. He was on his way to work and the tornado was going towards his area, but luckily, all they got was a lot of rain and wind.
My cousin is getting married this weekend, so I will be going down for the wedding. I can not believe that she is old enough to get married, but she is almost 26. I can remember when she was born!! Oh well, I guess we all have to get older, right?
I am also looking forward to seeing my mom and grandmother. I haven't been home since June, so I need a break. I am going to the doctor today to get some antibiotics for my cold. I have an earache today!! Ouch! I guess the wind from the weekend got to me! This is an awful time of the year for us, sinus infections and colds, the usual. I hopefully will catch the cold before it gets too bad! T has been stuffy all week, but seemed a little better today! Have a good day!

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Sunday's thoughts

Today is overcast and yucky! Thank goodness, we only got the wind from the "Fay" storm, but today is overcast and tornado warnings are out. We had a few spinkles, but no heavy downpours, which I would have welcomed!! Our grass is brown and dead out front, and we could really use a good soaking rain!!
I have been helping T with her book reports that are due tomorrow. Of course, she put them off till the last minute, and no matter how much I preach to her that procrastination is so wrong, I am slowly learning that she doesn't hear a word I say!! I might as well save my breath!! At least she is creative enough to do the reports without my help, but I don't want her to take the lazy way out. She chose two books, one about a horse named "Whiskey" and "Annie Oakley". Wow, a horse and a sharpshooter..out of all the books in the library, these are the two that she found interesting. Well, as long as she enjoys reading, I guess I should not be too worried. I don't have an guns in the house, and the horses are not allowed on the golf course. She has somehow managed to talk my older brother into giving her a horse, but at least it is a few hours away, so I don't have to worry about those injuries for now! So far, she has also taken to James Patterson books about flying people and Harry Potter. I also love those books, so I am glad that I can share them with her. I read the new Patterson book called "Daniel X" last Sunday, and I must say that I found it a little strange, but good reading.
Well, the rain has started finally. Bear has at least been enjoying the cool breezes on the front porch. He is so funny as he has learned to stand on his hind legs and look over the hedges to bark at the mailman. He also howls at the planes and sirens from the firetruck...too funny.
Well, hope you all had a great weekend.

Saturday, August 16, 2008

A Poem

Today I was reading this poem that T had written for class.
It was in her book bag and I thought it was very good, so I wanted to share:

I AM
I am a loving girl that loves puppies.
I wonder if I will live to be 100.
I hear the leaves rustling.
I see an old oak tree from many years ago.
I want to feel what I felt when I was 6.
I am a loving girl that loves puppies.

I pretend I am a bird soaring in the sky.
I feel the wind hurrying past me.
I touch the old oak tree.
I worry that I may never come back to touch the tree again.
I cry when the tree limbs sag.
I am a loving girl that loves puppies.

I understand that the tree is old.
I say that I am sad that I must leave.
I dream of the day I will see the old oak again.
I try to stay positive.
I hope that some day my dreams will become a reality.
I am a loving girl that loves puppies.

Written by: Taylor Dane Piatt

Friday, August 15, 2008

The Bus!

T started school this week and rode the bus for the first time on Monday. I have always drove her to school, so I think that this was more of an adjustment for me, rather than her. She was so excited to get to ride the bus. I explained to her what a pain riding the bus was but to my surprise, she loved it. She also told me there was no need for me to walk her to the bus stop on the first day. Her best friends showed up at the door to walk with her. I guess it gives her independence and makes her feel older.Mom is no longer cool!! I did get a good laugh today though. Today she decided to wear her platform sandals with her jeans(another grown up tactic) that I tried to explain to her this would make her feet hurt later, but as usual, she knew best. I even suggested that she take her sneakers for back up..she did not listen!! As I sat on the front porch watching her lug her enormous bookbag to the bus stop wearing heels, I had to laugh. As she clunked down the sidewalk, I realized that she is determined to do as she wants and to prove me wrong!! So, I will be sitting on the porch this afternoon waiting to hear how bad her feet hurt after walking in those heels all day. Knowing her, she will never admit it. I guess my daughter is growing up and I am the one who needs to learn the lesson....and now, I actually have the day to myself...I am free. I guess somewhere in the midst of this, I have created a child with a strong, determined, and independent personality. Maybe that is a good thing in itself...While I want her to be that way, it is hard to let go and realize that she is growing up way to fast!!! Where do the years go???? I also see what a pain I was for my mom!!! It is funny how life goes around!!

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Irritated!!

Tonight as I was trying to get on my blog, I found out that my child had gone onto my homepage and changed my password, and started herself a blog!! It took me over an hour to figure out how to sign her account out, and re-enter my account. None of my passwords would work!! How nice of her to do this just as she was away for the night for a sleepover!! And to boot,I did not give her permission to have a blog, so I think she will feel some heat tomorrow when she returns home!! I decided to get my own revenge, so I ate her rice krispie treats that she was saving for her snack tomorrow...that is pretty pathetic, huh? But that was all I could think of at the moment. Of course, I changed her password on her blog too. I know you all are thinking what a nice mom T has...thank you for that~~ I have had this problem with her once before as she blocked my favorite channel on the tv cable box and changed the parent block password. I was so mad!! I had to call Comcast to get into the channel. All of this was because I erased a recording of Hannah Montana!!! And the funniest thing she did today...she put a Build a Bear workshop dog screen saver on my husband's laptop. He was on a business call when he got home and the screen kept barking!!! How professional, huh? Of course, my husband is smarter than me on the computer issues, so he figured out really fast how to shut the barking dog up!! I spared her from getting into trouble with him because I did not tell him what she did to my blog, so I will just hold that over her head for a few days!! Have a great day!!

Friday, July 25, 2008

Friday's thoughts!

How do you make a child do chores??? As I was pondering this question, I decided to try a different approach to get my daughter to do some chores around the house. While she does help out here, I was in a hurry to get everything done before I went to bed last night. As it usually goes, I get up early and work all day around the house, cook dinner, do laundry, etc., and I am usually the last person to bed. Not that I am complaining!! To her defense, she does clean her room and bathroom once a week, but the other chores are not usually done without a struggle of power. Yesterday, I went for a different approach. I asked for help and to my surprise, it worked. Not only did my daughter clean her room, she also took the birdcages out and cleaned them, actually bought her dirty laundry downstairs, and made the plates for dinner, and then she actually took the garbage out! And also to my surprise, after it was all finished, I did not get a bill for her services, but I did say thank you. I explained to her that when I was a kid her age, I was cleaning on a weekly basis without question and that was expected of me as a responsible member of a family. I also gave her an article to read off of MSN about chores and money, and also cooking. While I can teach her somethings, cooking is not my bag, so I will leave that to her dad. However, she can use the microwave quiet well, and she learned that from me!! It was nice for a change to have help, and it was even better that all was finished without a fight or a struggle about her summer schedule! Who knew that all I had to do was ask for help!! I might have gotten to bed earlier!!

