News & Notes

Hi Friends! I am back-ish, didya miss me?

I am watching Ricky Martin on Oprah while writing this so excuse any gibberish. I simply don't care that he's gay, he is so pretty.

So, what's going on? *looking around*

I am back at work. I managed to work two full days this week so that's an improvement. The meds make me hella dizzy so that is just SO FUN. I have seven more days. Seven More Days.

I ordered glasses today. I went with a bronzey, rectangular, wire frame. They're a little more chunky than I usually would choose but I'm tired of the frames I have.

I don't like fabric softener. There, I said it. I use dryer sheets on our towels and that's about it. I just don't enjoy having my clothes smell anything other than clean. Or smelling like Kevin. If I could have a Kevin scent, then I might reconsider.

Oooh, look what I bought yesterday. As A Joke, people.

Kevin said "Don't think I didn't notice that Sh*t as soon as I walked in. It's not funny." He's not so much into holiday decorating. Hey, it was $2.99 at the grocery store!

Ranch Wheat Thins are not awful. That's all.

They are predicting a La Nina winter and a 100 Year Winter. I find the 100 Year Winter funny because the last time we had a really wintery winter was in 1950. I will say it now: I am SO LOOKING FORWARD TO IT. I love snow days, if you've been reading a while you know that I obsess about it. Even though snow is what kicked my ass three years ago, it didn't temper my love.

Oh god, they just showed a picture of Ricky Martin bathing a newborn. Swoon.

Here, I can't go on:

Tell me: what have you been up to?

Thankfully

Firstly, I stole this question from Soul Pancake so I can't take credit.

What is your favorite expression of thankfulness?

I think it really depends on what I am thankful for.

If the in-laws do something nice, it is a genuine "thank you" followed by "You didn't have to do that."

If it's my family, it's a muttered, eyes down, uncomfortable "thanks".

If it is said in utter relief, I will sincerely say "Thank God" because if it is something that important, I've already left it up to the Big Guy in the Sky.

With cashiers, waitresses, customer service reps, I try to look directly at them with a cheery "Thanks" and use their name (you would be surprised how well this works with creditors!!! :-D )
or some form of "honey" or "dude" or something appropriate.

If I am a writing a thank you, I try to be effusive and specific.

How do you express Thankfulness?

Sometimes It's Worth It

The truck wasn't running right on the way home tonight. This is unusual, even with it's 332,000+ miles. Kevin thinks that I got a tank of bad gas. In my old car, I had to run Chevron gasoline every once in a while to make sure it ran well.

It occurred to me that there are a few things that are worth spending the extra money on.

Gasoline...even if you buy the next grade up every once in awhile, your car will be happy.

Hotel Rooms...I used to be Suzy Budget with hotels but when we saw one of the hotels we stayed in while racing featured in a murder scene on the news, I decided I need to pony up some more cash.

Chocolate. Enough said.

Eyeglasses...my bargain glasses are total crap and I'm frustrated that I wasted the money.

Bath Towels...we've all bought the Wal-Mart specials that turn into bar rags with one wash.

I am often a bargain shopper. I will buy things second-hand if I can get away with it. Sometimes though, it's just worth the extra few dollars.

What do you think is worth spending the extra money on?

Be Not Afraid

"Because we know, instinctively, as a people, that if we are to get through the darkness and back into the light, we have to work together. And the truth is there will always be darkness..." Jon Stewart

Trick or Treat

We had our first trick or treater today. We've lived here 19 years and he was our first. It was our grand-nephew and his parents. We were looking forward to having five more trick-or-treaters tonight but they were delayed & will arrive tomorrow.

When I was a child, we went to the fire department for a Halloween party. My dad was chief and the auxiliary always decorated the bays with old fashioned decorations and provided every kind of treat that you can imagine.

You know that creamsickle ice cream/sherbet stuff that you eat with a wooden "spoon"? That was the big treat of the night. We always brought some of the leftovers home. For everyone else that is a summer treat, for us it is an October treat.

I lived on a lake so treating was tricky. Houses weren't easily accessible so my parents or brothers would take me to see friends then to the fire hall. From there, when I was older, I could walk over to what they called The Boulevard. It was a narrow street, that used to be one way, that all the kids used to walk down.

People talk about safety when it comes to treating. We always went in groups and there were certain houses that we didn't go to. I think the bigger kids were the ones that told us where not to go. I don't remember there being parents around much.

There was the one house on the hill that everyone said was haunted. I think it just had windchimes. There was the one house that always gave apples. I don't ever remember being scared. Cold, yes, and wet, sometimes. This is Washington State after all.

Despite those memories, I've never been a big Halloween fan. I don't enjoy dressing up. Even at the school, I wore Halloween themed clothing not costumes. It's not the fear-of-clowns thing, I just don't enjoy it.

Also, because of the school rules, I have the habit of decorating with the "friendly" decorations instead of the scary ones. When I am in Target, I do appreciate all the fun decorations, I just don't have them.

Kevin brought home a Halloween cookie for me on Friday that I didn't eat. Finally, he ate it. It had a big plastic spider on it that he threatened to hide on his mom's bed. (I know, right?)

I started making dinner tonight and went to phone my nephew. I about came out of my skin when I noticed this:


Happy Halloween Everyone!!!

What's your Halloween memories?

We need to Paint

As you are aware, I have been at death's door. Well, not really but there have been times I have wished for it.
I haven't had a chance to be bored yet. I have been busy sleeping, taking pills, eating and staring alternately at the walls & television. This has been a special kind of miserable.

Let's talk about pills. I feel like I need charts & graphs:
Take 3 times a day.
8 hours apart...do the math...
With food
But not alcohol so be careful of mouthwash. Seriously.
Eat yogurt but not within an hour of taking the pills.
Drink lots of water because those effers are uncoated & thusly Bitter.

I know, right?

Have I mentioned the stomach ache and dizziness?

I am grateful that I will feel better, don't get me wrong. I try to imagine the pills as. Mini warriors headed down to battle with the bacteria. It makes the twinges of pain a little more bearable.

I remembered when Kevin was sick. He said he felt so poorly that he would get teary when people acknowledged that he looked sick. I felt that way in the grocery store today. I know I am ghostly right now. I felt like asking permission to just curl up in the cereal aisle for a wee nap. And I gently scoffed at the man who sanitized his grocery cart, saying " you have to this time of the year." I just wanted to say "You don't even KNOW."

Hopefully this the last of the sickness posts. I do appreciate all the well wishes. (Hi Wendy!) I am happy to hear from Bea also! I miss you Bea! (And I said fiber but meant starch before)

Meanwhile, I will be here immersed in the world of Ally Mcbeal and eating crackers. Try not to be jealous.

Surfacing

So, um, hi. We're on Day Three of quarantine. Well, not quarantine but it feels like it. I am still, still, still waiting on test results. They said I "should" hear by the end of today but I'm a little "Psh, whatever." Not because I have little faith in them but because no matter what the answer is, I am still sick.

To recap, the antibiotics allegedly gave me C. Diff, which means my digestive system is jacked and I am unable to keep any food. At all.

I tried eating high fiber& starch, didn't work. I tried fasting, didn't work, and I tried eating normally and sing it with me: it didn't work. I am on the eating regularly thing, with high fiber thrown in for good measure. I threw myself a pity party yesterday,I felt so lousy.

Today I've stayed upright most of the day. I've been working on the laptop, paying bills, making phone calls, voting, and generally getting caught up on everything I've ignored since last week.

