Today's Special: Ebola quiche!

Its Monday. Ugh, Monday.
I think I may have gotten 4 hours sleep last night, even after taking a sleeping pill.
Gryffin has his usual change of weather, night shattering cough that kept him up. So at least our miserableness didn't get lonely and we can be cranky together today. What joy we shall bring to playdate!
At about 3 this morning I thought that we just wouldn't go to Robin & Clara's house today, even though yesterday Gryffin declared his undying love for Clara Jane and demanded to go see her right then. A two year old Romeo stalker, just what Clara wanted for Christmas! Anyway, I didn't want any of the other moms to think that I was infecting their home and child with Ebola but then I realized that:
1. Gryffin doesn't have a fever
2. Other than a couple, he only coughs at night
3. He's up and playing like a tornado
4. He's had the night cough for over a week so if it were contagious they would already have blood coming out their eye sockets and be begging to eat a bullet.
He would long be over this but The Man decided to take away children's cold and allergy medicine because some toothless inbred couldn't read the freaking instructions and OD'd their kid on Benedryl. Stupid inbreds. I still have a small stash, but I'm hording it like my muther hordes old butter tubs. 'Cause its good Tupperware'. It might work a little better IF YOU WASHED IT OUT FIRST! Anyway, I digress.
Hording probably isn't the right term since just the mention of medicine makes him run screaming like a teenage girl faced with a snake. Or a grown woman, for that matter. It took Mike to hold flailing arms and legs while I shoved a little strip into his mouth last night. Since I'm on my own today I will probably lose a finger or two, but at least I won't have to make breakfast that way.

Good Neighbor Alert!
Yesterday Drunk Naked Guy trespassed into our back yard and shouted through our back door to let us know that Java got out twice and that he was kind enough to bring him back. Apparently, he wasn't sober enough to knock. At the same time Sara from next door came running over to the front door, and rang the bell like sane people, to let us know she just spotted Drunk Naked Guy in our back yard. She was checking on us to make sure we weren't all bloody and dead. Now, that's good neighboring, folks!

OK, up off the keester and in to the kitchen. I have to come up with something to make for playdate. I'm thinking a ham, broccoli and cheese quiche. I will let the Jedi mind power of the fridge lead me.

This weekend has been nice, but rough. Mike cleaned out the garage so I can now park the Jeep in it. He has also cleaned the kitchen, twice. We have a long standing arrangement that when I cook, he cleans up the kitchen. I try to keep the amount of dishes and mess at a minimum but sometimes slack on that. He does a great job.
We also went to the mall for some organizers for Mike's tool chest, a book for me and a cookie and train ride for Gryffin. They have this little kid size train that just goes around in a circle and an old fashion carousel. I always try and steer him to the carousel because on the train he has a meltdown as soon as it starts to move. When this happens the operator has to stop the train and either Mike or I climb aboard with him. It was my turn, so we went round and round for a bit and Gryffin really enjoyed it.
While Gryffin is now napping, I have some granola bars in the oven. Apple, apricot, pear, peach and prune with almonds, sunflower seeds and chocolate chips- yum! I call these the everything bars. Gryffin calls them power bars. Fitting I suppose.
Through all of this I have been fighting again. I really, really, really don't want to go back on antidepressants but if I'm having this much trouble this early in the season, it can't be a good sign. I know when I lose interest in cooking and keeping the house clean that its only the beginning. If I can rebound in a week or two then I don't consider medication. Its been a month. Maybe I should bite the bullet and go to the doctor. Get it over with and on with my life because there are way too many great things that I feel like I just can't enjoy.

