First off, I'm cold, and I'm annoyed that my back didn't recover yet. I didn't do anything, took Motrin, slept on a real bed...but it's still hurting. And there is one other thing, too. Why should I waste affection on people who really don't give a shit about me?
I know that I once said that someone doesn't need to love you back for you to love them. However, that is assuming that the object of your affection is in some way worthy. But if you've been wasting thoughts and cares and worry and real, loyal, Love on a person who doesn't even count you among his/her friends and is also the kind of person you wouldn't waste time on if you first met them - it's still not too late. Maybe your love is based on experiences so far in the past that they no longer apply to either of you. (We are certainly not who we were in high school - none of us.) Or maybe you loved the person for someone else's sake. Whatever the reason, it's an act of foolishness to be so emotionally involved with someone who really shouldn't rate more than basic cordiality.
I plan to only make real effort for those of my acquaintance who truly enjoy and value me. And if you can't somehow let me know that you are on that list, then demotion is your return. Vague fondness will replace true interest.
Sorry. That wasn't meant to be addressed to you personally. (Although a note to say hello wouldn't hurt.) The people to whom that was directed don't actually read it. Well, I would be surprised, anyway. Come to think of it, though, I really don't know who does. Besides the people who write back, I mean. (Love you, Trish!!)
Yeah. I guess the part of having friends who have always been talented and clever and beloved is that you automatically become the material for comparison...and then you don't compare. The un-beautiful one. The un-smart one. The un-talented one. The un-sweet one. The un-clever one. The un-charming one. The un-impressive one. Geez! Why do any of you speak to me at all?? :P
Anyway, let's drink a toast to old friends who really are where they should be....in the background. It may sound pretty unlike me. It sounds horrible and cold, actually. But I feel like a cartoon character pouring out heartfelt friendship on everyone and receiving nothing but falseness and an occasional poorly concealed laugh behind my back. I will save it, instead, for people like Dave.
Dave thought he couldn't have kids, so when his wife got pregnant, they were through the roof! But she lost it. Their second pregnancy seemed to go okay, until they found an umbilical cord defect, and spent the entire second half worrying about whether the baby would live. To everyone's relief, she did. Now Dave's wife is expecting again...but there are even worse problems this time, and an equally bad, and more certain outlook. For this couple, I am wishing a normal, happy, comfortable pregnancy, complete with a completely healthy and happy infant at the end of it. Nothing in my whole life seems the least bit inconvenient when I think of what they have faced, what they are now facing.
I have no attention to waste on the self absorbed and the immature.
I think Thanksgiving was difficult for my mother in a lot of ways. She's been working two jobs, and has been very frustrated and tired. She also is still no longer smoking. Thanksgiving is an occasion when even her brothers who don't normally smoke bum cigarettes off each other. Not having "been there", I can only speculate on how agonizing that must be.
I'm not buying Christmas cards this year..I'm making them. I drew some sketches, and am going to mail them as cards. Nothing spectacular, sadly, but adequate, I guess. And the price is right.
Also, I wrote a little note with pictures that "Callie" is sending to the Humane Society she lived at. Usually I think that notes from animals is a little too cutesy, but I figured it was the appropriate thing to these particular girls and in this particular situation.
I miss my real friends. I feel very isolated out here. And I don't have that proud love of my house anymore. It has been abused by Josh and by the kids, and the yard treated neglectfully and it shows. I spent a lot of energy and trouble making it look nice, but the only one who thought that was worth protecting was me. And wasn't it bad luck that we bought it mere months before the housing market fell through! Now, even if we moved, we could only afford a much worse house. To make up for all that...you should come and visit.
I should cheer up. I am cranky. But I won't be able to play much taiko tonight. And when I decided I would make coffee cake to make me feel all better, it occurred to me that I can't bend to get it in and out of the oven. CURSES! I am thwarted.
Wanna hear something weird? Josh's cousin posted pictures online of a friend's new baby. And that baby is my neighbor. No kidding!!! It's the family who lives across from the bus stop. We like them a lot. I was going to visit the new baby, but it was born right as I was getting strep. Josh's cousin doesn't live in the area, but I'm hoping that this will make for a fun topic of conversation at Mandatory Christmas No. 2.
Josh's family was asking about Christmas ideas, and I said, "Why don't we all just bring food and board games! My kids don't need anything." So, at Thanksgiving they decided that everyone must bring a white elephant gift, and draw one name per family member (even the kids this year) with a dollar amount to also buy gifts for. And bring food. Conversely, my mom and dad and brother are meeting with my aunt and uncle in Texas for Christmas.
I had the idea of a Christmas tea. Instead of doing any of that other stuff, my house will be open on one day from 3:30 - 7:00 and I will provide treats, healthy and unhealthy, cider, juice and tea. Those who are really interested in seeing us will come. No gifts will be exchanged. Games will be played on a voluntary basis, and Christmas music will be played. I have every intention of implementing it. Maybe next year, even. You are invited.
