Wells Fargo, a well of uselessness and ineptitude

Again, I cannot say it enough... Wells Fargo sucks! You would think a big company like that would have the ability to stop payment on a check they issued in error. Oh noooooooo, they want me to cash it or mail it back to them. Either of these could potentially open a big ol' can of worms- for me, not them.
I am not a stranger to filing with the BBB. I firmly believe in it. Eventhough last time it got me a phone call from the police wondering who the crazy hispanic man ranting at their station was. He didn't like the report I filed on him and was trying to press charges against me for it. Hee hee hee, now I can laugh- then it was not funny. I wonder if he tried to press charges against all the others that filed too because there were several. Anyway... I looked up on the BBB site for filing info on WF and they had a number of someone to call at the company before filing to help resolve the issue. I called, we will see if the @#$%'s actually call back though.
You know its bad when a company has gotten so big they can't even communicate within their own departments and aren't even provided direct numbers or addresses for their own departments. Hmm, you think that might relate to government as well?
You're right, I'll stop before I get all political. God forbid I get in a worse mood.
">Link

Hey, changes are good.
Especially when its underwear.
">Link

Oink, oink, oink!

This little piggy went to the toy store.

That little piggy stayed home.

This little piggy ate ice cream.

That little piggy had some too.

And this little piggy went sonic cute in two seconds flat.

Don't have much to say except its hot and we didn't win the lottery. But it could be worse, it could be freezing and payday still weeks away. There is always a silver lining, sometimes it just takes a little elbow grease to get it shiny.
">Link

Paris for President

Did anyone else let out a gasp at the news that Paris Hilton found God in jail? You would think He would live in better quality diggs than that but hey, who's going to question the Big Guy. But she did say that she is going to put the dumb act away. If that was an act, I'm really a blond.
Why should I even be subject to such drivel when I log on to a news site? Is this really news? Does anyone with and IQ greater than two digits really give a flying fart? The really sad thing is, I bet more people are interested in reading this crap than finding out who the presidential contenders are. They can't name a single candidate but know the names of Paris's dogs. Holy crap, how did I know she has dogs? Ugh- the dumb is contageous! No more news, I can't stand to lose IQ points.
">Link

Girl, you got some shoes! $3.24, no you dihn't. Is that leopard skin peeking out from the inside?!

">Link

TGI M?

Mike and I were both glad it was Monday, as we could use the rest. 13 post holes dug, manually. 13 posts set in concrete. Luckily we only had to put up posts on three sides as we are attaching the new fence to the old one on the shared side of the yard between the new and old houses. Lets just hope the buyers want a fence. I finished cleaning out the basement then I scrubbed the H E double hockey sticks out of the guest bath- again. I finally broke through the last couple layers of yuck and the poor tub, the original from the 40's has no shine left to it and will never really feel clean and smooth. But I can tell you, its clean. As clean as it will ever get. I even scrubbed the grout lines on the floor to where they look nice. Note to owner before Granny- Why in the world would you 1. replace the floor tiles but leave the hideous wall tiles and 2. use WHITE grout?! White grout on floors is just asking for trouble. I wasn't able to get it back to white but its now a pale beige. I can live with that. After I finished I helped Mike with the concrete. We finished up, took the babysitter home (she worked out great, by the way), returned unused bags of concrete to Lowe's and had enough money from it to get take out. Which was good because I was in no shape- mental or physical- to cook.
Mike is hoping to get the top of the fence installed after work this week so this weekend he can string the chain link. Then we have to install the No-Dig because Java is a scoundrel. No-Dig is just chicken wire buried a couple inches below the ground. Then some landscape timbers between the posts and attached to the bottom of the fence and even Houdini himself couldn't get out of our backyard. We did decide that maybe painting the whole house is a little too much to expect before moving, so its just the guest bath and Gryffin's room that we are going to do. The other rooms can wait and we will do one or two whenever Dianne can babysit Gryffin overnight. Besides, there is still a few jobs at the old house that need to be done to get it market ready. Easier to do that when we aren't living here.

">Link

Its Friday, that in and of itself is reason to celebrate.
Our home inspection for today was cancelled by the city. I'm not complaining. It will be easier to do without us still living here so I rescheduled for next month. At least, I hope we aren't still living here by then.
Gryffin has, I guess, begun potty training. Not really anything Mike and I did, he kind of decided to start all on his own. I did realize the biggest drawback though. What am I supposed to do when he wants to go on the potty and we aren't at home? Sorry, but I can't hardly bring myself to use a public bathroom let alone let my son who cannot master the fine art of hovering until he's mastered the fine art of sitting. We certainly aren't stressing that Gryffin use the potty. When he wants to he does and when he doesn't we change a diaper. Most kids at two are still affraid of the potty so I guess I've got it pretty easy. Yet another reason to be one and done!
This weekend is a working weekend for us. If the weather holds, Mike will start on the fence while I clean and paint. If the weather doesn't hold I will have help painting. We don't really paint well together, different styles same result. That and he is anal. Just kidding dear- you are a perfectionist. Me? Slap it on, make sure there aren't any drips or streaks and call it done. Mistakes are the reasons people hang stuff on their walls, right?
">Link

Happy Birthday, Pop!
Kick back with a good book and beer- that's an order.
">Link

Pulling nails with a power drill...

I was next door pulling nails from the walls today when I realized that there were hardly any nails. The only nails in the walls were the ones Mike put there to hang Granny's pictures. The rest- and there are many, are screws. Yup, big ginormous screws in plaster. The old lady and her even older mother who lived there must have hung anvils from their walls. Wouldn't surprise me, they were a little creepy. I have to break out the power drill to get these things out. Then I have to buy a gallon of putty to fill them. There is one in the guest bath Gryffin could get lost in. I just don't understand people, don't even want to try. I will just shake my head and say, "Thanks Dumba$$es for making me look a lot smarter!".
">Link

Happy, happy, joy, joy!!!

I am bubbling over with happy. Today is Gryffin's first day back at Day Out, my doctor just called in sick and cancelled an appointment I didn't have the money for anyway and the temperatures are to top out in the mid 70's with only a small chance of showers! Oh yeah, and did I mention we are trying out our new babysitter Sunday! Mary Grace is actually our old neighbor and used to live in the house we are moving in to. She, her little brother and sister helped me plant a bunch of bulbs one year. They are really good kids. She is going to be a freshman in high school this year which really makes me feel old. But at least I'm scoring a babysitter out of it. We are trying her out for a few hours while we are working next door. I can't imagine anyone not liking Gryffin but Gryffin doesn't like everyone. I'm hoping and praying that it will all turn out great and Mike and I can entertain thoughts of life outside of these houses.
Being that my morning is now free of commitments I think I will stop at the coffee shop on the way home from dropping off Gryffin and instead of reading my book in a germ filled, no food or drink allowed waiting room, I will read while sitting in a big comfy chair and sipping on a low-fat latte with brown sugar and cinnamon. Then maybe I will teleport back into the real world and get some house scrubbing done, as both need it quite badly.
Oh yeah, and keep fingers crossed and prayers said for this guy looking at the truck tonight to buy it at a price we are willing to sell at. I'm just affraid that with my luck the darn thing will break down with the For Sale sign still in the window.
">Link

Love that PPP

You may have noticed that I am now a PayPerPost postie. That means I get paid to do what I am already doing, blogging about what I think/find/love/hate, etc. I haven't been with PayPerPost long but I've already made over $30. I love the fact that it has been so easy. I search around for what I want to write about, write about it and get paid. They make it so user friendly and I have even made a few friends at it. I know the money may not be enough to retire on -yet, but I'm definately going to keep plugging away. Hmmm, lets see $30 can get me a new pair of shoes, some books, paint for the new house or maybe something really fun like a night of babysitting and a movie with my husband. Now that is worth so much more than $30!
Try checking it out:
blog reviews

Shark in training?

Gotta find the kid a hobby or he'll never stay out of the pool halls! This pool hall is ok though, its a Grandma's house. And thanks to Gryffin's helping Mike, I was almost able to beat him.

Trailer park pool time.

Gryffin and Java chilling by the pool. Yeah, I was kicking it trailer park style too, sitting in a lawn chair with my feet in the water.

Star gazing...

