Olive's Random Thoughts.......

Ventarama

2009-09-30T19:24:00.002-04:00

I am not the only person on this planet with issues. I wear my heart on my sleeve and if something is bothering me and I want to talk about it, then BE QUIET AND JUST LISTEN!!!!! I do believe I just heard those words spoken earlier today, hmmmm? Funny when I need to vent that I go first to my cyber friends since my OBF's don't listen, just judge and criticize. Oh no wait, there I go again taking things personally and getting over emotional. God forgive me??????

Message from the CAT

2009-08-16T14:17:00.003-04:00

To all my feline peeps,

What is the deal with using my momma's yard as your personal litter box? You roam the neighborhood, so I have to ask, WHY the need to deposit your "gifts" in OUR front yard? You know the saying,"if momma ain't happy", well let me tell you cat dudes and dudettes, MOMMA AIN'T HAPPY!!!!! You really must consider keeping your "gifts" for your own yard, or my momma might just have to resort to sprayin ya with the full jet water hose. I'm just sayin......

peace out,
Puddin

Dear mom and sis......

2009-07-20T15:23:00.003-04:00

Dear mom and sis,

You know how crazy I get with all my projects. Help me simplify the process and GET ME A PAINT SPRAYER FOR MY BIRTHDAY. Yeah, like the one pictured below. I can only imagine all the painting I could get done if I were not using a brush or roller. It would be just dandy and I might even paint junk for you too.

Love,
oldest daughter/big sis

4:20pm, Dec. 31, 2008

2009-01-01T10:37:00.004-05:00

There are apartments up the street that would make you think I live in "the hood" and we have cars speeding up and down my street occasionally.Yesterday was a teeeensy bit different. The rate this car was driving, you would have though this dude was trying to qualify for the Indy 500. It scared the shit out of me, so I hurdled the couch and ran outside(I am nosy that way), and witnessed 3 police cars IN PURSUIT of the purps vehicle. You know it had to be some shit b/c the popo would not chase a car 70 mph through a residential neighborhood for no damn good reason. Well, here it is. The popo had tried to arrest this arrogant ass(armed robbery) and he decided to make a run for it, THROUGH MY HOOD. Wish I had known all this was going down so I could have thrown out the spikes(kidding) I keep in my trunk for just such an occasion.

Our street is full of kids and there are usually some out on bikes,scooters and skateboards. The hand that is mightier than ours new something was going down and there was not a single soul out in the street at 4:20pm on Dec. 31,2008.

Today is a new day of a brand new year. Peace out!

Count Your Blessings

2008-12-21T09:35:00.002-05:00

The following poem was written by a fellow educator. I have her permission to post and allow fellow bloggers to copy and spread it around. Please give her credit if you choose to copy it.

A little back story for the poem...Nancy is the mother to 5 children. In 2007 her two youngest teens were in a horrible car wreck and are still recovering a 1 1/2 years later. They are doing well, but may never fully recover from their injuries. There was other spousal stuff that rained down on Nancy during this difficult time, but through it all she and her kids have perservered. I think it is a good reminder that we ALL need to count our blessings for what we HAVE and to love our families like there is no tomorrow.

I hope everyone has a happy holiday. Stay safe and hug your loved ones.

COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS
by:Nancy Hanrahan

I’ve been through some sadness
I’ve been through some tears,
Loneliness, strife:
Yes, even some fears.
Perhaps you’ve been hurting
Both outside and in.
Keep looking to God,
See your heart heal again.
One smile at a time,
A laugh or a tune,
“I appreciate you,”
Spoken never too soon.
The squeeze of a hand,
Letting someone ahead,
Save that last piece of pie
For another instead.
Take nothing for granted,
Beware what is said,
Refuse to grow bitter,
Deny any dread.
Should a negative thought
Creep into your heart,
Replace it with thankfulness;
A refreshing new start.
No linger on blaming,
No dwell on disdain.
Just count all your blessings
Again and again.
Keep counting your blessings
And watch spirits rise,
Far more to be thankful for
Than you might surmise.
Don’t abide in your worries,
Your sorrows and needs,
Rather reach out to others;
Let nothing impede.
Not just for a season
Should you give from the heart,
But in each precious moment
Let your love impart.
So as you are giving
With joy all around,
Watch your peace multiply
And your blessings abound.

Great moments may be in small moments

2008-12-12T07:57:00.002-05:00

This was sent to me and I thought it was blog worthy. It may seem a little long, but it will give you reason to consider your actions and how they might affect someone's day. Please feel free to copy, post and pass along, if you wish.

The Cab Ride

I walked to the door and knocked. 'Just a minute', answered a frail,
elderly voice. I could hear something being dragged across the floor.

After a long pause, the door opened. A small woman in her 90's stood
before me. She was wearing a print dress and a pillbox hat with a veil
pinned on it, like somebody out of a 1940s movie.

By her side was a small nylon suitcase. The apartment looked as if no
one had lived in it for years. All the furniture was covered with
sheets.

There were no clocks on the walls, no knickknacks or utensils on the
counters. In the corner was a cardboard box filled with photos and
glassware.

'Would you carry my bag out to the car?' she said. I took the suitcase
to the cab, then returned to assist the woman.

She took my arm and we walked slowly toward the curb.
She kept thanking me for my kindness. 'It's nothing', I told her.
'I just try to treat my passengers the way I would want my mother treated'.

'Oh, you're such a good boy', she said. When we got in the cab, she
gave me an address, and then asked, 'Could you drive through downtown?'

'It's not the shortest way,' I answered quickly.
'Oh, I don't mind,' she said. 'I'm in no hurry. I'm on
my way to a hospice'.

I looked in the rear-view mirror. Her eyes were glistening. 'I don't
have any family left,' she continued. 'The doctor says I don't have
very long.' I quietly reached over and shut off the meter.

'What route would you like me to take?' I asked.
For the next two hours, we drove through the city. She showed me the
building where she had once worked as an elevator operator.

We drove through the neighborhood where she and her husband had lived
when they were newlyweds. She had me pull up in front of a furniture
warehouse that had once been a ballroom where she had gone dancing as a
girl.

Sometimes she'd ask me to slow in front of a particular building or
corner and would sit staring into the darkness, saying nothing.
As the first hint of sun was creasing the horizon, she suddenly said,
'I'm tired. Let's go now'

We drove in silence to the address she had given me.It was a low
building, like a small convalescent home, with a driveway that passed
under a portico. Two orderlies came out to the cab as soon as we pulled up. They were
solicitous and intent, watching her every move. They must have been
expecting her.

I opened the trunk and took the small suitcase to the door. The woman
was already seated in a wheelchair.

'How much do I owe you?' she asked, reaching into her purse.
'Nothing,' I said 'You have to make a living,' she answered.
'There are other passengers,' I responded.

Almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug. She held onto me
tightly. 'You gave an old woman a little moment of joy,' she said.
'Thank you.'

I squeezed her hand, and then walked into the dim morning light. Behind
me, a door shut. It was the sound of the closing of a life.

I didn't pick up any more passengers that shift. I drove aimlessly lost
in thought. For the rest of that day, I could hardly talk. What if that
woman had gotten an angry driver, or one who was impatient to end his
shift?

What if I had refused to take the run, or had honked once, then driven
away? On a quick review, I don't think that I have done anything more
important in my life.

We're conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments.
But great moments often catch us unaware-beautifully wrapped in what
others may consider a small one.

PEOPLE MAY NOT REMEMBER EXACTLY WHAT YOU DID, OR WHAT YOU SAID,
~BUT~THEY WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HOW YOU MADE THEM FEEL.

Thank you, my friend... Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as well dance.

Merry Christmas

I'm just sayin.......

2008-11-06T18:03:00.002-05:00

I can't blog about the reason for this post due to it being work related and all, but I saw this on a bumper sticker today and thought it fit the moment.

Be careful who's toes you step on.....they might just be attached to the ass you will be kissing tomorrow.