I've also watched my fair share of daytime television. Of course, I have my observations, because that's who I am.

Too. Many. Commercials.

I miss Not having feminine hygiene products on television. I have seen every product imaginable to television. I can't imagine watching television with my mom, like I did when I was younger, and see commercials for KY Jelly. It is just too much.

I tried watching The Closer with Kyra Sedgwick. I just can't do the accent. It's grating and makes her seem pouty and too Paris Hilton.

I did watch Las Vegas (hello, Josh Duhamel) to get myself (more) excited about our trip. In 21 days. (can I say how irritated I am going to be if I'm not well before then?)

Now I am watching Nate Berkus. I love him. I don't watch every show but pick & choose. He makes me want to paint and reorganize. He makes it seem so easy. I need to reorganize the bookshelf in my office. Not today, maybe this weekend.

*PAUSE*

So, yeah. C Diff it is. NICE. Another antibiotic. Double NICE. Guaranteed to make me sick. Just Kill Me. I'm not surprised but there was a tiny part of me wishing it was anything else. GAH!!!! *foot stomping*

And the pills are bitter. Insult to injury.

Now it's two more days off work to see just how sick the pills make me. More Ally McBeal. I get to eat A LOT with these pills so there's that.

If you need me, just holler. I'm here, hanging around.

Blergh

I am frustrated to report that I am still sick. It is a little after 10 pm on Sunday and am posting from bed. Thank God for my droid.

This is what I have eaten since Friday night:
Top ramen...twice
Mashed potatoes once
Oatmeal twice
Saltines...too many to count
7-Up...twice
3 liters of water

Sadly none of that still resides with me. Thus the trip to the doctor in the morning. Effing antibiotics. The cruel irony is that it will take them to fix this. *fun*

So hello 'ick Time....wait, that is a typo and I am going to leave it because that's funny right there.

News & Notes

It's the end of another week. Is everyone else as relieved as I am?

Have I mentioned how much antibiotics suck? Oh, I have? Well, it's because THEY DO. The latest development with the bug bite adventure is the possible diagnosis of C. Diff. Basically, the antibiotics messed with my digestive chemistry. *fun* she writes with withering sarcasm.

I bargained my way out of stool sample today. (After explaining this to Kevin, he just muttered "That is so...sexy...")

I have to do the clear liquid, high starch diet until all is right with my world again. If I were a baby, it would be the BRAT diet but that's just Too Freaking Easy. B=bananas...which are evil, R...Rice...I'm okay with that, Apples...you know, poison for me, and T=toast...luckily no problem.

So GAH.

I have no plans for the weekend, other than pretend packing for our trip. It's time to make sure we have enough clothing for Vegas. One of the things we might do differently this year is just buying the toiletries once we get there versus having to pay for a larger luggage weight fee. (yes, I might overpack a bit)

The in-laws little dog is really, really sick. Her pancreas stopped working, if I understood correctly. We're hoping that she turns the corner and stays with us just a little while longer.

Have I ever told you the Sassy story?

Everyday, multiple times during the day, Missy Jo goes to their sliding glass door and looks in. Sassy sees her and barks, barks, barks, barks, barks, barks until someone gets the treats for them. The procedure is this: first Missy gets a treat. Sassy waits until Missy eats it then eats her own. I think of it as Missy is the Godfather and Sassy is the Consigliere. Kevin's mom thinks that Sassy is buying Missy's protection should she ever find herself outside.



Have any of you ever played Angry Birds on your cellphone? OMG, that is the stupidest game EVER. But isn't it fun!?!?!!

What's your new favorite television show this year? I actually enjoy The Whole Truth, even though I'm not a Maura Tierney fan. I like the three sides to every story plotline. Of course, it's at risk of being canceled so there's that.

At 11:00 last night I was alternately heartbroken and pissed with the Project Runway show. How did I get so invested in this show? What has happened to me? Let me just say: Michael was ROBBED.

While I'm busy asking social trivia questions: what is everyone's opinion of the GQ Glee pictures? I was disappointed. It just seemed unnecessary.

The other thing that I am going to do this weekend is VOTE. I'm going to sit down with the ballot and my voters guides and vote. Have you sent in your ballot yet? I will quote my parents: "You can't bitch if you don't vote." Brings a tear to your eye, doesn't it?

CK flipped me shit for the fake flowers and this what I have to say about that: I have MORE. (:-D We won't see direct sunlight until April so having real fall flowers is just mean to the flowers at this point. It only took Kevin three days to notice the fake ones, by the way. *squirrel!!!*

And the Yankees just got bumped from being in the World Series....Cha Cha Cha!!!!

Have a great weekend y'all!!

Time Travel

The other day on the radio this question was posed
"What time period would you like to experience?"

Someone answered "the future" and someone said "Any time period that had showers". I thought that was pretty clever, actually.

Kevin loves ancient Greece and Medieval stories. But I think the no bathing thing would make him crazy. My guess for him would be either Old West or in the mid-late 60's when muscle cars were The Thing in the automotive world.

I tend toward the Elizabethan Era but not being serfs. I want to be Elizabeth Bennett, actually. I would love to experience the huge estates and the lazy days of the aristocrats.

My second choice would be the mid-fifties. I love the clothes, I love the cars, I love the music. I basically want to be a Grease character.

Where I wouldn't want to go is where Kevin would probably want to: Old West, Medieval times, or ancient Greece. Nothing on Kevin, I just don't want to living primitively.

Where time period would you like to experience?

Numbers

I don't pay attention to my readership stats at all. In fact, it makes me uncomfortable to go look most of the time. For me, it just gives me a stomachache.

((Don't know what I'm talking about? Go to Google Analytics and register your blog & it will give you readership stats, if you're into that sort of thing. ))

Anyway, I worry if the number drops. I worry if the number increases. I feel self-inflicted pressure. Gah!!!!!

The same with Twitter followers. I avoid making eye-contact with that number. Not that the number is huge or that I am ungrateful with the followers of the random & occasional tweets that I do post.

The same but different with Facebook friends. I have No Idea how many friends I have. The amount of friends doesn't reflect who I am or what I am about. There isn't the pressure there because it's People I Know versus People To Please.

For instance, someone unfriended me and I didn't immediately notice. I was showing Kevin something and tah-dah, the person had disappeared! *shrug* It was someone that I was no longer close with and apparently wishes me dead. So clearly, a tidy resolution.

There was an article in the New York Times that talks about Unfriending that is well worth reading if you have the time: Defriended, not De Emoted. Unfriending has become a new phenomenon that everyone has probably experienced.

I prefer what my BFF K refers to as The Ostrich Method: I just really don't want to know. I am thankful for all the readers, be it regulars or lurkers or one night stands. (shush, you know what I mean)

Do you wonder/worry/obsess about how reads your stuff?

Fall Flowers

The weather is due to turn this weekend. It's been pleasant lately but once the storm hits, it will officially be Fall. There will just be no more denial.

The sun doesn't hit our yard anymore. Kevin leaves in near darkness and soon I won't be able to walk down to get the mail due to the darkness (and the creature that is still in the woods.)

This weekend, in between raindrops, we will put away the ice chests, the garden hoses, the sprinkler. We will make sure that Missy Jo's doghouse is good for the cold & rain. I went shopping to stock up on canned food, etc in case we get snow or loss of electricity. We had a good run but we've put it off long enough, it's time. Fall is here. winter is on it's way.