Let's face it, my head is often in the stars so wouldn't is be cool if I could see where I'm going? Now I can! I found the Meade My Sky at www.opticsplanet.com while surfing and this thing is pretty cool. Its a personal video planetarium. You just point and shoot and get a multimedia guide to the universe. This thing is straight out of Star Trek! It looks a lot like a radar gun but won't get you in as much trouble. What I really couldn't believe was that it is so affordable, especially with the free shipping. The specs are incredible: and LCD screen with 480x234 pixel full color display, 256 Megabyte SD storage card, 12 channel GPS receiver and only takes 4 AA batteries. Meade also makes a whole family of cool gadgets from binoculars to telescopes and even night vision and flashlights.
">Link

So Discover card called and personally thanked us for keeping them in business. Of course I said, "You're welcome- bite me". But now we have the startings of a chainlink fence for the new house and three plants that I will probably kill within a few weeks. Its a good thing people and dogs have better communication skills than house plants because if I just had droopy, brown leaves to go off of everyone around here would go pretty fast. I won't feel too guilty about it though, these are replacements for outside plants so technically, Mother Nature off'ed them.
We also picked up a tub and tile paint kit for the guest bath over there. Sorry folks, but just the thought of having da-glo peach and blue tiles in my abode's camode makes me queezey. I figure even if this stuff looks like crap at least it will be in the appropriate room for crap and will still look better than tile reminiscent of those ceramic ducks on acid from the 80's everyone had adorning their kitchen. Reading through the directions of this stuff and all the prep needed it might be easier to just gut and retile, but that can't be done for less than $100 bucks.
Mike just told Gryffin that he hopes the stinker demons that he is possessed by vacate by morning. Yup, thats my cue to play relief pitcher and close the inning with a clean diaper, story and blanket tucking.
">Link

Last night Mike came home still employed so I'm no longer in panic mode- for now. Last night we got eye exams and picked out glasses for both of us. It will be Mike's first experience with wearing glasses but he looked darn good in them! Lets see, ears for me, eyes for both of us, bikes for us and a lot of paint, supplies and other assorted new house needs adds up to a current lifestyle level of 'Church Mice'. There are many levels: Recliner- kicked back and relaxed, One Eye Open- thrifty but won't pass up a good deal, Thar She Blows- as in budget and Church Mice- recovery mode. I figure the only expense not related to a gas tank, groceries or house will be babysitting, now where did I put her number?
">Link

The good, the bad, the unknown...

Do you want the good news or the bad news first? Its all the same news and I don't know if its going to be good or bad yet.
http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/070531/wachovia_a_g_edwards.html?.v=14
I really hope they don't lay off any AGE employees, one in particular. When I worked at AGE with Mike the company was always dead set against merging or selling. I leave and they lose their minds. Just kidding. Looks like no immediate changes are on the horizon, but when something like this happens there will ALWAYS be changes. Sometimes good, sometimes not. Only time will tell. So keep your fingers crossed and the prayers coming.
">Link

Grey Day...

Its raining and grey outside. Good thing I wasn't planning on going anywhere today! The laundry monster in the basement has me shackled to him anyway.
This coming Saturday we are off to Alton, Illinois to visit my brother and sister-in-law, along with my two nephews and my NEW neice! I'm so excited. Its been a long time since we have gone out there for a visit. Usually Roger, Ruth and the boys are stuck having to come all the way out here.
Alton is a pretty cool town. Its right, I mean RIGHT on (and sometimes under) the Mississippi river. They have quaint little shops and eateries overlooking the river, Underground Railroad tours where you can actually go through the tunnels and a lot of ghosts. A lot of ghosts. One particular house, http://www.mcpikemansion.com/ is so haunted that after probably hundreds attempts to renovate it it sits crumbling and attracts tons of people every Halloween. The ghost that lives there is a man with a very violent temper who chases off anyone in the home.
I have a pretty strong aversion to ghosties and spirits of unknown character. I used to have this chime that I would keep with me wherever I lived. I would hold it in each corner of each room, closets too, and if the chimes sounded that meant there was a ghost present. When we moved here for some reason I didn't do that. I didn't need to, this place had the first basement I've ever been able to walk into without the hairs on the back of my neck sticking up. I did keep it hanging on the front door for the longest time though, just to make sure no unwanted guests showed up. But after my muther kept coming in I figured it didn't work. Yeah, thats a joke.
I think when Gryffin is older we will take him on a historical tour of my old home town. But I'll let Mike take him through the tunnels and haunted spots while I hit the antique shops.
">Link

Humidity -even in the Midwest- ain't all bad.

I've long suffered with dry skin and sore throats. I never knew but these are usually caused by low humidity. Using a humidifier in the winter and on chilly nights helps quite a bit. I found this really cool site that gives a lot of useful information and advice on whole house humidifiers as well as single room.
I didn't know there were different types of humidifiers, http://www.humidifierinformation.com/different-types-compared.php. Nor did I know that
there were so many features, http://www.humidifierinformation.com/desirable-features.php. There is also a lot to learn about the perfect humidity level, http://www.humidifierinformation.com/optimum-humidity-levels.php.
Check out this site and learn how you can stop having to deal with cracked lips, itchy eyes and even sinus headaches, along with dry skin and sore throats.

Need, want, save...

As you all know, we are moving. One would think that with already having a house full of stuff more stuff would not be needed. In reality, it only looks that way on paper. Currently we have our kitchen trash in a cabinet. The new kitchen lacks a space for that so in search of a new trash can I went. Of course I perused the stores online. I hate GOING shopping, not the shopping in and of itself. I came to one of my faves, Linens 'n Things. http://www.couponchief.com/linensnthings
Ooohhh, a stainless steel trash can with bonus bathroom size one too! At a good price , a price only made better by the use of one of my favorite online coupon code sites. Coupon Chief has online coupon codes that I am amazed by every time I visit. Its almost to the point where whenever I need something that can be purchased online I find a coupon for it here. They have tons of stores and offers to choose from- I'm addicted. Check them out for yourselves, online coupons codes

PPP Direct Wants You!

As many of you have noticed I have been using PayPerPost. If you are not familiar, PayPerPost is an a site that actually pays you to blog. Yup, get paid for what you are already doing. Now they offer PPP Direct which lets you get offers for reviews and topics direct from the source. Advertisers may now contact posites and can negotiate a rate for special blog posts. PPP makes sure the advertisers are on the up and up so you know you're going to get paid for all of your hard work. And they ensure that the advertisers get what they are looking for as well. There are a lot of pay-per-post companies out there. I did my share of research before going with PayPerPost. They were the most user friendly and offered a lot more opportunities and better pay. Now with the PPP Direct the overhead is slashed, which means they spend less and I earn more all while I still know that everything is secure. You see, a lot of the pay-per-post sites charge a markup of anywhere between 50-100% and keep up to half of the money you work hard for. PPP Direct only charges a low 10% fee. Half of this goes to transaction fees for PayPal and credit card processing. Now that is reasonable. Its a situation where everyone makes some money and happiness ensues.
Here is how you can make money too!

Sidenote:

Wells Fargo Financial sucks. They can kiss my shiney hiney and go to somewhere really, really hot and uncomfortable. And I don't mean Florida. Their customer service can't even spell service let alone offer it and their online access is a joke. Why yes, I am bitter. Answer me this, why would my account show delinquent when they sent me a refund check for the exact same amount of the debit in my account? Hmmm, seems they may be trying to charge me for their own stupidity. Jokes on them- I don't have that much money. No one does! Grrrr, I send them negative energy and evil thoughts. That'll scare 'em.
">Link

The holiday weekend is over and its back to work. We did enjoy a nice day at Dianne's Sunday, eating and playing in the pool. Well, Gryffin and Mike played in the pool. Anyone who knows me knows I don't get in any body of water bigger than a bathtub. Yesterday was pretty laid back, Mike visited Pa, I worked next door and we ran some errands buying stuff for the new house at super-duper holiday discounts. Hey, I can't think of a better way to honor our soldiers than bargain shopping. Thats sarcasm by the way.
Today its make a bazillion phone calls and laundry day. And I'm hoping to get Gryffin to cooperate and work next door with me. Its almost ready for paint! I'm so excited. When I was there yesterday I just kept picturing how pretty it will be when the walls are clean and painted to our liking, with our furniture moved in and my clothes in a HUGE closet instead of a four foot wide armoire. But I can't get ahead of myself... the inspection on our home is next week and I am sweating bullets, buckets and beagles! Other than ridding the basement of the extension cord spider webs, I don't plan on doing anything to prepare. What they catch, they catch and we will fix. I don't want to do any more work than I have to. I just hope the inspector is in a good mood that day- maybe some good coffee and cookies will help?!
">Link

Tip of the day...

I'm going to have to try this one as I have the patience of a second hand. I haven't successfully made bread in a long time as I got rid of my bread machine. I never used it to bake, only knead. It was an older model and the loaf was vertical instead of horizontal. Although, we did come across one the other day that was a convection bread machine that could even be used for canning. I've always wanted to learn how to can and make jams. Too bad is was almost $100. I may have to break out the old stand mixer and give it a try kneading that way. Yes, I'm lazy and avoid getting my hands doughy at all costs. Besides, have you ever tried to knead dough with a two year old? Just when you get into to the rythm someone decides to rip off his poopy diaper and sit on every surface he can find. I'm speaking from recent expirience, recent as in this morning. Needless to say, the bread didn't turn out. But our furniture and rugs have been cleaned!