To all my blog world friends...you know I love ya

2008-10-17T16:52:00.004-04:00

True Friendship -

None of that Sissy Stuff!
Are you tired of those sissy friendship poems that always sound good but never actually come close to reality?
Well, here is a series of promises that actually speak of true friendship.
You will see no cutesy little smiley faces,
Just the stone cold truth of our great friendship.

1. When you are sad -- I will jump on the person who made you sad like a spider monkey jacked up on mountain dew.

2. When you are blue -- I will try to dislodge whatever is choking you..

3. When you smile -- I will know you are plotting something that I must be involved in.

4. When you are scared -- I will rag on you about it every chance I get.

5. When you are worried -- I will tell you horrible stories about how much worse it could be until you quit whining.

6. When you are confused -- I will use little words.

7. When you are sick -- Stay away from me until you are well again. I don't want what you have.

8. When you fall -- I will point and laugh at you..

9. This is my oath.... I pledge it to the end...
'Why?' you may ask; 'because you are my friend'.

Friendship is like peeing in your pants; everyone can see it, but only you can feel the true warmth..

44 years and 7 days ago.....

2008-08-31T12:17:00.015-04:00

Some people celebrate their birthdays with gusto, but I rather they just come and go without much bother. So August 24th came and went just as I like it... without much fanfare.

I was the recipient of some nifty gifties so here they are.....

My best blog buddy and friend Shara sent me a box loaded with greatness. She has such a keen sense for picking great gifts. I will use it all. Thanks Shara!!!!

1.Receive the nifty box from the postman.

2.Tear it open to find the goodies wrapped in beautiful,colorful tissue. You will have to pretend it was still wrapped, I just put the tissue back in for special effects.

3. Holy crap, this box is LOADED!!!!!

4. Assemble all the nifty gifties for the photo shoot. The ruffly thing on the right is actually a huge doily that Shara so cleverly made into a rose(my fave).

The next gift is from my Sis and her family.

1. Use a nifty bag to disguise what is inside.

2. Call sis out on the fancy Wal-mart wrap. I am into recycling, but come on. Hey sis, I do have plenty of tissue paper you can borrow so as not to get called out in the future.

3. It's all good!!!! Look what was inside. Two shelf brackets and a fleur-de-lis hanger.

Next is my mother's gift

Ok, I called my sis out on the Wal-mart reused bags, but at least she put it IN A BAG. I go get my gift from mom and this is just how it was presented, a NAKED GIFT. I do love it though since I started collecting skeleton keys.

Puddin decided she had to be in on the non-celebration too. That darn cat!

I did get a $50 gift card from my co-workers and it has already been spent. Hey gang, thanks for my new driver(golf club).

Ready or not!

2008-08-11T18:57:00.009-04:00

I cannot believe how fast this summer has gone. I don't speak much about my job, but can you guess where I work? Yep, I am a public school employee. I love my job and miss my kids, but dang it doesn't seem like August 18 should be next week already. Teachers and staff go back Mon. and students return on the 25th.

My ds will be a freshman, WHAT? I can remember like it was yesterday, that he did NOT want me walking him to his first day of kindergarten. He wanted to be a big boy and go "by myselves". In two weeks I will be dropping him off at the 9th grade center as he enters the hallowed halls "by himselves".

me and ds on the golf course(he is on the right)

I am lucky that ds still thinks I am fun to hang out with, and I took full advantage of it this summer. I offered to let him bring a friend to Schlitterbahn(waterpark), but he said he would rather spend the day with me because we know how to make our own fun. It rained almost the entire day and was in the 80's for most of the day. What's the problem with that you ask? It is spring fed and DAMN cold water. We would jump on a ride, shiver our asses off and then run to the hot tub.

The rest of the summer was spent golfing as much as possible. DS made the h.s. golf team as an alternate, so he has to practice on his own and wait to be called up for tournaments. Golf is NOT a poor man's sport, so we took advantage of Sun City's pkg. offer for the summer. We played ALL we wanted after 4 p.m. for $65 per month. Sounds steep, but ONE ROUND at most places costs anywhere from $25-$75 PER PERSON, PER DAY.
HOLY SMACKEREL!!!!!!!

I have so many "projics" that are still pending and I know I can't get to all of them in one week. I know, I know, it's not like the world is ending just because I have to return to work, but dangit I have enjoyed this summer like no other and that is why I have to let out one final siiiiiigggghhhhhh.

I do not agree

2008-08-07T15:09:00.002-04:00

I took this little quiz and it informed me I belong in 1962. Well, I wasn't born until 1964, and I don't do drugs. Love,peace and happiness rule??? I am a free spirit, so it did get that right. HMPPHH!!!

You Belong in 1962

You are a free spirit with a huge heart. Love, peace, and happiness rule - oh, and drugs too.

What Year Do You Belong In?

Spread the stupidity

2008-07-28T15:03:00.001-04:00

Only in America ......do drugstores make the sick walk all the way to the back of the store to get their prescriptions while healthy people can buy cigarettes at the front.

Only in America ......do people order double cheeseburgers, large fries, and a diet coke.

Only in America ......do banks leave both doors open and then chain the pens to the counters.

Only in America ......do we leave cars worth thousands of dollars in the driveway and put our useless junk in the garage.

Only in America ......do we buy hot dogs in packages of ten and buns in packages of eight.

Only in America ......do we use the word 'politics' to describe the process so well: 'Poli' in Latin meaning 'many' and 'tics' meaning 'bloodsucking creatures'.

Only in America ......do they have drive-up ATM machines with Braille lettering.

EVER WONDER....

Why the sun lightens our hair, but darkens our skin?

Why women can't put on mascara with their mouth closed?

Why don't you ever see the headline "Psychic Wins Lottery"?

Why is "abbreviated" such a long word?

Why is it that doctors call what they do "practice"?

Why is lemon juice made with artificial flavor, and dishwashing liquid made with real lemons?

Why is the man who invests all your money called a broker?

Why is the time of day with the slowest traffic called rush hour?

Why isn't there mouse-flavored cat food?

Why didn't Noah swat those two mosquitoes?

Why do they sterilize the needle for lethal injections?

You know that indestructible black box that is used on airplanes? Why don't they make the whole plane out of that stuff?!

Why don't sheep shrink when it rains?

Why are they called apartments when they are all stuck together?

(Oh, I really like this next one!)

If con is the opposite of pro, is Congress the opposite of progress?

If flying is so safe, why do they call the airport the terminal?

Shout out to Shara

2008-07-17T12:27:00.006-04:00

I know I have at least 5 blogging buddies that check in on me occasionally. How disappointing for them that I only post once every 3 months or so. Sometimes they might get lucky and I post something truly boring in between the dry spells.

I do have one friend, Shara, that has been my email and blog buddy for 5 yrs.(I think). She was one of the first people I bookmarked and read religiously, and still do.

Well, for those of you that do not know Shara, she is the most generous gift giver and is having her 500th blog post GIVEAWAY. I have been the benefactor of her generosity, but if you have not, then RUN to her blog and enter her giveaway. You can thank me later if you win.

Hey Shara, waving from Tx.

My crazy cat

2008-04-27T09:34:00.008-04:00

Since I shared my ds with the world, I only thought it fair to show my "girl". This is Puddin(middle name Tame....ask me again and I'll tell you the same).I have never been a cat lover and when she wondered up to our house I WAS NOT KEEPING HER. I thought I made that statement very clear.....3 YEARS AGO.

Yes, she always looks like a stoner in her pics. Maybe I should have named her Cheech or Chong instead.

NO,I did not feed her lemons.

Oh my, what big eyes you have...and they glow freakishly too.

I told you time and time again that skateboards are NOT for cats. Now stay off that thing before you break something.

Puddin also likes to...
1. Play hide and seek. I hide and she sneaks up and scares the crap out of me. She really thinks this is a great game.

2. Her litter box is in the bathroom.What do you do when you finish YOUR business? Flush the toilet? She does too, after taking care of HER business.

3.Sneak up behind me in the dark hallway, jump and hang onto my butt. This one is NOT fun for me with those sweet kitty claws.