Nearly all the summer flowers have gone. I need to spend some time dumping out pots and storing them away. But first, I thought I would have some Fall & Winter flowers this year:

(they're totally fake)

How do you get ready for the winter months?

Last Day of School

We went racing this weekend in Seattle so I was internet-free-ish.

This was our second "Last Race of the Season". We went racing in our home track two weeks ago and never thought that the weather would hold for this weekend. So hurry-scurry we pulled everything together and emptied the bank account and off we go.

On Saturday morning it was in the 30's. It only warmed up to the low 50's. It was not a great track and Kevin did okay. He was, of course, hoping to set the world on fire but it just wasn't going to happen that day.

He has been fighting a fuel-delivery gremlin all season and the cold really seemed to piss the gremlin off. But as frustrated as Kevin was his brother was four-times more frustrated. The Brother had just repaired his car from an unfortunate wheelie two months ago, just to have his own gremlins. We have nicknamed his car "Christine". Even with that though, he set a new record for E.T. and perhaps MPH.

So, Saturday was not the best day. The silver lining was we got to hang out with The Nephew's girlfriend a lot and got to see a friend we don't get to see often who always makes us laugh.

Sunday rolls around and we were in "Eff It" mode. Due to lots of breakdowns, our run order was delayed which added to the frustration of the day.

Now I'll break it into a timeline:

First Round:
Kevin has a single pass because his competitor DNQ'd due to mechanical failure.
The Brother automatically advances a round because he was first qualifier.

Second Round:
Kevin goes up against a new friend from Edmondton, Canada & beats him. *awkward*
The Brother sends Cheating Douchebag home crying to his mama.

Final Round: (have you figured it out yet?)
Kevin and His Brother. They run neck & neck at most times. It was anyone's race, for sure.

The Nephew had to be in his Dad's lane and I was in Kevin's lane. We didn't even talk beforehand.

The lights drop and Kevin is EFFING GONE. Like a shot out of a cannon.

The race was nearly side-by-side the whole time. Standing on the start line, we had to wait for the winner light to come on because we couldn't tell who won.

You guys, there was so much cheering. Second time in our career that I was in tears standing in the middle of a racetrack.

Kevin won.

The Nephew hugged me, friends yelled from the stands. High fives.

It was incredible.

Totally worth the empty bank account and the hassle.

News & Notes

The kitchen light went out on it's own the other morning. It also came back on, on it's own. Twice on two different mornings. I think my dad is effing with me.

The friend who had the seizure is slowly recovering. The cause is pretty clear and it's something manageable so let's all send out a thought for her health and strength.

I am anti-pill, only for me, mind you. I think it is a very personal choice. If I needed something to keep me alive, of course I would take it, but when it comes to colds, etc. I prefer to just tough it out and let my body fight. So, it was with frustration that I took the antibiotics. I still feel like they're swimming around in my body and it's making me a little ergh about it.

On the flip side, I do take Omega-3 pills daily. I've found that they help with a variety of things: the nerve damage, the ADD, the mood. They appear to be magic. I stopped taking them while I was on the antibiotics and wow, do I notice the difference. Bring on those magic pills!!!

I dyed my hair a darker blonde. To me, in artificial light, it looks like light brown but in natural light it looks dark blonde. As I explained to BFF K, it is almost a non-color. I am going to do another shade darker and see how it goes. Kevin is looking forward to a dramatic change so we'll see. He asked what color my hair would be when we went to Vegas (in 33 days) and I said BLONDE.

Can I just mention that Bill O'Reilly is a total douchebag? Mmmkay, thanks.

I don't enjoy The View, it's just to much: too bitchy, too gossipy, too much noise. On CBS, they are trying a similar show next week that I am interested in. It is called The Talk and has Sharon Osborne, Julie Chen, Sara Gilbert, Marissa Jaret Winokur, Leah Remini and Holly Robinson Peete. I am intrigued.

Something that you might be surprised about is that I am a huge Project Runway fan. I'm watching it now with bated breath, waiting to see who will go to Fashion Week. I love Michael C so much it is ridiculous. And Mondo. Oh, Mondo.

The Nephew has been sending us pictures of the kids regularly. I love it so much. The kids are cute and The Nephew is a good photographer. It occurred to me the other day that this must be what grandmas feel like. (shut up, the lot of you :-) We had dinner with the Nephew and The Girl. She is Hil-Ari-Ous. They seem to be the perfect match and I wasn't sure that I would ever see it happen.

We're going racing this weekend. We're having little bouts of sunshine and Kevin wants to go one last time. It means we'll be gone the whole weekend, which is never my favorite, but it will be nice to be at the racetrack.

Did I mention that in 33 days I will be in Vegas?

My Life in Pictures

I'm doing one of the Cell Phone Photos Post tonight. I was working on something else, paused to let the dog in, then a photo opportunity arose, which triggered the ADD, thusly resulting in this post and run-on sentence from Hell.

Missy Jo has taken it upon herself to "accidentally" lie on the power cord for the laptop. It happens way too frequently for it to be nothing but on purpose.

This one takes a little explanation. I took this on Saturday when we were taking Missy to get a treat at the mocha stand. It had rained A LOT during the night, resulting in a large puddle in the back of my truck. Missy wanted to go get a treat but was none-too-pleased with the idea of getting her paws wet. This is how she chose to cope with the problem.

Sing with me now: The Bluest Skies You'll Ever See are in Seattle (click the link to view a bunch of beautiful pictures of Seattle) This was the view from my commute on Friday. Your instructions are to remind me in a few months about this picture when I'm whining about gray skies.

This happened this morning. 332,233 miles on my truck.
No one will ever convince me to drive anything other than a Toyota.
Or this truck, for that matter.

What would your life in pictures look like?

That Just Happened

Last week was a long week. At 4:30 Friday afternoon I was more than relieved to begin finishing up the day. I had a date planned with Kevin so I was anxious to leave.

I was talking with coworker J while coworker S was in the office next to hers. I heard her kind of scream and looked to see what was the matter. It looked like she had either dropped something on her foot or been frightened by something. I asked her what was wrong, in a kidding tone, when she dropped like a rock.

Turns out she was having a Grand Mal Seizure. Coworker J sprang to action, simultaneously helping support her head and phone 911. I tried to keep S safe until the seizure passed.

What seems like forever passed as she slowly become conscious. Like most seizures, she became a little combative and then simply confused. It was heartbreaking to watch her slowly realize what had happened.

I don't mind saying that it was one of the scariest things I've ever experienced. Not my dad dying, not rolling the truck, this was truly frightening.

The paramedics came in a remarkably short time. Also, I am simply amazed at how much information they are able to get in such a short period of time. They had her whisked away quite quickly, leaving us adrift in adrenalin. Also, Bellingham Fire Department does not have an ugly firefighter or paramedic, I'm just saying.

We don't know the exact cause of the seizure although we have a pretty strong idea and it's not a pretty one. That will be a whole other topic and post for another day.

The only shiny side of this was that Bellingham Fire Department does not have ugly firefighters.

We Interrupt Our Regularly Scheduled Programming

I apologize for the lack of posts over the past few days. My brain is full. We had an incident at work on Friday afternoon that frankly kicked my ass. Everyone is fine now so don't worry.

We'll be back up and running tomorrow. Thanks for holding.

News & Notes

Here we are on Thursday already. Well, not already. This week has been fought hard and nearly defeated.

So let's talk about how antibiotics suck. Other than the whole eradicating illness thing, they suck. My stomach hurts, my head still itches, and antibiotics suck.