Must try tip....
Proofing Yeast DoughsYeast doughs that normally take an hour or more to rise at room temperature can be proofed in the microwave in about 15 minutes. Place the dough in a very large bowl and cover with plastic. Place an 8-ounce cup of water in the back of the microwave with the bowl of dough in the center, and set the power as low as possible (10 percent power). Heat for 3 minutes, then let the dough rest in the microwave for 3 minutes. Heat for 3 minutes longer, then let rest for 6 minutes. The dough will double in bulk.
">Link

Whats your Procrastination Justification?

Procrastination has been a life long battle for me. Its almost like an addiction in that sometimes I just can't help it and I don't really know why. I do have a perfect excuse though. I would much rather play with my son than just about anything else in the world. But that excuse doesn't always hold water in that if I play with him over cooking a nutritious meal then we eat junk, or if I play with him over cleaning then we live in a dump. Even the perfect excuse isn't perfect. I've been procrastinating on so many things around here I'm starting to feel overwhelmed. From cleaning the tub and laundry to working next door and getting ready to move. The idea of cleaning a house I know I won't be in for much longer isn't exactly helping. Someday I am going to jump into Diagon Alley and get a wand, man being a muggle sucks.
I used to follow the FlyLady, http://www.flylady.com/index.asp, program but the page got so convoluted and well, cluttered (how ironic) that I just stopped reading it. But today I am taking a page from them and declaring it Antiprocrastination Day. I am going to be a Nike commercial and 'just do it'. I've found that if I don't think about it and just get up off the old porta-cushion and do it I am more successful. I guess its the mental buildup of it, kind of like knowing your most reviled relative will be at a function you are attending and you allow just the idea of it to ruin your chances of enjoying yourself. (Yeah, I have no experience with that scenario as my loyal readers know)
What is your Procrastination Justification and what is it that you ALWAYS put off doing? Let me know, maybe we will start our own support group.
Anyway, I am off to divide and conquer. Divide the laundry loads and conquer the soap scum. Well, after I finish my coffee anyway. A girl can't be expected to stop procrastinating until the caffeine is consumed.
">Link

Ahh, can't you just smell the sunshine? Perfect weather forcasted for today and enjoyed yesterday. Saturday we rose early and went to the Soulard Market again. Then we went to Lowe's to pick up a couple things and gander at paint for the new house where we ran into Dianne, my MIL. Gryffin loving refers to her as 'mugger', I guess that is the sylables of grandma switched around- a form of toddler pig latin. Mugger offered to walk Gryffin around with her so Mike and I could argue over colors. We didn't really argue, it was probably the easiest time we have had of choosing colors for rooms. Lets see, the living room and dining room will be a pale beige with white trim and an accent wall of red. We couldn't live in a house without any red walls, its our trademark! The kitchen will be a slate blue, the guest bath will be green- a shade very similar to chalkboards and the tile refinished to white. Gryffin's room will be a medium shade of blue with navy and white accents. Our bedroom with be a medium beige with accents of blue/grey. Our bathroom will be blue/grey with accents of black and white. The BIG family room will be khaki beige with bright white trim. The guest bedroom will be whatever color of paint we end up with the most of. Afterall, we don't want the guests to feel too comfortabel, ya know? Now I wish the actual painting would be that easy too. We also went to Art on the Square, our towns annual art show, ranked #5 in the nation. Yeah, our little podunk town can put on a artsy fartsy shindig. It wasn't as impressive as years past but it was still pretty good. It did make me want to break out the camera, take a picture of a flower and slap a $300 price tag on it though.
Today Gryffin and I are off to the grocery to pick up the bread and milk we need for the week while Mike mows. Then who knows, I think someone said something about getting the wading pool out for Gryffin.
">Link

Cleaning up the planet

So I'm sure you all remember the Econoclean Challenge. I mean, who could forget such investigative journalism, right? After doing more research I discovered that Borax is chlorine free. I've decided to try it out, hopefully without need of a hazmat suit and ventilator. I went to a couple places close to home to find it and couldn't. I asked the sales people and they didn't even know what it was. Granted they were the age where if it wasn't advertised on MTV it didn't exsist but geez! I did find it and was shocked that a 4lb box cost $5. Heck, I used to pay that much for one little spray bottle of the premixed, diluted stuff. If it works this box will last quite a long time. Well, maybe not that long since I do have a lot of cleaning coming up with moving and all. Of course, I will post the results as I am sure you are all teatering on the edge of your seats in anticipation. Wow, I think I woke up on the sarchastic side of bed today, think?
">Link

Good clean fun

Yesterday was the last day of Day Out for a while. I guess everyone deserves a little summer break. I did the food shopping then and was happily amazed at our grocery bill. Last Saturday we went to the Soulard Farmer's Market in St Louis. I L-U-V this place. We encouraged (bribed) Gryffin to behave by telling him that we were getting baby doughnuts. They have a stand just inside the entrance that makes fresh mini doughnuts. A dozen for $2 is enough to feed us. We picked up those plus a couple danishes, all the veggies for a week, three bars of homemade soap and some extra treats like sugar snap peas for snacks and some Silver Queen corn for Mike. All this for the price of what just the veggies would have cost at the grocery. We are going back this Saturday too. There is a really nice playground at the market so after breakfast Mike and Gryffin will be off to explore that while I get the shopping done. I don't think Mike really likes doing this with me as I have a habit of wandering and just looking for awhile. I have a system though. Do a quick run through checking price, selection and quality. Then hit the stands with the best deals. This keeps me from buying something at one stand and then seeing it for 20 cents less a pound a few stalls down. Yup, learned it the hard why when I used to do all my shopping at the market a decade ago.
I do have to tell you about the soap we bought though. Their name in Hermann Handmade Soaps and I think I may be addicted. Their soaps are made with all natural ingredients like tallow, olive oil, lavender, oatmeal, etc. I bought their soap called School Days, its for acne and poison ivy. I've always had bad skin and have over the past few years resolved to buying a generic version of Proactive. It worked but it had a tendancy to burn and bleach everything, and it wasn't cheap. The School Days soap cost $3.75 a bar or 3 for $9. This stuff smells so good and it really works. Mike got the Sportsmans soap which is antibacterial and antifungal and smells awesome. The other bar we bought is called Daybreak and is an exfoliator with lavender and oatmeal. Everyone will be getting this soap from us as Christmas presents this year.
Hey, maybe I will go all hippy and give them a basket of a few bars of soap and some home made cleaning products. Then again, that would make them feel that I think their hygene is lacking. I can just hear Mike eyes rolling with the realization that I'm already thinking Christmas presents so I will shut up now.

">Link

Hot Bacon Dressing recipe

Eventhough my Dad has more salad dressing in his fridge than Kraft, I promised...

Hot Bacon Dressing
8 slices bacon, chopped
1/2 cup sugar
3 tsp cornstarch
1/4 cup water
1/2 cup vinegar

In a large deep skillet brown the bacon evenly. Remove, drain and set aside.
In a bowl, whisk together sugar and cornstarch. Slowly add water and vinegar, whisking constantly.
Add mixture to the skillet. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickend and add bacon.
Serve warm over salad.

It can be stored in an airtight container in fridge. To serve, warm in microwave for about 30-60 seconds, stirring regularly.


">Link

Success!

The ravioli turned out awesome last night. We decided that the crab rangoon filling was the best. It was also the cheapest, yeah. They froze and cooked up very well and fast. I also tried a recipe for a hot bacon dressing. A restaurant close to us serves this on a spinach salad with egg and mushrooms. I just did it on regular leaf lettuce with grape tomatoes but it was just as good.
Here is the recipe for the ravioli:
1 pkg low fat cream cheese
1 can crab, drained well
green onion, sliced thin
1/2 Tbsp sugar
4 slices of bacon, crumbled
won ton wrappers

Mix all but the won tons. Place about a Tbsp on filling on a won ton, moisten edges with water and lay another won ton on top. Seal tight making sure no air is in with filling. Crimp edges with fork. Lay on a wax paper lined baking sheet and place in freezer for 15-20 minutes or until frozen hard. Place in freezer bag. To serve, place a few raviolis in boiling water just until they float. Voila!
I think next time I may just fold them in half instead of putting another won ton on top though.

If anyone wants the recipe for the hot bacon dressing posted just send me a comment!

">Link

The Mad Scientist's Daughter...