Just a day in the life of my crazy cat.

April 25, 1994

2008-04-25T15:28:00.006-04:00

April 25,1994 is the day you changed my life forever. You are handsome,smart,funny,loyal and a great kid(most of the time). Even through our toughest times I am so proud to be your mom. You have a bright future and can accomplish anything you set your mind too.

HAPPY 14TH BIRTHDAY BABY BOY.

"I'll love you forever,
I'll like you for always,
As long as I'm living
my baby you'll be."

The mailman cometh

2008-03-01T19:10:00.002-05:00

I recently posted about a blog giveaway hosted by Grinnin Gramma and today was MAIL DAY. I ripped into the box before I thought to get out my camera, so that is why there are no pics until all the goodies were unwrapped and unloaded. The box was empty when I remembered to take that pic. Sher was so generous and thoughtful and I love all my goodies.

THE BOX

Beautiful decopaged fru-frued box,BUTTONS,2 glass candle sticks,yummy bar of soap,flatware w/ roses on the handle and handmade tags. I actually have 2 candle sticks that I purchased recently that match these, but Sher didn't know that.

Close up of the buttons and tags. YIPPEE!

The box is done so beautifully and I forgot to take a pic of anything but the top. It is so purty. Thanks Sher, you made my day.

Vintage Sue's

2008-02-29T18:39:00.004-05:00

I love to visit blogs, perhaps too much. My house is in total C.H.A.O.S., but I DON'T CARE. I link from one blog to the next and never know who I will discover. This past week I was visiting Vintage Sue at Vintage Rescue Squad, and she said she had found ANOTHER Vintage Sue. What a coinkidink. Well of course I couldn't let the opportunity pass by to visit the "new" Vintage Sue, so I linked foward. Let's just say it is a SMALL world, because the "new Sue" is so close to me I could spit on her, but I will NOT. Both of these ladies are awesome, so please go visit and tell them Olive sent ya.

Later taters

WOO HOO, I a weiner!

2008-02-23T20:37:00.003-05:00

No, not the Oscar Meyer variety, but a blog giveaway weiner. I don't enter too many giveaways,so imagine my surprise when it was posted by Grinnin Gramma that I was the big winner. YIPPEE SKIPPEE! I will post when I receive my gift.

I found Grinnin Gramma on HGTV's trash to treasure forums. If you are a T2T nut and have not visited this forum, you must come visit. There are some truly creative and inspirational women on there.

Later taters!

I just wanna puke!

2008-02-17T16:50:00.002-05:00

As I previously posted, my car crapped out on me. My sis and bro-in-law have been kind enough to lone me their nice Ram 1500. This is what it looked like prior to 3 pm on Sunday. NICE!!!!!

This is what it looked like after 3 pm on Sunday. GRRRRRR!!!!! Freakin,frakin,frukin. They will be getting it back with this huge cremation to the drivers door. Freakin mall parking lots! I just wanna puke!!!!!!!

Are you on my list?

2008-02-08T21:40:00.000-05:00

I feel like the creators of Maxine and I are kindred spirits. I am just as bitchy and grouchy as Maxine. I make no excuses for being who I am. You either love me, or leave me the hell alone.

Hey you, yeah the one that is supposed to be one of my closest friends. I see in the local paper that you finally have your yardsale listed this weekend. You know, the one I have been saying I would help you run. Guess you decided I would get on your nerves if I were around so you decided not to tell me. I wonder if you would laugh or shit your pants if I showed up at your sale tomorrow. Since you decided to be sneaky with it, my guess is shit your pants. Hey, good luck! See ya when I see ya.

Do you ever get mad when you find out people you thought were your friends get together and don't ask you to come along? Say they go walking or to the movies. Maybe you are tired and don't feel like walking,you aren't crazy about the movie choice or the budget won't allow it. Is it expecting too much just to be asked? I try to tell myself that I am just being petty, but it truly makes me feel second class to not even be asked.

Hey dumb ass bitch in the grocery store parking lot. The time to get IN your car is either BEFORE I start backing out or AFTER, NOT DURING. How dare you shoot me that nasty go to hell look when it was YOU that was trying to squeeze YOUR lardass between my truck and your SUV while I was in the middle of vacating my space. STUPID!!!!! Stay home if you don't have a brain in your head.

I think that is just about all the stupidity that pissed me off today. Looking foward to another great day tomorrow.

Later taters

Thrifted goodies

2008-02-02T13:51:00.000-05:00

I found all of these goodies the past 2 weekends.

Doll carrying case. I want to repaper and make it purty. Paid $1.

Small cast iron dish and huge 2 tiered hanging basket. paid $4 for both.

Some pretty baubles. Paid $4 for all.

Cabinet door $1,rose topiary and hanging heart w/roses $1 each,large bell wreath $1.75.pretty ornaments... all in my new fave colors..love the swirly ones $2 for all.

Up close and personal look at bowl of ornies

WAAAHHHHH!!!!!

2008-01-21T09:57:00.000-05:00

Ok, so I decided 2008 was going to be a great year,only good and positive things were to come. That has lasted all of 2 1/2 weeks!!!!!

My 8 year old car has decided that this is the year to crap out. It has been running crappy since Thanksgiving, but this week it blew a seal or something, so now I have oil in my spark plugs. Now I have to decide to either put mega bucks into the Neon, or pay car payments out my ass to buy something else. This is one of the those Lucille Ball moments where I am just going "waaaahhhh".

If someone would kindly send a steam roller to run over my Neon, it would be greatly appreciated!

I have added a buttload of new blog links on my sidebar. If you have cyber stalkers and do not wish to be linked through me, just scream at me and I will remove you from the list.

One of my new fave links is sarcasticmom .Pay her some linky love and tell her Olive sent ya. Her entries are entertaining.

Later taters!

Just checking in.

2008-01-13T18:53:00.000-05:00

I am "blogstipated". Nothing of pertinance to crap out in this post. Bet you thought you would get something good. Sorry!

$8 box sale goodies

2007-11-11T09:51:00.001-05:00

ALL of the items in this post came from a rummage sale where you buy a box and FILL IT. I bought 2 smaller boxes for $8. This sale gets crazy and they have hired uniformed officers for crowd control. You do NOT have time to look at labels or be truly picky, as there are SOME people that haven't had no home raisin' and they will sweep an entire table off into their box before you can blink. It's crazy, chaotic and oh so much fun. I have to wait an entire year to go again.

Pic #1
vintage suitcase
vintage canister
silver pedestal serving dish
U.S. puzzle
Hi-Q game
monopoly board
scrabble game

Pic #2
Simpich Elf(might have some value)
framed pic
wood hanger
Avon Battenberg Angel(MIB)
asst. greeting cards
122 postcards from all over the world
10 pc. silverplate flatware
2 sets of metal coasters
silver sugar bowl
trinket box

Pic #3

2 golf bags for myself and skaterboy
2 pair Footjoy golf shoes

Pic #4
The following two pics are all of the books, a total of 65. These will be for Christmas for my mother and niece, who are both bookhounds. Luckily they are not offended by used books.

My gothic skaterboy on halloween

2007-11-11T09:43:00.000-05:00

Here are pics of my gothic wanna be. No, he does NOT do this on a daily basis! Yes, that is his true eye color, no special contacts or photoshopping.

This is why it is called "Random thoughts"

2007-10-22T17:32:00.000-04:00

1. I seem to be tired all the time. If I stopped thinking and acting like I was tired all the time, maybe I wouldn't be so tired. Ya think?????

2. I realized recently that I never have company over to my house. I think it is because I don't cook or offer alcohol,I would have to pick stuff up off the floor so they wouldn't trip( I know it's there, I just go around) and I don't want their chillin's to mess with my dust collection. I am happy though in my solitude, I have the dust bunnies to keep me company.

3. I have so many different hobbies, but am busy doing NOTHING with any of them.

4. I wish money grew on trees. Seems lately I am pulling miracle money out of my butt and I just think it would be much more pleasant to yank it off a tree.