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Show on tv

Last night as I was flipping thru channels on the tv, I came across a show that caught my attention on A & E. The show is called Intervention. While I am lucky to not have a person close to me that has a serious addiction to drugs, I found this show to be a total eye opening experience to a real serious problem in the US. While the show is extremely graphic and real life experiences are involved, it opened my eyes to alot more than drug addiction and alcoholism. The show presented family members that were trying desperately to help their troubled family members by allowing themselves to be totally taken advantage of because of their love and devotion to their family member with the addiction. The show follows the everyday addicted family member, and then collects the family members to stage an Intervention. During the intervention, a counselor meets with the addicts family to discuss the intervention. The counselor advises the family that most of them are not helping the addict because they love them to much to put consequences on their actions, which in turn, allows the addict to continue their behavior. The counselor advises the family to write a letter to the addict stating the reasons for their disapproval of their addiction and the consequences of their behavior on them.
This show allowed me to see that when you make bad choices in child rearing, it is a disaster. Children learn that there are no consequences for their bad behavior and they continue to behave in a bad way the rest of their life. When the one girl involved on the show was a product of divorce, she used drugs and alcohol to soothe her emotions ,and her addiction spiraled out of control until the counselor advised the family to let her hit the bottom. Once the girl lost her family, her job, her friends, and almost her life, she went to counseling and got the needed help. It took years, but she managed to kick her habit, thus returning her to her family in the end. My question to this is why the parent's took so long to hold the girl accountable for her bad behavior. It is possible that love caused this to happen, but I have always been the type of person that thinks that a person is responsible for their life. If they make bad choices, then you have to let them live with them. As the old saying goes.."if you go to bed with dogs, you get fleas"...I think that more parents should practice the "tough love" method. From my past experience, it is the only way to make a person change. While it is hard, it is the only way that works!! Allowing adults and teenagers to terrorize a family by their behavior with no consequences is a proven failure. I think that anyone with an addiction or anyone that is dealing with a loved one with an addiction should watch this show. It is also a good show to watch if you have teenagers that are going to the dark side with hanging with bad people. Life is about choices. Some things happen that are bad in life, but in order to survive, it is crucial to learn and teach that there is consequences for everything in life, even with a family that loves you...have a great day!

Friday, July 18, 2008

I survived the dentist!!!

I had my jaw tooth extracted yesterday, and I actually feel better today!! I opted out of the surgery and braved the procedure with just the numbing shots..after 8 shots, the dentist finally got it out!! The roots were huge..he said it was no wonder that I was in pain because the roots were sitting on a nerve in my jaw. Believe it or not, I can breathe better too! Who knew?? It is so wrong that you have to have three insurance consultations before you can actually get something done! I guess they are unconcerned with your pain or comfort level! It actually took 5 months to get an appointment to have the extraction! What a crock!! I definitely voiced my disgust with the health care system, but I know that I am only one in a million, so I doubt the complaints will be taken seriously. Typical! What happened to the good old days when you could get a consultation and a procedure all in one visit?? Times are changing. Everything is such a disaster here in the US. You pay thousands for insurance for your family and it seems that you are not afforded the services that are bought and paid for here. However, if you are uninsured, you sail thru the system...free to boot!!
I had a first hand experience last month when I went in for my yearly mammogram. After paying my co pay and waiting over an hour, a illegal immigrant came into the room. An elderly lady and I watched in horror as she was taken back for her mammogram without insurance or even a copay. We sat for hours while she was put in front of us and treated like a first class citizen! In the meantime, we are tax paying Americans and we are denied service for it!! I have nothing against people who are poor in our country, but why should I be treated differently because I pay my taxes and pay for my insurance, and I am a citizen of this country. What is wrong with this picture?? No wonder our country is in financial ruins!! And don't even get me started on SS in the US!! I'll save that for another day!! Have a great weekend!!

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

New haircuts!

We were busy today! T and I got up early this am and went shopping. At around 10 am, we decided to get our hair cut. My hair is short and I like it a lot. Since summer began, I have been pulling my hair back in a ponytail, and I was getting tired of looking the same..well, no more!! HA! The good thing about short hair is that it makes me look younger, at least that is what everyone has told me today! T on the other hand, got a shoulder length cut. Now, she is complaining that she wants her hair shorter!! So unlike her, but I told her I would take her back to get it shorter if she wants, so we will see! As for my hubby, he was very upset that I got my hair cut! He does not like my hair short, and the only time I get it short is when I get really mad at him, so this is one time when that is not the case. I told him that maybe it would grow on him, if not, oh well. I can make my own decisions. Our anniversary is Friday!! 16 years. You would think that would be long enough for him to know that I am an Independent woman!!! It did not take long for that argument to blow over!! Tomorrow is my tooth extraction..fun!! Have a great day!!

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

A few photo's..Finally!!!





A few photo's ..1.Bear in his "Santa" suit
2. My flowers and landscape..plants are bigger now..but this is the beginning!
3. T's birthday cake , and 4. T at her birthday party..after the "Rock" party at the house with her friends!! I had promised to post a few photo's, but just got them downloaded because I had to use another camera!!! Oh well, better late than never, huh???

Friday, July 4, 2008

Happy 4th of July!!!!!!!!

Happy 4th of July!! Today we are having a cookout. It is really hot here and the weather forecast says rain, but it isn't cloudy at all, so maybe we won't miss the foreworks! We did go to the Braves game last night, but the sad news is they lost the game. We were exiting the park at the top of the ninth inning, and they finally scored 1 run!! Sadly, we missed the run!! Oh well, it was entertaining for the most part. T really enjoyed herself and got her "foam" finger, so that was worth the trip!!
Have a Happy 4th! Also, Happy birthday, Christine!!