On vacation Mom and I joked that Dad is a mad scientist in the kitchen. He never uses a recipe and adds a little of this and a little of that and ends up with a masterpiece. Me? I'm the one who thinks recipes are good guidelines. I rarely stick to one- even the first time I make it. Tonight is no different. I don't really feel like cooking, it's hot. I took a look in the fridge to inventory my supply of eyes of newt and dragon tongue. Nope, all out of those. But I do have left over crab rangoon filling and won ton wrappers along with ricotta cheese and a jar of pasta sauce. Hmmm, I think I feel and idea coming on. It kind of tickles too. So in my lab I chopped some bacon, browned and drained it and added it to the crab rangoon. Then I mixed the ricotta, parmesean, garlic, basil and oregano. I dropped about a Tbs of one of the fillings onto a won ton wrapper, brused the edges with water, put another won ton on top and sealed them up tight. Then I flash froze them on some wax paper. Tonight (hopefully) just boil some water, add the sauce and throw together a salad and dinner will be done. Keep your fingers crossed for me!
">Link

The deal schpeel

Looking for a new book, CD, DVD, bed linens, running shoes? You get the idea. Brad's Deals is a great site to visit before you shop online. This site has all the major stores and some you will wish had found sooner. We used this site to get a great discount on an alarm clock/CD player. Not to mention all the times I have used it to buy books and even a few Christmas presents.
Now I've come across another great site for online coupons. It's Coupon Chief. they have tons of online coupon offers and stores to choose from. What I really like is the fact that they have coupons for some of my favorite catalogues too! Now I can really find good deals for all the stuff we will need for the new house. Curtains, towels, art, heck- even furniture!
">Link


CouponChief.com

And the winner is...

The winner of the Ecoclean Challenge is...
Vinegar!
For the cost, time and scrub factor there really wasn't all that much competition. This is what I used and where I used it. Please try this for yourself and let me know what your results were! Also, if you have any other tried and true home made cleaners please post them. Since our government isn't doing much for the environment maybe we can. Oops I got political, sorry I'll stop.

Formula
1 c white vinegar
1 c water
1 cap lemon juice

Tools
spray bottle
dry Trader Joe's cleaning cloth
damp TJ's cloth
Dobie

Where
Stove- I hadn't cleaned our stove in about a week. Shame shame, my apron will be revoked. It was dirty, caked and dull. I sprayed the solution on, waited a few moments and scrubbed with the Dobie. I then dried with the dry TJ's cloth. I was truely amazed. It worked just as well as the commercial stuff in the same amount of time with the same amount of elbow grease.

Microwave- again, Martha Stewart will wag her manicured finger at me, but it hadn't been cleaned in a while too. I did the same as the stove and got the same results.

Dining table- at least I can say this gets cleaned almost daily. Sometimes even several times a day. I sprayed on, waited a few moments, wiped with the damp TJ cloth and buffed with the dry. It got off spots that I thought were part of the tables distressed finish!

Ok, this one is just jaw dropping. Remember the Root Beer Exposion? Well, this stuff even got it off the walls. I couldn't even try the commercial stuff because its not to be used on painted surfaces. I just couldn't believe it!

Bathroom sink- worked like a charm and polished the fixtures wonderfully.

Toilet- didn't even need to use separate cleaner for this. I did the outside and the bowl all with the vinegar solution and again, it worked great.

Tub- this was the only place where I was slightly disappointed. We have a real problem with hard water and tub rings. The solution worked easily everywhere but the tub ring, that took some elbow grease. It still came sparkling clean after I scrubbed with the Dobie.

The only real difference that I noticed was that I had to apply with a damp cloth and then buff with a dry one. Not a big enough deal to make me buy more commercial stuff though. Now, my nose is very sensitive to vinegar smell so that did take a little getting used to but with the added lemon juice, I ended up adding another capful, it wasn't bad at all. The smell goes away once the solution dries.

Another trick I'm trying:
We keep our kitchen trash can in a cabinet which is between the fridge and stove and has a vent running under it. As you can imagine, it can get stinky. I put a small bowl of baking soda in the back to help absorb the smell. Its working, a little. Maybe I don't have enough soda, I don't know. Anyway, it is better than without the soda.









">Link

The good, the bad, the weekend.

Friday night we were to host a Fight Night party. DeLa Hoya vs. Mayweather, the fight of the century. We used to be BIG boxing fans but since there really hasn't been any worthy fights in years we hadn't seen one in a long time. Still haven't either. Mike ordered the pay-per-view two days in advance to make sure we had it. Come Friday night all that showed up on the screen was a message saying that the program would be available shortly- shortly must mean never to Charter Communications. We tried calling their customer service line several times and can I just say that it doesn't help my temper when the automated system hangs up on me. Even their online customer service 'chat' was down, along with their email service and online bill service. The only person I was able to online 'chat' with was their internet customer service who was of no help. What fool thought that if you had internet problems you could still 'chat' online for customer service? Anyway, our guests were pretty cool about it since there was plenty of food and an assortment of various brews, even after Mike put in Jackass 2. Luckily, I had decided to turn in by then because someone had to be able to be there for Gryffin when he woke up in the morning.
Saturday we spent running errands. The ever popular Lowe's run and the mall. We had some discount coupons for JCPenney and Macy's so Mike got a couple dress shirts and some new flip flops. He made me look at bras. And I do mean MADE. Everyone keeps telling me that I've lost a lot of weight recently, I don't really see it except that I know none of my clothes fit anymore. especially my bras. So I tried some on and after almost losing it with a very inconsiderate old broad in the fitting room I called it quits and decided to come back the next day.
I did go back on Sunday. Tried on three dozen- no lie- and bought one. The only one that fit, they didn't have anymore of that style or size left. Mike was pretty disappointed but I told him that it was one more than I had and that I would keep at it. I think I would rather go to the dentist than shop for bras but teeth don't sag as you age.
Today I'm just looking forward to not having to go anywhere or do anything. Except pray that I become an Aunt again to a healthy, happy, beautiful little girl this week. The first little girl to be born to this side of the family since me! Luck and prayers are with you Ruth! I guess you too, Roger- eventhough you don't have to do any of the hard work. Hee hee hee.

">Link

The Ecoclean Challenge

I've seen a lot and heard a lot about all these home made cleaners. I think I'm going to put them to the test. Normally I use Mr. Clean concentrate diluted with water in a spray bottle. I use this everywhere. Now I think I'm going to try 1 part white vinegar with 1 part water. I will probably add just a pinch of lemon juice concentrate for that fresh smell. Then again, who wants their toilet smelling like lemons? Granted its better than what toilets usually smell like. I would love to use just diluteted bleach but I'm allergic to it and it's fumes.
A long, long time ago in the land of filth (aka my muther's house) I got sick of living upstairs with the mess so I decided to clean out a room in the basement and move there. Easier said than done. Once I did get the boxes of crap moved out I still had to contend with a cement floor covered in kitty mess. She had a cat that was always sick, maybe that was because she never cleaned up after him? Anyway, I tried one cleaner after another and being the dumb teenager I was thought, "Well, if this one sort of works and that one sort of works if I combine them then they will really work." The result: a clean cement floor and chemical burns on skin and lungs. But at least I had a place to live that was clean and out of the way. Until I realized that winter in basements with no heat are COLD. Luckily I can leave all the stupidness behind because I am now older; therefore, wiser. Ok, you can quit laughing hysterically, maybe that was a bit of an overstatement but at least now I know enough to never mix commercial cleaning products.
The criteria for the tests will be:
1. Does it work as well, better or worse than the commercial stuff.
2. Does it take more, less or about the same elbow grease.
3. Is it really that much cheaper.
4. Is it worth switching permanantly.
I will post the results of the 'Ecoclean Challenge' once they are finished.
Sidenote to Catherine- I think we watched the same episode. I can even understand what they are saying now!
">Link

Dreams can come true...

