I had a great holiday weekend. The only thing missing was packing up and leaving town. We spent time with family, ate plenty of food and lounged around a lot. The hardest part was turning off the laptop while trying to recondition my battery again. I don't think I've added any more hours to its longevity after doing it last week. I may have to turn it off for over a week - gasp. I did cheat, though. My husband's computer was available for me to check my mail and look in on my facebook.
Stay cool everyone, the heat is amping up.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Friday, May 27, 2011
Friday Fragments - May 270, 2011
For once my week hasn't skidded by - thank goodness!
*Friday and Saturday was spent at the store... loading up on more toilet paper than any family could use in an entire year.
*Sunday we took my mother-in-law to the casino. The Husband and his mom both came back with winnings. I lost almost everything. I was playing 3 card poker - turns out I like it a lot. The table games intimidated for a long time but I'm glad I've been encouraged to play. Of course I lose all of my money, but I have fun... and that is my only reason for going.
*Ian spent Tuesday on a class field trip to Hannibal, Missouri - Mark Twain's hometown. I've taken the kids a few times, but Ian doesn't remember going so it was good he got to make the trip. It's a quirky little town with a lot of houses converted into museums. They're small with skinny stairwells and low ceilings. Ian commented on the low ceilings too. He also got to spend some quality social studies time at the arcade!
*Yesterday at work I was able to get a server set up. It needed a lot of special configuring requiring a consultant and I am sooooo glad he was on the phone working through this. I never would have conquered that by myself. Now the fun stuff begins getting all of our users set up in the system. This is truly geeky fun in my world.
Memorial Day is Monday and it's time to extend our gratitude to those who serve and protect our nation and take time to remember those who died in that service. Thank you to all.
Join Mrs. 4444's at Half Past Kissing Time to share the bits and pieces of your world
*Friday and Saturday was spent at the store... loading up on more toilet paper than any family could use in an entire year.
*Sunday we took my mother-in-law to the casino. The Husband and his mom both came back with winnings. I lost almost everything. I was playing 3 card poker - turns out I like it a lot. The table games intimidated for a long time but I'm glad I've been encouraged to play. Of course I lose all of my money, but I have fun... and that is my only reason for going.
*Ian spent Tuesday on a class field trip to Hannibal, Missouri - Mark Twain's hometown. I've taken the kids a few times, but Ian doesn't remember going so it was good he got to make the trip. It's a quirky little town with a lot of houses converted into museums. They're small with skinny stairwells and low ceilings. Ian commented on the low ceilings too. He also got to spend some quality social studies time at the arcade!
*Yesterday at work I was able to get a server set up. It needed a lot of special configuring requiring a consultant and I am sooooo glad he was on the phone working through this. I never would have conquered that by myself. Now the fun stuff begins getting all of our users set up in the system. This is truly geeky fun in my world.
Memorial Day is Monday and it's time to extend our gratitude to those who serve and protect our nation and take time to remember those who died in that service. Thank you to all.
Join Mrs. 4444's at Half Past Kissing Time to share the bits and pieces of your world
Thursday, May 26, 2011
More Storms
We knew this week was going to be filled with multiple days of storms. The weather dudes warned it was going to be the right conditions for the "severe" stuff. The tornado that plowed through Joplin was just the beginning of the system at large.
Monday after lunch we watched the skies blossom into green ickiness, the winds kick up and the rain pour down in buckets. The drive home showed lots and lots of debris on the street and several people had large limbs laying in their yards. Driving around town we saw several trees down. In the grand scope of things, it was minor damage, but enough to remind us that it could have been worse.
Tuesday storms were predicted but they lingered in Oklahoma and Kansas. Since my son was on a field trip to Hannibal I was relieved that they not only had a rain-free day, but that their drive wasn't threatened. Ugh, the things to worry about.
Yesterday, we watched the radar and knew something big was headed our way. There was a big ass swirl of red and green that covered the entire state of Missouri. Seriously, it looked exactly like a hurricane. THAT cannot be good. When the sirens went off we sought shelter and when they silenced, our office sent everyone home. I went directly to my basement to watch TV with my son and husband and my brother's three dogs. For three hours reports rolled in about funnel clouds and tornadoes all around us. Large hail was reported mere blocks away. Us? Rain, lightening, and thunder. At one point while trying to eat dinner I noticed the sky was getting green and the wind really kicking up so we returned to the basement. Overall, nothing hit our neighborhood. It will be interesting to drive into work this morning.
To people not from this area, I know this all sounds very frightening. Overall, it's just sitting in your basement and listening to the thunder and trying not to sneak upstairs too early. Between an internal sense of knowing something is bad and the eerie sounds of storms you've never heard quite so intense, you know to stay put. Don't ignore tornado sirens and pay attention to the local news. You'll be fine.
Monday after lunch we watched the skies blossom into green ickiness, the winds kick up and the rain pour down in buckets. The drive home showed lots and lots of debris on the street and several people had large limbs laying in their yards. Driving around town we saw several trees down. In the grand scope of things, it was minor damage, but enough to remind us that it could have been worse.
