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Tuesday, October 31, 2006
I feel much better this morning. My head is filled with only a half a vat of snot and I actually slept last night. (Nyquil is wonderful...especially when it's helped along by a glass of chardonnay.) So I woke refreshed today. Which is a good thing. Trust me. I have to have all my strength for tonight's ordeal. Remember--it's not just Halloween around here. No. It's the night of Clowns. My sons will get their comeuppance one day. I promise. Meanwhile, I'd like to introduce you to the "Dream Team" as they call themselves. [koff] Nizzy, Captain, Grant, and Luke. Parents--lock up your daughters. They aren't safe when these lads are out on the town.Actually the team has been temporarily disbanded since everyone is back home but Captain, who leaves tomorrow. Unfortunately, the timing didn't work out so we won't be able to take him out one last time to the ultra fabulous Southaven Hooters. (please read with sarcasm) As much as we would've loved to see Captain one last time, I can't say I'm gonna miss the trip to Hooters. I've had my fill for the year, thankyouverymuch. Happy Halloween! Monday, October 30, 2006
Well, it came back last night and this time it dropped a vat of snot on top of me. Head cold anyone? And where does the phrase head cold come from? Sure, my head is stuffed up like a sausage, but I'm far from cold. I'm not even remotely cold. I'm a walking heat pump right now. Yesterday I felt the beginnings of the nasty head, but I diplomatically tried to ignore it. I medicated myself, drank some water, and took my husband, the boys, and one of Ian's friends on a walk to the square. We stopped at Volta, a little Greek Cafe, and sat on the deck for lunch. By the end of lunch, I couldn't ignore the nasties any longer. We walked home, I sank into the couch and didn't move until bed. And now I'm at work with a Hazard Sign on my forehead. Stay away. Contents may be contagious. Where is my Hazmat suit? Sunday, October 29, 2006
For the extra hour of sleep? Well, that helped, but no that wasn't why. The main reason fall-back Saturday was my favorite night was because the bars stayed open for an extra hour! The bands played and drinks flowed for one hour longer. It was the best party night of the year. Not anymore. I was in bed by midnight (and only because I made myself stay up that late) and rolled out of bed at 7 am (which is really 6 am). It's gonna feel like a looooong day! At least it's a pretty one! I'm not old...so why do I suddenly feel that way? Football Roundup: My Razorbacks were slow to get started, but they finally woke up and ran away with the game. Final score: 44-10 Poor Grant. Despite the fact the Huskers maintained the lead until they middle of the 3rd quarter, they lost to OK State 41-29. Maybe next week, laddie. And surprisingly, Ole Miss played a great game and almost beat Auburn. But, like the Huskers, they gave up the lead they had for the majority of the game and wound up losing by 6. Saturday, October 28, 2006
![]() Go Hogs! and just for Grant... Go Huskers!
But today is beautiful. Sunshine and clear skies. The highs will in be in the 60s and lows in the 40s. Perfect. It's not gonna be quite as nice in "Sunny Scotland" today. I can't wait to visit, but they can keep their weather... Today we buy clown make-up for the boys' halloween, since they are still both determined to dress up as "gansta clowns". In order for me to handle the whole clown thing, I'll be dressing up as myself, only medicated--to avoid the really bad dreams I'm probably gonna have about gangsta clowns. God I hate clowns. We also finish decorating today. I started to do it earlier this week, but it was a half-assed attempt. We have 1 ghost hanging and a couple of fallen tombstones. Pretty sad, actually. Yesterday I blogged on our sadly neglected Mean Bitches site. I turned in a project yesterday to my lovely agent. It feels good to have it finished, even though it's not like anything I've ever done before. I'm a little nervous about it, but at the same time, I feel really good about it. Happy Saturday! Friday, October 27, 2006
My God I couldn't get out of bed this morning. I'm usually at work by 7:15. Today I rolled in at a lovely 8:30. I'm skipping lunch so I can still go home at my normal time. It's gonna be a long day... But at least it's Friday! You guys have any big plans for the weekend? Thursday, October 26, 2006
I just wish their affection could be shown in some form other than farting, burping, poking, yelling, and sticking dirty stinky feet in faces! We have a white board where we usually write their chores. They took the board over and wrote SLIMON IS WEIRD and GRANT IS STINKY. SLIMON IS WIERD (yes it's spelled that way) is still our screen saver as a matter of fact. Methinks they do protest too much. Especially after last night when Rader asked if he could email Grant. Even Ian said he'd probably email him this week. Kinda sweet really. ![]() Grant took over the white board before he left. Despite the written order not to erase it, I had to this morning. (sorry) Chores come first! Here's just a little reminder of his visit. On a good note, Fishdog finally returned home last night from his conference in Chicago. I'm sure glad he's back. Wednesday, October 25, 2006