Every year we go to the same place for vacation. Don't get me wrong, I love seeing my parents in the desert and would not give that up for anything. However, I would really like to add a second vacation to the yearly travels as well. Now that Gryffin is getting a little bit older it would be good to expose him to more the world. I would hate for him to turn out like me and have only been to three states. That and lets face it, if you haven't been to any of the major theme parks in this country you really haven't lived.
Browsing around today, mostly dreaming, I came across this site. I never in a million years would have thought that we, a family of three, could go to Orlando for less than $500 per person. Including air fare on US Airways. That is not staying at some hotel where the only stars are the ones in faded paint on the vacancy sign either. It is for the Wyndham Orlando Resort, a three and a half star hotel. I have never stayed in a three and a half star hotel in my life. That in and of itself would be enough of a vacation for me. The Wyndham has it all, forty two acres of peace, located close to everything and complimentary shuttles to Universal, SeaWorld and Wet 'n Wild. This way we wouldn't even have to rent a car and deal with traffic nightmares. Now I could take or leave the water park. With my coloring there is no such thing as fun in the sun when water is around but Universal and Seaworld I would love to visit. Just for poops and giggles I checked out how much Mike and mine's dream vacation would be. I was incredibly shocked, in a good way though. A four star hotel in Dublin, Ireland for less than a $1,000 a person. Come to think of it, that may not be such a dream afterall. The possibilities are limitless too. Just using this one site can take us anywhere in the world with so many different lodging choices, rental cars, air fare and price ranges we could become world travelers. I can see myself as a jet setter, the big Audree Hepburn sunglasses and shoes that were never created to be comfortable but look so good I wouldn't care.

href="http://www.HotelReservations.com">Hotel Reservations

Shh, I'm trying to think.

I think I may be on sensory overload. After not hearing all the little, and not so little, noises around me for so long its overwhelming. Last night I had a really bad headache from all the noise and its still with me today. But- that is OK with me! The audiologist said that this could happen and will go away once my ears adjust.
I don't know if Mike is going to be so happy that I can hear once I tell him about all the doors squeeking around here and the ceiling fans being out of balance. It was kind of funny last night I kept telling him he didn't have to yell everytime he said something. I was in the bedroom putting laundry away and he was in the kitchen putting dishes away when I walked up to him and told him he didn't need to slam the dishes around. It really did sound like he was too. Without my hearing aides I wouldn't have been able to hear him at all. Now we won't have to scream across the house or make sure we are in the same room before speaking. This is so wild!

House Next Door Update:
Cleared out and ready for paint: Master Suite, what is to be Gryffin's room and guest bathroom
In progress: family room, kitchen and dining room
Not started: front bedroom, formal living room and basement.
Believe it or not there isn't too much in the basement other than tools and Christmas decorations. There is a spare refrigerator and a deep freeze along with a washer and dryer though. After using the washer and dryer to do the bedding I discovered that we will have to switch those. I like mine better, I can do up to three loads at once because of the super capasity. I still need to call the HVAC guys to have them take out the AC and water heater they just installed last year and replace them with gas ones. They will also need to run a gas line for a stove as I refuse to cook on electric. Unfortunately, we can't just switch the stoves because we don't have a 220 line here and our appliances are black where as the one's over there are white. Luckily gas stoves aren't all the pricey. Now the big thing will be picking out paint colors. Argh. I hate doing this because its the one thing Mike and I never agree on. Now I went to college for interior design so I know what will work and what won't. However, convincing a color blind husband that the colors will look good is another story. The bathroom over there is (cringe) peach tiles with blue accents. They are original to the house so I don't want to change them. Mike wants to get some of that tile paint and get rid of the colors but I'm just affraid that it will peel off after awhile. I will find something that will work. Most likely a high gloss white and make it all mesh with a new shower curtain. Oh yeah, and our current house will need to be painted too. I don't think there are too many people out there that will like a dark red livingroom or faux finished dining room as much as we do. That will be much easier as everything will go a nice neutral, ahem-boring, beige.
It looks like the angels are getting ready throw a tantrum outside so I better go close some windows before the rain gets in.
">Link

I can hear you all the way from here

Hey did you know that keyboards make noise? How about the sound that comes from a pen writing on paper? I didn't. Until now!
I got my hearing aides today and cried when the audiologist tested them. I can hear. Holy crap, I can hear. They are going to take some getting used to though. It feels really weird to have something sticking in my ear all the time.
I met Mike for lunch at work today. He didn't know that I was getting them today but he sure was happy. I could hear people in the cafeteria but still hear Mike over all the other noises. It was incredible.
I can't hear everything just yet because they are set on the lowest setting so my ears can get acustomed to them before they are turned up to normal. Yup, no more talking behind my back anymore because I can hear what you say now.
">Link

The fruit salad of chemistry.

So one of my favorite shows now is on BBC, How Clean Is Your House? It makes me feel like Martha freaking Stewart compared to these blokes. They just showed how to clean with a grapefruit, salt and a Dobie. They took a tub and sink that hadn't been cleaned in nearly 15 years and made it shine like Telly Savalas head. If grapefruit weren't so expensive around here I would definately use that on a regular basis. Now my Mom & Dad, they have a grapefruit tree in their backyard. Of course, they did say that any citrus will work but grapefruit have a larger surface area. They also showed how to unclog a drain with baking soda and vinegar. I knew I should have payed attention in chemistry.

Ride Bike Please?

Gryffin's bike seat arrived today. We had just enough time to eat dinner, install it and for the guys to take a spin round the back yard before a haircut appointment. I did mention to Mike that we used to make fun of the neighbor for riding his motorcycle in his back yard but I guess a bike is a lot different. This is the most unique seat we have seen. It just seems so much safer with him riding infront. That and he can't kick Mike in the butt. Thats my job!
Oh and did I mention that someone went in the potty! We bought him a Royal Throne. It has sensors in the bottom and when he does his thing music goes off. I want to get one for our toilet. Just in case you didn't figure it out, Gryffin was the one to go potty in the throne. Hee hee hee.




">Link

Could an asparagus spear through the heart kill a politician? Nope, they don't have hearts.

Yesterday was really nice and low key in comparison to Saturday. We all made a morning trip to the grocery after a gourmet breakfast of frozen waffles. Then a little lunch and nap for Gryffin while Mike mowed the yards and I worked a bit next door- after a bike ride of course. Then some play time and on to dinner. We had bratwurst, salad and asparagus. Not just asparagus, grilled asparagus. Not just grilled asparagus but bacon wrapped grilled asparagus. I could have just had that for dinner it was so good. Here's what I did: I bundled the trimmed asparagus spears in about 1" bundles and wrapped each in a slice of bacon, securing with a couple toothpicks. Then Mike put them on the grill until the asparagus was tender but still had a little crunch, nothing worse than mushy veggies. This time I used thick cut bacon, next time I think I will use the thinner stuff so it will get a little more crispy. That and its a heck of a lot cheaper. Speaking of, I think Mike got sticker shock at the grocery. I've challenged myself to $50 grocery trips for the week but I don't think that is a realistic goal anymore. Between milk and produce we spent more than that. And those aren't things you can (or should) cut back on. I guess I'm just going to have to start dragging myself out of bed early on Saturdays and heading out to the farmer's market http://stlouis.missouri.org/citygov/soulardmarket/. When I lived in the city and was a vegetarian I could eat for about $10 a week from here. They have awsome selection and great prices. Its probably the only place around here where you can buy just the amount you need, in just the size you need while listening to street musicians and having a beer and a fresh doughnut. Mmmm, love those midwest breakfasts! Unfortunately its just too cold to go there in the winter. I'm not a cold weather person- at all!
Mike thinks that with the cost of healthy food versus cheap fill your gullet food the government is secretly hoping to kill off a bunch of baby boomers from heart attacks and high blood pressure. He read a study that gave you the cost per calorie of various foods. It found that you could only buy a third of the calories if you ate healthy than what you could buy of cheap preprocessed, fat laden crap. Maybe the government is trying to kill off the population so that only politicians will be left. The flaw in their theory- who will pay their salary and retirement? Ok ok, I won't get started on politics. The weather is too nice to get pissy. Besides, my coffee is getting cold anyway.
">Link

Can I rest now?

Today was an unexpectedly busy day. Here's the quick rundown:
Fixed breakfast
Went to four different places looking at bikes
Bought two at the last joint- I think our Discover card is going to explode
Came home fed Gryffin, put him down for a nap then Mike and I took turns riding our bikes
Went next door to start bagging up clothes
SIX HOURS LATER Mike finally called an end to the marathon of memories
Currently Mike is outside with Gryffin and I am here wishing I had some wine left. Although, Mike did inform me that Jack Daniels and Cherry Vanilla Dr Pepper is awesome so I think I may have to try that tonight.
>Link

Today was Gryffin's 2 year checkup. No surprise, he is as healthy as a horse. The doctor declared him normal- makes me question the doctor- but I guess for a two year old he's right. I think the appointment wiped him out though. He actually asked for his lunch and nap today. Hmmm, maybe we should do that more often. Ok, maybe not considering the cost of a doctor appointment today. Don't get me wrong, I think the people that should be paid the most are healthcare workers, teachers and law enforcement. Lets face it, they are the ones that make life better. Especially teachers. Its a shame this country can't recognize that they guide our future. Instead they put these silly parameters on them that if their class doesn't score a certain number on standardized tests that they don't get money. Without parental support, a teacher can only do so much. The classes are overcrowded, one bad kid ruins the whole class and oh my gosh if they give a kid a hug they are slapped with a charge of sexual assault. Hugging is inappropriate after a certain age but through grad school is fine. It may be the only positive attention a kid gets these days. I worry for this countries future, thank goodness there is a cap on presidential terms. Ok ok, I won't start stirring that pot.
">Link

Sticky situation...