Spiderman Saturday

Its chilly, overcast and perfect weather to curl up on the couch with a blanket and remote. Too bad that's a pipe dream when you have a two year old. However the reality isn't bad either, playing with said two year old and reading him books is pretty cool too.
Last night we went to the NEW Target. The closest one, until this week, has been a 20-30 minute drive down the highway into a really traffic congested town that only survives because its jam-packed with shops, malls and restaurants. No one actually lives there. Anyway, a Target finally opened up in our town and only about a 5 minute drive away. Yeah! Plus it has a bigger selection of just about everything.
We were perusing the $1 section, Mike spotted pairs of Superman and Batman socks for Gryffin while I spied some Spiderman gloves. Gryffin is obsessed with Superheros right now. He comes by it honest, Mike still wishes his real name was Bruce Wayne. Gryffin is also obsessed with gloves. Be it rubber cleaning gloves, Mike's old winter or work gloves or just a pair of socks shoved on his hands. When we got home I opened the Spiderman gloves and Gryffin just about danced he was so excited. So excited in fact, he insisted on sleeping in them.
This morning he is still wearing them and had to be reminded to take them off before submerging his hand in cereal and banana. That and he wanted to wear his Spiderman T-shirt today too. The kid is all boy. Which is exactly what I wanted.

Fashion isn't about the zoo animals...

This is The dress! Designer extrordinaire, Beqi is being camera shy.

Don't look at me like I'm crazy when you make me laugh like a school girl. As you can see the print on the dress is infact, pinups on motorcycles.

This is the Monday Mommy Posse.

Beqi, Jill, Robin and me.

Yesterday I went back to high school. Not really, just felt like it. It was Gryffin's first field trip with Day Out. When we arrived he had serious melt down at the prospect of me leaving. When I explained that I was going to stay with him he went all Chernobyl. For a half hour the kid screamed and cried. Other moms looked at me like I had demon spawn. I would rather have a kid with a tantrum than their roots. For crimeny, if you are going to dye your hair- keep it up. Anyway, when Gryffin realized that this meant he would get to ride on a school bus he promptly calmed down. All the kids, teachers and moms hopped on the bus and began singing Kumbaya. Not really, but it did have that 'I don't belong' feel. On the ride the other moms were talking of things I didn't understand, conservative politics, the latest Coach handbags and something about a cookbook by Jerry Seinfeld's wife where she puts spinach in brownies.

We all unloaded at the pumpkin patch and climbed on a tractor. Gryffin was really excited (and nervous). He just wanted to keep on riding but we had to pick out a pumpkin. I promised that we would ride back on the tractor but they wouldn't let us on without a pumpkin. This prompted a sprint of Olympic speed. Gryffin ran to the very back of the field, after picking himself up off the ground a few times. I think he totally lost track of finding a pumpkin because at the end of this field was a HUGE hill perfect for rolling down. I didn't think I could move that fast but I caught him before he hurled his little body down it. He was not happy. I tried to redirect and get back into the pumpkin thing but it was lost. Dragging him back through the field we spotted a pumpkin. He carried it for three seconds before throwing it to the ground insisting that I carry it and him. So, I pack muled up and carried them back to the tractor.

After that we settled in for a pig race that totally freaked him out. He didn't want to see those pigs run in a circle, he wanted to pet them. It was past lunch and nap time, so I knew that his frustration was due to hunger and exhaustion.

On the ride home it was pretty quiet, except for one of the teacher's kids screaming his head off for more popcorn. We were lucky enough to sit right in front of him. By the time we got back to Day Out the kid and his mom were both in tears. Don't get me wrong, I cry out of empathy, sympathy and frustration when Gryffin has a bad tantrum- but NEVER in public or in front of him. It only fuels the fire.

Gryffin said that he didn't want to stay at Day Out so I brought him home, fed, changed and put him down for a nap.

When Mike got home Gryffin showed him the pumpkin and I filled him in on the days events. Talking with him made me realize that even though I don't fit in most places and am easily intimidated, I don't act like a 15 year old spoiled brat with zoo animals on my boob and some strangers name on my purse or butt. They had problems with their kids dressing themselves and not matching, I let my kid wear a bucket as a hat and socks on his hands when we go out for dinner. They complain about getting dirty, I'm just thankful I don't dry clean. They complain about not being able to get their kids to eat veggies and my kid loves them.