Well, I can't make coffee cake, but I do have a few slices of cinnamon bread left that I can reach. That sounds almost as good. Things are looking up!
Wow! It's cold out there. I wish you all warm beverages and an easy day.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Sunday, yawning.
I am so exhausted on so many levels, I'm not surprised that I've been a touch emotional this morning. I don't mean that I've been weepy, but for such a short time, I have experienced quite a range of them.
This weekend really deserves the "Long Version", but as I said....I'm tired. It starts, I guess, with me being worried about the weather.
Monday, I babysat Izzy and Alivia for the last time, Josh worked overtime and Grant joined me and Abbie at dance. Grant played with Keegan, and there was a new girl whose mother...bothers me, but I can't quite put my finger on it. She's....hard. That's the best I can do. She's a type, but I don't have a word for it. There weren't many kids at dance that day, but the good news is that Abbie's tap shoes came in. And...it was rainy. When I got Grant from the bus stop that afternoon, Abbie and I got soaked to the skin on any part that wasn't directly covered by the giant umbrella. I was a puddle from the knee down, and my hair curled itself. When we went in and out of dance, though, it was only a light rain, and nothing too serious.
Tuesday was my performance. I left to get Michelle before Grant was even home, and we performed at Oak Hill Elementary school. I enjoyed it, I guess. I was a little sorry that the audience was as small as it was. There were maybe 25 or so kids, and fewer parents. The teachers, though, were enjoying the show just as much as anyone else, and that made me happy. Plus, there were sandwiches left over from the meeting and we were given them as we were packing up. It was wonderful.
Wednesday I had planned to cook, but after talking to my grandmother (She called to ask which way my Aunt was driving to Versailles. Why do people think I've been told these things??) I found out that there was no room at the inn for anything (the inn being the oven), so I had extra time. We went to lunch with Josh, instead. We had Culver's, and it was wonderful. It was still rainy, which was a problem. I spent half the day looking at the weather on the internet to find out if the 20 degree weather was going to get here before the wetness left.
Thursday morning, Callie woke up around 5 to go out, and everyone got up, so I just started the day an hour early. It was still 40 degrees, so I went ahead and packed the car and left before it had a chance to cool off. We got to Versailles in the mid morning, but were by no means the first there. I helped Gran get serving dishes and such, and when my Aunt Kathy made applesauce, I helped. I have to say, it felt weird that that was the only cooking chore I really did. (Making tea doesn't count. Especially when they are bags.) Oh, I almost forgot, I helped get Hannah's macaroni and cheese started, too. We were all so surprised that she didn't bring a dessert! She usually picks up desserts. And I was pleased that her Travis came.
Yes. The guests. Ben and Lisa came, but couldn't bring their dogs. It's a shame, but probably for the best. There wasn't much room! Amy, Aunt Kathy and Uncle Bob were there, and Uncle Bobby, Aunt Betty and Mackenzie, both of my parents, Uncle Tim, Aunt Laurel, Sky and Kelsey, Uncle Pete, Aunt Rose and Hillary, and Aunt Nanny, Hannah and Travis, as I said, and Brother. Miss Laura also came, as she usually does, and my mom's Aunt Betty. I wasn't expecting Ms. Mary Francis to come, but she did (old friend of the family). My grandmother was also there, as she was the hostess. Oh, and I almost forgot me and the kids. Is that 25 people? I think it might be. And everyone brought TONS of food. We were very much over the top with food. and I didn't get any leftovers. A pity, but not too bad. I think they ended up with the right people, for the most part.
Nothing too exciting occurred. Aunt Rose left the keys in the truck, and Hillary's dog danced on the lock button. Amy and Brother had to go and break into the truck. It took a while, and the audience was large. Since it ended well, we can call it entertainment. The really funny thing is that the same thing happened to a different guest with a different dog two or three Thanksgivings ago.
My mother kidnapped my children and took them to Rolla. She wasn't the first to leave, but nearly. Mackenzie went in her car, too. Brother and I stayed overnight and had breakfast with Gran and Uncle Pete in the morning. We said good-bye to Aunt Kathy's family, but funnily, most of them came back to the house one more time. Not long enough to have lunch, though. In the late morning, Brother and I left for Rolla. We had dinner with my mom and dad, Mackenzie, Uncle Bobby and Aunt Betty (and the kids). After dinner, me and the kids helped mom decorate her tree, and sang carols. I love carols.
Have you ever eaten white truffle oil? We had scrambled eggs with white truffle oil for breakfast. Brother gave a little bottle to mom and to me. It's very distinctive, without being overpowering. Now that I have some, I'm going to have to find some recipies that use it. It's very fancy.
I left with the kids around 11:30. Brother followed a few hours later. Poor Josh had a good time with his mom on Thanksgiving, but Callie was awful while I was away. She made potty messes in the house, and dug in the trash....the last night, she even ate my books. Yes. She ripped up two of my books completely, and mangled another one, and left tooth prints on a fourth. I am sad, of course, but the ones with my mother's handwriting in them weren't bothered, so I'm mostly relieved that it wasn't worse. Since I've been home she hasn't done a single naughty thing.