Tuesday storms were predicted but they lingered in Oklahoma and Kansas. Since my son was on a field trip to Hannibal I was relieved that they not only had a rain-free day, but that their drive wasn't threatened. Ugh, the things to worry about.
Yesterday, we watched the radar and knew something big was headed our way. There was a big ass swirl of red and green that covered the entire state of Missouri. Seriously, it looked exactly like a hurricane. THAT cannot be good. When the sirens went off we sought shelter and when they silenced, our office sent everyone home. I went directly to my basement to watch TV with my son and husband and my brother's three dogs. For three hours reports rolled in about funnel clouds and tornadoes all around us. Large hail was reported mere blocks away. Us? Rain, lightening, and thunder. At one point while trying to eat dinner I noticed the sky was getting green and the wind really kicking up so we returned to the basement. Overall, nothing hit our neighborhood. It will be interesting to drive into work this morning.
To people not from this area, I know this all sounds very frightening. Overall, it's just sitting in your basement and listening to the thunder and trying not to sneak upstairs too early. Between an internal sense of knowing something is bad and the eerie sounds of storms you've never heard quite so intense, you know to stay put. Don't ignore tornado sirens and pay attention to the local news. You'll be fine.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
More Toilet Paper
If you recall, I have a LOT of toilet paper stashed at my house. The Husband (aka Coupon King) landed a killer sale a few years ago and loaded up on 12-roll packs - lots - enough to last years.
Another sale and coupon frenzy converged so we loaded up on 10 more packs. And then he went back to the store the following day and bought ANOTHER 10 packs. Quick math here equals 20 packs of toilet paper, 12 rolls each, meaning we just bought 240 rolls of toilet paper.
Before lugging all of that to our special storage space in the basement I counted what we already had on hand. 10 more packages. So that makes a grand total of 360 rolls of toilet paper on top of what is sitting in the bathroom closet - at least another six rolls.
HO-LEE-CRAP!
Another sale and coupon frenzy converged so we loaded up on 10 more packs. And then he went back to the store the following day and bought ANOTHER 10 packs. Quick math here equals 20 packs of toilet paper, 12 rolls each, meaning we just bought 240 rolls of toilet paper.
Before lugging all of that to our special storage space in the basement I counted what we already had on hand. 10 more packages. So that makes a grand total of 360 rolls of toilet paper on top of what is sitting in the bathroom closet - at least another six rolls.
HO-LEE-CRAP!
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Early Declarations
Isn't it a tad early in the century to declare anything to be the *blank* of the century. William and Kate's wedding was the "Wedding of the Century", a trial in Florida is being called the "Trial of the Century"
I don't know, it seems very premature to make those statements. That is something that is decided AFTER the fact, done in retrospect, not early in the game.
The 1904 World's Fair could be the World's Fair of the century, but to say so in 1905? Too early. That skirmish in Europe in 1917? WWI? Surely it felt like the war of the century, but then WWII came rolling along.
So the only thing this generation can proclaim to be the *blank* of the century had to have happened between the years 1900-1999. Anything between 2000-2099 will be left to our great-grandchildren.
Except this blog. I proclaim it to be THE Blog Of The Century. I'm sure my great-great-grandchildren will agree.
I don't know, it seems very premature to make those statements. That is something that is decided AFTER the fact, done in retrospect, not early in the game.
The 1904 World's Fair could be the World's Fair of the century, but to say so in 1905? Too early. That skirmish in Europe in 1917? WWI? Surely it felt like the war of the century, but then WWII came rolling along.
So the only thing this generation can proclaim to be the *blank* of the century had to have happened between the years 1900-1999. Anything between 2000-2099 will be left to our great-grandchildren.
Except this blog. I proclaim it to be THE Blog Of The Century. I'm sure my great-great-grandchildren will agree.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Another Stunning Tornado
Thoughts and prayers to our neighbors in southwest Missouri. Joplin Missouri was nailed by a wretched tornado. Stunning pictures can be found ~here~
For a change in pace, how about a pretty sunset? Friday night we had big ugly storm clouds overhead but when I came out of Walmart this greeted me. The picture doesn't even begin to capture the brilliant orange in the sky.
For a change in pace, how about a pretty sunset? Friday night we had big ugly storm clouds overhead but when I came out of Walmart this greeted me. The picture doesn't even begin to capture the brilliant orange in the sky.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Friday Fragments - May 20, 2011
Augh! What was I thinking? I usually get my post whipped out before breakfast - let's see if I can spit something out before I leave for lunch. Holy moly!
*I've had a whirlwind of meetings this week forcing me to speak geek, something I try to avoid in most situations. I hate when I hate when people make me THINK! Geez!
*Having an intern is a total blessing (posted about him earlier this week), but there is a downside. If I have someone doing my grunt work then I had better keep my little butt busy as well. Not that I slack off at work a lot, but this is forcing me to do so even less. The IT office is really coming together and looking organized - WOW! - and my to-do list is shrinking.
*My splendid husband brought me ice cream at work! Gotta love a guy who has timing like that.