5. Last week my blow dryer blew... how ironic!

6. This week my vaccuum sucks, or doesn't, maybe that is why I need a new one.

7. Sometimes I think something is funny,humorous or gossipy, but when I sit down to write it doesn't seem so funny,humorous or gossipy anymore. I found this quote by Winnie the Pooh that seems to sum it all up.

"When you are a Bear of very little brain, and you think of things, you find sometimes that a THING which seemed very THINGISH inside you is quite different when it gets out into the open and has other people looking at it."

TTFN

Still breathing!

2007-10-11T19:39:00.000-04:00

Yes, it is a fact..... I am still alive and breathing. I have no excuse for not blogging more, except that my life is mundane and quiet boring at the moment.

I have had some crap happening the past few months and just got a huge part of that settled 2 weeks ago. As my friends know, I have been fighting for back child support for the past 13 years and was not having any luck with a locate on the non-custodial parent, that is until this past May. I finally got a locate on him and had a court date in Aug. Of course he was a no show, AGAIN, so I asked if they could check for outstanding warrants and go after him for that. WELL, that seemed to do the trick and they picked him up and jailed him back in my county. YAHOO(sort of). His past finally caught up with him and he is now serving time for felony DWI, which means no support during the time he is serving. WHOOPTIE-T-DOO! I wasn't getting it anyway,so it is a bittersweet victory.

I tried working a new second job during all of this,but my ds started lashing out at me, which he never does. After our final huge blowout, I realized he was feeling abandoned, so I quit the second job after just 23 hours. That is completely out of character for me, but my child comes first. Things seem to be hunkydory at the moment. I am working on getting some night/weekend cleaning jobs for extra money, so keeping my fingers crossed.

Sorry if this post was a yawner, but that is all I've got. Told you my life was mundane!

Today is Sunday, NOT Monday

2007-09-16T15:08:00.000-04:00

I went to bed with brain fog last night(Sat.) and forgot to set my alarm clock. My cat was up whining around 5:15, and it was then that I looked at the clock and realized I forgot to set it. I turned it on and went back to sleep for 45 more minutes and jumped out of bed to get the day started when the alarm did go off. I ironed clothes, took a shower, got dressed and was in the process of doing my hair. The brain fog lifted at approx. 6:25 a.m. when I realized it was SUNDAY, NOT MONDAY and I wasn't SUPPOSED to be awake at this ungodly hour on SUNDAY. I did what any person in their RIGHT mind would do and crawled back in bed until 9a.m. Yes, I am a moron sometimes.

Are you my mother?

2007-09-03T13:33:00.000-04:00

Rarely do I post twice in one month, let alone twice in one day. I was cleaning out my pics and found the cutest bird pics that I had forgotten about. These are from July during the torrential rain storms and floods in Tx.

This cute little guy is a mockingbird which is the state bird of Tx. I had come home from taking pics of the flood and he was sitting on my front door step and posed for this pic. I immediately thought of the book, "Are you my mother?". I love the little fuzzy tufts on the top of his head and that tells you he was just a baby. Momma bird was in the tree talking to him the whole time I was snapping pics. I left and came back later in the day and didn't see him, but my cat was going nuts so I figured he was still outside. I opened the blinds and there he was, sitting on my the fence in front of the window. He stayed there until it started getting dark and then decided to hop around the yard. Momma moved across the street and he followed. I was afraid he would be squashed on our busy street, so I followed to shoo him across. The dark pic is momma watching me from the roof top. He will surely grow up and come back to harrass my cat.

Birthday gift pics

2007-09-03T12:35:00.000-04:00

I have been a picture slacker and a bad blogger by not posting pics of my fabulous birthday gift from my friend Shara. I received other gifts for my birthday, but when I look back on my 43rd this will be the one thing that makes me say,"ooh, that was a good birthday."

When I was growing up my favorite book was "Little Black Sambo". I owned a Little Golden Book copy that ended up getting destroyed over many yrs. and I have always longed for a replacement copy. Being the super thrifter/yardsaler that she is, Shara found this copy of LBS and being the gracious person that she is, gifted it to me. The entire gift is related to this book. There is pancake mix, a tin cup that says "butter" and a thermos with "Sambo's" on it. Shara reads,listens and REMEMBERS and that is what makes her so special. Thank you Shara for making my birthday special and I will treasure my Little Black Sambo forever.

A few random thoughts....

2007-08-30T21:01:00.000-04:00

I have several things going on at this time in my life and my OBF's don't seem to have time to listen anymore. Everyone is just too busy to take calls anymore, but I am ostracized b/c I spend so much time on the net. I guess they are tired of all the drama in my life. Funny though how my cyber friends have families too, but take time to read and respond.

I have developed a close bond with 2 fellow bloggers that have become my friends and saviors through email. Yes, it is you Shara and Dooz!!! You two are my rocks right now and I thank you deeply for listening to all of my drama and b.s. Better days are ahead.

Notice I did not reveal info about the goings on and that is in part to a friend having "watch dog" issues with her blog. Some people have nothing better to do than pry into others business and then broadcast it. I realize we are on the WWW, but some of it is anonymous until the busy bodies SUPPLY your link. IDIOTS.

I will see how tomorrow goes and decide if I can post more on the happenings.

43? How the hell did I get here?

2007-08-24T17:19:00.000-04:00

Yep, it is my 43rd birthday today. How am I going to celebrate? I am going to the golf driving range with my ds.

My friend Shara sent me a very special birthday gift and I need to take pics of it to post for all to see. She is the most thoughtful gift giver EVER!!!!!

I work in education and had to return to work this week so I am feeling a little draggy today getting used to the routine again. Monday starts the actual school yr. off with students and I am looking foward to a fun, fast paced year.

Tagged, thanks Shara!

2007-08-19T14:12:00.000-04:00

Shara has tagged me for 25 things about myself. I always think my life is okay until I have to sit down and write out this long list. Dang, my life is totally boring.

1. When I was young one of my favorite snacks was a ketchup and salt sandwich. I don't know why on earth any adult would let me consume that much sodium, but I was never told no.

2.I have not had a significant other for nearly 14 yrs. Sometimes I get lonely but I get over it quickly.

3. I was not a registered voter until age 40. Thanks to Oprah I realized my ignorance and went the next day to register. I no longer take that freedom for granted.

4.I have come to the realization that my cyber world friends probably know more about the daily goings on in my life than my oxygen breathing friends. BTW I do realize that my cwf's also breath oxygen!

5. My family is dysfunctional? What, that isn't normal?

6. I took up golf this summer. I watch it on t.v. and didn't have an appreciation for how hard it actually is, or that the players actually have to be fit to walk the course. If you think golf is for wimps then please go walk the first 6 holes of any course near you(carry a golf bag) and you will also have an appreciation for the pros. Just so you know, I am NOT fit and choose to rent a wimpy player cart.

7. I did not become a mother until age 29. I know that isn't old, but considering how many girls I went to school with had 2-4 children by that age, I got a late start. One is all I will ever have.

8. I am about to open a case of whoop ass on the Tx. child support system. $25,000 in arrears and they can't find the non-custodial parent to serve papers. COME ON!!!

9. Impatience is my middle name. Nuf said!

10.My house is in C.H.A.O.S.(can't have anyone over syndrome). I attribute this to my hormonal imbalance and lack of general happiness. I have always been really anal about my house being a certain level of clean b/f ANY company could come in, but the past 6 months I have truly not given a crap.

11.Matthew McCaunehey's mother and Bill Engvall's family live in my hometown. I thought I saw Matt driving a car in town yesterday, but turned out to be a cute look alike. Poor thing probably thought I was stalking him.

12. I applied for a part time job at Home Depot. Hope they don't look up my customer complaint that I filed against them. OOPSY!

13. Past jobs have included.... school bus driver,dry cleaner,donut maker,house keeper and many different retail jobs.

14. I thought I would be an accountant when I was in high school, but seeing how I hate math, that probably would not have been a wise choice.