Brother and I picked up Michelle and watched movies last night. We had pizza, too. It was very reminiscent of Columbia, only the accomodations (and the pizza) were better. We saw the original Clash of the Titans, and a really horrible 70's B Sci-Fi cult classic, called Dark Star. Brother left to go back to Colorado this morning, much happier than last time when he was sick.
I've invited my uncle and grandmother over on Wednesday, but I'm not sure if they will be available.
It's really been great seeing everyone. With all the dog and kid difficulties, it makes everything exhausting, but what are holidays without kids and dogs? Well, what I mean is...I like my kids and dogs. And my friends. And my family. We should get together again soon!
I'm still looking forward to a taiko karaoke party, but now the general consensus is leaning toward a "We Have Our Own Place" karaoke party. Do you think everyone will show up? That is the most important part.
Since Callie had so many issues while I was gone for Thanksgiving, I'm not even going to consider adding a Christmas tree until after the weekend. She's doing great today, but I want to make sure she's in her routine again before I add anything.
I made that CD for Uncle Pete and forgot to bring it on Thanksgiving. I'll have to mail it. Well, unless he comes on Wednesday.
Wow. I get more tired every second. Well, know that I am thinking nice things about all the good people in my life, and wishing them good health, good times and good feelings. And rest.
Have a happy last few hours of Thanksgiving break. Tomorrow we return to our routines.
This weekend really deserves the "Long Version", but as I said....I'm tired. It starts, I guess, with me being worried about the weather.
Monday, I babysat Izzy and Alivia for the last time, Josh worked overtime and Grant joined me and Abbie at dance. Grant played with Keegan, and there was a new girl whose mother...bothers me, but I can't quite put my finger on it. She's....hard. That's the best I can do. She's a type, but I don't have a word for it. There weren't many kids at dance that day, but the good news is that Abbie's tap shoes came in. And...it was rainy. When I got Grant from the bus stop that afternoon, Abbie and I got soaked to the skin on any part that wasn't directly covered by the giant umbrella. I was a puddle from the knee down, and my hair curled itself. When we went in and out of dance, though, it was only a light rain, and nothing too serious.
Tuesday was my performance. I left to get Michelle before Grant was even home, and we performed at Oak Hill Elementary school. I enjoyed it, I guess. I was a little sorry that the audience was as small as it was. There were maybe 25 or so kids, and fewer parents. The teachers, though, were enjoying the show just as much as anyone else, and that made me happy. Plus, there were sandwiches left over from the meeting and we were given them as we were packing up. It was wonderful.
Wednesday I had planned to cook, but after talking to my grandmother (She called to ask which way my Aunt was driving to Versailles. Why do people think I've been told these things??) I found out that there was no room at the inn for anything (the inn being the oven), so I had extra time. We went to lunch with Josh, instead. We had Culver's, and it was wonderful. It was still rainy, which was a problem. I spent half the day looking at the weather on the internet to find out if the 20 degree weather was going to get here before the wetness left.
Thursday morning, Callie woke up around 5 to go out, and everyone got up, so I just started the day an hour early. It was still 40 degrees, so I went ahead and packed the car and left before it had a chance to cool off. We got to Versailles in the mid morning, but were by no means the first there. I helped Gran get serving dishes and such, and when my Aunt Kathy made applesauce, I helped. I have to say, it felt weird that that was the only cooking chore I really did. (Making tea doesn't count. Especially when they are bags.) Oh, I almost forgot, I helped get Hannah's macaroni and cheese started, too. We were all so surprised that she didn't bring a dessert! She usually picks up desserts. And I was pleased that her Travis came.
Yes. The guests. Ben and Lisa came, but couldn't bring their dogs. It's a shame, but probably for the best. There wasn't much room! Amy, Aunt Kathy and Uncle Bob were there, and Uncle Bobby, Aunt Betty and Mackenzie, both of my parents, Uncle Tim, Aunt Laurel, Sky and Kelsey, Uncle Pete, Aunt Rose and Hillary, and Aunt Nanny, Hannah and Travis, as I said, and Brother. Miss Laura also came, as she usually does, and my mom's Aunt Betty. I wasn't expecting Ms. Mary Francis to come, but she did (old friend of the family). My grandmother was also there, as she was the hostess. Oh, and I almost forgot me and the kids. Is that 25 people? I think it might be. And everyone brought TONS of food. We were very much over the top with food. and I didn't get any leftovers. A pity, but not too bad. I think they ended up with the right people, for the most part.
Nothing too exciting occurred. Aunt Rose left the keys in the truck, and Hillary's dog danced on the lock button. Amy and Brother had to go and break into the truck. It took a while, and the audience was large. Since it ended well, we can call it entertainment. The really funny thing is that the same thing happened to a different guest with a different dog two or three Thanksgivings ago.