I am truly blessed. A happy life is the best revenge so all those moms and the girls in high school that made my life hell can all bite me. Naa-naa-na-naa-naa and a big wet raspberry to them. Ok, so I haven't totally grown up.

A pumpkin for my Pumpkin

First ride on a school bus.

He kept referring to the guy on the tractor as PaPa. Hmm, I do see a resemblance.

First tractor ride. He was a little nervous.

Off in search of that perfect pumpkin.

I've already found mine.

Beautiful day for a headache

We opened up the house yesterday. The temperatures have dropped below Satan's comfort level and is now where we like it, chilly. I was planning on taking Gryffin to the zoo today but I awoke about 5 am with an axe between the eyes headache. Maybe more coffee will help. Heck, that is a remedy I'm always willing to try!
It came to our attention a few days ago that an old friend/coworker was looking for a place to live. She came and looked at our old house and thought it perfect. She really liked that the bathroom was big enough for her hair, and thats saying something folks and that the back yard was big enough for her five dogs. Yup, five. Ok, so I wouldn't be real thrilled with living next to that many dogs, but I've met them several times and aside from a hello bark they are pretty mellow. We told her what price we were asking and she wasn't put off so things were looking good until the city government decided to stomp on our toes. In the city of B'ville you cannot own more than three dogs without applying for a special zoning permit. I don't know what her thoughts were on this after Mike told her but I really don't expect her to buy our house now. It was like being adrift on a raft, seeing land in the distance and then realizing it was only a mirage. But we are still going to keep paddling. Through this whole experience we have learned that renting it out is not an option as our insurance would skyrocket and that we now know exactly what we would ask for it, which is a good 10 grand less than any other house in the neighborhood that is for sale right now. Silver lining, don't blind me.
Anyway, off to down more pain killers and coffee. It is the breakfast of champions, isn't it?

Argh Matey!

These boots are made for walkin'. Planks, that is. Someone decided he wanted to be a pirate for Halloween so being oh so handy with a sewing machine and with lots of time on my hands I ran to the nearest store and bought him a costume, complete with eye patch and telescope. Of course, now he refuses to take it off to change into jammies. I may have created a monster. A pirate monster.

I also picked myself up a Betty Page wig. Don't know what I'm going to do with it but hell, Betty Page!

The party is over.

Bosom Buddies: Beqi & Robin

Mike & Brian playing Guitar Hero, aka- Geek Guitar

I think everyone, including Mike and I, had a good time. At least, I didn't hear any complaints. I think my threat of a boot inspired butt kicking worked. I would love to post some pictures of the infamous dress but Robin hasn't forwarded them to me yet. I did wear the awesome shoes for most of the night. The last couple hours I kicked them off, walked around hillbilly style and let everyone know how lazy I am since I only painted the two nails that showed through the shoes.
I think our gayhbors finally realized that Mike and I are not the quiet, conservatives they once thought. In fact, the found out the exact opposite and now we have scored invites to their Christmas party. I'm hoping boa draped drag queens will be in attendance.

I think the next party will be Mardi Gras. A little jambalaya, red beans and rice and gumbo sounds really good.

How not to celebrate...

I bought me some sweet, sexy shoes to go with that awesome dress for the party. And how do I celebrate this major lifetime achievement? I break my little toe not 15 minutes later. That kind of talent will not win me the bouquet of roses and diamond tiara, folks. Does this mean I won't be wearing said sweet and sexy shoes? Hell no! So, if you are at my party and see me hopping around on one foot just know that:
A. I'm in pain
B. I'm a little clumsy
C. I sooo love these shoes
And if you feel that you must comment on my ridiculousness just be aware that I also bought a pair of black, patent leather, pointed toe, stiletto healed, dominatrix style, knee high, man-part puncturing boots and if need be I will whip them on and kick your wise crackin' butt with my good foot. And that talent should at least win me some daisies and a little paper party hat.