15.I have only lived in 7 different places since I moved out on my own at age 20. I find that miraculous for being over a span of 23 yrs. I did have one small stint at 21 where I lived back w/my mother VERY temporarily and then had to get the HELL back out of there.

16. I am not a huge sweets eater. I do like candy, but prefer something sour.

17. I stayed with my paternal grandparents every weekend when I was growing up from Fri. evening until Sun. evening. They worked my patooty off, but I didn't know better b/c I just thought I was having fun. I helped feed cows,pigs and chickens, gathered eggs,churned butter,shelled peas, and washed laundry in an old wringer washing machine. Children today have no concept of what fun really is.

18.I go back to work tomorrow and this is the first yr. I am not chomping at the bit to get there. I know I will enjoy it once we get rolling, but just the anticipation, ugh!

19. I wear polish on my toenails, but not my fingernails. If you can figure that one out, give me a buzz.

20. The holy grail for me would be to find and original copy(cheap) of "Little Black Sambo". I had a copy growing up, but sadly it was destroyed by some unnamed brother,sister or niece.

21.I asked for and got a Lane cedar chest for high school graduation. When my mother and grandmother presented it to me, they called it my "hopeless chest". And you wonder why I call my family dysfunctional. Yes, let's tell all 18 yr olds that they are hopeless and hope it helps with their self esteem. No wonder I have had so many isuues.

22. I once dated a guy named "Guy".

23. I never used to sweat to the point of producing body odor, but with the hormones changing, I can't seem to find an antipersperant/deod that does the trick. I hate feeling like I stink.

24. I need to further declutter and start liquidating some of my collections. I truly have too many varied things and need to decide what my true passion is.

25. Whew, I am at the end and will not bore you with one more detail of my otherwise boring life.

Thanks for reading and tag yourself if you feel like joining in. I did it, so can you!

Looking for the nearest brick wall....

2007-07-25T14:52:00.000-04:00

Why am I looking for the nearest brick wall?? So I can bash my damn head into it of course. Sometimes motherhood is soooooo frustrating. Dammit!!!

It is just ds and myself and he knows we struggle with finances occasionally. What does he do but run up $20-$30 in long distance on my phone bill. WTH???? I didn't choose a long distance service with my phone co. b/c it only came with a bundled pkg. and I didn't want the rest of the crap. I choose instead to use a 10-10-811 connection for the few I do make. My mistake was giving this code to ds. He was home alone one day and needed to call my mother so I gave him this code to call her long distance. MAYBE I didn't explain clear enough that this costs money. I expect my phone bill to be around $45 and last month it was $63. HOLY COW. DS and I had a long talk since I felt it was my fault for not making the charges clear. Lesson learned, RIGHT?? Nope, he did it AGAIN. Today, it was $30 more and I just about shit a brick and went balistic on his ass. He will now be getting a 30 min. calling card and when that is gone, he can call NO ONE. He won't be getting his next two measly child support checks either, those will be going to pay me back for HIS phone bill.

We now have $55 per wk or $9 per day for the next $30 days. Unless my yard sale in Aug. is successful, we won't be doing anything fun b/f school starts. This has by far been the crappiest summer we have had. POO!!!

Thrift and yardsale therapy

2007-07-22T16:54:00.000-04:00

This pic was from todays thrift store therapy session. I HAD to go to a children's consignment store in the area and it was only 2 miles from the Bluehanger, so I went.
All for $3.90.

pink bottle brush tree
pink alarm clock w/ roses(it rings quite loudly)
bargain box o'buttons
Leonard silverplate pitcher
glass jewelry box w/silver top
silver ring holder
16 Wilton decorating tips,brush and plastic ring
voodoo doll(I will call her Hormonal Annie)

These two pics were both from the same barn sale last weekend. Sale was advertised until 3p.m. and I got there around 12:00. They were throwing things out and in a free box, so I made a box and they took my offer of $10 for all. Nothing valuable, but they were trying to pay off estate taxes of the deceased grandmother. No telling what I would have found if I had gotten there earlier in the day.

Fisher Price barn with animals
2 cute jewelry boxes(both work, but smell musty)
asst. of costume jewelry
1 Barbie for my mothers Paradise Doll project
7 coasters- 3 have sterling silver rims and 4 are silverplated.
2 turqouise pyrex bowls

A crap load of nuttin'

2007-07-21T19:15:00.000-04:00

Well,well,well. My blog friend Badoozie has been kind enough to tell me that I need to crap something out on this tired old blog of mine. Sometimes I feel constipated and sh*t just doesn't come to me. When I started this blog I intended for it to be humorous, but I have been in such a funk this yr. and I prefer not to blog all the sadness I feel.

My world has been centered around my ds for the past 13 yrs. and now that he is older, he doesn't need or want 'ol momma around as much. I am just trying to figure out my place in this world without him to count on me for his every need. Dr. Phil actually had an episode about mothers letting go. Maybe I need to go back and find that one.

I have not had a man in my life for almost 14 yrs. Shocking isn't it? I did pursue a very handsome single dad, and then found out I wasn't supposed to do that. Spent 5 stinking yrs. of my life trying to wrap him up, but in the end he didn't want me either. I decided after that soap opera, that I am better off by MYSELF and just taking care of me and ds. Don't need the heartache and disappointment.

I haven't been a total waste of space though. I have spent the first half of this yr. working diligently with the Children's Defense Fund getting our CHIP(children's health insurance)improved. I spoke before a Senate hearing committee, attended a rally on the steps of the State Capitol and last week attended the bill signing by the Governor. We have lots of work to do to make even more improvements for the children of Tx. I am now working with the Center for Public Policy and not sure what my role is with them yet. I did a phone interview last week and just signed a release so I could be quoted by the media. They are working on issues that face low to medium income families, like affordable housing and unaffordable health care for families. My family was never big on politics and I only pulled my head out of my ass in 2004 and became a registered voter. Now look what I have done!

My next political target is the Tx. Attorney General's office. They are responsible for child support in our lovely state. DS is 13 and we have only received 1/4 of what should have been paid over the yrs. The AG's office claims to collect $2 million plus each yr. in support. WHERE IS MY STINKING $25,000 then???? HUM??? If the custodial parent doesn't stay on top of things, then the AG's office quietly puts you to the side until you start YELLING. They are supposed to have access to this powerful database to pursue these non-paying/delinquent NCP's.. Why then are these NCP's allowed to rack up such huge amts.? I am now YELLING and will continue to YELL at the AG's office until I get the necessary results. We have a court date Aug. 17. YIPPEE!

That was all for you Doozie. How's that?

Randomness

2007-07-11T15:02:00.000-04:00

I have just finished the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace Univ. Since starting this program I have gone BROKE. I had money saved for emergencies and wouldn't you know it, every week there was some sort of emergency. Car battery,tires,emergency room and this does NOT include the emergency trips to the thrift store. Well by golly, just after the money ran out, my computer went phhffftttt too. So I have had to go against everything FPU stands for and become "a slave to the lender". Yep, I got pissed and went and borrowed money from the bank. Oh well, what the hell.

Note to self...... SELL SOME CRAP!

I am having a garage sale this Sat.,IF is doesn't rain again. We had 25 straight days of rain, so makes it a little hard to plan a sale. I am waiting until Fri. to see what the weather decides to do. I will put up my usual 4 road signs and an add on Craigslist and I should have a spectacular sale. I have so much stuff, combined w/my mother, that it will look like a store threw up in my front yard. I usually like to have my sales the first weekend, since some people only get paid once a month, but I do NOT want to wait until the first of Aug. and try to compete with back to school shoppers. Need to grab them earlier. I'm gettin fired up just thinking of the money to be made. Fingers crossed!!!

My new blog/email friend abigdoozie tells me I need to post more often. I will do my best, but no promises.

My blog rating...oopsy

2007-07-08T22:21:00.001-04:00

Mingle² - Online Dating

I had no idea my posts contained that much foul language. Sorry if it offends, but that is what comes from my brain.

What is your rating????