My mother kidnapped my children and took them to Rolla. She wasn't the first to leave, but nearly. Mackenzie went in her car, too. Brother and I stayed overnight and had breakfast with Gran and Uncle Pete in the morning. We said good-bye to Aunt Kathy's family, but funnily, most of them came back to the house one more time. Not long enough to have lunch, though. In the late morning, Brother and I left for Rolla. We had dinner with my mom and dad, Mackenzie, Uncle Bobby and Aunt Betty (and the kids). After dinner, me and the kids helped mom decorate her tree, and sang carols. I love carols.
Have you ever eaten white truffle oil? We had scrambled eggs with white truffle oil for breakfast. Brother gave a little bottle to mom and to me. It's very distinctive, without being overpowering. Now that I have some, I'm going to have to find some recipies that use it. It's very fancy.
I left with the kids around 11:30. Brother followed a few hours later. Poor Josh had a good time with his mom on Thanksgiving, but Callie was awful while I was away. She made potty messes in the house, and dug in the trash....the last night, she even ate my books. Yes. She ripped up two of my books completely, and mangled another one, and left tooth prints on a fourth. I am sad, of course, but the ones with my mother's handwriting in them weren't bothered, so I'm mostly relieved that it wasn't worse. Since I've been home she hasn't done a single naughty thing.
Brother and I picked up Michelle and watched movies last night. We had pizza, too. It was very reminiscent of Columbia, only the accomodations (and the pizza) were better. We saw the original Clash of the Titans, and a really horrible 70's B Sci-Fi cult classic, called Dark Star. Brother left to go back to Colorado this morning, much happier than last time when he was sick.
I've invited my uncle and grandmother over on Wednesday, but I'm not sure if they will be available.
It's really been great seeing everyone. With all the dog and kid difficulties, it makes everything exhausting, but what are holidays without kids and dogs? Well, what I mean is...I like my kids and dogs. And my friends. And my family. We should get together again soon!
I'm still looking forward to a taiko karaoke party, but now the general consensus is leaning toward a "We Have Our Own Place" karaoke party. Do you think everyone will show up? That is the most important part.
Since Callie had so many issues while I was gone for Thanksgiving, I'm not even going to consider adding a Christmas tree until after the weekend. She's doing great today, but I want to make sure she's in her routine again before I add anything.
I made that CD for Uncle Pete and forgot to bring it on Thanksgiving. I'll have to mail it. Well, unless he comes on Wednesday.
Wow. I get more tired every second. Well, know that I am thinking nice things about all the good people in my life, and wishing them good health, good times and good feelings. And rest.
Have a happy last few hours of Thanksgiving break. Tomorrow we return to our routines.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Wasn't it cold this morning?
I dreamed about a baby last night. A boy with brown hair, about 8-ish months, I would guess. He was a relative of some undetermined sort, and I was responsible for him. I remember putting milk in a bottle and then not knowing if he could use a cup already...
If this were Jane Eyre, it would be very bad luck.
I'm not even going to pretend, as I usually do, that I am not catching a cold. This year has been paying me back for past wrongs. Infected Head right before Japanese Festival, stomach virus right before Brother's Halloween visit. Strep right after it, and then more infections. Now a cold right before Thanksgiving. What the heck, Immune System? But I can't say I'm surprised. Once Alexander The Great breeches your defences, they are open to army and petty thief alike. They might refer to it as Flu Season, but really it's Everything Season.
Abbie and I were successful in getting our haircuts. I'm happy with mine, but that's nothing to how happy I am about Abbie's. The cut is cute, of course, but really what made me the most pleased was the stylist. She was wonderful! If you recall, Abbie's first stylist was cold, unsympathetic and absolutely no fun. This one, however, washed Abbie's hair in shampoo that smelled like cake, chatted cheerfully with her about brothers and puppies and pillow pets, and when she was done, added some gel with sparkles. How awesome is that? Abbie had a blast. I wished, as I was leaving, that I'd brought a bigger tip for her, even though the one I had was nearly 50% of the cost of the cut.
I feel feverish. Not good.
I don't know what to make for Thanksgiving. I've been looking at recipes. What I secretly want to do is make a recipe I have, but change one of the main ingredients. Never a good idea to do that for the first time right before an event. Therefore, I am trying to distract myself from the thought.
Last night I played taiko. Zoku always makes my right thumb hurt. No idea why. Anyway, I hope that I am playing well enough that Andrew isn't sorry he let me stay on the set. And I also hope I remember to take some Motrin before the show. My back isn't used to this anymore. Isn't that horrible? It's the worst thing about being sick so much lately. I don't just miss taiko...I sort of need it. Let's all cross our fingers that I am able to attend more practices from now on.
Josh and I stayed up late and saw Date Night the other day. It's cute, but not ever going to make my top 10 list. Do you have a list of top comedies? Here's some from mine: My Cousin Vinny, Coming to America, City Slickers, Maverick, Auntie Mame, Snatch (okay, well I think of it as a comedy), Galaxy Quest, Sneakers... Well. That's a start.