No fun. After some tears (yeah, I'm a big ol' baby) and a long nap, I felt better yesterday. My house was awful quiet last night though. The boys didn't have anyone to show out for, so there was no more teasing followed by loud bursts of anger. And funny how all the farting and burping just stopped. Ugh. Boys. Grant messaged me this morning that they made it home safe and sound. He's heading around to visit with his mates today and I'm sure he'll be out for a night on the town. Not that he parties. Nope, he's a good lad who only drinks the occasional Mountain Dew. (won't be having that anymore, will ya laddie?)Only one more lad is left. Captain Barnard is still in Nebraska but he will be heading to Memphis next week before he flies home. If things work out, Fishdog and I will be taking the Captain out for dinner. I'm sure we'll go to Hooters since that seems to be a laddie favorite. *rolling eyes* It won't matter where we go, a night out with Captain is like no other...and if you don't believe that, just ask him. Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Here are some pics from our time at Graceland. And a few more: While the Leckies were here, we also traveled to Tupelo, MS to see the birthplace of Elvis: Grant had his picture taken next to a statue of Elvis...what an unfortnate hand placement. LOL I'm trying hard not to be sad. Grant was so excited to go home to see his mates and the rest of his family. And he'll even be back in America next spring, so I know I'll see him again. But it's actually harder sending him home now that I've met his parents. To borrow a phrase from Grant, they were tremendous! I loved them and now I can't wait until I can visit with them again. Better start planning my trip now!
Grant, Anne, and BrianAren't they the cutest family ever? I'm really going to miss them. I can't believe it's already been five days! Thank God I took today off. Grant kept forcing beer into my hands until the wee hours of the morning and I'm a bit wobbly this morning. I'll post pics of Graceland and of Elvis's birthplace soon. Here's a pic of the two mums: ![]() Goodbye Leckie family, you'll be missed. Saturday, October 21, 2006
And today, my Piggies are playing Ole Miss in Fayetteville. Go Hogs! Kick some Rebel ass! (Grant is wearing his Razorback shirt, even though he's a Huskers fan now. Ain't that sweet? Makes a mum proud.) Friday, October 20, 2006
It was great meeting Anne and Brian and having Grant back in the house. (though, I think he was a little overwhelmed with two mums in the same room. LOL) His real mum told him he was lucky to have two mums... I think we're going to take a tour of Memphis today. Graceland, The Pink Palace, maybe the Memphis Zoo. Should be a good time. Thursday, October 19, 2006
And actually, I only have to work til noon today. Isn't that awesome? You know what the best part is? I won't be back at work until Wednesday. That's right! Wednesday! Yay me! Grant and his family will be here tonight. I don't know if I'll be cooking dinner or not for them--my guess is probably not because it's a long drive from Kingsport, TN. Almost 9 hours. And they're not gonna leave until about noon, so that puts them here around 8 (with the time change). They'll probably be dog tired and very hungry long before they arrive. I am going to make an apple pie though, cuz I promised. I make good apple pie. Damn good, actually. If you want, I'll save you a slice... Simon messaged me last night. He seems to be doing well. He's coaching two teams for Birmingham County Women's League. One of the teams he's coaching is Solihull Reserves team. If you look under the management link, he's got a cheeky little picture posted. We're gonna call him this weekend while Grant is in town. Of course, I won't be able to understand a word the Brummie Boy says, but it'll be fun trying. Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Dear Blog Readers,This could be my last blog for a while because I'm an idiot. I was supposed to report for jury duty today and FORGOT! Yes. I forgot. If they cart me away in cuffs, I'll do my best to write...but I don't know how often they'll give me a break from the chain gang to check in. God. I may have to wear an orange jumpsuit! I look horrible in Post-It Note orange! And nobody looks good in a jumpsuit. Actually, it's not as serious as all that--though I'll admit to being more than a little concerned when the call came in... All I had to do was complete an affadavit stating why I failed to appear. I thought about writing a lengthy explanation...then finally decided on these two words. I forgot.