Saturday, June 28, 2008

Saturday

Last night I won a karoke contest at a local resturant...I got 4 tickets to a Brave's game on the night of fireworks, etc. for the July 4th weekend!! I was shocked, so was my husband and daughter that I actually competed and won!! Too funny!! I did the Lights song by Journey as a dare, and somehow, it worked. The DJ did not have any "chick" songs, so it was a toss up between Journey and Kansas, so I just pretended I was back in college driving alone singing with the radio!! After I finished the song, I realized that my legs were shaking!! It has been a while for me in front of a crowd. I had flash backs of singing in the church choir as a child!!
Today we didn't do much. It was hot and we got some rain, so we had meals out and watched some movies. Sometimes, it is good to have some down time! I have been running all week, so I welcomed the break!! I was also thankful that I didn't have to cook, which is always a plus! I have had a sinus headache for two days now, so I took some benedryl and read a book "If I am missing or dead". The book was a true story about domestic violence and how it affected a family when their sister was killed. It was really sad, but an interesting read. Mom gave me the book when she was here, and I have to admit that it was very hard to get into, but I managed to read it in two days. It is time to go to the bookstore now. I am all out of books, and for some reason, I need to read to relax these days.
We have plans to go to my brother-in-law's birthday party tomorrow, so that should be fun, as long as the rain holds off!
T is begging to change schools next year, so we are considering letting her make the move for two years, and then putting her back in a private school for high school..decisions are never easy, but i think she might be ready for a change for a few years. Nothing is definate yet, so I will be posting the decision soon. Hope everyone has a great weekend.

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Sail..another Patterson book!!!

I just finished another Patterson book..Sail. It was great, and I finished it in one day. Now, I am waiting on the next book. He needs to write faster!!! Or maybe I should learn to pace myself. I ended up buying the book. I can't seem to resist his books, and the library is slow in getting his books in for some reason! So, if any of you want to read the book, let me know and I will save it for you, or mail it to you.

Hump Day..

It was another hot day. T went to a birthday party and had a blast. It was a swim party, so it was a good way to cool down. She was very tired tonight, so I had some down time finally! Since the end of the school year, it has been nonstop slumber parties with the neighborhood kids, and the door bell has been ringing early each morning with the kids in and out of the house all day.
My mom was here for the weekend and I took her home yesterday. I really wish that she could have stayed longer. We really enjoyed her visit. We hung out around the house and had my cousin over for dinner on Sunday night. Also, my sister and great nieces came over to see us on Monday. We took the kids to McDonald's to play, and then they all came back to my house to visit. The kids had a blast!

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Happy Birthday, Taylor Dane!!!!


Today is T's 12th birthday!! She is having a party and she is going to be a Rock star!!! Also, there will be cake, ice cream and pizza and lots of decorations!! I can hardly believe she is going to be 12..time sure flies!! We love you!!

Sunday, June 15, 2008

Father's Day!


Happy Father's Day to my husband. He is a wonderful father to my daughter. I can't help but feel a little sad today, as I miss my own dad, but I have great memories in my heart, so he will always be with me!!

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Hot, Hot!!!!

Today was another hot day, but I managed to get outside and do some work on trimming the bushes in front of the porch. We have this huge holly bush that is over 10 feet by the garage, so I think I am going to have to call in a service. I am only a little over five feet, so it is out of my reach. After I bitched enough, D came out to help me, and he had the bright idea to put a ladder on the back of the truck to attempt to trim the tree...right?? I asked him if his life insurance was paid up, and then sat in the garage in front of the fan with a diet Mountain Dew to watch him, knowing that he was only going to trim the bottom, damage the tree, and leave a huge mess. It was refreshing to watch him make an idiot out of himself, and then after he made a huge mess, and never reached the top of the tree, he finally gave up. It was all I could do not to say.."I told you we needed a service"..why is it that men never listen and always do the opposite of what we say, only to end up doing exactly what we had suggested earlier. This is so annoying!! Oh well, I guess the next time, I will keep my mouth shut, and let him make the suggestion.
Other than that, T has been helping around the house this week. She is having a birthday party next week, and I finally convinced her to do a small party at Justice. She is going to have 5 girls and do a "Rock" party, and then the kids will come back here for cake and ice cream. I was shocked that she went for it. I can hardly believe that she will be 12!! Time sure flies, and as the summer continues, I am beginning to see how much she has grown up. She has finally gotten over Hannah Montana and has moved on to the Jonas brothers. It is funny to see all the posters of boys on her closet doors. I have a feeling that it won't be funny for long..ha!! I guess in a few years, I will have to contact a few of my friends to gather up some beacons(tracking devices)for her date's car. Thank God I've had training..I will probably need it!! Until later!! Have a good one!!

Thursday, June 5, 2008

Thursday

Today is another scorcher..93 degrees, and it is muggy and humid. Nothing new going on this week. T had a friend over last night and has been swimming and playing, staying outdoors most of the time. I, on the other hand, have been staying inside mostly trying to stay out of the heat. I still have some of my cough so it helps to stay cool. Posting will probably be light this summer as I have a lot planned to do! Have a good one and stay cool!!

Thursday, May 29, 2008

End of school year!! Hooray!!

Friday is awards day at T's school, and then, the year is over!! Hooray!! We are all feeling some better, although the cough is lingering, so is the stuffy nose. I am feeling stronger though. This is the second time this year that I have had this sickness, and hope that it won't come back again. I don't know if it is drought related, but that is what my doctor has mentioned. It has been so dry here and now the rains are abundant, so he seems to think that is the problem. Everyone that I know has had this, so maybe it has finally ran it's course!! I sure hope so!! This is a serious bug that lasts for several weeks and really makes you feel bad!! Tired, sore throat, cough, congestion, and chest tightness..yuck!
Over Memorial Day, we went over to my sister's house for a pool party and a cookout. It was fun, and my cousin that has been MIA for 20 years came over on Monday. It was good to see him and we enjoyed seeing him and his son. Other than that, we just cleaned the house and did a few things here..nothing exciting this year..we were just too sick.
I am looking forward to the end of T's school year! I hope we get some travels in this summer, and we plan to do a few things locally also. And the best part, we can sleep in!!! That is the best part!! T's grades were also good..high B's and one A, so I can't complain there!! Sixth grade is hard, and I can't wait for next year and all the stuff that comes with a seventh grader!!! FUN!!! Later!!

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Sick....