I told Abbie I would put on Cinderella for her. Hope you are all having a good pre-Thanksgiving weekend.
If this were Jane Eyre, it would be very bad luck.
I'm not even going to pretend, as I usually do, that I am not catching a cold. This year has been paying me back for past wrongs. Infected Head right before Japanese Festival, stomach virus right before Brother's Halloween visit. Strep right after it, and then more infections. Now a cold right before Thanksgiving. What the heck, Immune System? But I can't say I'm surprised. Once Alexander The Great breeches your defences, they are open to army and petty thief alike. They might refer to it as Flu Season, but really it's Everything Season.
Abbie and I were successful in getting our haircuts. I'm happy with mine, but that's nothing to how happy I am about Abbie's. The cut is cute, of course, but really what made me the most pleased was the stylist. She was wonderful! If you recall, Abbie's first stylist was cold, unsympathetic and absolutely no fun. This one, however, washed Abbie's hair in shampoo that smelled like cake, chatted cheerfully with her about brothers and puppies and pillow pets, and when she was done, added some gel with sparkles. How awesome is that? Abbie had a blast. I wished, as I was leaving, that I'd brought a bigger tip for her, even though the one I had was nearly 50% of the cost of the cut.
I feel feverish. Not good.
I don't know what to make for Thanksgiving. I've been looking at recipes. What I secretly want to do is make a recipe I have, but change one of the main ingredients. Never a good idea to do that for the first time right before an event. Therefore, I am trying to distract myself from the thought.
Last night I played taiko. Zoku always makes my right thumb hurt. No idea why. Anyway, I hope that I am playing well enough that Andrew isn't sorry he let me stay on the set. And I also hope I remember to take some Motrin before the show. My back isn't used to this anymore. Isn't that horrible? It's the worst thing about being sick so much lately. I don't just miss taiko...I sort of need it. Let's all cross our fingers that I am able to attend more practices from now on.
Josh and I stayed up late and saw Date Night the other day. It's cute, but not ever going to make my top 10 list. Do you have a list of top comedies? Here's some from mine: My Cousin Vinny, Coming to America, City Slickers, Maverick, Auntie Mame, Snatch (okay, well I think of it as a comedy), Galaxy Quest, Sneakers... Well. That's a start.
I told Abbie I would put on Cinderella for her. Hope you are all having a good pre-Thanksgiving weekend.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Tra-la -> Fa-la-la!
Well, things are settling down a little with the new dog and all. Jake is getting much more than his usual exercise, which I think is great, but it inclines him to drag his feet (figuratively) when it comes to the new schedule. He's a tad old and arthritic for her youthful exuberance. The dogs are out back quite a bit, and I still worry a little what would happen if the weather were to become very wet. The one night it rained since Callie joined us, I took her out the front. It didn't work out. She wouldn't do any necessary dog stuff, and I ended up cleaning both sorts out of my carpet instead.
It is officially the busy season, starting this week. Although, I can really date it from Friday. Friday, I took Grant in to the dentist because he had a half day. Now, all Grant's permanent teeth are sealed - a count of 4. Saturday morning, we helped the Frankes move into their new house. Josh just stayed awake after coming home from work. Then, when we had them fairly settled with an empty moving truck, and busily arranging furniture with much help, we went home and Josh went to bed. Sunday I cleaned house, and my mommy came over in the afternoon. Then, as she was leaving, the Keiths came over. Then dinner was ready. Yum for baked potatoes with sour cream and mixed cheeses! The rest of the dinner paled in comparison.
Next is all that comes with early Thanksgiving arrivals, and then is Thanksgiving itself. I'm so glad that freezing rain is no longer in the forecast for Thanksgiving! I still haven't made my plans for that weekend. Maybe I should just pack like I'm going to be gone the whole time and wing it. Doesn't sound much like me...well, except the whole preparing for it part.
We're all just a tad behind on sleep, here. I hope today I can take a small nap. Tonight is Abbie's dance class, of course, and Josh has promised to show Grant Star Wars (ep.3) for the first time tonight while we are gone. We decided that he was perfectly ready, but Abbie isn't.
Oh, dear. I'm so not ready for this weekend to be that wedding I'm going to!!! But at least I don't have to be grumpy about my hair. It's finally going to be cut tomorrow. YAY!
Still worried about the taiko group being homeless.
Uncle Pete is coming this week. Yay for that, too! I hope he likes the CD I made for him. Oh, and yesterday was my Aunt Nancy's birthday. My mom and grandmother took her to lunch, and I called her and left her a bunch of emails.
I have been reading the news, but it doesn't seem like much is going on, or maybe it's just that there are so many articles about what earrings to wear with your Christmas socks that the real news gets overlooked. Christmas is so depressing. I hate hearing "The Season of Giving". Let's change it into "The Season of Sharing" and just have a nice evening of board games and hot chocolate. In December. Not October. Instead, here comes the season of mandatory attendance and obligatory gift buying. It takes all the charm out of seeing family that you don't usually see.
