Yippee, yahoo and yowza!

Mike accepted a job offer today with the company that is taking over his current employer. That means he has a job, not just now but after the merger too! I just can't say how much has been lifted from our shoulders. Between this and putting the old house up for sale, it feels like we (meaning- Mike) has accomplished so much in just a short period of time. All I've done is the laundry. But there is something to be said for clean underwear and jammies.
Thank you for all your prayers regarding his job, they worked!

We're In!

We have also signed up for Fair Shares food co-op. Check it out if you live in the St Louis area and enjoy locally grown food stuffs.
https://www.fairshares.org/home
Also, my friend Robin and I are working on developing a food site dedicated to cook ahead meals with real ingredients. No cream of crap soup will ever be used! She is a trained chef who ran her own 1 person catering company, until she got knocked up and all. I'm just a self-taught, burn and learn cook who doesn't use pre-packaged, salt filled box stuff and cooks as low fat as taste buds will allow.
Should be an interesting culinary adventure!

This is it!

My wonder-hubby took a half-day yesterday to clean out the garage next door. The charity truck is scheduled to come by this afternoon for all the stuff that has stuffed it.
Saturday we are signing the last of the paperwork to put it on the market. I'm starting to see the light at the end of this tunnel.
Last night I felt like my throat was on fire and took my inner ear medicine because things were getting swirly. This morning I feel much better. The walls are staying where they should be and my throat is just embers now. Which is good because I'm watching Little Eddie while Beqi sews her fingers to the bone.
Also last night during a hot bath I came up with (yet) another crafty idea. It solves the problem of what to do with really bad hardcover books. Its rare that I don't finish a book because its awful. The one I'm reading now is worse than awful, good thing I only spent $5 on it. Anyway, I'm thinking of using it make a cover for paperbacks with a pocket for glasses and a built in bookmark, maybe even an outer pocket for change or (for my Dad) smokes and a lighter. We shall see.

Looting us fun!

You know its going to be a rough one when instead of looking forward to a nice, hot cup of coffee you're looking forward to downing some AirBorn.
Last night my MIL came over and wanted to take us shopping. Shopping with her is a lot how I imagine looting would be, only without the threat of being arrested. She whizzes through racks, grabbing clothes until her arm breaks under the weight, then its up to the counter to buy it all. Me? Well, when the clearance racks were as good as they were last night I grab whatever is the size I need and not butt ugly, then I find a spot and go through it all tossing what I don't like/want/need or doesn't fit, then I figure out the best deals and buy just those. Yes, I'm a little OCD. Anyway, Gryffin got stocked up on shirts, jammies and even big boy underpants. Not that he needs the latter right now. We just thought having Teen Titans and The Incredibles underpants would be a nice little bribe to sit on the potty more often.

Albatross rears its ugly head

My poor SIL called today. Apparently. the old egg-donor called to tell her to email me to call 'my mommy'. Now did you catch that? Albatross CALLED someone to EMAIL me to CALL her. Yup, that makes as much sense as she ever does. Sweet little Ruth tore into her and explained the reason I'm not calling her, beside the fact that she is not, nor ever was a 'mommy' to me, except maybe of the Mommy Dearest type.
Albatross hasn't called because she knows she lied about me. If she knew she hadn't done anything wrong she would've called long before now to play a guilt card, of which she has an ever lasting supply. If she does grow the spine to call, she will find out quickly it was wasted time. If granted one, I would accept an apology and promptly let her know that my patience and sanity have run out when dealing with her and that I don't want her calling again.
The other night I had a dream that she crashed Gryffin's birthday party and Mike and I had to keep Beqi from punching her and Mike's Dad from shooting her. When I told Beqi this she told me to just say the word and that dream could come true. Man, I love my friends!
I love them so much I spent all day fabric shopping with them today. We shopped, drank coffee, laughed, made old men in cars parked across from us decide to park elsewhere because we were rocking out and heard more from Beqi than we ever bargained on. (Don't worry Beqi, I won't go into details on that)

Lots to do!