Tonight, Kevin & I talked about how the existence of aliens would affect people's belief systems. Before you think "Wow, how intellectual" know that we were also watching Modern Family & Cougar Town.

How are you doing with the Furiously Happy thing? I am furiously happy that tomorrow is Friday, that I am currently watching Big Bang Theory, and that I didn't have to make dinner tonight.

I think "That's what she said" is being replaced by "In your pants". And this will only be funny if you watch Craig Ferguson.

Everyone is abuzz here about La Nina. La Nina in the Pacific Northwest means *snow*. They're also saying it's going to a 100 Year winter. I am so looking forward to that!! There are few better things than Snow Days.

I tried to remember to take pictures while we were at the racetrack. I don't photograph people well because I worry about being intrusive and making people uncomfortable. I still managed to get a few shots. This one is my favorite, because it's absurd. Here are two semi-professional racecar drivers eating ice cream and the expression on Kevin's face makes me giggle. If he had his hand on his jaw, I would totally know he thought someone was full of sh*t. Instead it looks as if he's thinking "Seriously, dude?"

Sad News

Photo courtesy of www.bellinghamdailyphoto.blogspot.com

Today Dwight's body was found in the bay. He has been positively identified but cause hasn't been disclosed yet. We're all kind of hoping that it was a foolish accident versus foul play.
(article here)

Toss out a thought to his family & friends.

Furiously Happy

Are you reading The Bloggess? If not, why not? what's wrong with you? (it may be because you're sane but what's the fun in that?)

Today's post Furiously Happy is probably one of the best, funniest, important posts I've read. I hope that you click through and read it, and the comments, and the links provided in the comments.

The ever-so-lovely Swistle also posted a fun post titled "What's WRONG With You Today?" This was a great, cathartic post that gave us an opportunity to complain.

Everyone seems like they're in kind of a funk. Even GLEE had a case of the Ennui last night.

Anyway, I thought that these two posts were very fun and interesting ways to draw ourselves out of said funks.

And here is my current Make Me Happy video...

Not Your Whole Head

So, I had hives yesterday and part of Sunday.

Turns out that hives were the symptom, not the cause of my woes. An alleged spider bite is what the problem is. I have a red, swollen patch on my head, just at the hairline where my bangs are. Super attractive.

I thought perhaps that it was a bug bite but I couldn't find a...doctor's words, not mine...point of entry. When I woke up this morning with my head on fire, I gave in and went to the doctor.

Of course my doctor is on vacation so I got one of the other doctors in the practice. He had a Greek-like accent and I am not sure he got my humor. Until I asked the doctor "This means my head won't fall off, right?" Without missing a beat he replied "Not your whole head."

He was unconcerned with the bug bite until I mentioned that I had lumps on the back of my head. Turns out those aren't lumps but angry lymph nodes. These unhappy lumps earned me an antibiotic.

Now this is where you would hear the record scratch if this was a television show.

I am allergic to many antibiotics: penicillin, zirthromax, and sulfa meds. So that totally threw down a challenge for the doctor. He chose something I hadn't heard of that is guaranteed to upset my stomach. Win Win for me.

The good news is that I can now see the point of entry and my head is no longer on fire. I think by tomorrow I will be fine.

I did ask the bedbug question you all are thinking of and no, not even.

Here is the re-enactment that Kevin has chosen: I walked through a spider web, caught him in my hair, he went for a ride, got hungry and decided that he was hungry. As I am hard-headed, he deemed me non-edible and jumped off without my knowledge.

This is a little more pleasant to think about than a man-eating spider hiding amongst the pillows on our bed.

You're welcome for that visual. Sleep well.

Racecar is Racecar Spelled Backwards

Grey Ghost made the mistake of asking about the racecar. Oh silly boy, I can talk about the racecar all day long.

Firstly, it is a 66 Chevelle (Chevrolet) or if you're Canadian, it's a Beaumont.
Kevin bought the car in 1989, before he met me. It was the car we took on our very first date thus making it The Car Never to be Sold.

It began life as a driver and show car with a smokey ol' small block engine that grew into the current version: 572 cubic inch BBC. (big block Chevrolet) that looks like this:

1035 horsepower that runs a 8.7 second quarter mile at 153 mph with a 1.25 sixty foot time

When we started racing, it looked like this:


Now it looks like this:

I took this picture this weekend. It looks like it is sitting in a dealership, doesn't it?

This is what the interior looks like...still like an old car mostly:



But most cars don't have this hanging off the back end:


This car still has a working horn, headlights, brakelights, and turn signals. It qualifies as "Street legal" but isn't even a little bit drivable on the street.

It has also traveled extensively....here are the tracks where we've raced. I chose pictures that show the track names.

Las Vegas Motor Speedway....2008 Pacific Street Car Super Nationals

Pacific Raceways...Seattle WA....Northwest Pro Street Association

Bremerton Raceway...Bremerton WA....Northwest Pro Street Association

Mission Raceway Park, Mission BC Canada...Canadian Pro Street Association

And this is what it looks like in the pits when we're all set up:
I've mentioned before that we used to look at the pits and never think that we would be doing this or have a car as fast as we do. When we began racing, we actually drove the car to the racetrack with tools & tires in the trunk.

Oh, and it's drag racing that we do. Not just drag racing but Heads Up drag racing which means the first one to the end wins. In regular, bracket drag racing, it is the person that runs closest to the number they choose is the person that wins. Heads up is more difficult and certainly more expensive to race. Kevin has never been known to take the easiest way.

Kevin is a goal-oriented guy and this is proof. Luckily for the both of us, I love this just as much as he does. We talked about it this weekend and neither of us can ever imagine not racing.

News & Notes

I am sitting here wondering how I have hives but I do. I haven't eaten anything unusual or made any product changes. At first I thought that it was a bug bite but bites don't usually travel. I am not stressed or emotional so who knows what is going on.

Yesterday was a great day. We went racing at our home track, which is as always, our happy place. Our friends were there, including a surprise visit from our Dawson Creek friends. We didn't set the world on fire but that's okay. Kevin went 153 mph, his fastest and he returned to find a chrome piece had disappeared. We figure it was upon deploying the parachutes. Lucky for us, the safety crew found it at the top end of the track. One of our friends helped put it back on so all's well that ends well.

I spent the afternoon in my chair, watching Ally McBeal and the leaves fall outside. I just had my first official Fall meal: grilled cheese sandwich & tomato soup.

There has been no progress on the boy who is missing in Bellingham. Volunteers have been canvassing the city in an extremely coordinated effort. I can only hope that he knows how many people are looking for him.

I nearly have all of The Nephews kids names memorized. Luckily, three of the five begin with the same initial.

I still have no accomplished catching up and commenting on everyone's blogs. I am beginning to think that once the weather turns, I will be back up to speed. I think also that I've solved my commenting issues. If I log into blogger and go to everyone's blogs from there, it doesn't seem to be a problem.

And while I'm doing some blogging housekeeping...I can't see BlogHer ads on my blog. I think it's an ad block program that is preventing me (it's on both computers here at home & work) Can y'all see it or do I need to email them?


I got an email getting-to-know-you passalong the other day. One of the questions was "Who was your first boyfriend?" I instinctively answered Tony, the troubled boy I "loved" in seventh grade. But I am changing my answer. I think my first real boyfriend was someone that I dated in my sophomore year in high school. He was the first boy that I actually dated, spent time with,
and who actually pursued me. That is how I would define a boyfriend versus a crush, etc.