*Found out last night that my youngest has a girl chasing him around. Not quite sure if she can be called "girlfriend", but she has captured his interest. AND HE'S NOT DENYING IT. We have officially moved past the cootie stage.
*My oldest brought by my mother's day card last week with two books she thinks I would enjoy. I guess I'm going to have to put the computer down and read. It would be a good chance to turn off my laptop and try to recondition my battery this weekend.
*Do you know about reconditioning a battery? This can be done on your cell phones and laptops. They have a memory and when you leave them plugged in overnight (as most people do) you OVER charge them and eventually you get zero battery life because according to the memory you only need 3 minutes of battery use. To recondition - let the battery go all the way to zero until the device dies. Then let it sit as long as you physically can - overnight is good, all weekend is better. Then charge it back up to full capacity which only takes a few hours not all night. After that, use your device without recharging it until it tells you it's getting low and only charge it for however long is necessary to refill the battery. The worst thing you can do is leave it plugged in because that defeats the purpose of having a battery.
*I've had a whirlwind of meetings this week forcing me to speak geek, something I try to avoid in most situations. I hate when I hate when people make me THINK! Geez!
*Having an intern is a total blessing (posted about him earlier this week), but there is a downside. If I have someone doing my grunt work then I had better keep my little butt busy as well. Not that I slack off at work a lot, but this is forcing me to do so even less. The IT office is really coming together and looking organized - WOW! - and my to-do list is shrinking.
*My splendid husband brought me ice cream at work! Gotta love a guy who has timing like that.
*Found out last night that my youngest has a girl chasing him around. Not quite sure if she can be called "girlfriend", but she has captured his interest. AND HE'S NOT DENYING IT. We have officially moved past the cootie stage.
*My oldest brought by my mother's day card last week with two books she thinks I would enjoy. I guess I'm going to have to put the computer down and read. It would be a good chance to turn off my laptop and try to recondition my battery this weekend.
*Do you know about reconditioning a battery? This can be done on your cell phones and laptops. They have a memory and when you leave them plugged in overnight (as most people do) you OVER charge them and eventually you get zero battery life because according to the memory you only need 3 minutes of battery use. To recondition - let the battery go all the way to zero until the device dies. Then let it sit as long as you physically can - overnight is good, all weekend is better. Then charge it back up to full capacity which only takes a few hours not all night. After that, use your device without recharging it until it tells you it's getting low and only charge it for however long is necessary to refill the battery. The worst thing you can do is leave it plugged in because that defeats the purpose of having a battery.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Eggos
What do you remember eating as a child every morning before schelpping off to school? I would imagine most people recall bowls of cereal, maybe proper eggs and bacon whipped up by mom. As you can guess from my title, mine would be frozen waffles.
Doesn't "frozen waffles" sound so... unglorious? It sort of is. I don't know when it became regular food offered in our home. I just cannot recall slurping down bowls of cereal, I mean we DID have cereal and I definitely have my favorites (Lucky Charms or Cocoa Pebbles), but waffles stand out as regular breakfast food. In fact, as we talk about cereal, my mom would not have been in a position to load up on the yummy cereal titles, no we would have had el cheapo knock-off names. I do remember having Cheerio's on hand quite a bit. I don't like Cheerio's.
And no, mom did not make breakfast for us except on the weekends - a tradition I proudly continue.
I remember no-name frozen waffles, always square, sometimes with freezer burn, a silver tub of government peanut butter with oil pooled at the top and a gallon jug of maple syrup. That peanut butter was surely the only part of the meal that had any nutritional value. It certainly filled us up and on meager dollars with three kids to feed, peanut butter was encouraged. I still love the stuff and continue to slather it on my waffles, pancakes and french toast much to everyone's disgust. Dude, try it, it's awesome!
Every so often, maybe because of coupons, Eggo's appeared in our freezer. OMG. What do they put in those bready circles of heaven? The smell of a toasting Eggo wafting through the air is pure crack. We would stand over the toaster, posed to replicate the commercial "let go of my Eggo". Every. morning.
I will still freely eat the squares without complaint, but there is just something different about an Eggo, other than the shape, that is just downright yummy.
I think I'm going to have to hit the freezer section soon. Eggos are calling out to me.
Doesn't "frozen waffles" sound so... unglorious? It sort of is. I don't know when it became regular food offered in our home. I just cannot recall slurping down bowls of cereal, I mean we DID have cereal and I definitely have my favorites (Lucky Charms or Cocoa Pebbles), but waffles stand out as regular breakfast food. In fact, as we talk about cereal, my mom would not have been in a position to load up on the yummy cereal titles, no we would have had el cheapo knock-off names. I do remember having Cheerio's on hand quite a bit. I don't like Cheerio's.
And no, mom did not make breakfast for us except on the weekends - a tradition I proudly continue.
I remember no-name frozen waffles, always square, sometimes with freezer burn, a silver tub of government peanut butter with oil pooled at the top and a gallon jug of maple syrup. That peanut butter was surely the only part of the meal that had any nutritional value. It certainly filled us up and on meager dollars with three kids to feed, peanut butter was encouraged. I still love the stuff and continue to slather it on my waffles, pancakes and french toast much to everyone's disgust. Dude, try it, it's awesome!