But my own little annual Christmas gripe isn't going to help, so I think I will change the subject.
Except that I'm starting to tire again. Bleh. I think I'll put on a movie for Abbie and let the dogs stay in the yard. Unless they get cold. Personally, I'm freezing. Time for a morning on the couch!!!! (...and if you believe that...)
Happy Monday to you all!
It is officially the busy season, starting this week. Although, I can really date it from Friday. Friday, I took Grant in to the dentist because he had a half day. Now, all Grant's permanent teeth are sealed - a count of 4. Saturday morning, we helped the Frankes move into their new house. Josh just stayed awake after coming home from work. Then, when we had them fairly settled with an empty moving truck, and busily arranging furniture with much help, we went home and Josh went to bed. Sunday I cleaned house, and my mommy came over in the afternoon. Then, as she was leaving, the Keiths came over. Then dinner was ready. Yum for baked potatoes with sour cream and mixed cheeses! The rest of the dinner paled in comparison.
Next is all that comes with early Thanksgiving arrivals, and then is Thanksgiving itself. I'm so glad that freezing rain is no longer in the forecast for Thanksgiving! I still haven't made my plans for that weekend. Maybe I should just pack like I'm going to be gone the whole time and wing it. Doesn't sound much like me...well, except the whole preparing for it part.
We're all just a tad behind on sleep, here. I hope today I can take a small nap. Tonight is Abbie's dance class, of course, and Josh has promised to show Grant Star Wars (ep.3) for the first time tonight while we are gone. We decided that he was perfectly ready, but Abbie isn't.
Oh, dear. I'm so not ready for this weekend to be that wedding I'm going to!!! But at least I don't have to be grumpy about my hair. It's finally going to be cut tomorrow. YAY!
Still worried about the taiko group being homeless.
Uncle Pete is coming this week. Yay for that, too! I hope he likes the CD I made for him. Oh, and yesterday was my Aunt Nancy's birthday. My mom and grandmother took her to lunch, and I called her and left her a bunch of emails.
I have been reading the news, but it doesn't seem like much is going on, or maybe it's just that there are so many articles about what earrings to wear with your Christmas socks that the real news gets overlooked. Christmas is so depressing. I hate hearing "The Season of Giving". Let's change it into "The Season of Sharing" and just have a nice evening of board games and hot chocolate. In December. Not October. Instead, here comes the season of mandatory attendance and obligatory gift buying. It takes all the charm out of seeing family that you don't usually see.
But my own little annual Christmas gripe isn't going to help, so I think I will change the subject.
Except that I'm starting to tire again. Bleh. I think I'll put on a movie for Abbie and let the dogs stay in the yard. Unless they get cold. Personally, I'm freezing. Time for a morning on the couch!!!! (...and if you believe that...)
Happy Monday to you all!
Monday, November 8, 2010
Well, that was unexpected.
We have a new dog. Let me explain.
The short version goes like this: I was looking on the Internet about dogs like Jake. I found the national recognized hybrid dog list and I was laughing at the really annoyingly silly names. Go check. I'm not kidding. I think these guys breed the dogs just so they can use the dumb names. Anyway, some of the breeds don't have any pictures available, so I was typing the two breeds in to see what would come up in a search. That led me to the Humane Society....which led me to Callie.
Josh saw the picture, and immediately wanted to meet her. I was reluctant and dragged my feet the whole way. The only reason I agreed to go to the Humane Society at all was that I was pretty sure she would be wild and noisy and not a good fit for us at all. So, we went on Friday. We met Callie. Josh was instantly in love. I liked her, too, but wasn't about to say so. I told Josh that he would probably love anything in dog form that walked in and wasn't a toy breed, so I insisted that we meet another one. We met Brownie. He was somewhat smaller, and much better at fetch. But we didn't love him. Then, I made Josh go out to the car for a Very Serious Conference. There was no dissuading him. So we decided that he could have her as his birthday present. As they were preparing the papers, a girl came in wanting to adopt Callie. This bothered me, deeply.
So, Callie came to live at our house. Would you like to hear about her? She is half lab, half collie (the short haired version). I'm sure that is how she got the name Callie. I've decided to officially name her Caledonia, though. Collies are Scottish, right? Also, we didn't name Jake, but he was named after a ridiculous country song, so I thought Callie should have a song, too. I have one called Caledonia.