Park It!

Today we went to the Missouri Botanical Garden and had a blast. I must say, this morning I was not looking forward to this. Dreading it in fact. All I could picture was Gryffin running off yanking the heads off of pretty flowers, raising his head and giving his evil laugh. Only one plant ended up feeling pain and I made Gryffin apologize to it. Yeah, I'm one of those moms.

The following pictures were taken by new BFF, Mia. BFF, jeez I'm losing it. The exhaustion has officially set in. Anyway, thanks be to Mia for the great pictures because I'm a ding-bat and forgot the camera, again.

Lincoln Logs are even better when you can climb on them!

Ahoy, Matey! I be Pirate Poop Pants.

Whee!

Gryffin is convinced that under every bridge lives an angry troll. Here he was trying to catch one.

Now, I won't include any of the pics where Gryffin and his friends Clara Jane, Little Eddie and at times Big Eddie ran amok in the water park. I realized too late that I had neglected to bring a spare change of clothes. So I went all hillbilly and stripped him down to his diaper and laid out the drippy duds to dry in the sun. I know, most of you would just love to see these but I am saving them for his first date, prom and his wedding reception. Evil, evil Mommy.

Today we are heading to the Missouri Botanical Garden to meet friends and walk. And walk, and walk, and walk. I haven't been to the gardens for a long time, I think the last time we went while Gryffin was an infant and easily contained for a concert. Now, nothing contains him. I'm definitely wearing tennis shoes.
Ooh, ooh- good news alert! We sold the big red truck! Only slightly less than we wanted but enough to pay off my hearing aides before the interest hits. And one more BIG thing off our shoulders. After the party Saturday we can concentrate on getting next door cleaned up so we can decide what to do with it. We want to sell but if we find someone we know (well) who might need a place to rent we would do that, otherwise its the option of do we sell it ourselves or get an agent. Of course, none of this can even be seriously thought of until its scrubbed down and the painting finished. Along with getting the basement emptied.

Motorcycles and Mary Janes

So the only real thing I accomplished from yesterday's list was finishing The Watchman. I also started Batman: Year One. For any of you that know my husband, Batman is his hero. He wants a Batman tattoo, he must drink his weekend coffee out of his Batman cup and I swear, if they made Batman underwear in his size he would wear those too. He is a geek and I absolutely love him for it! It enables him to always remain in touch with his inner child and enjoy things on a completely different level than most.
Another reason I love my husband... he bought me the coolest dress from my pal Beqi, http://www.beqiclothing.com/index.html. Its a red spaghetti strap dress with an empire waist and the coolest pattern of pinup girls on motorcycles all over it. I plan on wearing it at our party Saturday with a little 50's style cardigan and some Mary Janes, if I can find a pair. Weird, used to be the only shoes I owned were Mary Janes. And no, I wasn't 6. More like 26.
Yesterday was spent with the usual Monday Sanity Session at Robin's. We all needed it. Amazing how one day a week can greatly improve the disposition of kids and mom's alike.
Today no goofing off for me. First, get Gryffin and myself ready to face the world, take him to Day Out and me to get the Jeep attended to. Then home to do some laundry and clean. A few days without vacuuming and the dust bunnies are multiplying like, well- bunnies. Then there is also the job of scouring the Internet and cookbooks for some good party grub. My life is rough, people.

Making Ta-Da's from To Do's...