Root beer is sticky. Really sticky. We had some cans of soda left from the party. We don't drink a lot of soda around here but I didn't want to throw it away. Until now. Mike and I were finishing eating while Gryffin was playing with his balloons when he picked up a can of root beer and threw it to the ground. It popped open and sprayed everywhere. Mike and Gryffin were covered, I was from my knees down. Mike and I laughed, it was all we could do. Also covered were the ceiling, walls, table, chairs, floors, cabinets, stove, counters, window, you get the idea. We cleaned up as much as we could but there is still a lot left. Tomorrow I guess its Kitchen day. We will just have to deal with sticky floors until then because after chasing Gryffin around the backyard this afternoon I'm done for.
">Link

Back to normal

As normal as it gets around here anyway. Mike is at work, Gryffin is napping and I am enjoying the 20 minutes I give myself for lunch and surfing.

This week I start clearing out the house next door in preparation for us to move there. There is a lot of stuff to be donated. We had debated a yard sale but that is just too much work for the money. Heck, I don't really want to go through effort of packing things up for donation pick ups. I can't just point to a room and tell the guys that everything in there can go. There are some family members that would like a few things. Yeah, less for me to do. I am hoping I my MIL will help on her days off . I imagine it will become a weekend project for both Mike and I as well. I feel for Mike. There are so many memories for him to go through and a lot of emotion that will be hard as well. He's a tough guy but he has a big heart. So big that he has given up his Sunday naps to visit Pa and take him out to lunch. Naps around here are like gold. Rarely found and priceless.

May 8th is THE day. The day I get to pick up my hearing aides. I am so excited and nervous. I really hope they work for me. It will take some getting used to I'm sure. Its weird but after my hearing test I am more aware of my hearing problem. I can't hear most of the higher pitches like women's and children's voices. The deeper and lower tones I hear but can't understand with background noise. My right ear has moderate hearing loss while my left is on the line between moderate and severe. No wonder I usually make it to where my muther is on my left side. hee hee hee.

Well, my time is up. Today is Master Bedroom Day. And it needs it too.
">Link

Chaos, carnage and cake...

This is Gryffin before birthday cake.

















This is my living room after.








We survived another birthday party, barely. I think Mike and I have just enough energy to catch Gryffin, wrestle him to bed and pick up the carnage. Oh yeah, and this was just some of it. Good thing I didn't invite everyone I wanted to. But all in all it was a wonderful time and the most important thing was that Gryffin had a blast.

">Link

Doin' the dog funk scramble...

Ok, so now that I have Gryffin in Day Out with some store bought cookies that I'm passing off as my own (bad bad mommy) I am going to clean. Not la-de-dah I'll pick up this and that and feather dust. I'm mean down on my hands and knees, break a sweat scrubbing. Heck even if my house were already spotless I would do this anyway. I just can't entertain without doing this right before. I'm still trying to come up with a way to get rid of the old, dirty, stale dog smell. I love Mojo and Java but sheeewie, they're stinky. That is why we have leather furniture- it doesn't absorb smells. Anyway, I did most of the kitchen and the bathroom last night so I'm in pretty good shape but its the fine tuning and dust bunny hunting thats left.
If anyone has any good tips on getting rid of dog funk PLEASE let me know! Other than getting rid of the dogs people, that is not an option.

From here.......

...........to there in the blink of an eye.

HAPPY 2ND BIRTHDAY GRYFFIN!!!!

I have been fighting this day for the past two years. You are always told that your children grow up too fast. Its true. Just a couple years ago he was a helpless, tiny newborn that I loved to look upon and hold, even when I was too tired to keep my eyes open. I remember the first time he ate babyfood, his first clumsy steps and first words. But now they are only memories. Now he tells me what he wants to eat, I chase him around and he is learning to string words together. Of course, I am loving watching him grow and learn and become a big boy. I cherish every day because I know I won't get a second chance to.

">Link

First guns and now cheese

Last night we had "School Lunch Night". If you ever went to public school and ate cafeteria food you will remember that every Friday was the same. Fish sticks, macaroni and cheese and lima beans. I fix this regularly but not always on Friday. For the past couple years I have refused to use the Velveeta Shells and Cheese that we loved so much because I made the mistake of reading the ingredient list. Anyway, I have been searching up and down for a good, easy and fast recipe for mac-n-cheese. I have tried several from various on-line recipe sites and gagged on all of them. Last night was different. I made Alton Brown's stove top mac-n-cheese. Quick, easy, inexpensive and yummy. I didn't add the hot sauce or mustard- ooooey and the only thing I would change is the kind of cheese. He calls for sharp cheddar but it turned out too sharp so next time I think I will use mild and maybe some mozzarella. Check out www.foodnetwork.com for the full recipe as my fingers are tired and I'm procrastinating putting the groceries away.
">Link

Bone to pick...

With recent events at VTech, if you don't know what I'm talking about I envy you, I just wanted to express some of my opinions.
Gun control is not the issue. Mental health is. This kid was troubled and needed help. Now, I'm not saying he was a victim, he was a murderer. However, students and teachers were continually bringing attention to the fact that this kid needed help. He had stalked two female students, he was taking questionable pictures of females while in class and two of his teachers were distrubed by his graphic and violent writings. It was quite evident and documented that he was suicidal. If a person wants to kill themselves they have no concern for life- period. How about we stop talking about the tool he used and start talking about what made him use it. Hind sight is 20/20, so lets look to the future and improve this country and the issues that really matter.
Also, the media are Satan's minions. They show images that no one should want to view. They make this kid out to be some kind of hero to all those other kids out there that feel like outcasts. They bombard us with their propaganda. Yes, terrible things happen in this world but do we need to concentrate so heavily on the bad but not the good? I need to be informed of world events not drowned in them. State the facts. If they want to ramble and try for higher ratings how about bringing the focus on what can be done now. Why don't they point out the fact that current governments, national and local, waste millions of dollars that could be put into health care, including mental health. How about they provide the common folk with names and address of who in government to petition for changes. Why don't they have any concern for the victim's and their families? Leave these poor people alone. Haven't they been through enough without being harrassed by reporters?
Another point and then my ramble will be over. This should teach us that being a parent should be job #1. Not the job being number one and being a parent number two. Society needs to stop spending on the status symbols of fancy cars, homes and designer clothes and start investing in their family. You constantly hear that you should invest in your future, why not invest in your childs. Not with money, but with what really matters to children- your time and love. This government spends a lot of money on teaching inmates how to be more productive to society- even ones that will never again be part of it. Why don't they spend money on providing parenting skills, child psychology and communication classes to those who aren't draining the economy? Why not take everyone on welfare and teach them the skills they need to contribute to society? Why don't we change this world now! One person at a time, starting with ourselves.
(this rant is the opinion of the writer and is not necessarily shared by everyone. take it for what it is and don't get your panties in a bunch. whether or not you agree you are welcome to comment- if you are nice! meanies will be deleted and added to my voodoo doll collection as well as put on my naughtly list for Chirstmas.)


">Link

High-tech hippies of the future.

Morning came long before I was ready for it. That just means that I will make another cup of coffee and pry my eyelids open with duct tape. Isn't the shiny eye look back in style?
Anyway, I was glad to learn that my friend Catherine over at http://www.angelfoodcakeisntacandle.blogspot.com/ isn't a sock & Birkenstock hippy. Just an enviornmently conscience mom. Not that I don't think you would look bad in hippy dresses, Catherine. Afterall, I'm sitting here in one of my old Greatful Dead t-shirts wondering where I put that old Simon & Garfunkle album. I may have to try that dishwasher detergent recipe. I haven't found one yet that can get the gunk scraped off without scratching up my glasses. And I refuse to rinse dishes first, if I do that I might as well just wash them by hand. (check out her site for the recipe)
Mike was reading the brochure for my new ears when he looked up and asked, "Did you know that these were Bluetooth compatible?". Me being the highly intelligent and technologically advanced person that I am said, "Yes... what is Bluetooth?". While he explained it to me all I could think is that I don't want anything that will make my teeth blue. I don't know if I will ever use that feature but I sure am excited about being able to hear what people are saying behind my back. Hee hee hee.
Allright, butts growing roots and the coffee is not empty but too cold soooooo... to quote my fave movie- "I'm off like a prom dress!"
">Link

What did you say?