We are on a teeter-totter when it comes to our Vegas trip. I am purchasing tickets next weekend and making plans with our friends once we get there. The variable you ask? Taking the car. Kevin's dad really, really, really, wants to take our racecar down there. (It's our turn) But we just don't think that we can collectively pull the money together. To clarify: this was Kevin's Dad's idea, not ours. We knew we weren't taking the car.

My mom had her eye checkup last week and I am happy to say that it went well. Her eyes are doing well. (macular degeneration) and we managed to not kill each other along the way.

She did talk about American Idol...she knows that auditions are happening and that it comes on again in January. She also said that it was right that Randy Jackson sit in Simon's seat and she is unsure of the new judges. When I told her that Steven Tyler was from Aerosmith, she sounded excited but I know that she probably has no idea who he is. She said "Lyndsay Lohan" in reference to Jennifer Lopez. She didn't mention that nice Bryan Seacourt.

O.M.G. I am inches from throwing myself on the carpet & squirming around like the dog does. WTH with the hives? The only time I have had them was an allergic reaction to antibiotics. So while it's safe to assume that it is another allergic reaction, it is frustrating.

So there's that. I am going to return to my chair, itch, and know that tomorrow is another day, Scarlett.

It's a Beautiful Day

For some reason this picture that I took this afternoon made me think of this song.

Enjoy....

U2 - Beautiful Day The heart is a bloom Shoots up through the stony ground There's no room No space to rent in this town You're out of luck And the reason that you had to care The traffic is stuck And you're not moving anywhere You thought you'd found a friend To take you out of this place Someone you could lend a hand In return for grace It's a beautiful day Sky falls, you feel like It's a beautiful day Don't let it get away You're on the road But you've got no destination You're in the mud In the maze of her imagination You love this town Even if that doesn't ring true You've been all over And it's been all over you It's a beautiful day Don't let it get away It's a beautiful day Touch me Take me to that other place Teach me I know I'm not a hopeless case See the world in green and blue See China right in front of you See the canyons broken by cloud See the tuna fleets clearing the sea out See the Bedouin fires at night See the oil fields at first light And see the bird with a leaf in her mouth After the flood all the colors came out It was a beautiful day Don't let it get away Beautiful day Touch me Take me to that other place Reach me I know I'm not a hopeless case What you don't have you don't need it now What you don't know you can feel it somehow What you don't have you don't need it now Don't need it now Was a beautiful day

Missing

There is a young man missing in Bellingham right now. He went missing last weekend after leaving a party. Where he went missing from is mere blocks from my work, near the university.

Crime like this is unusual in this town. It has everyone, regardless if they know the guy, a little upset.

Today as I walked to the truck to get my lunch, a young woman was walking along the sidewalk talking on her cell phone. I could clearly hear her conversation "Yeah, it's a little weird on campus right now but I don't know. It's okay..."

Then I find a Missing poster on my windshield with his picture and information. Even though I don't know the guy, my stomach just aches looking at his smiling face. He's only eighteen and looks like every eighteen year old you know.

Upon my return to work, there were two women talking to a roofer working on a neighbor's house. They were asking for directions that the roofer didn't know so I answered. They identified themselves as searchers and friends of the guys mother.

I wished them well and continued to walk. A sound behind me caught my attention. They were searching the dumpsters and garbage bins as they went along. I felt my stomach just drop to my shoes upon hearing that.

On the way home, the neighborhood was busier with many more people on the sidewalks. A police car rushed by, heading toward the university and all I could think that perhaps they had found him. But no such luck.

So dear friends, send a thought out for the guy and his family.

Dwight Clark - Bellingham Herald Article...Click Here, Facebook page Click Here

The Love of a Brother

One of The Nephews new stepsons had a birthday party last night. Because I've been sick, we skipped the party. I am So Disappointed that we did.

The Family all chipped in to buy him (6 yrs old) a new bike. As Kevin says "Every boy needs a bike."

After the party & presents were finished, the waiter brought out the birthday cake and also wheeled out the bike. My brother-in-law said that the older brother (the 8 yr old) told the birthday boy that "You got a bike! Look! You got a bike!"

The 6 yr. old was disbelieving. "No, it's someone else's bike. It's not my bike."

His brother was persistent until the bike was parked in front of him. He looked at the bike and said "I got a bike" then looked at his older brother and said "We got a BIKE!!"

The love and power of brothers is remarkable. "We got a bike!"

After that, we are So buying the 8 yr. old a bike too.

Flip A Coin

A long time ago a friend and I had a theory that a coin flip actually had merit in decision-making.

A coin flip is usually a way to make an unbiased choice. It's how it is decided who goes first, who gets the ball, etc.

It is not usually applied to huge life decisions...do you get married, do you have a baby, do you move away...but it could be a good tool to help you make that decision because lord knows you wouldn't make these decisions with a simple coin toss. That's just silly talk.

Are you still with me?

If you were to use a coin toss to help you make a decision it could help you clarify your thoughts. If you are unsure whether or not to marry Prince Charming, toss a coin.

Heads = yes, Tails = no. If you are uncomfortable or disappointed with the result of the coin toss then viola! Bobs your uncle. (Sorry, just talked to my Australian friend & we were comparing slang)

The point is that sometimes we get so caught up in our own b.s. that we confuse ourselves with too many facts, too many thoughts, too many emotions. Often, we just need to follow our instincts.

A simple coin can help us do just that.

Nice Things

I meant to sit and write today. I really did. I was going to catch up on comments and blogs and posts and generally be a good writer today.

The weather, however, would have none of that. It was a gorgeous day out today. In the 70's and just perfect. The winds were blowing a bit and if it were November/December, I would say they were the Santa Ana winds, which would explain a lot of unusual behavior.

I put away our patio set today. It's time. I cleaned the dog's outside bowls and Grrrr-ossss. I should have had a free pass for the rest of the day after that. Oh, that reminds me. Here is a typical conversation at our house:

Me: in the dog's yard, rinsing out her bowls with the garden hose.
Kevin: on the other side of the fence at his parents: "*firegirl* is that you?"
"No, it's Missy."
"Oh, thought so."

Yeah, we're a witty pair.

Two nice things happened today. Well, more than that but these are the two that stayed with me until this late hour.

We were at Home Depot today and we were loading drywall and 2x4's into the truck. I heard a guy say "They took my helmet?"
I glanced over and there was this big biker guy...not the scary kind...and he's looking bewildered at his bike. He looks up at Kevin and I and says "They took my helmet. That's never happened before. I suppose it's always possible, but they took my helmet."

Here was the big dude and he was crestfallen. He was the very vision of crestfallen. I began to walk over to talk to him when something caught my eye. In the aisle next to the cars behind him laid his helmet. It was tucked against the tire where he couldn't quite see it. I pointed it out to him: "Is that it there, by the car?"
Much to his relief, it was. His faith in humanity had been restored.

Second thing and this nearly makes me tear up:
The boys are next door watching UFC fights. It's a monthly thing. No girls allowed but I can come down for dinner only. We were eating burrito's and Kevin dropped his. It fell against his shirt, making a mess. We teased him, as we should, and continued to eat. Well, Kevin reached for something and nearly dipped his shirt into his plate. Without a word, The Nephew reached over, moved his plate back, and spun it around so the messy part was away from his shirt.

I looked at him, astounded. "Now, that right there" I told him "Shows me you are a Dad."

It was one the sweetest moments of my adult life, seeing my grown nephew automatically do something that is pure instinct of a dad.