Every so often, maybe because of coupons, Eggo's appeared in our freezer. OMG. What do they put in those bready circles of heaven? The smell of a toasting Eggo wafting through the air is pure crack. We would stand over the toaster, posed to replicate the commercial "let go of my Eggo". Every. morning.
I will still freely eat the squares without complaint, but there is just something different about an Eggo, other than the shape, that is just downright yummy.
I think I'm going to have to hit the freezer section soon. Eggos are calling out to me.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Getting An Intern
It's taken a year but it has finally happened - I HAVE AN INTERN!!!
Aaaahhhhh.... Finally I can breathe. First week in and he feels bad that he is doing all the easy stuff. Hold tight, little friend, plenty of difficult crap is coming your way. I need the easy stuff out of the way before we can begin on the hard stuff.
What's so fabulous about this person is that he is so... competent. Already he has jumped into two different projects needing only minimal instruction, it is easy stuff. Learning is in store for this young man, just around the around the corner.
You see, I realized when I requested an intern that besides the position being resume filler it needed to be a learning opportunity. I have fifteen years of help desk experience, server administration, and database management to share. It's not fair to keep that locked up in my little head, it should be shared. The lessons of service with a smile while not jumping on every job request the instant it's issued are hard to balance and this is the perfect environment.
Exciting days are ahead.
Aaaahhhhh.... Finally I can breathe. First week in and he feels bad that he is doing all the easy stuff. Hold tight, little friend, plenty of difficult crap is coming your way. I need the easy stuff out of the way before we can begin on the hard stuff.
What's so fabulous about this person is that he is so... competent. Already he has jumped into two different projects needing only minimal instruction, it is easy stuff. Learning is in store for this young man, just around the around the corner.
You see, I realized when I requested an intern that besides the position being resume filler it needed to be a learning opportunity. I have fifteen years of help desk experience, server administration, and database management to share. It's not fair to keep that locked up in my little head, it should be shared. The lessons of service with a smile while not jumping on every job request the instant it's issued are hard to balance and this is the perfect environment.
Exciting days are ahead.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
A Day Without Syrup
We talked about pancakes and decided that would be a fabulous Saturday morning breakfast. I got up at my regular time (before everyone else) and whipped up a batch of add-water pancakes (the only way to go in my book). As I pulled out the toppings (peanut butter) I then discovered we were nearly out of syrup. Even the shelves of the over-stocked basement grocery were lacking in more syrup.
WHAT'S A FAMILY TO DO??????
Corn syrup. Ta da! I've been resorting to corn syrup since I was a kid and really enjoy it. The boys managed to shared the remaining drops of imitation maple flavored syrup as I blissfully drizzled the clear syrup over my pancakes and peanut butter.
How you attack such a dilemma?
WHAT'S A FAMILY TO DO??????
Corn syrup. Ta da! I've been resorting to corn syrup since I was a kid and really enjoy it. The boys managed to shared the remaining drops of imitation maple flavored syrup as I blissfully drizzled the clear syrup over my pancakes and peanut butter.
How you attack such a dilemma?
Monday, May 16, 2011
CSA Box 5/15/11
We joined a co-op thing where we get a box of fresh food every week. I forget what "CSA" stands for, but I can't shake that it was the initials for Confederate States of America.
This has been our second week and we LOVE it. It just dawned on me that I should take a picture of the box when I open it up - I'll work on that next time. We do get an email the day before I pick it up so the contents are not a complete mystery.
Last week's box contained romaine lettuce, bib lettuce, microgreens (we got baby radish greens, other people got baby broccoli greens - the stage just past sprouts), Missouri honey, soft goat cheese, and a sweet vinegar dressing. I ate a lot of salad last week. There are still a few leaves of romaine left that we keep slapping onto sandwiches. I think I've forgotten something. OH a loaf of a very dense honey oat bread.
This week's box had a pound of Missouri grown ground beef (shoved that in the freezer for later), hard cheese, asparagus, more lettuce, tomatoes and black beans. I thought it was just beans, but once I opened it up I discovered they were spruced up with peppers and other stuff. And a bag of tortilla chips. Knowing what was in the box I also bought some cilantro while I was at the store. I added the cilantro, a can of corn and more onions to the black beans. The chips are all gone, but I still have more dip.
The first box seemed to have a proper salad theme which is about the only thing non-vegetable eaters tend to do with anything green. The second box really lends itself to taco salad - still a salad, but a step up. I really meant to eat a taco salad yesterday (still have left over taco meat from a couple days ago) but breakfast was way too big. That was the other thing I forgot from the first box - brown eggs! We polished those off at breakfast. Several had been boiled for our salads.
We're enjoying the eating challenge these boxes pose. There are definitely more fresh vegetables in our diets and it's changing up how we look at our daily menu. Everything is getting consumed so no waste.
This has been our second week and we LOVE it. It just dawned on me that I should take a picture of the box when I open it up - I'll work on that next time. We do get an email the day before I pick it up so the contents are not a complete mystery.