On last Thursday, D bought home a bronchitus bug..so we have all been sick in our household. D and I went to the doctor yesterday, and today, T missed school because she woke up with a fever and cough. D and I had a severe case of bronchitus mixed in with a vicious sinus infection that caused us to experience dizziness and breathing problems. T has an ear infection and also has sinus drainge too. I felt really bad for her today as she missed her band recital tonight. She doesn't have a fever tonight, so I think the antibiotics are working well, and she says she is going to school tomorrow. The doctor said she could go if she felt like it. She only has a week remaining, so I want her to go. As for D, he is better today. I am not good as I have developed a severe case of sneezing with a really stuffy nose and itchy eyes! I have antibiotics, nose spray, and allegra..none of which has helped much!! I hope that I will feel better tomorrow. I hate colds!!
Other than that, not much news to report this week so far. T has a play next Tuesday and she is playing a "Eunice' role, so I can't wait to see it at her school. It is supposed to be a comedy written by the kids, so it should be good for a few laughs.
We had tornado watches tonight, and we were lucky we missed the bad weather again!! It did topple trees close to here, and hailed, but we only got about a 20 minute sprinkle and a little wind! So, I was a little disappointed because the water ban is still here and we need some rain because we have watering restrictions and the grass is so dry, so are the new plants. I have been hand watering, but I need to put the sprinklers on for a day or so!!
I also finished a new James Patterson book..Sunday's at Tiffany's today. It was a fast read, and a very good read. The book was so unlike his other books. This one was a love story and it was wonderful. The man is a genius!! For all of you who read his books, this one is a must. Until another day when I feel better!!!

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Hump Day

Today I have been busy around the house doing things that I have neglected over the last couple of months. I am going to have to get some file cabinets to get organized, so that I can be ready the next time I need to provide receipts, etc. I have so many boxes of papers, etc. in a closet upstairs that need to be organized, and as usual, I have put them out of sight and out of mind. This is not like me, but I have had other issues to deal with and have not had the time! Other than that, it is beginning to rain a little. The weather is supposed to turn bad tonight according to the news anchors, so we may be in for some more storms, tornadoes, etc. I certainly hope not! My mom and grandmother just got their power back from the weekend storms, and I hope that this one will not go down that far!
T went on a field trip yesterday, so this morning we were almost late for school. She was in no mood to get up and get going today! I did manage to get her to school on time after a round of fights about her getting up, etc. School is almost over for this year, so she is experiencing Spring fever, I guess. I hope that we can do some fun things this summer, and I hope the gas prices go down a bit, but that seems to be wishful thinking!! I paid 3.85 yesterday for regular unleaded!! What a rip off!! I have learned to do all of my running around on one day, so that I don't have to fill up as much. None of the candidates seem to address the problems in a way that will be beneficial to any of us..empty promises!! I think I will pass on voting this year, unless someone comes on board to get the job done..so far, they have not in my opinion!! Until tomorrow! Have a good day!!

Monday, May 12, 2008

Windy Monday!

The weekend went well for Mother's day. On Friday, I attended a Mother's Day luncheon at T's school, and her class recited a poem. The food was good and we were entertained. It was very nice. T and I then went down to see mom and grandmother. We really enjoyed spending time with them, and even got to celebrate Aunt Linda's birthday with her. On Sunday, D and T took me out for dinner. So, the weekend was nice. I am a lucky mom to have such a sweet daughter.
Tornadoes struck Ga again, this time near my mom's home. Thank God, they were spared, however, some people were not so lucky! We made it home just in time, and now mom and grandmother are without power. Thank goodness, there is a generator for my grandmother's oxygen!! We have had wind gust of 40mph, so a few trees in our neighborhood have fallen. I guess after the drought, there has been some trees that have dead roots, etc. We have been lucky so far!
Today is going to be filled with chores and errands. Have a good day!!

Thursday, May 8, 2008

Happy Birthday, Aunt Linda!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Today is my Aunt Linda's birthday. She is a special aunt and has always been very dear to me. I hope you have a great day!! We love you!

Happy Mother's Day Mom !


This is a picture of my mom and Grandma (with T and I), taken a few years ago before my Grandma was bedridden, at her birthday party. My Grandma was the Mother Kahuna, the one who started the best mother contest, and the one who taught us all how to raise respectable kids. She taught my mom how to be a good mom, and also gave me good advice.
Happy Mother's Day to my Mom!! God blessed me with a wonderful mother. My mom is a very caring and loving mom. She has always been there for me and has taught me everything I know about being a good mother to my daughter. She is also a wonderful daughter to her mom, my grandmother. She cares for her everyday, and works a full time job, which I know is not easy! My mom is very strong and has had her shares of ups and downs in life, but she has never let us(her kids) down. She is always there to listen to us, and to support us in everything that we do. She instilled morals in all of us. We are all very close and have learned thru her guidance how important family really is, and that when the chips are down, she is there to get us back on track. She has never let us down. She also took us to church and taught us that all things are possible through God. Even though I do not attend church as often as I should ( she lets me know this), I still have faith and know that there is a God and there are consequences for not living a good life! I keep telling her that I don't need church when I have her as a mom!! She also gives great advice and lets me know when I am wrong. She is also a great Nanny to T. She spoils her a little too much, but all the same, she is always there for her grandchildren, and they all know that they come first with her. It is amazing what they can get away with when she is around!!! I have very fond memories of T calling her nanny ..mostly to tell on me! when I do something that she thinks she can get her nanny's support to get her way in a situation that she is experiencing disapproval from me!! And that is usually every single day!! HA!! My mom has also taken all of her children's spouses in as her own, and sometimes is prone to take their side when there is an argument involving one of her children!! But that has been known to go both ways, as she has often called my husband on things and surprisingly, he has listened to her over me!! They say in the poem that a daughter's relationship with her mom changes over the years. It goes from nag to the one with all the best advice over a lifetime, and it is so true! Thank God for mother!! I have been truly blessed in my lifetime and I hope when my own daughter remembers me, she will see me as worthy of the praise!! After all, I had the best training from these two!! Happy Mother's Day to all of you great women who read my blog!!!

Monday, May 5, 2008

Monday


Today is a beautiful day. I have a lot of chores to do today..laundry, calls to return, etc. Over the weekend, I got very little done in the house, but managed to do some work outside on Sunday. It rained on Saturday, so I did manage to get the grocery shopping done, and worked a little in my flower garden. My roses are blooming..yellow and red, and they look really nice. My gardenia bushes are also getting big, one has a bloom on it.
Today is my nephew's birthday, happy birthday, Brandon! Brandon is 30 today. T and I called him early this am, and he was not up yet, but we sang to him and talked to him for a few minutes. He is starting back to school this month, and working full time. Maybe he will get his school all finished this year, as he has been working on his degree for a few years part-time.
Other than that, same old same old..no new news!!

Friday, May 2, 2008

Gas leak problem finally solved!