Just got back from the hearing center. Shor-nuff, I'm going deaf. It will get progressively worse unless I do something now. Something about some nerve that if not used goes dormant- blah blah doctor babble. Anyway, in about 2 weeks I get to pick up my new car. I mean, hearing aides. I got confused since they cost about the same. But it will be worth it to be able to hear my son and husband. Other people too but I'm still going to use selective hearing on certain people. Hey, now when someone I don't want to hear comes around I'll just switch them off! They did throw in some pretty cool upgrades for free (yeah right). They will have settings for special environments. So I can hear over distance, like when Gryffin is playing at the park, or extreme noise, for the Police concert coming up all with a push of a button. The worst part, other than the bill, was getting the impressions taken. I hope they got that right the first time because I may need to be sedated for the next one. Or maybe I could just get sedated for the heck of it!
">Link

Today while Gryffin is in Day Out I am getting tested for hearing aides. I have been trying not to get my hopes up too much but... I really (really, really, really, reeeeeaaaaaalllllllllyyyyy) want to qualify for this trial of a new model made for people like me, can't hear what someone is saying if there is any background noise or the person isn't looking at you. In social situations everyone sounds like Charlie Brown's teacher. Whah whah wa waaa. I'm even to the point where if they work I won't even ask the price. Ok, I'll ask but I won't let the price be the determining factor. That is why I need to qualify for the trial. If I do I will get them at a 'substantial' discount, at least thats what the hearing place tells me. But hey, anything will help.
Yesterday I ordered the birthday cake. Still having guilt about buying one but I did have less than two weeks to prepare for this shindig. Ah, there is always next year. I also bought all the stuff for the goodie bags for the other kids in attendance. Not an easy task when Gryffin was with me. You try picking out toys, gadgets and candy for OTHER kids and explain to yours that they aren't for him. Lets just say, he did get a few but total they only cost about $2 and I didn't bribe him, I just gave them before he started to act up. Kind of a 'nip the bull in the buds' thing. I still need more streamer and some balloons. Then its all fun, decorating and wrapping presents. And the weather looks like it might hold out.
I also tamed the wild laundry beast yesterday. Yeah I know, I was going to do that Sunday but the glass of wine and a bubble bath won out. But it is done now. For now anyway. I can't believe how long it takes me to get back into my routine after I vacation or slack off. Luckily, God keeps giving me time to try and straighten myself out.
">Link

And the winner is...

I finally figured out whether or not it is cheaper to buy my meat at Sam's or the grocery store. The winner is... Sam's! Even packaging using my Foodsaver, on average it was $2.50 per pound of meat. That's 10 lbs of chicken breasts, 6 lbs of ground beef, 7.5 lbs of pork that gave me a dozen thick cut chops and a big roast. The chicken will last about six to eight weeks, the rest lasts 8 weeks. Besides, I don't like meat sitting in the fridge for fear of contamination so I would have to repackage and freeze whatever wasn't going to be used within a couple days anyway. And it only takes about 30 minutes to get it all cut up and packaged.
Not bad for a college dropout, actually kicked out but that is another story.
">Link

Monday cometh...

Another weekend, gone too fast. Today was nice, peaceful, quiet, during Gryffin's nap. The rest of the day was evenly divided between toddler tantrums and toy trashing. He got ALL of his toys out. The toys covered the floor, all of them. Thats ok, he had a good time.
Tonight for dinner I made fried chicken, cole slaw, tomatoes and masked taters. Mike was quite pleased at the spred. I don't think I will ever be able to fry chicken and not think of Granny. Several years ago Mike and I went to Ohio to visit, and to steal her fried chicken recipe. First she taught us how to cut up a chicken, can we say HACKSAW. We didn't do too good. She kept telling me I was going to cut a finger off. Today her prediction almost came true. While parting out the chicken I sliced into my middle finger pretty bad. It just wouldn't stop bleeding, but it finally did and is now bandaged. Mike in the mean time finished my chop job of the chicken. He did really well.
He also helped me divide all the meat I bought at Sam's. He is such a good kid, I think I will up his contract in June. He is currently ironing work shirts for the week while I sit here trying to ignore that big pile of laundry on the kitchen table. Its taunting me. I can hear that little voice whispering "Fold me, fold me". I guess I really should, hey maybe a glass of wine will help me enjoy it. If I make the glass big enough it will make me not care that I'm doing something I really hate.
">Link

You know he's going to turn out ok when...

Yesterday we all made the haul out to Target. I got a new dry erase board for the fridge since Gryffin has taken my other one for his aspiring art career. We picked up gift wrap and a couple of CD's. What were they you ask? Oh, you didn't ask. Tuff! One was a CD of lullabyes that Mike and I felt compeled to buy, and not just because it was only $3.50. No, this was all Metallica songs turned into instrumental lullabyes. You know it sucks when 'Enter Sandman' is calm and relaxing. It was worth $3.50 for the funny factor. The other was Johnny Cash's 16 biggest hits. We are big Johnny Cash fans, that was when country music was still good and well, country. So after yanking out the Metallica before our ears rebelled and fell off our heads we put in 'The Man in Black'. All of a sudden someone is singing along with 'Ring of Fire'. It wasn't Mike, or me. Yup, Gryffin. He's in the back seat singing the song in toddler speak but when the chorus of 'Down, down, down' came he was right on it with the 'downs'. Yeah, I think the kid won't be scared too much from the Metallica fiasco. Looks like his music taste will turn out ok. Especially since when he was a baby in need of lullabyes his favorite was Foo Fighters and the other day he was singing along with The Clash's 'I Fought The Law'.
">Link

Rain, rain go away and don't come back next Saturday

The sky outside is almost as murky as the Mississippi river. There is a drizzle coming down and its cold. Hmm, sounds like a day to stay inside and take a nap. I need to do a little laundry, ok- a lot of laundry and finish unpacking. Other than that my house is in good shape thanks to my mother-in-law. She has a heart of gold. The day after we got back from Arizona she surprised me at 9 am by showing up at my door ready to clean. She knows how the condition of my home directly effects my mood and that I would be too exhausted from the trip to do much to improve it. She was right. She stayed until about 1 pm and took time out to play with Gryffin, get him to eat his lunch and put him down for a nap. The whole time she was here, I went through the mail and cleaned up the kitchen. Thinking about it, the house wasn't in that bad of condition since it had been inhabited by a batchelor and four dogs for a week. But thanks to Mom, my floors were scrubbed for the first time in a long time.
Having a relatively clean house is going to be of great help considering I have 1 week to plan for, shop for and decorate for Gryffin's 2nd Birthday party. We have to keep it smaller than last year due to the short time frame (and lack of space). I did get the invitations out already. Since they had a dinosaur theme, I will stick with that for the party. I hate to admit this but I am buying a cake this year. Out of neccessity, not want. I've got the plates, forks and napkins but still need cups, decorations and beverages. I guess I'm not in as bad a shape as I thought!
">Link

Currently taking donations...

Found our dream house. Worst one in the best neighborhood on three, yes three, acres. If you would like to donate to the "Hard working, pays the bills on time and never wins nothing fund" please contact me for further instructions.

Can't you just see us infront of the fireplace with some irish coffee and books on a cold night? Or how about actually having enough room to entertain? Ah, this place just makes me want to talk with a British accent.

">Link

Must check this out!!!

Hit my link to the Mamalogues and check out the video: Mom My Ride. I was rolling!
">Link

Mission Accomplished

Thanks to a $10 off coupon at the grocery, I came in at a little over $60. I needed quite a bit too since the cupboards were bare. Now today I'm off to Sam's which could totally blow the budget. We need everything-butt wrappers for Gryffin, carcas parts like ground beef, chicken and a pork loin. These are not my favorites as they require work. The ground beef has to be separated into 1lb packs, the chickens have to be parted out like and old chevy and the loin has to be sliced into chops and roasts. I will have to figure out what it actually costs me today. Never know, once I figure in the packaging costs and time spent I may be better off buying from the butcher.
Other than that Gryffin is settling back into the regular routine, sort of. Its been hard since we got back from vacation. And not just for him. I won't go into details since there are some readers that personally know how hard it is for us to leave the desert.
Oh yeah, if you have procrastinated until the last millisecond you may want to think of an exciting weekend of crunching numbers and figuring out how to steal back what the taxman stole from you. Just keep a few things in mind... you cannot deduct your pets as dependants (even though they are), you cannot consider time spent with really irritating people as charitable work (even though it is) and even if you are a stay-at-home mom you can't deduct cleaning supplies, food, crayons and diapers as work related expenses (even though they are).
">Link

I'm taking a lesson from my friend Catherine at www.angelfoodcakeisntacandle.blogspot.com and getting back to my grocery budget challenge. I don't have a per meal, per person breakdown. Believe it or not, I'm not that neurotic (yet). I do have my weekly grocery budget amount of $70, not including meat which I usually get from Sam's. This amount is definately do-able since Mike has cut back on the toilet cleaner. Did you know that Diet Coke makes toilets sparkle? Good battery connector cleaner too. Anyway, that stuff is expensive. Unfortunately, so are fresh fruits and veggies. This really hit me when I was in Arizona last week. Produce there is actually affordable and comes in a wide variety. I'm so jealous. Produce and milk kill our budget but we can't give those up or cut back so other areas will have to feel the pinch. I wish I had better gardening skills and could grow some green beans, broccoli, carrots and baby cucumbers for pickling.
I'll let you know how I do.