Flood of '07....the aftermath

2007-07-03T23:30:00.001-04:00

Here are pics from the very next day. There are some of the city park and the bridge that the water was almost touching the day before. The pics that look like a torn up road, well yeah that's what it is. It was the only road into and out of Bluehole park. It was only one car wide so you don't think an entire city street washed away.
There are pics of the trees in the city park, and one of the pics shows a low rock wall. That wall used to be shaded by a humongous oak tree. Gone, just like that. There is a pic that looks like a black lump...those are tires and a car that got washed up on the walking bridge. No lives lost, it was a junker. The aftermath wasn't as spectacular as the day of, but it gives you an idea of the damage that was done. Sad!

Flood of '07 slide show

2007-06-28T22:01:00.000-04:00

This is soooo fabulous. You can speed up,slow down or pause the slides by using the buttons in the bottom left corner. You can also pause by holding the cursor over the slide you want to freeze. I feel like a flight attendant giving instructions. Fasten your seat belts.

BTW, there are 51 slides. I know, camera happy freak! I will post the aftermath tomorrow since I have learned my something new for the day and can post a cool slide show for all to enjoy. Just you wait!!!!

Texas turd floater!

2007-06-28T10:19:00.000-04:00

When we have floods in Tx. they are called "turd floaters". Why? It comes from the days of outhouses that would wash away in flood waters. I am NOT making that up people.

Here are four pics and if I could figure out the slide show then you would be seeing all 53. They had to let water out of the lake, so unfortunately our beautiful city park suffers and floods in the process.

This pic is the main bridge through downtown and the river is usually about 40-50 ft. below. In 1957 the water was actually touching the bottom of this bridge and lapping over the edge. This time it was still 5 ft. below, but still spectacular.

This is the same bridge only closer up.

This is the bridge again, only from the other side. 1/2 a block beyond the far trees sits the house my uncle resides in. My mother was raised in that house and was there during the flood of '57.

This is my DS in our city park. Where he is standing is usually a drivable road. In the background where it looks like currents is/was a walking bridge that we fish from. If you see the stump of the light post just above his head, that is where we usually park.

We normally have a huge 4th of July celebration in this park and families come from all around central Tx. to partake in the festivities. Will it be ready?

We fared better than other parts of Tx., so I have nothing to complain about really.

Thanks for stopping by.

My conversation with a 2 yr. old

2007-06-25T17:28:00.000-04:00

My nephew is 2 yrs. old and is starting to talk up a storm. We were out shopping today and Mawmaw(grandma) told me about "little man" playing with a stick, only he can't say s's so he was calling it a "dick".

Auntie: Were you playing with a stick?

Little man: No I not have a dick?

Auntie: Well, who has a stick?

Little man: My daddy has a dick!

This was all about a POOL STICK.

Brings back memories of my DS when he was about the same age. He was given a battery operated car that climbed walls and did flips. Every time someone would turn that darn car on, he would go into a huge hissy fit because he didn't like the noise it made. I finally asked him why he didn't like that car when he had others that did tricks. He said,"that car scares me out of my shit." Guessing he had overheard our adult conversations when we were saying something had "scared the shit out of us."

Gotta watch what you say when the little boogers are within earshot, cuz they pick up everything. OOPS!!!

Holy freakin' mother of fish hooks

2007-06-10T18:39:00.000-04:00

I have been moving crap around my house and redecorating for the past 2 weeks and decided today to hang our vintage fishing lures. I was using a really cool old doublemint gum wire rack that I have hanging on my wall. Now mind you fish hooks are sharp little bastards and vintage ones are quite rusty. WELL, apparently I wasn't careful ENOUGH and pulled my hand down and jammed a humongous fish hook in the side of my thumb. Holy freakin' mother of sh*t and damn it all to hell, IT HURT!!!!!! That booger was stuck in the bend of my finger up to the turn in the hook. HOW THE HELL DID THAT HAPPEN???? I have every freakin' tool known to motherhood, but do you think I had a bolt cutter, NOOOOO. I wanted to cut the lure off, but it wasn't happenin'. I finally got a small pair of pliers and twisted the eye off that holds the hook. There, that was better. FREAKIN' NOT!!!!

Do you think anyone was around today that could drive me to the emergency room???? NOOOO!! At least now that I didn't have the damn lure hanging off it so it would be a tad easier to shift the gears. DID I MENTION THE HOOK WAS IN MY RIGHT THUMB, the SHIFTING HAND???? I was sweating by the time I got to the ER. I don't know why the god's were shining on me at this moment, but I walked RIGHT IN to the triage and straight back to a treatment room. I have been there for worse and waited 1-2 hrs. Today I was in and out in an hour, TOTAL.

The procedure went quickly, shot of lidicaine to numb the thumb, cut the hook off and push the remainder out foward. You CANNOT back a hook out due to the barb, so now I have one really huge hole where it went in and another tiny one where it came out. I know I screamed something like "holy mother of all !@#$$" when he shot the needle of lidicaine in . I didn't think anything would hurt worse than the hook, but lidicaine BURNS. Whew, it is all better and now I have a sweet antibiotic for a few days and pain meds as needed.

The best part was they socked me for the $75 co-pay. Always in the past they have billed it after the insurance pays what they will. Damn it, there goes the money I earned for dog sitting last week. Freakin' fish hook!!!!!

Randomness

2007-06-03T12:23:00.000-04:00

Wasn't that a catchy title? BORING!!!! There, that is a pretty color, let's see if that makes my blogging better? NOT!!!!

I haven't mentioned it b/f, but I work in the education field, and SCHOOLS OUT FOR SUMMER!! We have been out two full weeks now(ds and I) and haven't done a gosh darn thing. I am piddlin' around the house, painting and working on craft projects but that is as exciting as it gets. I really NEED to do a deep cleaning, but I don't WANT too. Hummm, wonder which one will win out, NEED or DON'T WANT TO?????

Yeah, schools out for summer, but that also means DS and I are around each other ALL DAY LONG. He stays up late and sleeps late, which is good considering I CANNOT stand his attitude lately. Some days I want to run away from home!!!!!!!! I do love HIM, just not his attitude, so don't go thinking I am a wicked mother. Tweenage hormones are a BITCH!!!!!!!!

I have been attending Financial Peace University(Dave Ramsey) since May 10 and I have to go every Tues. for 2 hours until July 3 for a total of 13 weeks. A lot of what he teaches is common sense(I have that), and self discipline(I lack this) when it comes to managing money. I am responsible in paying my bills and buying food, but I tend to BLOW on garage sales,thrifting,etc. Dave says it is OKAY to blow some money and you don't have to completely deny yourself of simple pleasures. Hey, my kind of thrifting therapy beats drugs and alcohol anyday. I am ahead of the game plan, in that I don't currently have credit cards, but I should be putting the money I am "blowing" towards my old credit card debt, and that is where I am lacking self discipline. I have health/disability insurance w/my job, but I need MORE life insurance,renters insurance, a $500-$1,000 emergency fund and mutual fund investments. I am currently working toward the emergency fund, and the investments will have to come after I pay off my old debt. I am involved with FPU through my housing program(Family Self Sufficiency-FSS for short) and they have set up an escrow account, with part of my rent being put into an interest bearing acct. that I cannot touch for the 5 yrs. of my contract. There are many stipulations to be in this program and I will FINISH and be a success story for all the incoming families. What do I get as my reward????? I get ALL the money that has been accrued over the 5 yrs. and I can buy a house or use it for school. I am 6 months in at this point, so only 4 1/2 yrs. to go. YEAH!!! I will post occasionally about the highs and lows.

See ya!

Poor neglected blog

2007-05-29T22:41:00.000-04:00

I frequently see "blogger awards" attached to really great blogs. I am NOT getting one of those! However, if there was an award for "most unproductive" blogging then perhaps I would win top prize. I spend an enormous amount of time around the blogosphere reading top notch blogs and I feel bad commenting because someone will inevitably link back to my sorry ass blog and be highly disappointed in the boring drivel.