Last week's box contained romaine lettuce, bib lettuce, microgreens (we got baby radish greens, other people got baby broccoli greens - the stage just past sprouts), Missouri honey, soft goat cheese, and a sweet vinegar dressing. I ate a lot of salad last week. There are still a few leaves of romaine left that we keep slapping onto sandwiches. I think I've forgotten something. OH a loaf of a very dense honey oat bread.
This week's box had a pound of Missouri grown ground beef (shoved that in the freezer for later), hard cheese, asparagus, more lettuce, tomatoes and black beans. I thought it was just beans, but once I opened it up I discovered they were spruced up with peppers and other stuff. And a bag of tortilla chips. Knowing what was in the box I also bought some cilantro while I was at the store. I added the cilantro, a can of corn and more onions to the black beans. The chips are all gone, but I still have more dip.
The first box seemed to have a proper salad theme which is about the only thing non-vegetable eaters tend to do with anything green. The second box really lends itself to taco salad - still a salad, but a step up. I really meant to eat a taco salad yesterday (still have left over taco meat from a couple days ago) but breakfast was way too big. That was the other thing I forgot from the first box - brown eggs! We polished those off at breakfast. Several had been boiled for our salads.
We're enjoying the eating challenge these boxes pose. There are definitely more fresh vegetables in our diets and it's changing up how we look at our daily menu. Everything is getting consumed so no waste.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Sunday In My City - May 15, 2011
My husband grew up in Oklahoma. He constantly comments on the sheer quantity of trees that cover every nook of the St. Louis area - frequently not in a positive way. Personally I love it. If I can't have mountains on the horizon, at least the trees block the view to remind me of their absence. They also offer a smidge of reprieve from the sweltering summer heat. And of course the riot of color they produce in the fall is simply breathtaking.
The drawback to the lovely trees are the falling leaves that must be raked up and at some point be dug out of the gutters. Ian was convinced he was scared of heights so I offered to scamper up the extension ladder to scoop the muck out of the gutters. Well, not ten minutes into my job Ian decided it looked not quite so intimidating (I guess if an old woman can do it a 14 yr old boy shouldn't be so scared). He quickly took over my duties and before you know it he was ON the roof!
And now my gutters flow freely and all of the twigs have been removed from my roof.
The drawback to the lovely trees are the falling leaves that must be raked up and at some point be dug out of the gutters. Ian was convinced he was scared of heights so I offered to scamper up the extension ladder to scoop the muck out of the gutters. Well, not ten minutes into my job Ian decided it looked not quite so intimidating (I guess if an old woman can do it a 14 yr old boy shouldn't be so scared). He quickly took over my duties and before you know it he was ON the roof!
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Office Jokes - May 11, 2011
By the way, if I walk past you and randomly say "jellybean" out of no where, it would be good idea to try to quickly close up your shirt. A jellybean is probably already in the air headed somewhere in your direction - the aim is your cleavage, but it might miss you because I suck at throwing (or catching) anything. Anna reported that she had to explain why a pink jellybean fell out of her shirt when she got home. That makes me happy!
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Sick Kid
I think it's universal when you have small children you imagine this parenting thing to get easier as they get older.
Let me tell you right now, that is a huge misconception. Gigantic. Wrong, wrong, wrong wrong.
The younger the child, the more physically demanding they are. Lost sleep, bodily fluids... everywhere, carrying them, dressing them, strapping them in, unstrapping them, more lost sleep and messed up feeding schedules. It's exhausting.
So, the rugrat grows and can feed himself and dress himself and for the most part is able to control his bodily fluids. Easier, right? Yeah, but then you spend your time worrying about him. And I gotta tell you, when you're physically engaged in the direct care of your kid you at least have some essence of power to resolve his problems. When they get big and are old enough to stay home so you can head off to work - awesome. Not so much. What if he slips into a coma? What if that fever is actually meningitis? What if he forgets to keep drinking water and doesn't bother eating soup? What if, what if what if?
Can you guess that I had a fever-racked kid stay home from school today? Do you know how many times I freaked myself out that his fever will spike, that I was missing the signs of meningitis? Ugh.
The only comfort I have with this sick kid is that he's at home just a short drive from work. You cannot imagine the worry I put myself through when my grown-up-living-on-their-own kids tell me they've been sick for a few days. I turn into a neurotic mom doling out a list of questions about temperatures, fluid intake, and has anyone called the doctor?
Worry, worry, worry.
Sweet Jesus, what is it like with a sick grandkid???? I am not built for worrying - this shit will kill me.
Let me tell you right now, that is a huge misconception. Gigantic. Wrong, wrong, wrong wrong.
The younger the child, the more physically demanding they are. Lost sleep, bodily fluids... everywhere, carrying them, dressing them, strapping them in, unstrapping them, more lost sleep and messed up feeding schedules. It's exhausting.