So, it was a good day today. I hope it was for you as well.

News & Notes

So, another week has whooshed on by. Actually, this seemed to be longest week ever. But it's over now so that's all good.

Anyone have weekend plans? I don't. I am planning yet another bonding session with the couch and Ally McBeal. All glamor, all the time over here.

I'm getting over a cold and so is Kevin. Tis the season, I suppose.

Someone took a verbal, public, swipe at The Nephew today. For the first time in my life, I feel the proverbial mother bear come out in me. It was so surprising and irrational. What's funny is that it is a comment of someone who is no longer in the picture, who has no freaking idea of what they are talking about but arrogant enough to comment.

The Nephew has become Mr Mom, with five step-children. Five. All under the age of eight. (three year old twins) He is as content and as happy as I have ever seen him. I wish I could post the picture of them but I don't have their permission to post it, much to my disappointment.

Is Seth McFarland not the smartest, most sexy guy on television?

Did everyone see Dan Savage on the YouTube? It Gets Better Here is hoping he saves some lives with this. Even if you're not gay, the lesson is important for everyone: It gets better.

And while I am talking about the YouTube, what is everyone's opinion of Katy Perry on Sesame Street? Do you feel like Sesame Street was correct in not airing the segment?

Here's what I think: I think she should have made a different clothing choice. She was on SESAME STREET for eff's sake. Was it really necessary to have the boobs on display? Yes, I see that they probably tried to make it more modest by adding the sheer neckline but she's Running. And there is a scene that shows her from the shins to her pelvis. WTH is that about? I think it should have never been filmed while she was dressed like that. I think it was poor taste on both behalfs. (is that a word? it is now.)

I found out today that my parents still had stuff in the attic of their house. I have a sinking feeling it is going to be a treasure hunt when it's time to close that house. My mom has her baby dolls from the late 30's. I know, right?

We are going to the Spaghetti Feed at my brother's fire department next weekend. It is one of those community events that is the very definition of Small Town. I love going and it's always fun to see my brother in that mode.

And now you're up-to-date. Have a great weekend y'all!!!

A Day in the Life

My new friend Queen of the Fall posted an interesting idea the other day: A Typical Day.

As tonight the Big Bang Theory and The Office has returned to our living room, I am going to borrow her idea.

A typical weekday in the life and time of *Firegirl*

5:30 am...Kevin's alarm goes on the first time
5:45...alarm sounds second time. This would be effective if Kevin didn't roll over & lay against me.
5:50...Kevin gets up, turns on the closet light so I don't kill him. When I hear the television go on, it's my final chance before the lights get turned on and the blankets are pulled on the floor.

6:00...packing Kevin's lunch. Yes, I am that good. I pack mine next while he eats.
6:05...Force feeding myself Cheerios after Kevin leaves. Convince dog that it's not time to go outside and bark.
6:10-7:45...SLEEP. In the middle of the bed.

7:56...get ready for work, in a rush, and dress in partial darkness because I loathe overhead lighting.
8:25...mocha for me and coffee for my mother-in-law. Try to convince dog not to hate me for not taking her to the mocha stand.

9:00...work. With copious amounts of time spent on the internet so as Kevin says: "Work".

11:30...Go to Starbucks, which isn't as cool as it seems. They give day-old pastries to the YWCA and after awhile, you get sick of them.

4:59...Work over, I am but a vapor trail leaving the building.

5:20...Home. Bust out a few chores and watch Craig Ferguson or whatever shows Kevin doesn't enjoy while he's not home/outside.

6:00-6:30-7:00...consider dinner, wait to hear what Kevin's mom is making, reluctantly make dinner

7:30 - 8:00...cozy in our chairs, watching television and reading, the internet, and quite often the soundtrack of Kevin's on the phone.

9:30...Kevin is asleep so it depends on whether or not I've posted on the blog yet or if there is something on television to determine if I go to bed. ((He's sick so we're an hour ahead of schedule tonight))

11:00-ish...Sleep, maybe. Maybe not. Sometimes laundry.

How does your typical day go?

A Breakthrough in Technology

I am getting used to my new cell phone. It took some pushing the wrong button, and profuse amount of cursing and quelching of tear-rendering frustration but I think I have it conquered.

I have Kindle installed now and "Persuasion" loaded.
I have Grooveshark installed & can listen to music without downloading MP3's etc.
Best of all, I have The Magic Eight Ball app.

Remember the Magic Eight Ball?
"Is Tommy going to ask me out?" *shake* shake *shake*
"The answer is Yes"

Clearly the best use of new technology.

Today though. Today the droid saved the day.

My brother-in-law texted me asking how to "hide" people on Facebook, instead of unfriending them. I text him back explaining how.

Few minutes pass, *bing* "It doesn't work"

I text another set of instructions, with clarifications.

Few minutes pass, *bing* "It doesn't work"

Thinking, thinking, thinking.

Oh I know!

Go to my Facebook Page...find his daughter...Hover over the "X" to show "hide person"

CLICK

Click on "Hide Person"

Click

Open photo gallery, email pictures, and wait.

"Ok. It works. Thank you."

The wonders of modern technology.

COMMENTS

The title is capitalized because commenting on blogs have become an exercise in frustration. I apologize for the yelling.

But Jeez.

So, Grey Ghost and my new found friend Queen of the Fall, I want to comment but I can't get it to work. You know I have stuff to say!!!!

I did a search and this is what I've found:

http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/blogger/thread?tid=6d84fd77dcc56340&hl=en

Woohoo - Great news everyone!!! For those of you who are having inexplicable problems posting on Blogger.com (like I have for the last month) Change the settings to a popup window for posting comments. It works, I just posted to my own blog, something I haven't been able to do since day one.

Give this a try and hopefully I can come play on your blogs again.

Cash, Check, or Credit

I hate paying bills. I know, I know, everyone hates it. But it definitely in my Top Ten Things that Suck.

I've tried a variety of ways & systems and haven't really found any one thing that works for us. I tried Microsoft Money, I tried Excel spreadsheets, I tried the credit union bill pay system, I tried journaling. At times I've even tried the ill-advised Ignoring Method.

We fell into the credit card trap when we were first married and bought the house. It has taken us years to repair the damage. Years. Y.E.A.R.S. Now we don't have credit cards of any kind. We so learned our lesson there.

The only times we miss not having credit cards is when:
We go to Vegas. We get a reloadable Visa card when we travel.
The racecar is broken...Reason #1 we don't have credit cards.
Money is tight...Reason #2 we don't have credit cards.

I use cash for day-to-day expenses and online checks for bill payments. I write checks for groceries and get cash back. I believe I am the only 40-something that still writes checks.

Oh, bills. I was talking about bills. When I stopped working, I budgeted most of our bills to be due at the end of the month. I found that having a mass due date helped with the bill paying ADD. There are other bills that are auto-paid throughout the month like our Sirius, NetFlix, and my book obsession. Bills that don't junk punch the bank account if/when I forget to budget accordingly.

I frequently read about budgeting and like most everything in my life I cherry pick stuff from everything and mash it together to work.

How do you pay your bills?

You Didn't Have to Do That

When Kevin's parents moved up here three years ago, it was the end of a very stressful time for them. Their sister & b-i-l had died, the father-in-law's retirement was in jeopardy, and it was the culmination of an entire lifetime. This is the last house they will live in.

With the sale of the house, etc. the parents were suddenly flush with cash. Kevin's dad has worked hard all of his life, starting when he was 14 years old. While they got by just fine, they were typical Americans living on a budget.