Today the third company came in to fix the gas leak. At last, someone willing to do the job of detection of the leak!! One leak was in the mechanical room where a coupling was loose above the GAS hot water heater, the second above it in the ceiling!! Thank God, it was only a small leak, if it had been any larger..BOOM!! While relieved with my solution, you have to wonder how many people are relying on plumbers and companies like AHS to "fix" their issues. It is a good thing that I don't take no for an answer, or it could have resulted in an explosion and my family might have been hurt!! I do plan on writing a letter to the company, and might even go as far to hit the web with the story! I am livid, although relieved. Now, I have no gas to my fireplace in the kitchen, and a few missing drywall patches left to do. But, for the moment, that seems trival to what could have been if the gas line was not repaired!!

My Blog is worth???


My blog is worth $1,129.08.
How much is your blog worth?


I found this over on N Good company's blog and thought I would give it a try. I guess my writings aren't as interesting as her's, but at least I didn't get a 0..ha!!! Where can we cash in?????

The wig debate!

Today I woke up to T dressed in her school uniform with her Hannah Montana wig and a hat on for school. After the last two days, I was not up for a round of fights, so I asked her once to take the wig and hat off. It turned into a war of words, and finally, in the car, I just reached over and took the hat and wig off of her head and put it in the backseat of the van. I sat thru a silent ride and a look of disgust from her, and then the debate started as we entered the school parking lot. Taylor-"Mom, I just wanted to see if my friends would notice me." Mom-"you look the same with the wig and hat, you would not fool anyone." Taylor- "I think you are the meanest mom alive that you won't allow me to dress in my wig." mom-"At this point, I don't care if you think I am Satan, but I will not allow you to be thrown out of school for breaking the rules on the dress code!" ...And then the final word from my daughter as she was exiting the car.."mom, you suck!" At this point, I was sitting speechless in the carpool line with a what the F**k look on my face!! I can not wait for this afternoon, I intend to show her how bad her little life can really suck!! I have the soap ready for her mouth and I have a list of chores for her that will take her days to finish! Happy weekend, T!!

The Nightmare with AHS!!

If any of you have ever purchased a home warranty from AHS, beware!! On yesterday, the company really showed how lame they are when they sent two plumbers out to my house to check on the gas leak. The first plumber showed up and walked around the house with some sudsy water to put on my main pipes coming from the outside gas meter. He did not have a gas sniffer, nor did he do a pressure test, but insisted that he would have to cut thru my entire basement ceiling in order to look for the leak, and he also said he would have to remove the brick from my kitchen fireplace?? Hello, there is a ceiling in the basement under the kitchen and also a wall where the lines are in the laundry room behind the kitchen, and the gas flexible pipe is in the wall beside the fireplace running into the fireplace where the wood goes. This company quoted the price at 1900.00? I called AHS and told them that I was not about to let this guy cut up my house when he did not have the proper equipment to do the job, so they sent out for a second opinion. The second company was on time, walked thru the entire house, including the attic and checked for leaks with a solution similar to the first guy. This company sent a message to AHS that they did not smell the gas, and that he suggested they send in for a pressure line check and a sniffer. He also informed me that he did not see a problem since my house was well ventilated, so there was no chance of an explosion. So, I was back to square one!After getting no help, I called Atlanta Gas Light and told them the situation. They documented the issue and told me to call AHS and tell them that they were neglecting a gas leak and they should send someone out with the right equipment to check again. They had confirmed a leak. 6, yes that is a six, hours later at 6 pm, a plumber with the right equipment called and said he would be out in the morning at 9am. So, I was on the phone all day, back to square one, and not to mention I had to entertain two companies without the proper equipment and risk my house blowing up to get the right person after I threatened to expose their negligence, I finally got the right response! Is it too much to ask that a company that you pay your hard earned money to do what is right the first time instead of trying to get something done for nothing?????? I am irate at the situation that I am ready to bring a lawsuit for stupidity against them. This warranty is a joke!! I am waiting ever so patiently for the next company, I guess the next thing will be..we can't pay for it because it is pre-existing??? I am applauded at this company for it seems to be a scam and it offers a false sense of security!! So, beware! I have read alot of negative things, but I expect a gas leak to take priorty over a broken washing machine???

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Three Days of Hell!!

Today I finally got my appointment with the oral surgeon for next Wednesday am..hooray!!!! And the truck finally passed inspection without work being done on it..long story, but in a nutshell, it had a problem with the computer and the gas cap, and the emissions guy was nice enough to tell me before test because the check engine light came on...so I had to disconnect the negative side of the battery to reset the computer to make the check engine light go off, and then put oil around the gas cap, so that it was lubricated enough to seal it better, so that it would not produce fumes. After that, the check engine light went off, and the truck breezed thru the inspection, so now all four cars have legal tags..another hooray! Just as my day was getting better, D said he smelled gas fumes in the kitchen, so I made a call to Atlanta Gas Light. They arrived and said that the gas lines inside the house had a small leak.. because the meter continued to run when the meter was turned off..GREAT, so he turned off the gas until we could get a plumber in to see where the line was leaking! And wouldn't you know it, no plumber until tomorrow, even with an emergency! At this point, I am just about ready after all the repairs to strike a match and throw it into the house. I wish!!! HA!! Luckily, I have morals and a conscience!! My blood pressure went thru the roof, and then I remembered that I had a home warranty, so I called the plumber they gave me and he is supposed to be here in the am, so maybe the leak can be fixed. I am not very trustworthy of these AHS(home warranty) people after a leak in our upstairs bathroom, but for 55.00, I will let them see it and hopefully, it will just be a small leak in the fireplace or something. Pray people!! After we have already spent thousands on repairs since we moved in..we need a break here!! Another interesting story happened last week and got a remedy today. We paid in October to have our vents cleaned and new filters put in the furnace, etc. When we went in to do the six month check on the filters and clean them, there were no filters!! D freaked out and I told him that I thought the new house was awfully dusty since we moved in!! Duh??? His famous quote to me.."master of the obvious"!! ha!! I am feeling the blond hair today!! Anyways, after a call to the company and a few choice words of what I thought of the company and the idiots that work there, the owner came out and re did the work, and ordered me 2 better filters, in addition to the two I had already paid for and not received. He also told me that the guy had been fired?? Go figure. So, that is what I dealt with today!! Oh, and I forgot to mention that D was up all last night with his hernia, so I got no sleep and had a bad toothache and a horrible day!! I can only hope that nothing else happens tomorrow to make for another day from hell!! If so, just send the fire department over..I am smoking people and I have a few matches!! haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! You have to wonder where the home inspectors head is when he told me he found nothing major!! I guess he had it in his ass!!! Let's count the issues..leak in the upstairs bathroom down three floors, a crack in the foundation in the basement office, repair to the drywall where D tore holes looking for the crack, new header boards for the deck, new boards for deck, and now a gas leak???? All in a six month period!! On the bright side, it is over an acre on the golf course..but enough is enough!!! Prozac take me away!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The toothache returns!!