So, the rugrat grows and can feed himself and dress himself and for the most part is able to control his bodily fluids. Easier, right? Yeah, but then you spend your time worrying about him. And I gotta tell you, when you're physically engaged in the direct care of your kid you at least have some essence of power to resolve his problems. When they get big and are old enough to stay home so you can head off to work - awesome. Not so much. What if he slips into a coma? What if that fever is actually meningitis? What if he forgets to keep drinking water and doesn't bother eating soup? What if, what if what if?
Can you guess that I had a fever-racked kid stay home from school today? Do you know how many times I freaked myself out that his fever will spike, that I was missing the signs of meningitis? Ugh.
The only comfort I have with this sick kid is that he's at home just a short drive from work. You cannot imagine the worry I put myself through when my grown-up-living-on-their-own kids tell me they've been sick for a few days. I turn into a neurotic mom doling out a list of questions about temperatures, fluid intake, and has anyone called the doctor?
Worry, worry, worry.
Sweet Jesus, what is it like with a sick grandkid???? I am not built for worrying - this shit will kill me.
Monday, May 09, 2011
Grandma Buys a Crib
Have we established that I'm not a power shopper? Not a Maven Of Killer Deals? That I rarely darken the doors of any store, maybe once or twice a year? And that includes grocery stores since my husband has taken over those duties (the little coupon loving man that he is).
Yeah, so for little ol' me to find a deal worthy of any mention is rather stupendous. Beginners luck or something of that nature.
So let me brag about my Saturday...
I started off at Kohl's with $40 Kohl's Cash in my pocket and a gift card found in the back of my wallet for an unknown amount. After an hour I found khakis and a belt. The gift card was worth four dollars and change. I waltzed out of there spending $1.40. Of course I didn't have enough cash on me (surely you jest) so I had to charge it.
Then I connected with a friend who said something about hitting the Penny's outlet store that's closing in Jamestown Mall. OMG I could have a day-long conversation about the collapse of America's shopping malls. A little corner of my heart is sad over the death of this institution and this particular mall was my teenage hangout. But anyway... I found a crib for $70!
Just the day before I told my husband to keep an eye out for baby items in the sales circulars. I'm not exactly loaded with cash so I can't commit to a big item for the kids, but hopefully something in the $50 - $100 range? He pulled up a couple different stores and we were both shocked at the prices of stuff. So when I called him that I found a crib in my price range he agreed, I had to buy it. Of course he's still giving me shit about how much money I spent, but he knows I landed an awesome deal.
I confirmed with my future daughter-in-law that a crib is needed. No sense in plunking down money on a gift that someone else is committed to buying, right? She said she had a hand-me-down, hand-me-down crib without any hardware. Well, that can't be safe, all of the old cribs are being recalled. Yes, they needed this crib. Her daddy was able to pick it up that night and it is now set up and ready to go.
It's not quite a surprise as I like my gifts to be, but at this magnitude some things don't have to be a surprise. They're happy and that's all that matters.
Ta Da! My first act as a Grandma!
Yeah, so for little ol' me to find a deal worthy of any mention is rather stupendous. Beginners luck or something of that nature.
So let me brag about my Saturday...
I started off at Kohl's with $40 Kohl's Cash in my pocket and a gift card found in the back of my wallet for an unknown amount. After an hour I found khakis and a belt. The gift card was worth four dollars and change. I waltzed out of there spending $1.40. Of course I didn't have enough cash on me (surely you jest) so I had to charge it.
Then I connected with a friend who said something about hitting the Penny's outlet store that's closing in Jamestown Mall. OMG I could have a day-long conversation about the collapse of America's shopping malls. A little corner of my heart is sad over the death of this institution and this particular mall was my teenage hangout. But anyway... I found a crib for $70!
Just the day before I told my husband to keep an eye out for baby items in the sales circulars. I'm not exactly loaded with cash so I can't commit to a big item for the kids, but hopefully something in the $50 - $100 range? He pulled up a couple different stores and we were both shocked at the prices of stuff. So when I called him that I found a crib in my price range he agreed, I had to buy it. Of course he's still giving me shit about how much money I spent, but he knows I landed an awesome deal.
I confirmed with my future daughter-in-law that a crib is needed. No sense in plunking down money on a gift that someone else is committed to buying, right? She said she had a hand-me-down, hand-me-down crib without any hardware. Well, that can't be safe, all of the old cribs are being recalled. Yes, they needed this crib. Her daddy was able to pick it up that night and it is now set up and ready to go.
It's not quite a surprise as I like my gifts to be, but at this magnitude some things don't have to be a surprise. They're happy and that's all that matters.
Ta Da! My first act as a Grandma!
Sunday, May 08, 2011
Sunday In My City - May 8, 2011
Happy Mother's Day!
Happy Mother's Day to my grandma
Happy Mother's Day to my mom
And Happy Mother's Day to the lovely lady who is going to make me a grandma (you only get a belly shot)
Of course, Happy Mother's Day to all of you!
Happy Mother's Day to my grandma
Happy Mother's Day to my mom
....wielding a knife covered in chocolate frosting!
And Happy Mother's Day to the lovely lady who is going to make me a grandma (you only get a belly shot)
Yes, those are mini Reeses Cups balanced as bait for the little kicker inside.