Last night we met with our Realtor. Good news, we decided on a price to list at. Much less than we could've gotten just a year ago but hopefully enough to get it sold quickly. Bad news, the roof sprung a leak. Yup, more work, more money, more headaches. We have to wait to list it until its fixed, so I'm hoping we can find someone to do it this week. Also, everything needs a scrub and shine, the tub needs new caulk, it needs to be staged and of course, my glass studio needs to be moved out. This week will be a busy one for us. Our goal is to have it listed within 7 days.

Saturday was Curry Fest at Robin's. She made all sorts of Indian food that was so yummy I ate until I was in pain. The boys secluded themselves in the basement playing guitars, the kids ran rampant and the moms enjoyed glasses of wine and tattoo pens. Lets just say that temporary tattoo pen ink lasts longer on me than anyone else.

Today is play date and since I'm hosting I better get off my butt and get dressed.

They make me feel like dancing!

I bought these last night and I can say that I have never owned a pair of sparkly shoes in my life. Until now! I'm not a sparkly kind of person, or a flowery person, or a person who is all smiley face with unicorns and rainbows. I am more of a black clothes, jeans and man part skewer heels wearer, that will give you the evil eye before attempting to smile at you kind of person. But damn, I love my glitter Converse tennis shoes! As soon as I put them on I felt the need to clip the MP3 player on and listen to some Gnarles Barkley and Blondie while dancing/cleaning.
If you are in a bad mood and grumpy I suggest:
1. Get a latte
2. Eat a nice meal
or
3. Buy some glitter shoes!

A Pain in the Crane

This is what I did during Gryffin's nap and a movie. The purse has a coral, green and gold crane print with a black lining. I also made a little credit card and lip gloss wallet and a coin purse (not pictured).
It was much more difficult than I imagined. I don't use patterns much. I use a design as I go process which would probably make a seamstress weep. But hey, as long as I like what I end up with she can cry her little heart out.





This is the credit card and lip gloss wallet opened up. Sorry for the out of focus shot.

I don't need an Albatross around my neck.

I took the Albatross to her surgery, stayed until I talked to the doctor who said she came through with flying colors (I tried to hide my dissappointment) and that I couldn't see her for another three hours when they took her to her room and that she would be out of it the whole time. I didn't stick around after that. I'm not waiting three hours to be a bell hop and then have to drive home in rush hour traffic.
Needless to say, she spread the word that I practically dropped her at the door and took off, didn't even wait until she was in surgery. Now I wish I had done just that. Next time she needs a lift anywhere she can call a cab for all I care.
I'm just sorry that this will probably put more pressure on my bro & sis in law. They mean the world to me and I've waited so long to finally have a positive relationship with my brother that I hope and pray they will forgive me. I just can't deal with the lies and drama anymore. I've never been able to make that woman happy or proud of me. I tried for so many years, wasted years. Even as a kid, I remember her yelling at me because I didn't do my chores to her liking. It got to the point where I wouldn't do them at all because I knew either way I was going to get yelled at. Screw her and the little crazy train she rode in on.
On to happier notes:
I have set up the secondary city inspection for next door and am interviewing a real estate agent tomorrow.
I was told by Beqi (my sewing mentor) that I did a good job on my purses.
I distracted an old man with my glittery skull shirt.
I started on a promised knitting project.
I helped a friend in need. Praying for you girl, even though you don't believe in that sort of stuff.
See, I'm not so evil despite the rumors.

Restless hands

This is what I did because I needed something easy to do while fighting the flu. I made two purses. The one on the left has tortoise shell handles (they don't show up in the pic very well) and is reversible with an inside pocket. I used a paper grocery bag as the pattern. The smaller one on the right is also reversible and was based on a purse I bought recently. I loved the design of the purse but hated the fabric so I bought it knowing I had the perfect fabric at home.
I don't know what I will do with all these, maybe sell the larger one. Or use it as as knitting bag, who knows!