Callie is black, with some traces of white on her chest. She is 1 year 8 months old, but thin. She was found as a stray, and when she was brought in, she had worms. The ladies at the Humane Society told me that Callie should gain around 10 pounds to be at her true and healthy weight. She's not a genius at Fetch. She likes people more than toys. She is also somewhat of a clown. And she's very kissy. Her favorite games are "Ha, ha! Kissed your ear," "Wanna see me bonk my head?" and "Torment Jake". We also played a round of "Guess who pooped on the carpet!" last night at about 4am. Not my favorite, so far. She follows us around (me in particular), and has a very intelligent expression when she is watching things. Some cues make me think she has never lived in a house before. She didn't understand about my opening the refrigerator, and totally did a startled double take when she saw me looking in a mirror. She's quiet, and calm when she isn't playing. She also does little donuts when she's excited, just like some little dogs do. I've never seen a big one do it before. If you fuss at her, she's sorry, and at night she sleeps just like me! That means, if the kids roll over in their beds she gets up to check on them. I might have to start sleeping through the night with her around to check things for me! She loves to play outside. I hope the back yard stays dry. Callie isn't interested in going in the front yard at all. She doesn't seem to want to be there. Also, she is not leash trained. Not even a little.
Josh took both dogs to his sister's birthday dinner over at his mom's place. It was difficult. Jake used to live there, you know. He seems okay with sharing us with Callie, but he wouldn't share them with her. Plus, they have a little dog, and Missy had her little dog visiting. There were lots of people, and more kept showing up, and then Backy showed up with her little dog, too! But she took it like a champ. She was accepting of everyone, no matter the size, and didn't do anything unpleasant. When we came back, she acted like a dog coming home, which pleased me. It is already her home.
So, I've been very busy with this, and have barely had time to feed people, and no time to do anything else. I'm hoping that today I can get started on a few lingering chores, and some housecleaning that was brushed aside when Callie joined us. We'll see how that goes.
In other news, Josh might stay home from Thanksgiving after all. Just the thought of having to leave early and drive for 3 hours, shower and shave, and then drive another hour to work was starting to make his eyes bug out. Even if we went to Versailles the day before (3 more hours!!) instead of that morning. The driving was sounding horrible, but I think he was more worried that he would have to go before the food was served. Poor man. And he's sad about missing everyone at Versailles. He's particularly fond of all my uncles. But this way he can spend it with his own family, who aren't that far away.
I'm a little sad about it, but don't tell him. I will be very lonely for him. On the other hand, I guess it frees me up to make spur-of-the-moment plans.
Duty calls! I am wishing you all a wonderful Monday. (They make those, right?)
The short version goes like this: I was looking on the Internet about dogs like Jake. I found the national recognized hybrid dog list and I was laughing at the really annoyingly silly names. Go check. I'm not kidding. I think these guys breed the dogs just so they can use the dumb names. Anyway, some of the breeds don't have any pictures available, so I was typing the two breeds in to see what would come up in a search. That led me to the Humane Society....which led me to Callie.
Josh saw the picture, and immediately wanted to meet her. I was reluctant and dragged my feet the whole way. The only reason I agreed to go to the Humane Society at all was that I was pretty sure she would be wild and noisy and not a good fit for us at all. So, we went on Friday. We met Callie. Josh was instantly in love. I liked her, too, but wasn't about to say so. I told Josh that he would probably love anything in dog form that walked in and wasn't a toy breed, so I insisted that we meet another one. We met Brownie. He was somewhat smaller, and much better at fetch. But we didn't love him. Then, I made Josh go out to the car for a Very Serious Conference. There was no dissuading him. So we decided that he could have her as his birthday present. As they were preparing the papers, a girl came in wanting to adopt Callie. This bothered me, deeply.
So, Callie came to live at our house. Would you like to hear about her? She is half lab, half collie (the short haired version). I'm sure that is how she got the name Callie. I've decided to officially name her Caledonia, though. Collies are Scottish, right? Also, we didn't name Jake, but he was named after a ridiculous country song, so I thought Callie should have a song, too. I have one called Caledonia.
Callie is black, with some traces of white on her chest. She is 1 year 8 months old, but thin. She was found as a stray, and when she was brought in, she had worms. The ladies at the Humane Society told me that Callie should gain around 10 pounds to be at her true and healthy weight. She's not a genius at Fetch. She likes people more than toys. She is also somewhat of a clown. And she's very kissy. Her favorite games are "Ha, ha! Kissed your ear," "Wanna see me bonk my head?" and "Torment Jake". We also played a round of "Guess who pooped on the carpet!" last night at about 4am. Not my favorite, so far. She follows us around (me in particular), and has a very intelligent expression when she is watching things. Some cues make me think she has never lived in a house before. She didn't understand about my opening the refrigerator, and totally did a startled double take when she saw me looking in a mirror. She's quiet, and calm when she isn't playing. She also does little donuts when she's excited, just like some little dogs do. I've never seen a big one do it before. If you fuss at her, she's sorry, and at night she sleeps just like me! That means, if the kids roll over in their beds she gets up to check on them. I might have to start sleeping through the night with her around to check things for me! She loves to play outside. I hope the back yard stays dry. Callie isn't interested in going in the front yard at all. She doesn't seem to want to be there. Also, she is not leash trained. Not even a little.