Suddenly most of their bills are gone. They had few worries. And a pocketful of money.

Kevin's parents believe in "You can't take it with you" and they say that they'd rather watch everyone else enjoy the fruits of their lifetime then to die with money in the bank. So we have to be careful about saying that we want anything.

"The washer is making a funny noise" = coming home to a new washer.
"I want to try to take the car to Vegas" = Parents becoming the sponsor of the car.
"I really want to add plants to the rock garden" = nearly brand new rock garden

Not to mention all the dinners they bought and presents they gave. The coffees that they buy when we're not paying attention.

This is where the title comes in. We found ourselves saying, often, "You didn't have to do that." Enough so that they had made a sign that hangs next to their house saying just that.

Today was not my best day. It was a Monday and I am getting over a cold and bladda bladda bladda. So it was with a stunned "Wha?" that I reacted with when Kevin brought over a new-to-us flat screen television for the bedroom.

Kevin's parents bought a new television for their living room. So they gave us the old one:


I've named it "Insomnia" It's a 40" flat screen and suddenly we have a theatre in the bedroom.

So, a lovely end to a total crap day.

How did your Monday go?

Random Item of the Day - Alternative Uses Edition

Welcome to Random Item of the Day - Alternative Uses Edition!

I am not a big fan of clutter. I'm less of a fan of cords, labels, and commercial items. When you look at interior design magazines, you never see toothpaste on the bathroom counter or soap dispensers, or anything that shows signs of real live people living there. However, real live people do live in my house. With that, this is how I've worked around hiding things.

These are my kitchen canisters...duh...but as we know I don't cook, they now hold all the chargers for our cell phones and bluetoothes, blueteeths?




This one is a little obvious but I am including it because I love this cup so. And this is the same scrubby I've had since we lived on 21st Street twenty years ago. No, I am not sentimental about scrubbies, just lazy about buying a new one.




This one also isn't so special but there is one thing to know: it holds approximately $38 in change. This is our spare change bowl and is dedicated to our annual Vegas trip and Kevin's New Years Eve poker kitty.




This is a little flower pot that I got in an organic store because I was given a white peasant shirt for Christmas. I use it to hide Kevin's medicine on our dining room table.






Last but not least, a decanter. It holds Listerine on the bathroom counter. It's a little heavy but to me it's worth not having an ugly plastic bottle on the counter.


I am sure there are other items that I am forgetting but these are my favorites so there you go.

What alternative uses do you have in your house?

Oh Hello

So I was walking into the grocery store this afternoon and there was someone blocking the door. Always a good start to the trip.

It was someone I graduated with and all I could think was "You were annoying in high school, glad to see nothing's changed."

I skirted around her to get a cart & had to wait for someone with a child. I noticed her hair (dyed blue/black) and when she turned around, I nearly just blurted out "Really?"

It was the girl I went to school with that Michael slept with while we were still married.

Nice.

To her credit, she looked as if she turned inside out when she realized it was me. I just smiled a bit and nodded then glanced away.

I tried to head the opposite direction once in the store but we did the whole awkward meeting in the aisles thing until I just made a concentrated effort to go to the opposite side of the store.

But not before I had to stop at the deli and she was further on down, within hearing range. Kevin called to tell me something that made me laugh. I was able to be cheery and end the call with "I love you" so that was serendipitous.

Too boot, I have a cold so I really didn't pay attention to appearances when I left the house. Luckily, I am vain so it wasn't that bad. Jeans that fit, fitted black t-shirt that shows a hint of boobs, my black Dansko's. So, worse case, my hair could have used a brushing.

Gah. Sometimes shopping in your hometown blows.

Yearbook

This is my third grade picture. Anyone who knows me will pick me out instantly by two features: glasses & the head-tilt.

I am friends on the facebook with about half of the people in this picture. To me, that's the best part of facebook. There were positive comments all around when I posted it and tagged people. It was really fun to read. I chose this picture because we're all still pretty small, cute, and hadn't broken into cliques yet.

At this school, BFF C was in another class but we'd see each other occasionally. I still drive by this school on the way to the parents house. It hasn't changed much, actually. I also think about stopping by to walk around but just never have. I've been to my other grade school, which has been extensively remodeled so it doesn't quite feel the same.

I've also been back to high school. The first time it was still the same and was fun to reminisce. The second time it had been remodeled and felt a little strange. I could tell where I was but everything was different. On some level, I am a little disappointed that it is so different.

The high school made a video for school pride months ago and I posted it here. Someone asked me about a room in the video and I commented "Oh, that's the principals office. Erm, well, not that I had ever been in there." Twenty three years later and it was still mildly embarrassing that I had been in the principal's office.

My mom always said "Write down your friends names" on the pictures because time will pass and I wouldn't remember. I couldn't imagine not remembering my friends names. Luckily, I have a Rainman kind of brain when it comes to names so I have, at least, the first names of all the kids.

I miss not having class pictures, yearbooks, or portraits. Life goes by so quickly and changes so often and we just don't have the same memories we did as children. If we had some sort of system, it would be nice to be able to look back. Even the people you didn't like because then you'd be able to say "Gah, remember her? we hated her!" Or in many households, it is always the same person taking the pictures. I have plenty pictures of Kevin but there are few of me.

My overall point being: I guess that's what Facebook has become. A giant, ever changing, yearbook.

(P.S. I am the second from the left, bottom row.)

News & Notes

Is it the weekend yet? how about now? now? You know it's been a week when Diane Sawyer announces that only two more alarm clocks are left in this week.

I work with at-risk women and there are times that I think the women that live there are more sane than the women I work with. (Not You, J. SO not you!) So yeah, there's that.

We're supposed to race this weekend and it's going to rain. I'm not totally disappointed. Don't tell Kevin.

The creature that was living in the woods next to our house has seemed to have moved on. I'm thinking it equated living next to a barking Missy dog to living next to the airport. Good job, Missy.

The in-laws are considering a new dog because their dog, Sassy, is growing old quickly. She's a little Shizuh teacup something or other. I've been checking out the Humane Society website and OMG I want every single dog there.

We are watching Couples Retreat and Kevin claims that places such as that resort don't exist. I guess I'm going to be researching more than just a Vegas trip this weekend. Oh, Vegas is six weeks away now. *gulp*

Did we talk about glasses? I can't remember. My insurance only pays for every-other year and this is my out of pocket year. So of course the glasses I fell in love with are FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS. So I need to figure that out somehow. I can never justify spending that much onsomething that I will most definitely fall asleep in.

The flowers are all dying in the rock garden so I have a plan. I'm hoping to do it this weekend and can't wait to show you. That's all I have to say about that.

Pringles Ranch. If I ever end up in rehab, it will be because of those. I'll be on TMZ with a can stuck on each hand & chips in my hair.

The feeling of wanting to pound my DROID phone with a hammer has passed. It helped when the Nephew said "Think of it as a computer that makes calls". Also, I have to use the actual keyboard instead of the touch screen while texting. This cuts down on the murderous rage significantly.

My favorite season is starting. No, not Fall. The television season. Parenthood is back on, Brothers & Sisters will be on Sunday. We're going to try watching Boardwalk Empire on HBO because Kevin is missing The Sopranos. With the television season, so begins the magazine reading season.

Oh, Food Fail. Huge Food Fail. My brother & girlfriend loves something called Batter Blaster. It is pancake batter In A Can. I realize that this is obvious but they Love it so I tried it. You can thank me later.