So many of our friends won't be able to make it to the party Saturday, but that is ok. The handful that will be here are dear to us and that is the important thing. It also takes a little pressure off.
We have finally put some pictures up on the walls here. A little Pearl Jam here, some Hendrix there and a few guitars on the wall. Hmm, think we like music?
Mike took the ramps and made a lovely step at the front door. Yeah!
He also listed the truck for sale in Auto Trader.
What did I do you ask. Uhm, what did I do? I think I did a little laundry but other than that I'm not real sure. Guess I better start pulling my weight around here this week.
Lets see, personal To Do's:
1. Finish all laundry
2. Finalize the party menu, make shopping list and do the shopping
3. Dust and vacuum, AKA- dust bunny wrangle and sneeze fest
4. Clean, clean, clean and oh yeah, clean
5. Get the oil changed in the Jeep before the engine falls out and have them clean it inside and out because it smells like old french fries
6. Finish The Watchmen, a graphic novel Mike gave me to read. I thought a graphic novel was a comic book but its not really. I've really enjoyed it and plan on reading more of them.
7. Go to the Botanical Gardens with friends on Wednesday and try not to think of all the stuff that I should be doing and enjoy myself.
That should just about do it. Now, its up to you to hold me accountable. I guess if I fail my punishment should be something really heinous like having to eat my muther's Snickerdoodle cookies or going through the line at the grocery with the checker that never shuts up and takes forever. This chick actually picks up things and asks what I'm going to make with it. She gives me the creeps.

Party till the dust bunnies come home.

Don't worry, I haven't fallen off the edge of the earth. I have been sick. I won't go into details except to say that is not how I like to lose weight. I'm back now and have a long day ahead. Being sick is not conducive to keeping the laundry monster at bay, the fridge full or the dust bunnies wrangled. I'm also hoping to get Gryffin outside to enjoy the wonderful weather we have.
I need to get it all done today as this weekend there are other things around here that must get done. I am putting my foot down. Mike built these lovely ramps for Granny to make it easier to get in and out of the house. Obviously they are no longer needed but yet they remain. They make it look like old people live here and as we are mentally old, physically I think we can handle a couple of steps instead. Silly I know, but somehow they remind me that this isn't really our home.
We are on a big kick to spruce as for the first time, uhm-ever, we are entertaining just for the sake of entertaining. My only experience with hosting parties has been Gryffin's birthday where I just fussed with food and camera and spent most of the time trying to find places to hide because I don't deal well with lots of people in a small space. Small space no more! Our family room alone can sit 9 or 10.
Now I would love to be able to paint the family, dining and living rooms but my delusions of grandeur have to do with winning the lottery not killing myself. I would also love to get some bar stools, stock a bar and have a spread of grub that would make Martha blush but again- not into self destruction. I took the cheap/lazy way out and put a big BYOB on the invites and am planning a chicken chili, jambalaya and easy finger food buffet. Good thing we don't know any fancy people 'cuz we'd make 'em feel as uncomfortable as a fart in a crowded elevator.
Dianne has agreed to take Gryffin for the night so there won't be much entertainment, other than the diverse group of people we know. Sometimes diversity is good, other times it only results in a Jerry Springer Show like eruption. Although, the one really questionable gent we know is unable to make it so I'm pretty sure Jerry will get the night off.

A family that inks together stinks together!

We all got Batman tattoos Saturday. Don't worry they're temporary, although I have a feeling Mike would love to make his permanent. Aside from the deer caught in the headlights look on my face this picture is a pretty good summary of our weekend.
After getting inked up we headed out to an art show where my friend Beqi, http://www.beqiclothing.com/index.html was and exhibitor. I picked through her wares like a ravenous wolf. I bought a really pretty top, necklace and a hairpin. The hairpin is a pirate hat with a Jolly Roger on it, you are so jealous. We also picked up a couple of other items which I can't say because one is a gift for one of my loyal readers. Strange Folk Art Show had a much different feel than most, scratch that, all of the other shows in this area. It lacked the super high price tags, the snooty old women in their butch haircuts and 'art show' jewelry. It blared, sometimes too loudly, good music and offered everything from pottery and T-shirts to fresh from the alpaca yarn. It was a good mix of hippies and technicolored freaks. The organizers were brilliant enough to host in a park with a playground. With the reward for good behavior of playing on the playground, Gryffin behaved awesomely. For three hours he terrorized that playground equipment, which was fine with Mike and I because: A. he was playing nicely with the other children, B. he was burning off his endless supply of energy and C. we got to eat some really great gyros while watching him and snapping and endless array of pictures.
Yesterday was more laid back. We took Gryffin for doughnuts where he thoroughly charmed the waitress and a few patrons and made several people laugh when he kept putting 'pretend' turtles in Mike's coffee. After that we ran some errands and came home for nap time.
My mood has been better and I am thankful of that, but I still feel that little depression monster trying to push his way out. Hopefully I will keep him at bay and beat him like a dirty rug.