An excerpt from the article: How desperate is he? Tuesday, October 17, 2006
The Cleaning Hunk After you watch him clean for you, check out the new enhanced cleaning hunk selection I have a dirty house. Very dirty. Maybe even filthy. I'll take two. Wonder if I could get Fishdog to rub on some self-tanner and clean in a cowboy hat for me... Monday, October 16, 2006
I did. I had every intention of being eloquent and entertaining on my blog this morning. I wasn't really sure what I would write about, but I knew, without a doubt, that I would be fabulous. Now the time has come and nothing fabulous is flowing yet. Hmmmm. waiting. waiting. waiting. Seriously? Where has all my fabulousness gone? This was a fairly productive weekend. I didn't progress as much as I had hoped with my writing, but any forward motion is a good thing. Fishdog worked a lot this weekend...since Grant and his family will be here Thursday, Fishy is trying to take Friday off with us. But, he'll be leaving for Chicago for a conference on Saturday, so he may not be able to swing the day away from the office. Fingers crossed he can.The swelling in my knee has finally gone down, so I walked yesterday for the first time in a week. Guess I won't be running on pavement for a while. :( So, how was everyone's weekend? Did you notice that idiot Fred Head is still getting all sorts of press outside the Romance world now? Fishdog planted his tongue firmly in his cheek and made a great observation in the comments section of my post the other day: if you folks would simply say "they lay with each other" like in the bible, none of this finger-pointing would happen. Sunday, October 15, 2006
I wonder, would we all feel better if we wrote our secrets down and mailed them off? Would it lift that burden we've been carrying? Even the smallest secret can carry a large weight. What's the secret you would send in? (don't post it...just think about it) Saturday, October 14, 2006
aka Head v. Porn Currently, there's a large debate going on in the world of Romance--and in Texas. Fred Head (Democrat, if you can believe it) is running for Texas Comptroller against Susan Combs. From Mr. Head's website: Susan Combs claims to be a person of high moral standards. Her record of writing, having published and selling a pornographic book clearly shows that Susan Combs is a two faced, hypocrite who was obviously more concerned with her literary career and seeing her name in print than the morals of the young People of Texas who are exposed to her 222 page book, A Perfect Match, which has her name at the top of every other page - - - a clear testament to Susan Combs’ insatiable ego and desire to see her name in print.I'm not even going to debate the ridiculousness of the statement about her ego. Has Mr. Head never read a book before? More from his website: Susan Combs has shown no remorse and made no apology for writing her pornographic book. Fred Head hereby challenges Susan Combs to fully explain to the People of Texas why she wrote a pornographic book, apologize to the People and withdraw from the race for Comptroller of Public Accounts.And now she should apologize for the wonderful accomplishment of not only finishing a book, but managing to get it published? The nerve of that woman. Comparing a romance novel to porn makes no sense. The basis of any romance is the growing love between consenting adults. Monogamy and happily ever after. The world could use more of that, in my opinon. And now someone is anonymously hitting the blogs comments saying we're all missing the point: I think everyone is missing the bigger picture, Susan Combs wrote a book with sex and then Susan Combs took a public position during debate on a sex education (ABSENCE ONLY)Sure you can. You can have it both ways. You know why? Becuase her book was about consenting adults, love, and happily ever after and has absolutely nothing to do with her personal stance on Abstience for children. (I'm assuming he meant abstinence...)Grow up. Get a life. And realize that one has absolutely nothing at all to do with the other. By the way, Mr. Head...one has to wonder if you realizedthat the headquarters for Romance Writers of America is located in the great state of Texas. Our membership is 9000+ and growing and we're very proud of what we do. We're mothers, fathers, spouses, teachers, professionals, and we're all mad as hell at the thought that you would judge us based on the fact that we write "sex books". There is no shame in sex. There is no shame in writing about monogamy, and love, and happily ever after. But there is great shame in trying to twist the facts to serve your sad little campaign. However, you did manage to eek out some free publicity, so I guess your rhetoric did serve one purpose. Shame on you. Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Week 2 of the Walk to Run training and what do I find?A swollen knee. Now, I give Fishdog a hard time constantly about remembering his true age. I don't want him to stop participating in every sport known to man but I just want him to remember that he's gonna hurt a little more than he used to. And that he's not necessarily as quick and agile as he used to be. That's not easy for him to do. Well, it seems I may have to swallow my own advice pill. My body has decided that no matter how young I am at heart...my joints are not. I have never had knee problems. As an athlete, I always had ankle problems--and I've been half-expecting ye auld cricky ankles to give out on me now that I'm attempting to find my athletic self again. It seems that my left knee needed a bit of attention. It doesn't hurt, but it is swollen. And the swelling isn't going down with ice and aleve. Grrr. So, I guess I'll stop running on the pavement and continue with the eliptical until I can get the swelling to go away. Grumble Grumble. Where is that magic pill? Monday, October 09, 2006