Josh took both dogs to his sister's birthday dinner over at his mom's place. It was difficult. Jake used to live there, you know. He seems okay with sharing us with Callie, but he wouldn't share them with her. Plus, they have a little dog, and Missy had her little dog visiting. There were lots of people, and more kept showing up, and then Backy showed up with her little dog, too! But she took it like a champ. She was accepting of everyone, no matter the size, and didn't do anything unpleasant. When we came back, she acted like a dog coming home, which pleased me. It is already her home.
So, I've been very busy with this, and have barely had time to feed people, and no time to do anything else. I'm hoping that today I can get started on a few lingering chores, and some housecleaning that was brushed aside when Callie joined us. We'll see how that goes.
In other news, Josh might stay home from Thanksgiving after all. Just the thought of having to leave early and drive for 3 hours, shower and shave, and then drive another hour to work was starting to make his eyes bug out. Even if we went to Versailles the day before (3 more hours!!) instead of that morning. The driving was sounding horrible, but I think he was more worried that he would have to go before the food was served. Poor man. And he's sad about missing everyone at Versailles. He's particularly fond of all my uncles. But this way he can spend it with his own family, who aren't that far away.
I'm a little sad about it, but don't tell him. I will be very lonely for him. On the other hand, I guess it frees me up to make spur-of-the-moment plans.
Duty calls! I am wishing you all a wonderful Monday. (They make those, right?)
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Things that are true.
* I like all three versions I have heard of the song, "Baby, I love your way." I must like the song. But I don't own any of the afore mentioned renditions.
* I voted! Whee! Even though I was sick! The going out didn't affect me much, but adjusting to the cold temperature outside really did me in. I felt terrible last night.
* Christmas is not my favorite holiday, but I LOVE carols. I always sing them on the way home from Thanksgiving, and I consider that the official opening of Christmas Carol season. What are your favorite Christmas carols?
* My geraniums blew off the deck in the recent wind storm, and I left them for dead, having my hands full with Brother arriving. Josh went out back today and claims that they are somehow still alive, though pot-less.
* Hash brown soup is yummy. Soup-er yummy. Hee hee. Now I'll have to see if I can get a hold of the mix again. It's great comfort food. It was perfect for after carving pumpkins on my chilly front porch.
* I cancelled Cousin Weekend. I don't really want to talk about it.
* I kind of feel like getting packages in the mail. Want to send me some?
* Can you think of any Thanksgiving movies? Now that my Halloween movies have expired, if you will, I'm ready to move on....but not to Christmas. Do you know any movies that are about late fall? Let me know if you can think of any.
* Prescribing giant horse pills to someone with a sore throat is not a funny joke.
* My mother craves ice cream in cold weather. Any one else like that? I wonder why that would happen. It doesn't make much sense in my mind.
* I'm thinking of reading Persuasion again (Jane Austen).
* Feeling like making new recipes again. Anyone have any spectacular ones to share?
* I'm dreading the arrival of the doctor bill, but it hasn't arrived yet. We also have not received any news about potential staffing changes at Josh's work.
* I have babysitting this week.
* As soon as we are done getting sick (please, please, please) I have a lot of appointments to make. In fact, I might make a dentist appointment for Grant on his next half day.
* I need cider. BRRR! :)
* I voted! Whee! Even though I was sick! The going out didn't affect me much, but adjusting to the cold temperature outside really did me in. I felt terrible last night.
* Christmas is not my favorite holiday, but I LOVE carols. I always sing them on the way home from Thanksgiving, and I consider that the official opening of Christmas Carol season. What are your favorite Christmas carols?
* My geraniums blew off the deck in the recent wind storm, and I left them for dead, having my hands full with Brother arriving. Josh went out back today and claims that they are somehow still alive, though pot-less.
* Hash brown soup is yummy. Soup-er yummy. Hee hee. Now I'll have to see if I can get a hold of the mix again. It's great comfort food. It was perfect for after carving pumpkins on my chilly front porch.
* I cancelled Cousin Weekend. I don't really want to talk about it.
* I kind of feel like getting packages in the mail. Want to send me some?
* Can you think of any Thanksgiving movies? Now that my Halloween movies have expired, if you will, I'm ready to move on....but not to Christmas. Do you know any movies that are about late fall? Let me know if you can think of any.
* Prescribing giant horse pills to someone with a sore throat is not a funny joke.
* My mother craves ice cream in cold weather. Any one else like that? I wonder why that would happen. It doesn't make much sense in my mind.
* I'm thinking of reading Persuasion again (Jane Austen).
* Feeling like making new recipes again. Anyone have any spectacular ones to share?
* I'm dreading the arrival of the doctor bill, but it hasn't arrived yet. We also have not received any news about potential staffing changes at Josh's work.
* I have babysitting this week.
* As soon as we are done getting sick (please, please, please) I have a lot of appointments to make. In fact, I might make a dentist appointment for Grant on his next half day.
* I need cider. BRRR! :)