My toothache has returned, and it is bad!! I have been trying to schedule to have the tooth removed, but of course, there is a wait because my dentist does not do extractions, so I have to go to an oral surgeon, which is a real pain. They do not have emergency appointments, and the referral takes time to get an appointment! There is a month's wait, so I am calling around to see if I can go out of network. This is such bull@***!! What a racket!! What ever happened to good old fashioned dentist that do the work in their offices???? Oh well, let's don't go there today!! I am illing, and not in a very good mood.
T had to be at school at 7:30 am this am, so it was an early day. I got an email from an old friend today and I was glad to hear from her. We have a lot of catching up to do, so I hope to see her soon, when I go to my mom's. Other than that, I am waiting on some vent cleaners to come to do the air ducts in the house. This is their second trip since they forgot to put the air filters in on their last visit, so they are coming out to do it again!! Fun, fun. Until tomorrow!

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Tugs at my heart!

Today I stopped by the vet to get some flea control for Bear for the summer. As I was standing in the office area, I spotted a kennel with two little black labs and I had to go over and play with them. As the puppies had been lacking in attention and human touch, I began to talk and play with them. As puppies often do, they wagged their tails and licked my hands. I looked into their eyes and saw that they needed a new mom. Knowing that my husband would actually kill me if I adopted them, I inquired on what was needed to adopt the two of them. The lady at the vet told me she would give me both puppies for 140.00! What a steal for two sweet black labs. I began to calculate how I could afford the puppies when it came to mind that I needed a fence for my back yard, and two kennels, and then there is Bear, he has been the only one for years, and his personality is not a "share the love" kind. I told the girl I would get back with her and watched the puppies become saddened that I was leaving them there in the vet. My heart was filled with sadness as I left the vet and got into my car. I tried to think of a way I could get the puppies without losing my husband and house in a heated divorce. Then it suddenly came to me. Bear needs to go in for his shots, so I will send him over with T and D to the vet. Once T sees the pups, I know she will not leave the vet without them. In the meantime, I will call a fence company and see what it would cost me to fence in the backyard. Keep your fingers crossed that all goes well and my plan of action is one that will work!! I know that my husband cannot resist a crying little girl. He has already proved that when he purchased the parrot and Patagonia birds for T. Let's hope that the pups are still there next month!!! And as for Bear, I think it would be a good experience for him to actually have some company for a change. It would teach him to be more loving and to share. And as for the fence, we need it anyway. Now I just have to find a way to pay for the fence without detection which could ruin the plan!! Hurry up with the stimulus package President Bush!!! If I can't have more kids, I can certainly fill the gap with puppies!! After all, they are human too, right??? Let's hope that my husband doesn't read this blog. He never does, only to update my music, etc. Until tomorrow...

Monday, April 28, 2008

Spring Concert

T had her Spring concert tonight at school. It was very good! She also sang "An Irish Blessing" with a small group of girls and it was beautiful. The rest of the program with the chorus was also very good. The beginning chorus was so much fun to watch. The younger kids are always so funny. One little boy sang as loud as he could and his facial expressions were hilarious!!! I laughed so hard that I had tears streaming down my cheeks. I thought D was going to make me leave the church!! He was laughing too, but not as hard as I because he was trying to take photo's and did not see the one kid throwing kisses to his mom. It was so sweet, and he was also winking at someone, and he even closed his ears and gave the little guy next to him a wink and shove. The look on his face was priceless! I really miss those days when my child was in first grade!! Kids grow up so fast and while I am overjoyed that she can do things on her own now, it is still hard sometimes to see her so independent and strong willed! But, I am so proud of her. She is a good child, and even though her mouth has gotten a little smarter and her eye rolling a little annoying, over all she is a good person and does well in just about every situation she is put into. I have compliments on her behavior from everyone, and stories of things she has done for others, etc., so I guess I have not failed her as a parent, which is a blessing in itself!!
Other than the concert tonight, I made some really great crab cakes for dinner... for the first time all by myself!! My husband loved them, which is unusual for him with my cooking skills!! I also fried some soft shell crabs, and they were to die for!! I am allergic to the soft shells, but once a year, I take my life into my hands for one soft shell crab, and one crab cake!! I always have my epiepen(I can't spell this!!) close by, and I actually take a Benedryl, so as bad as this may sound..I am prepared to die for eating shellfish, etc. My husband kids me about this because I have scared him a few times, once in MD, I drove all the way back to Atlanta in shock, and I made Will Smith look like a joke in Hitch when he ate shell fish. I actually drove myself to the doctor and my throat was already closing up!! He gave me three shots and kept me at his office for four hours to make sure that I would live! But, oh, they were so good!!! I only got a rash this time, so I think the shot and benedryl started working when I took the first bite. I am so much fun with all my allergies..penicillin, Demerol, codeine, shellfish, bees and pollen. That is all I know of and over the years, I have found out the hard way of what to stay away from..bees are the worst for me, so I have to carry my pens in my purse. Maybe I will outgrow some of the allergies one day!! My husband has learned to watch out for me.

Rainy Days and Monday's...

Today started out with bad...I walked out to take T to school and the tire was flat on the van, and it was pouring rain! Thank goodness, I have a spare car! When I started my spare car, the gas gauge was on empty!! Fun, fun..pumping gas at 3.57 a gallon in the rain!! Not to mention, I forgot my wallet, and had to pay with the change in the center of my console...5.00. I held my breath to school and home! HA!! But, I had purchased a little compressor, so I was able to inflate the tire and make it in to have it fixed before my doctor's appointment! What a morning!! Monday all the way!! I had to stop and remember that sometimes things happen for a reason. I remembered the guy from a newspaper article that had to stop and get a band aid for his blistered heel on his way to work at the World Trade Center on 9/11, and because he did this and was late for work, he was not in the World trade center on 911 when the attacks happened. Just a different perspective of taking a negative morning and making sense out of the situation! Sometimes, you just have to look at things differently to get thru the day! My daughter said.."hey mom, be thankful that you always keep change in the car for emergencies." So, I guess this is one of my thankful's for today!! Bear was not too happy today because he did not get to ride to school with T! But, there is always tomorrow, right? He was so distressed about missing the car ride that he pooped in the garage to let me know how mad he really felt!! Thank God for Bear!! I had to stop and say a few curse words on that one!! I could not come up with a positive reflection for that!!! But maybe as Monday's go, I could be thankful that he did not poop in the van!! HA!! Have a great day!!