Of course, Happy Mother's Day to all of you!
Saturday, May 07, 2011
Saturday Survey - Mac Or PC
Okay folks, what way to do you swing? Are you PC and Windows at home or have you let Apple infiltrate your lives? And what about at work?
Me? I'm a Mac Girl all the way, both at home and at work. I've even landed an iPhone, although that will soon change but certainly not because I don't like the cool little device.
I was introduced to Mac's back in the mid 90's at my newspaper job. It was cute but not effective for the projects I was working on. My next job at the school district was exclusively Mac and I have stayed on that track. I remember OS7 and 8 and 9 and then X. I can reformat the drives with my eyes closed and coach someone to set up a sever over the phone. It wasn't too hard to sway my Windows loving husband to come to the Mac-side and we now have a beautiful iMac as our home computer.
From a function standpoint, I think either platform is fine. I love to razz my Windows friends, but hey if it's working for them then go for it. Mac happens to be my comfort zone.
So, how about you?
Me? I'm a Mac Girl all the way, both at home and at work. I've even landed an iPhone, although that will soon change but certainly not because I don't like the cool little device.
I was introduced to Mac's back in the mid 90's at my newspaper job. It was cute but not effective for the projects I was working on. My next job at the school district was exclusively Mac and I have stayed on that track. I remember OS7 and 8 and 9 and then X. I can reformat the drives with my eyes closed and coach someone to set up a sever over the phone. It wasn't too hard to sway my Windows loving husband to come to the Mac-side and we now have a beautiful iMac as our home computer.
From a function standpoint, I think either platform is fine. I love to razz my Windows friends, but hey if it's working for them then go for it. Mac happens to be my comfort zone.
So, how about you?
Friday, May 06, 2011
Friday Fragments - May 6, 2011
Holy McFudge, it's Friday isn't it???
I don't know what day it feels like but it sure is a strange day.
A coworker is leaving us today as she ventures into a new career and is starting nursing school this summer. Deep sighs. We'll miss her.
The Husband encouraged a shopping trip to Kohl's. He felt we needed to buy new pillows for every bed in the house because the price is right and while we're at it, let's replace some of those raggedy towels! I also managed to squeeze in a few wardrobe additions and then I have the Kohl's Cash to spend this weekend --- wooooo!!!! These trips are big deals to me because I'm such a non-shopper and I always manage to find something I like. Hopefully I can find a decent pair of khakis, but who knows what I will walk out with.
Sunday we gathered at my mom's house for a combo Easter/Birthday celebration. Ian turned 14 on Monday so he got birthday cake and a few cool items. It sucks getting older - gift cards and practical gifts have replaced toys.
I learned the name possibilities for the coming grandbaby - I approve of both options. You realize that I plan to drown you in baby cuteness when he or she finally arrives.
Saturday Ian and I dyed eggs. They were expired eggs that we had hard boiled a few days before. It was a complete waste but we got the joy of dying eggs. Before we left for our shopping extravaganza we poured several of the colors together and dropped two already dyed eggs in to sit for several hours. I am SO doing this from here on out. That was fun. I then piled them up in a basket and took them as a center piece for Sunday's dinner.
I don't know what day it feels like but it sure is a strange day.
A coworker is leaving us today as she ventures into a new career and is starting nursing school this summer. Deep sighs. We'll miss her.
The Husband encouraged a shopping trip to Kohl's. He felt we needed to buy new pillows for every bed in the house because the price is right and while we're at it, let's replace some of those raggedy towels! I also managed to squeeze in a few wardrobe additions and then I have the Kohl's Cash to spend this weekend --- wooooo!!!! These trips are big deals to me because I'm such a non-shopper and I always manage to find something I like. Hopefully I can find a decent pair of khakis, but who knows what I will walk out with.
Sunday we gathered at my mom's house for a combo Easter/Birthday celebration. Ian turned 14 on Monday so he got birthday cake and a few cool items. It sucks getting older - gift cards and practical gifts have replaced toys.
Saturday Ian and I dyed eggs. They were expired eggs that we had hard boiled a few days before. It was a complete waste but we got the joy of dying eggs. Before we left for our shopping extravaganza we poured several of the colors together and dropped two already dyed eggs in to sit for several hours. I am SO doing this from here on out. That was fun. I then piled them up in a basket and took them as a center piece for Sunday's dinner.
Thursday, May 05, 2011
Extreme Couponing
We coupon.
Back when I was a young 20-something I would spend Sunday morning pouring through the Sunday ads, clipping, alphabetizing, and clearing out expired coupons. I would take my little pack to the store every week and was quite proud of myself for saving a few dollars.
At some point that all came to an end. We stopped subscribing to newspapers and two little children underfoot required far too much attention to allow me to lounge on the couch and leisurely clip my coupons in any organized or coherent manner. I kept forgetting to bring my pack of coupons and when I did bring them, most were expired because I hadn't kept up with the dates. It became too much work.