That's what's going on in my life. What's going on in yours?

Only Prettier

This is my new favorite song, this week.

If you're curious which camp I was in...well, let's just say I never went to prom. Although I didn't smoke. (looking & laughing at you, C!!! Hope you're feeling better)

Apologies for the lame posts this week, been so tired and it's been kuh-razee at work lately thus zapping all of my superpowers.

City of Subdued Excitement

I was sent a link from a friend earlier today that I have to share. Riffing off "Empire State of Mind" it's a song about my adopted hometown Bellingham.

Hope you enjoy!

A Family is a Family is a Family

Firstly, if you haven't seen the documentary with the title name, please go watch it. It's very sweet and makes you cry a little.

This weekend was Kevin's family reunion. We were a little hesitant because this was one of the few family gatherings we've had since Uncle Don & Aunt Susie died. Nothing makes a death so much more obvious than a family gathering.

To add to that, a large portion of the cousins have moved away. My mother-in-law's sister died of brain cancer not long after Kevin & I began dating. She had four daughters, the youngest (twins) were seventeen-ish. Long story short, the twins married Air Force pilots and moved away. They now live in Missouri & Kansas, quite near each other. In time, both of the older sisters moved down there to recreate their own family. So that takes away four cousins and no, I am not kidding, thirteen children.

The m-i-l's two surviving siblings arrived with their adult and nearly adult children. The cousins that are Don & Susie's children also made the trip north with both of their sons, one of which has a serious girlfriend/fiancee.

It's odd for me to sit back and see these "kids" as grown adults. It feels very time-warpish. As if you are suddenly trapped in a television melodrama and scrolling through the montage with Cats in the Cradle playing in the background.

Kevin's parents also invited m-i-l's best friend and her son, who works for Kevin now. (yeah, that's not awkward at all) We have become their family as everyone in theirs has moved away or passed on. She was so excited to hear that us "kids" were on The Facebook and that we would friend her. (that night)

We realized also that we've become the adults of the family, whereas we're used to being the kids. The younger cousins now see us as the grown-ups, the family matriarch/patriarchs. Soon young Kevin (named for his uncle) will be graduating high school. His eldest sister is going to the university near my work & works at one of my favorite mocha stands. It is my hope that serendipitous forces like that continue to keep the family in contact.

Oh, and I nearly forgot: my nephew. My nephew who is becoming a step-daddy to five kids. The neighborhoods volume increased exponentially upon their arrival.

There's a line in Peggy Sue Got Married when Peggy tells her grandmother, "We never see the cousins since you died". It's my fear that, while probably inevitable, that doesn't happen.

Especially when one of Kevin's cousins who is this big tough guy always makes a point of kissing me on the cheek, hugging me, and saying "We'll see you again soon."

A Family is a Family is a Family. Even if the young cousins move away, we will still be a family. We can add or subtract numbers as time goes by but it doesn't change the definition.

They're Not Just for Golfing Anymore

I've had plenty of experiences with golf carts over the past few years.

Golf carts are a normal sight at the racetrack. They're used as tow vehicles mostly. And yes, we have one. Actually, the family owns one. The original intention was for traveling between the three properties here but it's become a fixture in the pits as well.

At first I was morally opposed to having one. We didn't need one for a tow rig so it was just for our own personal use, which I equated to being lazy. Then we started traveling to other tracks, which aren't as localized as our home track. Suddenly, my morals lowered.

It used to be the Big Boys, as I referred to the more high-dollar racers, had the carts and it is with dumbfounded amazement that I now find us in that category.

Back in the day when I was Somebody at the racetrack and made thousands of trips from the pits to the tower, I walked. I would actually break down a pair of sneakers in about a month. I was walking along one day, minding my own business when someone screeeeeeeched to a halt beside me. It was one of the track officials. It was another one of those moments when I thought "This is my life now: cruising the pits with a track official."

We also use our friend's cart when Kevin crews for him. I have a picture of all us piled onto it after Dale won a race that was taken by the track photographer. I've mentioned before how amazing it is to travel down the return road, past the spectators, after a win. A great feeling brought to us by a simple golf cart.

In Remembrance

It is time to combat the ignorance that inspires hatred and fear. We have seen the harm religious chauvinism can do; now let us bear witness to the power of compassion.

~ Karen Armstrong, Huffington Post quoted from 9/11 and Compassion

The Song Game

Happy Friday everyone! Welcome to this week's edition of Phoning It In. Let's play a game!!

As I can't find the original game anywhere...i.e. my desk drawer...I'm just going to recreate it. Leave your answers in the comments or post it on your blog. Pass it along to all your bloggity friends.

Name the song that(insert your answer here)


that you have to turn off the moment you hear it
Open Arms - Journey. Thanks Michael

that will wake you out of a deep sleep
Unbelievable - EMF


that makes you cry
What Might Have Been - Diamond Rio
The Greatest - Kenny Rogers (incredibly sad story behind this one)


that makes you laugh
Paradise by the Dashboard Lights - Meatloaf. Another Brad story.


that reminds you of your first love
Ugh...I can't think of the name of it! Choose any song from the 80's that was in a john hughes movie.


that was your wedding song (or your first dance, if you are unmarried)
We had three but "Two of a Kind, Working on a Full House" Garth Brooks is Kevin's favorite.


that will make you spontaneously dance
Groove is in the Heart - dunno who sung it CC& the Music Factory?


that you chill out to
Anything by Jack Johnson


that energizes you
Bawitdaba (Cowboy) - Kid Rock


that is your theme song
"I'm Still Standing" - Elton John


Okay, your turn! If I ever find the original game (which has many more questions)I will repost. Or you can add your own songs!

Have fun!!!

Found

Remember awhile ago I mentioned trying to find my childhood friend Laura?

I did and I wrote her a note and She Answered!!

I know, right? you have to love the internet.

I sent a note that said essentially "hi, remember me? how have you been? Here's all my contact info" yadda yadda yadda.

One Saturday I turned my email on to find an email from her saying "I didn't know I was lost!" Funny how things don't change really. She's the same funny, sarcastic person I remember.

So, that's really good. It makes me happy. Very happy.

((if there is sudden lapses in grammar or text that looks like this: shdfasodfih;lwaerjlkwa. It's because I'm having an allergic reaction and am sneezing my fool head off. I'm hoping by acknowledging it to the universe, it will stop.))

Thank you for the bless yous.

Anyway.

She has different last name and just like me: she has a common, plain last name. It's a wonder we ever found each other. Because as glamorous *firegirl* sounds, I have a very plain, common name in real life.

Can I just say she is badass? I told y'all about how it was growing up for her and that I hoped she found a way out. Chick hitchhiked from her house in rural Missouri to a recruiting center, signed up, and left. Just left. Just like that. Peaced out on the whole family situation and made her own life.

Badass.

Now she's married, has children, and is back in the States. It seems like her life is going well.

I friended her on the facebook and got to see some pictures, which was really nice and kind of trippy. It's odd to see her siblings grown up. They were all kids when I saw them last.

In fact, I have to admit that I was scrolling through pictures, paused at one, and thought "Who is that? he's hawt" thinking that perhaps it was her husband.

It was her baby brother. I felt like I had to gouge my own eyes out! Dude was in diapers the last time I saw him.

So, yeah, that's awkward.

I feel like I need to send the internet a bouquet of flowers to say thank you for the reconnection.

Have you found someone you've lost through the internet? Who?