Alyssa made the newspaper!!


Alyssa made the news by selling cokes for a fundraiser with her baseball team! She received a signed bat and a $100 gift card for selling 95 cases of coke, and collecting over 1880.00 for her baseball team, the Pinto Devil Rays!! Alyssa is my great neice! Way to go, Alyssa!! We are proud of you!!

Sunday, April 27, 2008

Sunday

This weekend went by so quickly!! D's birthday went well. We went out to dinner on Friday night, breakfast on Saturday am(his birthday), and I cooked dinner for him (and some family and friends) on Saturday night. I ended up going to Publix for his birthday cake. I started to get the box mix, but then I passed the bakery and saw a huge carrot cake, so I picked it up and had the decorations put on the cake. It looked much better than I would have ever been able to make!! I think he had a good day!!
Today I did laundry, and went to the grocery store, etc. I am exhausted!! I am still up and trying to catch on on my emails, etc. It seems I never get caught up on things! T. has a Spring concert tomorrow night, and I have a full day tomorrow, so it is tonight or never!! This week is going to be busy!! I am counting the weeks until the end of school, at least I can take a break from the "taxi service" for a few months!!
It rained here today and is starting to storm again. Hopefully, the rain will be gone tomorrow! At least I did not have to water the flowers today!! Have a great week!

Friday, April 25, 2008

Happy Birthday , Dane!

Tomorrow is my husband's 48th birthday and T and I are going to make his favorite cake today..carrot cake. Don't worry, I am going to buy a cake mix because I am no good at baking!! Besides, it is the thought that counts, right??? Let's hope so!!! Other than that, I have been so busy this week with contractors working on the house, yard work, etc, that I have had to neglect my blog, but maybe I will be back to normal next week! It is the weekend, so I am glad to be able to get some r&r for a few days anyway. I am hoping the rain will hold off so that we can enjoy being outside for a few days.
Oh well, Happy Birthday hon..I am off to get your tags renewed!! I love you!!

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Help, my child thinks I am stupid!!

Tonight I decided to help my child with her homework, as I could tell that she was struggling with her math. To my surprise, she declined my offer and told me that I did not understand how to do the math, and that her teacher showed her how to do the problems right, and that I was showing her the wrong way!! I told her that I went to college and worked for one of the most prominent law enforcement agencies in the world..that I certainly picked up an education somewhere in my life's journey!! Her comment was, "well, they didn't teach you how to do fractions with mixed denominators!" Not to be outdone by my child, I quickly worked the math problems and checked my work on the computer..my answers were right. I showed the results to her!Still, she said I did the formula wrong!! My comment to her was that as long as you showed your work, and got the right answer, that it did not matter how you arrived at the right answer! She just rolled her eyes and buried her head in the book!! Speechless from her gestures, I threw the book on the desk and walked outside for air. When I came back in, she handed me her Latin book and told me to quiz her!! I felt extremely stupid at this point because I had no idea of how to pronounce the words in the Latin book. I never took Latin!! I tried to do my best, and finally swallowed my pride when I was corrected on every word by a sixth grader!!!!!!! She gave me a somewhat lopsided grin and said, oh well, you don't know Latin either, so I will quiz myself!! So tomorrow, I am going to show her that I am not stupid! I am going to the book store and buy a Latin language learning tape(do they make those??) and so the next time I will be prepared to study with a sixth grader for her Latin test!! My husband found our conversation funny, and asked her to get me to help her with her spelling words...I won't even tell you what happened then!! HA!! We had a Dan Quayle moment (potato/potatoe)!! This was not funny!! Will my child ever think that I am worthy to be her mom??? Stay tuned!! Stubbornness runs in the family...I think this child got a double dose!!!! Or maybe I am just stupid and she is the only one willing to tell me the truth!!

Sunny Day Drawing


This is a drawing that T made for us. I thought it was a good post today since it looks like the perfect day!! I wanted to post a picture of my husband since his birthday is Saturday, but I could not get the pictures up on the network because our server is down, so maybe later!! Enjoy!

Another Beautiful Day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Today is another gift from God...beautiful. Everything is in bloom, and even though the sneezes are abundant, I am not complaining because it is just nice to be able to sit outside and enjoy the garden and fresh air!!! Bear is in heaven, as he has been sleeping most of the morning on his outside bed. I bought him some fried chicken from Kroger for a treat, and he didn't even wake up to eat it!! I went over and poked him to make sure he was still breathing!! HA!! Luckily for me, he was, and I hand carried his chicken to him. He ate the whole breast in two bites and then proceeded to put the bone in the lining of his bed! As usual!! He hides the bones in case another dog comes into the yard, or he wants another taste later, or until he has the energy to dig a hole to China to bury the bone!! Because of this, I have spent most of the year buying bed after bed! The other night, D gave him a steak bone, and he destroyed the bed on the deck, and sure enough, the bone was under all the fluff when I started to throw it in the garbage! I yelled at Dane, but I am just as guilty!! Thank goodness, Walgreen's sells cheap dog beds for $10!! I think it is hilarious, although I scold him and make him sleep on the garage floor for a day without his bed~ I am a mean mommy!!!!!!! At least, that is what T tells me! Anyway, he is beginning to get used to the house, I think. That is a relief as I have been afraid he would eat up the neighborhood kids! Over the weekend, they were all in my yard, and he did not even bark at them! Maybe I can keep him after all. D has stopped threatening me with giving Bear away because the last time he ranted, I made it clear to him that he would go before my dog!! Not that he believes me, but it is a good comeback!! HA!! One night a few years ago, D was ranting because bear scratched the wood door, and T was in tears. D asked T point blank if she wanted her dad or her dog. T's response was.. "Dad, I have to think about that!!" HA!!!! I had to leave the room on that one to hid my laughter!!! If that didn't put him in his place, then I don't know what will, huh?
Anyway, the school year is rapidly coming to a close and it is getting harder for T to concentrate on anything other than the outdoors. I am having a really hard time getting her to study, and an even harder time getting her up and ready for school. I am getting excited about the summer and all the things we can do now that we don't have to house hunt this summer!! I am looking forward to seeing family members and doing some mini vacations! Until tomorrow..enjoy the beautiful weather!!!