When I created this blog I thought I had plenty to say, but unfortunately my thoughts have turned to crap. I am hoping against hope that the blog bug will bite my butt and I will have something worthwhile to add to my random thoughts.

Garage sale fodder

2007-04-29T13:46:00.000-04:00

I finally found some garage sale/thrift store goodies worth posting about. Some of the goodies were at a sale listed as "free stuff". I thought they would have the typical junk boxes of freebies, it was set up like a yardsale, but EVERYTHING was free. The only stipulation was if you wanted one item, you had to take the entire box. NO PROBLEM! I was the second shopper!

3 enamel ware bowls(bluehanger- 75¢/3), asst. of cookie cutters($2), flower frog jar(10¢),vintagy rose frame(50¢),small metal coasters(25¢/4), vintage camera($1), one rose plate from a set of 8($2) and a cast iron floor lamp($5).

These 2 pics... "Godinger" silver box($2), 2-Kerr jars w/mercury lids($2),2-cast iron soap dishes($1), sterling silver H.M. Rogers vanity set($2), green glass flower frog(10¢).vintagy rose pic frame(50¢),vintage camera($1), 4 metal coasters w/roses(25¢), porcelain rose plate, set of 8($2).

This a sweet poem to "my Sister" dated 1926. FREE

This is a Mayflower Moving Co. promo item. It is made of "sunset red" granite that was used in
the building of our State Capitol. FREE

These 4 pics were all FREE. There are kitchen gadgets, an old metal baking powder can, cast iron star pediment(?),ceramic plate, asst. glass jars/jugs, straw backpack purse, black two tiered bread box and an old milk crate. I forgot to take a good pic of the table that all this is sitting on, but it is an old metal two tiered cart with about 5 layers of paint.

This is by far my FAVORITE find last weekend. It is a 4 ft. long old tin tile panel. There are 8, 12x12 attached panels. It is rusty and crusty and I looooove it! The lady didn't have any idea how old it might be, b/c it was given to her by her first real estate agent as a house warming gift. I hung it from the ceiling, above the bar to seperate my kitchen and dining room. Price paid.......
$1. YIPPEE!

Later,
Olive

Spring break 2007 RECAP

2007-03-16T12:46:00.000-04:00

We have been fishing every day, except Mon. when it poured buckets o'rain. We even went Tues. in the mud,muck and drizzle. Yesterday(Thurs.) we finally caught some decent size fish and I learned my one "new thing" for the week, cleaning fish. Now I know why they charge so much for fresh fish at the meat counter, what a pain. You do all this work on 15 fish and barely get enough meat to feed 2 people. Guess what we are having for lunch.... Yep, delicious bass.

In the early morning hours on Fri., 1:34 am to be exact, our house was ding-dong door ditched. Some fool found humor in rousing me out of my not so restful slumber. I thought I was dreaming the ringing doorbell until DS started turning on every light in the bloomin house. With heart racing, I grab my trusty baseball bat(stick of courage) and headed for the door. I am not as brave as I pretend to be, I only looked through the teensy peephole. Of course, the jackass was not still standing there, DOH!!! He/she/they, were kind enough to leave me an additional gift however, in the way of smashed egg on my car windshield. Thanks, JERKOFF!!!!! I tried washing it off at the gas station, but some will have to be scraped and not sure if it is coming off my NEW wiper blades. FREAKIN IDIOT!!!!!!

I tried yardsaling this morning, and all I can say is "bag-o-suck". I went to all advertised, and the few I saw signs for and didn't spend one penny. What a waste of getting out of bed early on spring break. On the upside, I still have $40 to spend tomorrow if they are better than "bag-o- suck."

I called earlier this week to check on my child support case and was told it has been closed since 2005. I don't remember getting a letter, but they say they sent it. I have had to reopen my case and now they are "actively" researching the new information I have on the bf(biological father), although other names fit the initials. He hasn't paid ONE red cent since Aug.5, 1999 and before that it was sporadic. I just calculated the total amount he has to pay for DS over the 18 yrs. and it is a measly $32,400 according to the court order from 1995. I want DS to know that I am fighting for his rights, so I am not letting this "man" off the hook. I will continue to hunt him down until he pays up!!!!

DS is finally up and hang dogging around, so I guess he wants to go somewhere. Oh, maybe I should ask him where he wants to be chauffered today. My guess is to replenish the tackle box. Oh, the joys of motherhood!!!

About time I blogged something

2007-02-14T18:50:00.000-05:00

I have been in a winter funk and haven't felt like doing diddly squat, especially blogging. I haven't had the dreaded flu as of yet(knock on wood), and I have spent the past few days napping after school just so I could function through the evening. I try to listen to my body and when it says SLOW DOWN, I have no problem putting on the brakes. I feel much better today, and NO it isn't from a Valentines Day sugar rush.

I went last week to see the admissions counselor at the cosmetology school and really liked what I saw. They are not yet accredited, so I applied for a Sallie Mae loan and of course I was turned down. I have crappy credit already, so why would they want to loan me money? My other choices are to find a co-signer(no thank you), or to wait until they become accredited and then I can qualify for a federal grant. I have spent the past week thinking this over and if I go to all night classes, then I will miss EVERYTHING my DS does next year with sports. I am not using this as an excuse for not attending, but DS is MY priority and when it is my turn for school, then things will just fall into place and there will not be any complications or roadblocks. I am going to check into the newer phlebotomy school and see if they have a summer class since that is the direction I had intended to go in the first place.

I wish I had something more thrilling to talk about, but that about wraps it up. My life is so dang exciting!!!!!!

My goodie box from Shara

2007-01-31T15:33:00.000-05:00

My fellow blogger Shara had a drawing on her blog for a goodie box to celebrate HER 200th blog milestone. I was the lucky one chosen and let me tell you, she is an awesome goodie box giver. I was expecting 2 or 3 things, but she went way beyond and I was thrilled. I will remember this generous box and pay it foward when I hit a blog milestone.

Here's the loot.....

* super size stripey bag

*vintage rose apron

*b-e-a-utiful vintage rose plate

*cross stitch patterns

*vintage sewing storage box

*watermelon potholder from her personal collection

*crocheted doily

*tomato soup can bank

*vintage hankie

*family scrapbook album, made by Shara

* a butt load of coupons

*yummy sour patch kids

* for my DS, a Reese's t-shirt and Steve Irwin wristband. Shara didn't know, but DS's 4th grade teacher was Mrs. Reese, so that is too funny.

Sorry the pics of the "lots" are crappy, but I retook them 6 times each and NONE of them turned out worth a crap. Guess my old hands were just not meant for picture taking today.

Six weird things about me!

2007-01-21T17:05:00.000-05:00

I have been tagged by Shara(monkeybox) to come up with 6 weird or quirky things about myself. The first 2 were easy and a consensus among my "real world" friends and loving family. The others required some thinking and phone calls. I think my friends and fam that know me best will agree on these 6 I have chosen.

1. CHAPSTICK- MUST have one on me or near me at ALL TIMES. Heaven forbid I leave home without one in my pocket(front left), I will stop and buy a new one. If I was stranded on a desert island and could only bring one thing, it would be my CHAPSTICK. "Would you bring me my chapstick, cuz my lips hurt real bad?" Quote from Napoleon Dynamite.

2. HAIRSPRAY- I will leave home without my makeup, but NOT without my hair being shellaced. There is something freaky to me about feeling my hair move on my head. I have been called "helmet head".

3. RETAIL SHOPPING- I cannot/will not buy off the regular priced racks when shopping for clothes. If it doesn't come from a thrift store or garage sale, then you can bet I got it off the clearance rack somewhere. When I get compliments on what I am wearing, I proudly tell them how little I paid too. Some people just do not get the frugalness of it all.

4. MORNING ROUTINE- out of bed, use bathroom, drink of soda, brush teeth and then shower.

5.TACO BELL- When I was pregnant I had to have TB everyday, sometimes twice a day. I worked by one so lunch was easy. It was 10 miles one way from my house, but if the craving hit, I went. There were many nights I would go between 11-1 a.m. before they closed. I ate one of 2 things, either a soft taco supreme(no lettuce) or a tostada( no lettuce). The people I worked with told me my child's first words were going to be " run for the border". He does LOVE Taco Bell.