This will be a special visit with Grant because his parents will be here as well. They are flying over this week to spend some time with their wee lad and see America. They are driving from Nebraska, to Kentucky to Tennessee, then down to Oxford. They'll spend five days here so we're putting together some touristy and historical things for them. On the writing front, I didn't accomplish much this weekend. Friday night, I walked with my friend then we ended up going over to her house for some wine and dinner while Ian was at the movie with his girlfriend. Yes, Ian has a girlfriend. Apparently it's a pretty steady thing--they've been "together" since the beginning of school this year. He spends his allowance on their Friday night "dates". It's pretty cute. I'm not too worried about anything yet, as he still tells me everything. I'm waiting for that to change. I'm hoping it won't. Then Saturday we went to Fishdog's godson's birthday party. He is one year old now and is as cute as a button. But despite the fun we had at the party, Saturday did not end well. Fishdog came down with the stomach bug and spent all night and much of yesterday praising the porcelin gods. He doesn't praise quietly, btw. So, I spent yesterday doing laundry. (Very much unlike me, I know) Not only did I wash all the clothes...but I folded them AND put them away. Everyone, make note of the date because that will NEVER happen again. I also came up to the office for about 4 hours to make sure I was caught up on work, just in case I had to miss a day this week. I figure we're not done with the bug, I just hope I'm not the one who gets it. Then I finished cleaning Rader's room and started on Ian's. And I donned my gas mask and coveralls and hosed down the masterbath with enough clorox to disinfect the Mississippi River. Yup. No writing. But hey, it was a productive weekend in other ways. Sunday, October 08, 2006
When my little piggies traveled to Auburn yesterday, the world (ok, the college sports world) just assumed that Arkansas was no threat to the #2 Tigers.Guess maybe they've changed their minds, now. Arkansas Razorbacks: 27 Auburn Tigers: 10 Go Hogs! I love a good upset--especially when it's my little piggies doing the upsetting. My deepest sympathies to my friends the Greenoes and the Evans. Can I get a Woo Pig Sooie? Friday, October 06, 2006
Regular readers of this blog know what a handful my youngest child can be. He's entertainment on a stick--no doubt about it.Last year, the art teacher did not appreciate it when Rader announced in class that he could lick his nipples. Of course, as mother of the year, I acted appropriately. (after laughing my ass off...) I do find humor in this type of thing. He's only eight years old, after all. However, I did talk to him about inappropriate subjects at school, and licking nipples did fall under that category. Okay, well the art teacher obviously has a low "inappropriate threshold". She called just a few mins ago: Me: Hello? Stupid Art Teacher: Is this Rader's mom? Me: Yep. SAT: This is his stupid art teacher. I had trouble with him saying inappropriate things last year and this year is no better. He just had a very inappropriate conversation at the table with another little boy and there was a little girl sitting right next to him! Me: (worrying at this point, cuz Rader does have quite the vocabulary and imagination...) Oh? What did he say? SAT: Well, I didn't hear it, but the little girl told me he was talking about using the bathroom on the sidewalk. Me: (definitely worried now) Hm. But you didn't hear it? SAT: No, but he's right here if you wanna talk to him. Me: Absolutely. Put him on. Rader: Mom. (kinda mumbling) Me: Son. Tell me what you said. Exactly. R: I was talking to Eddie about a video game and I said if you do #1 on the sidewalk you'll get arrested. Me: Yeah, but what did you say? Exactly. Did you say Pee? Piss? God, Rader, did you say Piss?? R: NO! I said do #1. Me: Do #1? That's it? Nothing else? R: I promise. Me: Put Stupid Art Teacher back on phone please. SAT: Thank you for talking to him. Me: I'm not so sure you're gonna thank me in a second. Can you tell me exactly what is "inappropriate" about this? (I repeat the conversation) Because, I'm not finding that inappropriate at all, unless he was breaking a "no talking rule" at the time. SAT: (Huffing and Puffing) WELL. I find that kind of talk VERY inappropriate. Me: Ma'am. If he'd have used inappropriate language like "piss" that would've been inappropriate. SAT: GASP Me: But he's 8. And he didn't say anything inappropriate. And I'm trying to figure out why you're calling about the sentence "If you do #1 on the sidewalk, you'll get arrested." when A: it's true and B: you didn't even hear him say it in the first place. SAT: (more huffing and puffing) It's OBVIOUS that you and I have different ideas on what is inappropriate. I'm sorry I wasted your time. Me: Please feel free to call me any time. Honestly. If she wants inappropriate, I can give her inappropriate. EDITED TO ADD: My friend suggested Rader take her this if she really wants to see inappropriate:
I haven't decided what I'm going to be this year though. This was me last year: ![]() And the year before I was a Beer Wench (appropriate, eh?) and White Trash Barbie. Sorry, no pictures to serve as proof--but trust me, I was cute. And the year before that, I was this: My kids have both decided, much to my shagrin, to be some form of clown. Ian would like to be a "Gangsta Clown" and Rader has decided to be "Slap Happy Clown". Apparently, both clowns are exactly the same:![]() Have I told you how much I hate clowns? It's a deep rooted fear. Might even be worse than my spider issue. Of course, this fear was cemented after I read Stephen King's It. And then, just in case that hadn't been enough to scar me for life, I decided to watch the movie, too. Yeah, sometimes I'm not so bright. As long as I can remember, I've hated clowns. There are only two exceptions to this and they are Bozo and Ronald McDonald. So, maybe I should make the boys go as Gangsta Bozo and and Slap Happy Ronald. LOL Somehow I don't think that'll fly. Of course, those two rotten kids of mine know how much I hate clowns which makes their decision even more fun. This year's Halloween should be interesting... Thursday, October 05, 2006
Okay, my friend had a dream the other night and I'm a little jealous.She said that in her dream, she was about to embark in a torrid affair with this young hottie. He took her on a picnic near a lake, said all the right things, wore all the right clothes and was just plain hot. She was raring to go. Until her soon to be lover said, "So let's go to your place." In her dream my friend said No. But not for the reasons you might think. Not because she's happily married. Not because she's pushing 40 and was insecure about the whole "naked in front of someone new" thing. And not because she was afraid she would get caught. She said no because her house wasn't clean. Apparently in her dream world, there was no moral struggle with the marriage thing--but nothing was worth the effort of cleaning her house. Not even a torrid love affair with a hot, young stud. I think that's the most awesome dream EVER. I mean, honestly, who dreams that shit? Okay, and am I the only one who absolutely loves the Rozerem dream ad that I have pictured here? I wish my dreams missed me that much. LOL Wednesday, October 04, 2006
![]() Not anymore. Thank all that's holy, it's back on tv. And with some new twists. I think I'll enjoy this season, thankyouverymuch. Anyone else catch the season premiere? Thoughts?
This (well not THIS exact one) was in my mailbox Monday afternoon.I may never check my mail again. *shudder* I hate spiders. It's not a phobia yet, but it could become one. Snakes? no problem. Rats? don't like 'em but I ain't afraid. Spiders? Hell no. I was on the phone with Maria when I checked my mail Monday. That was nearly my last phone call because that stupid Black Widow was just millimeters from my fingers. I didn't panic. (mostly) I slipped off my shoe and beat the hell out of the little black ball of hate. *shudder* Then I triple checked to make sure the sneaky little bastard didn't give birth into my shoe before it died. Or have a friend who decided to hide out in my shoe to avenge the little black ball of hate's life. Anyone remember the movie Arachnaphobia? The two scenes the stuck with me the most from the movie were the shoe scene and the lamp scene. It's the everyday shit that's gonna get me. One day, I'm gonna slip on my shoe, and CHOMP. *shudder* Monday, October 02, 2006
This week, I walk for 4 minutes; then run for 1 minute. I alternate the walking/running 4 times during the session. I do this for 3 days. I was surprised at how quickly the minute running passed. I'd imagined that one minute would feel like forever as I clomped along like a clumsy mule. I'd also imagined that by the end of that minute, I'd be gasping for air and ready to hurl. However, I seemed to manage each of the minute clompings without much gasping or nausea. Yesterday was a non-running day. Fishdog and I walked for about an hour and a half in the morning and then yesterday evening, I walked for another 30 minutes. I have a lot of making up to do for the past 3 weeks. I figured I should go ahead and try to make it up all in one day. Makes sense, don't you think? I had a fairly successful writing weekend. I only managed to write 3 pages, but I did manage to do a bit of plotting. Anything fun happen to you this weekend? Try anything new? Go anywhere special? Did you just veg out and read? Fill me in!
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happy sunday morning
September 2005 |
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