Back to freezing...

We returned from Cactus Land to cold and rain. That is ok because we also returned to a couple of very happy to see us dogs and a clean house. (Thanks Chris, you rock!) Since we had some pretty yucky weather while we were gone all of our flowers and hanging plants outside died of hypothermia and will need to be replaced but the grass loved it. Its a vibrant green and thick, Good Luck Jones's!

Vacation was wonderful! Eating Pop's cooking for a week, soaking up sun and watching Gryffin get dirtier than he's ever been all while loving the company of my parents and family. I think the only bad thing about going out there is that I have to come back. Gryffin really, really, really liked it too.

">Link

Airports and flying and lost baggage- Oh my!

Off to follow the yellow security tape road to the Land of Sand. Hopefully I won't run into check-in attendant with a witchy attitude. Although I do plan on hearing, "Pay no attention to the man behind the screener!". Flying monkeys on the other hand, well, I think they're cool. Maybe they could fly my luggage to the plane and Gryffin and I to our gate. But the red slippers, skipping and dancing are definately out of the question. I tripped while carrying Gryffin to bed last night and we both took a tumble through the poppy field. He was over it faster than I was. I'll make it as long as I don't use any bones or muscles connected to my left little toe.
Little boy Gryffin- check
Courage- check
Heart- check
Brain- half a check
Non-ruby but ultra comfy shoes- check
We're off to see the Family, the wonderful Family of AZ!
">Link

Opted for something cheaper...

No Catherine, I didn't get the coffee. Seems I don't have any cash, same ol' same ol'. But I did find a suitable replacement... Sirius 29 Vintage & Now Punk. When you have Social Distortion, Iggy Pop & The Stooges and Misfits cranked so loud even our gaybors with their club hoppin' thump-thump music would be deafend, along with some milk and chocolate chip cookies my mood is much improved. Hey, good thing I have an appointment for hearing aids next week. Might as well get my moneys worth.
">Link

Can you say Grumblewumpus?

That's going to be my name today. I didn't just wake up on the wrong side of the bed, I woke up on the wrong side of the house. There are many contributing factors. The largest being Gryffin waking up at 6:30, 7 I can do but any time before this and I won't wake up human. Another would be that I didn't get as much done yesterday as I needed to. There are other factors but I'm trying not to get too b*tchy.
Thank goodness today is Day Out. On the way home I may stop by The Abbey for a good strong latte with an extra shot. Preferably whiskey, but they don't have a liquer licsense so I'll settle for esspresso. Maybe that will improve my mood and energy level, at least temporarily. Hey, fake it till it feels real, right?

">Link

Appologies, just can't shut my pie hole.

T minus 48 and some odd hours until takeoff. I don't like flying. Correction, I don't like the taking off and landing part. I've had some pretty bad flights in the past. One in particular was filled with turbulance and lightning storms. Lets just say that was the longest prayer session I've ever had. Then there was the one where the guy next to me not only took up his seat but half of mine and smelled like he just came from an all you can eat bean burrito buffet. P-U. But then there have been those wonderful uneventful ones where I can quietly read for three hours. I've learned over the years to wear headphones- even when I'm not listening to music. It keeps the friendly chit chatters next to me from interupting my reading. I figured that out after a flight filled with looking at pictures of some old lady's grandkids. The way she told it they were to be sainted before they even died. Yeah,, yeah, I brag on my kid too but if you don't like it you can always quit reading. You can't just say to some one, 'Please shut your pie hole. Your kids are bratts and I really could care less about hearing of every time they sank a Cheerio'.
This flight I'm a little apprehensive about. You see, last time when Gryffin and I went to Arizona Mike was with us. We could tag team Gryffin. One could rest while the other ran him around in the hopes he would sleep on the plane. Now its just up to me. He has become so independant lately and wants to do everything by himself- including running off. I've seen those lazy, terrible monsters of parents put their kids on leashes and shook my head in disgust at them. That was long before I became a mother. Now I know why they did that and I hate to say it but I have joined their little club. This weekend we all went to Target in search of shorts for me. (Thats another story in and of itself) We came across this little teddy bear back pack that has a leash on the back. Mike and I debated and finally realized this would make my time at the airport less stressful. Hey, it was either that or get the pet cage/carrier. We took Gryffin for a walk yesterday with it on to get him used to it, he actually liked it. That eased my conscience a little.
Today is going to be filled with laundry and packing. Then tomorrow while Gryffin is in Day Out I'm going to try and scrub the house and get groceries for our friend Chris who has been so kind to watch our house and dogs for a week. He is a life saver, at least a furniture and floor saver.
Since Gryffin is cooperating so well by feeding his dinosaurs his breakfast I will tell you of my experience of shorts shopping. Between shoes and shorts, I think I would rather shop for a bikini. It might be less depressing. I'm a curvy girl, at least from the navel down. Clothes for the bottom half have always been a problem. Over the winter I decided that skirts would be a good option for me this summer so I scanned Ebay and bought three. I loved them and they fit perfect- then. Mike told me this weekend that I'm probably the only person in the world that complains about losing weight. Its not the weight loss that bothers me, its the fact that I have to go shopping for clothes that fit. I hate, abhoar, loathe, whatever you want to call it, I don't like shopping. Yesterday Mike made me promise to buy at least two pairs of shorts. He mentioned something about the desert being close to if not over 100 degrees this time of year but all I could hear was the crash landing of our checkbook balance. I gave in. We hit Target. They had some really cute ones that weren't too expensive. Yeah, they were cute alright. Cute on the hanger. I hate when girls wear pants that are so low on the waist when they bend down they look like plumbers. Makes me want to walk up behind them, drop a quarter down their crack and see if music comes out their butt. I've always been of the opinion that hip huggers were not created for people with hips. That was a bust. We then went to Khol's. I also have the problem that I'm too old for Junior and too young for Women's. They really should make clothes for In Betweener's. Mike and Gryffin helped me scan for possibilites. (I never shop for clothes without Mike, he has good taste and consoles me when they don't fit) We found a couple possibilities and low and behold, thanks to their belts, they didn't make my butt look like a jukebox! My seamstress will be dissappointed but I'm happy. Now I have a total of three pairs of shorts for this summer. Looks like I'm going to be a lot of laundry. I would rather do that than go shopping again.
">Link

It worked! I can barely contain myself. Yippee! Woo-Hoo! Yeah!
Now Mike will be able to spend a little time with my family, and me and Gryffin.
">Link

Last night a development came about that could give Mike a few days to spend with me and Gryffin at my folks in the desert over Easter. This development is not a definate yet so my tummy is in knots. I want Mike to be at my parents and not have to wait six days to see his son. That and my folks are kind of partial to him and vice versa.
If you have a spare prayer, could you use it on us?
PS- its not easy to type with crossed fingers, hee hee hee.
">Link

Here comes Peter Cottontail...

Easter time again. I wasn't planning on getting Gryffin's picture today when we went to the mall but kind of had too when he took off running to the Easter Bunny and jumped in his lap. It was fine though. Gryffin had a good time with it and the Bunny was left with a dry lap. They gave him these really cute paper ears to wear on this head. He luuuuved those, mostly when they would fall off and he would scream at the top of his lungs for them. Yeah, that only happed 3or 8 dozen times. I lost track along the way. After the shopping was done, more like after Mommy was exhausted, he wanted to ride the train on the way out. Ok, cool. He had never done that before and he had been as good as a two year old can be when he's about 3 hours late for his nap. He climbed in, rang the bell and was all happy smiley, until the train started to move. He started crying the 'I'm not going to breath until you make it stop' cry. The conductor stopped the train and Grandma Dianne hopped in the car with him. Now mind you, this is a child size train so Grandma didn't fit real well, but she would do anything for him. That calmed him down and after a couple times around the track he began to enjoy it. Right now, he is sleeping off the experience- Thank You God! I'm inventorying all the clothes we, scratch that, Grandma bought him. Not to mention all the toys he suckered her out of too. Little devil.

">Link