6. DEFENSIVE TACTILENESS- this is an OCD thing where you don't like the way things feel. I cut out ALL tags in the neck or side of my shirts. Thank goodness clothing companies are FINALLY going tagless with their labels. I can wear them in my jeans, but only if I have a shirt that is tucked in so I don't have to feel it. I cannot stand to feel crinkles in my shoe due to ill fitting socks, or the creepers I get up my butt from my undies . The end of the day cannot come quick enough for me so I can come home and get "undressed" and into my sloppy,comfy clothes and houseshoes.

Yeah, I found someone to tag. Alex, you are it! Post six weird things about yourself on your blog.

I'm going crazy! Wanna come along?

2007-01-16T15:42:00.000-05:00

We are out of school AGAIN TOMORROW. We observed MLK Day Monday, but Tues. and Wed. will now have to be made up in April and May. The last day of school is May 24 and our make up day is May 25th. WHAT???? I only remember weather this bad in the late 80's and we had a make-up a day on a Saturday. I only remember b/c I was driving a school bus back then and only had about 10-15 of my normal 80 plus kids. We have not even hit the hardest part of our winter YET. We usually get the worst weather in Feb. and March so I wonder what "mother nature" has in store? I count my blessings that we have a warm house and bed to come to every night.

I was working feverishly on my cross stitch Sunday(previous post) and when I looked at it Monday, ALL the stitches I had just completed were backwards. CRAP!!! I ripped out some of the darker, more noticable colors but decided to leave the rest of the boo boo's. It will give it character!!!!

If you visit YSQ you probably read my ramblings about my CHIP issue. I am hoping the Children's Defense Fund can get something done on my behalf, because I am just about to the point of feeling like it isn't worth the hassle and heartache it causes. If my ds didn't have asthma and require expensive medicine, I would drop it like a hot potato. Unfortunately I need to continue to fight the system on his behalf. I need to find a way to volunteer with CDF to pay them back for their legwork.

Time to quit bitchin' and do something productive.

Baby it's cold outside!!!!

2007-01-14T12:14:00.000-05:00

The cold front has hit and I am hibernating. I do not like bone chilling cold, PERIOD. I ventured out to the corner store to get my newspaper b/c I am to cheap to pay for delivery. DOH!!

I started this cross stitch about 2 yrs. ago and doubt I will finish in the next millenium. It is HUGE(23" x 15") and has 127 different colors. The pic on the bottom is the actual cover from the pkg. and the top pic is where I am now. I have about 1/8 th of it finished. I thought I was ready to roll to the next section, but I found about 20 stitches that are 1 of each color and have to hunt them out. CRIPES!!! I can sit for 8-10 hours and work on it if I am feeling progress, but having to hunt out one square at a time makes the progress slow and I get bored easily with it. Maybe if I post my progress, it will motivate me to work on it. Time to quit slackin' and get to stitchin'.

my coupon binder

2007-01-11T18:11:00.000-05:00

This is for my YSQ chicas that need a visual on my coupon binder. I can store pens,scissors,markers and extra index cards so everything is in one place. The clear pages are actually photo album pages with 3 pockets each and I use index cards in front of each pocket to label the category. I find it very convenient and I can open it flat out in the seat of the shopping cart.

I am not a hard core couponer, but I do belong to a couponers forum and just like YSQ there is always something to learn. My group is connected through Yahoo, but I found them through Freecycle. Look one up for your area and see if they have coupon swaps. I do not go to this groups meetings b/c they are usually during the day, but I have clipped my extras and offered them up. The last batch I sent had around 500. Told you I wasn't hard core.

Happy clipping, organizing, shopping and saving!

Angel Food Ministries box

2007-01-10T19:04:00.000-05:00

This is what is left of my Angel Food Ministries box I bought in November. It had other dry goods and 2 lbs. of pork chops, but what is left in the pic is...

4 lbs. drumsticks(top left below cans)
3 lbs.boneless/skinless chicken breast fillets(front of drumsticks)
3 lbs. breaded chicken portions(back right)
1.5 lbs. beef patties( right below portions)
1 lb. chicken nuggets(sm. bag smack in middle)
1 lb. froz. broccoli
1 lb. froz. seasoned potato wedges(really good)

This is only the main box, I did not purchase an extra meat box this trip. They usually include cereal and eggs along with canned goods and usually instant potatos or pasta.

WHAT? You don't know what Angel Food Ministries is about? Follow this link to see if there is a ministry in your area that runs the program. It is a NO questions asked food ministry and I highly recommend it if you have a tight family food budget. You can get all the cost and details on AFM.

http://www.angelfoodministries.org

I had creepers today

2007-01-08T21:17:00.000-05:00

I have had Indian drawers all day today. What is that? That is where your underwear creep into your butt crack. No matter how many times or how far you pull it out, it just goes right back. Dang annoying I tell you.

I have worked on my blog today trying to make it all fancy schmancy. If I can remember how I did it and Google will allow me to sign in then I will have fun tweaking it from time to time.

I have more blogs that make me smile, but Shara and Heidi are my top two picks any day. I will add more links as I get to know more fellow bloggers. Please follow the links and enjoy their creative bloggings.

I decided today that I am going to visit the one cosmetology school that offers night classes and see if I can get in. They offer night classes but it takes 18 months to complete. The big deciding factor for me is whether or not they offer scholarships or if they have other creative financing. If that doesn't pan out then I will go the phlebotomy route. It is offered for 11 weeks over the summer for $5oo, so I can get it done while I am on summer vacation. I could work that job on weekends so I could continue with my current job, which I still love. There are powers higher than myself that will guide me in the direction I am supposed to go. Whichever of the two it ends up being, I will be happy and give it my 110%.

What's up for 2007?

2007-01-05T19:15:00.000-05:00

I went back to work yesterday after a nice long break. I work in education so I am off when DS is and that allows me to keep a watchful eye over him, much to his dismay.

I did not make any resolutions for the new year, never have, never will. You only disappoint yourself and others if you do not succeed.Instead, I challenge myself to accomplish small things throughout the year.

One of my challenges this year is deciding to go back to school to study SOMETHING. I have the opportunity to go the phlebotomy(blood) route, or I can go into cosmetology. They would each challenge me in a different way, but I had a dream(vision) about the cosmetology gig that was very cool and enlightening. I have finished all my requirements for phlebotomy as far as shots,medical history,etc. so I am ready to apply and go with that, but just not sure if I want to work with blood everyday.If I go the cosmetology route then I can work toward my "vision" and work with cancer and alopecia patients. Doesn't sound like a hard decision, but I am not a "jumper inner", I need to analyze these life decisions a little more.

Wishing you a happy,healthy and prosperous 2007!

I went all "Heidi" and got crafty

2006-12-27T21:56:00.000-05:00

I needed a gift for my niece's birthday and my sister suggested chinese symbol pics for her newly re-decorated bedroom. That is where the "got all Heidi" comes in. Heidi is a truly gifted, thrifty,crafty person and I used her as inspiration to get this project done with minimal expense, but accomplishing a classy project. I used dollar store frames, red cardstock for background,white cardstock for the symbols,chinese brushstroke sticker letters and printed and enlarged the symbols on my computer. All 5 completed frames cost approx. $10.

Whew, we are done with the family celebration

2006-12-25T17:30:00.000-05:00

Our family Christmas celebration is short and sweet, just like it should be. My df's side quit celebrating together many years ago and my dm's side is in different states, so it is just my immediate family together for the holiday. We get together Christmas Eve, eat dinner and open gifts. We meet again on Christmas Day for lunch and then everyone goes their merry way. My sister is the master chef in the family, so her and her dh graciously hosted us all at their new digs. It was really great this year because ds got a gift card for a $60 ham from the Honeybaked Ham Co. and we all just chipped in on the sides. Sweet and simple!!!!