Monday, April 21, 2008

Monday

Today is another beautiful day. I planted some lillies and gardenia bushes in a planter's box that D made for me in the backyard. Bear is outside enjoying the shade today..the deck was too hot for him, so I thought he'd enjoy being out back with me. I also put out my hummingbird feeders and birdhouses, as the birds are all out this year. I have noticed birds flying around the deck and they seem to be responding to my birds inside! Weird, but very nice to look at through the kitchen window. I have noticed the bird seed disappearing in the feeders and also a few nest in my ferns.
I called my Aunt Gert today. She is in the hospital after a spell last week. She seemed to be a little better, although they are still running test on her. I hope and pray that she will be better soon, and out of the hospital. My Grandmother is somewhat better today, but still very weak and Hospice is still checking on her condition with her heart.
The neighborhood kids have been playing softball in my backyard over the weekend. I guess my yard is the safest in relation to windows, etc. because of the woods and golf course. T was blistered today on her face and arms, but she enjoyed the game, and did well against the boys in the game!

Sunday, April 20, 2008

Meme for Good Company

I was tagged by Good Company to do a meme. Here are the rules:
1.When tagged place the name and URL on your blog.
2.Post rules on your blog.
3.Write 7 non-important things/habits/quirks about yourself.
4. Name 7 of your favorite blogs.
5.Send an email comment on their blog letting them know they have been tagged.
Here are 7 non-important things/habits/quirks about myself:
1.I am a neat freak and somewhat compulsive when it comes to things out of place.
2.I eat chocolate when I am upset.
3.I sleep with my feet uncovered..if the covers touch my feet, I wake up!
4.I set my clock 15 minutes faster so that I am not late.
5.I pour coke over my cocoa krispies instead of milk.
6.I don't eat butter on my bread.
7.I will not drink out of a can without a straw.

7 of my favorite blogs:(only have 5..sorry)
1. Good Company
2.LindaQ
3.cakes by Kelsie
4.luvtoknitandmuchmore
5.Ganny
6.

Saturday, April 19, 2008

Saturday's Post!

I finally got my gardening done yesterday. D took off work and we hired a guy to help with the digging. I could have never finished without them!! We had to replace soil, etc. Everything looks beautiful!! I am somewhat relieved and still want to get some potted plants out on the deck. I was so tired and sore today. I guess I am getting a little too old to do all the bending and kneeling it takes to do the gardening!!! I got a full workout!! I did sleep in today, so that was nice. It was a beautiful day today. T played outside with the neighborhood kids. We went and got her a baseball glove, but have to return it because she got a right hand glove, and she needs a left hand glove to play!! We also got her a baseball because she wants to play on a league this year.
My grandmother is not doing well..please pray for her!!
Have a great weekend!!!

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

T's Dream Car


Tonight I was looking thru some files and found this drawing that T did yesterday!! She is obsessed with VW bugs, lime green with black interior to be exact!! I told her that I did not think this car was a good choice because of it's size, and I also thought that it would not be a safe choice for her when she is older. Her answer to that was that she was already saving her money to buy the car..and that she only has 5 more years to go!! I am praying that the driver's license requirements change the legal age for driving to 21!!! Or with her lead foot, maybe 40??? I was thinking that I would have a few more years of control, but I guess I was wrong!!! I told her if she gets a car, she will have to get a job and buy it!! So, her comment to me was that she would put me in the nursing home and take my cash..to my horror, I think she was serious!! HA!!! Not that I have any cash, but still a very mean comment!! So, I decided to show her that I still have control over her life for a little longer and I told her she would never get an allowance from me again..that she would have to go to her dad now!! I wonder if she will put him in the nursing home too?? Just as I thought I had gotten one over on her, the phone rang and her nanny (my mom) called to ask about her grades so she could put some money into her savings account for the A's?? So, I guess she wins again!!! Oh, that mouth!! Nobody ever warned me about pre teen girls!! Did my mom have to deal with that too??? I don't think I was that evil!!

The tooth issue!!

I took T back to the dentist yesterday and once again had her tooth bonded!! I hope this will last until summer!! I am going to take her back and see if the dentist can crown the front teeth. She is not interested in getting it done, but I am so tired of having to take her to the dentist every couple of months for a bond!! She managed to spend her cat sitting money on new Hannah Montana earrings, and a new perfume!! The earrings are huge hoops and not something that I approve of(maybe that is why she put them on after she got in the back of the van before school today?? Does she think I am blind???), but I am sure that she will lose them by the weekend, or the teacher will expel her for wearing them, so I will bite my tongue for now!! The perfume is not so bad..I only sneezed about four times on the way to school. And the guy at the dry cleaner's probably thought I was in a whore house before I came to get my husband's shirts..oh well, at least the van doesn't smell like dog anymore!! That is a positive thing!!!

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Today is tax day, and also would have been my grandmother's birthday. She died in 2002. It was a very cold start to the day today, but slowly warmed up to the low 60's. I have had a lot going on today. I had to drive around to get some medical records for my attorney, and then I went grocery shopping, and ended up having to go back to the store for things that I forgot. I usually have a list, but thought I could pull it off since I was so close to the store!! Wrong! I had a few other errands, and then had to pick T up from school! Where does the day go??? I need to do some cleaning, so hopefully, I can get to that tomorrow.
T and D painted the inside of the garage doors last weekend, so I am hoping to get the outside done this week. I have a handyman coming over on Thursday..that is, if he shows up!! It is so hard to find people to do odd jobs here!! I still have not gotten to the gardening yet. It rained over last weekend, and then it has been too cold so far this week. Oh well, maybe next week!!
I watched an interesting story on Nightline last night about Hershel Walker..a wonderful football player..or he was. He apparently has a book out about his multiple personality disorder. He apparently has had the disorder for years and the show had his ex wife and other people talking about the issue..very enlightening. While it was apparent that the disorder did not affect his football career, the horror of what he went through in his personal life was unreal!! He said he could not remember anything from his previous years, winning his trophies, etc. I think I might get the book, as I found it interesting and would like to see what his coaches thought of his coming out about such a controversial topic...for UGA fans, it might be a good read!!
Other than that, my life has consisted of doing the taxes, working on our house, and gathering evidence for my attorney to settle my WC case..wish me luck as I have been thru a living hell for 8 years and need to relax!! Have a great week!!!!!!