Family

So anyone who has read my blog more than once knows that I don't like my mother and refer to her as egg-donor, El loco or albatross. Don't get all judgemental, she has earned every nickname and a few more that couldn't be repeated on national TV (and sometimes cable). She gives relatives epileptic seizures, migranes and nausea. She creates stress and frustration in her wake. She thrives off of chaos and drama and is only happy when she is as miserable as she makes everyone else.
Last night she came to visit Gryffin. I tried to ignore her as much as possible without leaving her alone in the room with my son. In her sugar coated shit way she bad mouthed people I love and swore that no one cares about her. She's kind of right. I don't really care about her even though I stocked her up on homemade frozen food (as per her request) and am going to have to get up at 5am Monday to drive her ass all over hell's green acre so she can get surgery. I don't care about her but I'm spending the day at a hospital waiting on her sorry butt instead of being at home with my son and husband. Why am I doing this when I don't care about her? Because I care about my family, the family that would have to go through more hell on her part if I didn't. They go through enough as a result of her so this is the least I can do to show them that I love them (not her).

So the kiel basa didn't get done but the steak and bean soup did so I guess we will just have to have that for dinner instead. I made a double batch so there is plenty to eat and to freeze. I had such grand plans for the day: a bagel with Beqi at the coffee shop, an errand, a few much needed phone calls and cleaning. I got the first done, came home talked to Mike, ate lunch and proceeded to fall asleep. Crap. Not good timing since the albatross/egg donor is coming tonight to visit Gryffin. I was counting on Mike continuing to feel better, come home on time and helping do a quick dust and vacuum but that's not going to happen. Funny thing but every time the albatross is planning a visit things get very busy for him an hour before he is scheduled to leave so he has to work late. Hmmm, I think I'm starting to get that he doesn't like her.

Yesterday I made a big batch of roasted red pepper and tomato soup. Since we had an ice storm move in it was perfect weather food. I made up some grilled cheese sandwiches and chopped some pepperoni to top the soup with. I froze about 2 quarts, one for the wacko egg-donor and one for us. I thought it was quite yummy.
Today its steak and bean soup for freezing and for dinner keil basa, red taters and green beans in the crock pot. Cold weather just makes me want to cook.

• Saturday- party, party, party. Clara Jane's B-day party was fun. The after-party was held here with Rock Band, wine, beer and assorted B-day party leftovers.
• Sunday was Jammies and Grammys. Gryffin and I never left our jammies and I stayed up really late (for me) watching my girl, Amy Winehouse rock.
• Today is storytime at a bookstore, then playdate at Robin's. Don't know if we will make the first, definately the second though.
• Mood is questionable. Lots on the mind, putting weight on the shoulders and making the clock spin faster and faster.

Will Vote For Food

Yesterday I went grocery shopping. It hurt. Usually I spend about $50 a week, $60 when I splurge. Today it was $75! I didn't splurge, I even skipped my bottle of wine and soda. Unloading all the groceries, I tried to figure out why it cost so much. It came down to milk, fruit and veggies. When milk is at $4 a gallon and you go through three sometimes four gallons a week it adds up. Broccoli is at almost $2 for a small bunch, green beans were about the same price for a pound and green peppers were a $1 a piece! I did buy some frozen veggies that were on sale for a buck a bag but not all veggies are good frozen. Some just turn mushy and gross. I won't even get started on the price of fresh fruit other than to say, its a good thing Gryffin likes bananas because they are the only fruit I could get without selling stock.
Now I'm all for saving the environment and becoming less dependant on oil but the whole corn based fuel thing is bunk... my grocery bill proves it. When it becomes more profitable for farmers to grow food for a gas tank rather than food for humans or cattle everything you ingest will become more expensive. I can't blame the farmers, they are just trying to keep their own families fed. If I had to narrow it down to just one person to blame it would be (drum roll please) W. Now I'm not going to get all political and preachy. I'm just going to say that voting should be done and researched. Don't just choose a candidate because they are pro-life or pro-choice, that battle has been fought, its done, its over. Don't choose a candidate because they are in the party you chose to be affiliated with, that is just a label and labels don't mean much. Don't choose a candidate because they are more or less religious than the next guy, or girl. Religion doesn't belong in politics- separation of church and state, remember? Choose a candidate based on where they want to lead this country, what their plans are to fix the economy and bring our soldiers home, how they are going to improve the quality of life for our children, our elderly and ourselves. And by all means, don't choose to not choose. If you don't vote, you don't get the right to bitch about the status of affairs.
Ok, I did get all political and preachy. Sometimes I just can't help it.