Then I ended up marrying a new guy, one who believes saving money is his singular goal in life. What's not to love about that??? He took couponing to a new level. Not only does he clip coupons, but he actually PLANS our grocery trips! What a concept! This goes much beyond just having a list and a general idea of the stuff that's getting low. He also goes to multiple stores to maximize his savings, knowing exactly what is to be purchased there and no impulse buys. This is the point I stepped back and let him take the reigns. If grocery shopping is left to me, I'm going to just one store and I'm guaranteed to pick up more than a few items not on the list.
To maximize our coupon opportunities I swap coupon fliers with two coworkers. I don't clip coupons anymore. Now I'm the mule, the transporter.
We started watching the new TV show "Extreme Couponing" hoping to pick up new tips. The fact that you can BUY extra coupons online is interesting and he's looking into that. The no-brainer concept of buying extra newspapers is also intriguing. For the most part the TV show is just fascinating - getting $600 of product for less than $20! It's also interesting to see inside people's homes where every nook and cranny is devoted to nearly hording style accumulations.
Comparing our stash next to the people on TV it's clear we are amateurs. We have a healthy stock in our basement, but it hasn't consumed the house... yet.
The TV show has brought the conversation forward and now more coworkers are getting into the couponing craze. I just set up a box to collect coupon fliers and I guess I will be coordinating the back and forth exchanges. This just might get to be overwhelming - we'll see.
Bottom line - don't throw away your unused coupons. Somebody wants them.
Back when I was a young 20-something I would spend Sunday morning pouring through the Sunday ads, clipping, alphabetizing, and clearing out expired coupons. I would take my little pack to the store every week and was quite proud of myself for saving a few dollars.
At some point that all came to an end. We stopped subscribing to newspapers and two little children underfoot required far too much attention to allow me to lounge on the couch and leisurely clip my coupons in any organized or coherent manner. I kept forgetting to bring my pack of coupons and when I did bring them, most were expired because I hadn't kept up with the dates. It became too much work.
Then I ended up marrying a new guy, one who believes saving money is his singular goal in life. What's not to love about that??? He took couponing to a new level. Not only does he clip coupons, but he actually PLANS our grocery trips! What a concept! This goes much beyond just having a list and a general idea of the stuff that's getting low. He also goes to multiple stores to maximize his savings, knowing exactly what is to be purchased there and no impulse buys. This is the point I stepped back and let him take the reigns. If grocery shopping is left to me, I'm going to just one store and I'm guaranteed to pick up more than a few items not on the list.
To maximize our coupon opportunities I swap coupon fliers with two coworkers. I don't clip coupons anymore. Now I'm the mule, the transporter.
We started watching the new TV show "Extreme Couponing" hoping to pick up new tips. The fact that you can BUY extra coupons online is interesting and he's looking into that. The no-brainer concept of buying extra newspapers is also intriguing. For the most part the TV show is just fascinating - getting $600 of product for less than $20! It's also interesting to see inside people's homes where every nook and cranny is devoted to nearly hording style accumulations.
Comparing our stash next to the people on TV it's clear we are amateurs. We have a healthy stock in our basement, but it hasn't consumed the house... yet.
The TV show has brought the conversation forward and now more coworkers are getting into the couponing craze. I just set up a box to collect coupon fliers and I guess I will be coordinating the back and forth exchanges. This just might get to be overwhelming - we'll see.
Bottom line - don't throw away your unused coupons. Somebody wants them.
Wednesday, May 04, 2011
More Crown Candy
There were more shots from our trip to Crown Candy that I didn't post on Sunday....
Monday, May 02, 2011
Another Birthday
I am SUCH a bad mother!
It's not like I actually forgot his birthday, I just wasn't quite awake. I overslept, came rolling out of my room towards the bathroom, saw Ian, grunted a greeting and then took a shower. Poor child didn't have anyone wish him HAPPY BIRTHDAY this morning!
I suck.
Yes, he'll get over it. Besides, we celebrated his birthday last night - cake, presents, family and a yummy dinner.
So anyway, my youngest child is turning 14 today. WOO HOO!!!
You can read last year's tribute to him HERE, back when I was a thoughtful mom and actually woke up in time to give him a proper birthday greeting and a hug.
It's not like I actually forgot his birthday, I just wasn't quite awake. I overslept, came rolling out of my room towards the bathroom, saw Ian, grunted a greeting and then took a shower. Poor child didn't have anyone wish him HAPPY BIRTHDAY this morning!
I suck.
Yes, he'll get over it. Besides, we celebrated his birthday last night - cake, presents, family and a yummy dinner.
So anyway, my youngest child is turning 14 today. WOO HOO!!!
You can read last year's tribute to him HERE, back when I was a thoughtful mom and actually woke up in time to give him a proper birthday greeting and a hug.
Sunday, May 01, 2011
Sunday In My City - May 1, 2011
Welcome to St. Louis, Missouri! There are lots of great things to see and do when you visit here, but one place that is high on my list to recommend is Crown Candy Kitchen. It's an old soda shop from 1917! They have fabulous sandwiches, but everyone goes there for the ice cream. They also make their own chocolates and candies.
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