America the dumb.

You know its a sad state of the country when you turn on a national morning news show and are bombarded not by news that's important but 'news' of Brittney Spears, Heath Ledger and Paris Hilton. Who the hell cares?! There is a war and a pending election. There are tornadoes and snow storms, heck there are even some feel-good, happy stories that could be told. No, I get to hear about stupid celebrities and their stupid behavior. I get to know more about the psychological status of attention hungry morons than of the state of the economic stimulus plan. This country is getting dumber by the minute thanks to the media. Its not enough that the public school system is a joke, health care is inept and the economy is in the toilet. No, they have to concentrate on catering to the Jerry Springer watching, People magazine reading crowd and perpetuate ignorance.

Disclaimer: Blogspots spell check isn't working so please forgive my own ignorance when I forget to put the I before the E or the sometimes Y rule.

Yesterday was filled with hard work, laughter and the realization that I have the most awesome friends in the world. Robin and Beqi came over to help spruce up the 'spare house'. Robin cleaned her butt off and Beqi painted until her arm could no longer hold a roller. I don't specifically remember what I did but my body is telling me this morning that it was more than I should have.
Last night Mike stuck with the theme and installed a new faucet. Our kitchen faucet has been leaking for weeks and we finally bought a new one over the weekend. Its pretty and functional, which is more than the old one ever was.

Ah-ha-ha-ha!

Bone head move of the week:

Glueing a Wolverine action figure to your hand.

Gryffin was the attending surgeon on duty.

Hey, Gryffin! Smile if you think this is as funny as Mom does!

Wiggin' Out

No cute little headband is going to save my hair today. I either wash it, wig it or go all Brittney on it. Where I am tempted to shave my head, my husband would probably dissavow me. I would love to be able to just throw on a wig and go but unfortunately I didn't spend more than $30 on any of them, so they look like wigs. I guess I will just have to break down and wash it. There are worse thing to have to wash, like the kitchen which my wonderful husband is doing right now. Bless him!

If anyone is up for good art, craft, coffee & music come check this out tonight:
http://indievalentine.com/map.html
My friend Beqi is one of the vendors, http://beqiclothing.com/ . Her stuff is awesome and I could easily drop some serious buckage on her spring line. And the more you buy the more Bastard Scraps I can beg off her. Hee hee hee.

I'm going to be there with my meager allowance in hand ready to spend it all! So if you see a crazy redhead or some weird chic in a cheap black wig, come and say hi!

My second child will be named Thor

We got the snow I was hoping for!
Gryffin and I played in it for quite a while today. Of course, when your two you never want to stop; however, when you're thrity-five quiting time is only held off by an adorable face like this.
I finally bribed him in by promising he could watch Teen Titans after his nap. Yup, I'm a sucker.







He becomes a walking snow man and he still won't admit he's cold.

It ain't purrrfect, but it'll do.

What do you do when you haven't been able to wash your hair in almost a week, you can't stand to wear yet another baseball cap and you know you're going out?

You take a total of 1 minute to dig through Beqi's Bin of Bastard Scraps, sew a quick headband and use it to cover those greasy roots and tie it all back. I think I set a new world record in speed styling. I know its not all that "Growl" but at least its a little "Meow".