I'm up, showered, dressed and even did my hair and what little makeup I wear. That is more than I have done the past few days. Baby steps.
Mike told me last night to just 'do' something. Doing something is the best thing at this stage but its also the hardest. All I want to do is sit, not watch TV or read a book, not blog therapy, just make like a zucchini and veg. Amazing how well I can shut my brain off during the day and at night it works overtime with the worries, anxiety and guilt.
I read this this morning: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070919/hl_nm/exercise_depression_dc;_ylt=Ao6lOTscNU3048b2b_5RIkSCSbYF
My personal opinion and experience has been that exercise definitely staves off depression. But until health insurance companies cover equipment or gym memberships, its just not possible right now. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure- unless your an insurance company. But I won't get all politi-preachy.
I want to get out with Gryffin today and do something, even just a walk but its set to be so stinking hot. We will see.

I feel a spiral coming on.

As most of my readers know, I suffer from depression, anxiety and general issues. Everyone has issues but no one's issues are as severe as their own. Except maybe their significant others who have it the worst because they have a loved one's issues to deal with on top of their own issues and this just a recipe for rough times. Sorry Mike.
For several weeks I have been a little down. On the surface I think I've been able to hide it pretty well but now its to the point where Mike is asking me if I'm ok because I look like I'm about to burst into tears and Gryffin is telling me not to be grumpy. From a 2 1/2 year old, thats deep.
I don't really know what has set me off this time. At least, I can't pinpoint one thing. I think its more of an accumulation of little things.
The house next door sitting there filthy, empty and dying.
My lack of a glass studio over here.
Money problems. Ok, so not problems since we have money for food and gas and the bills are paid. But money problems such as credit card debt. I'm not used to it and I don't like it. The last time I actually looked at our credit card bill I almost had an anxiety attack.
The payment for my hearing aides is due in November and I don't know where the several thousand dollars will come from.
I just feel like I'm out of control. I'm a control freak out of control and that has put me into a spin. A spin that makes me not want to do anything which is the worst thing I could do. Now don't get all worried, I'm not going over the edge. I'm just in a funk and this blog is a hell of a lot cheaper than a therapist, which I've tried before and all he wanted to do was write me a scrip and bill my insurance for $135 an hour. So you're just going to have to sit there and say 'uh ha' and 'I see' along with a couple 'How does that make you feel' and 'Tell me about your childhood'.

Zapata's is zsa' poo poo

Tonight we went back to Zapata's Mexican Restaurant. We figured we hadn't been there for a couple years and it deserved another chance. The last time it wasn't the food that was horrid, it was the service. This time the service was much better and the food horrid. When the only difference between a burrito and an enchilada is a corn tortilla you know the cook ain't Mexican. The meat was really bland, the sauce was the same on both and definitely from a can. They didn't even have the decency to add more seasoning. Their chili dip was just that, chili- again from a can. Tasted a lot like the canned chili I buy Mike to take to work. That isn't a good thing. Gryffin only ate his fries and the tortilla from his taco. After tasting the meat, I understood why. It didn't have the texture of ground beef, more like grits cooked in beef broth. And bland, bland, bland. Everything was bland. It was Mexican food for the elderly. I will say one thing though, the chips and salsa were pretty good.

Say it or walk the plank!

Today, as my husband had to call from work and tell me, is National Talk Like A Pirate Day.
Argh!

Camping was great. I got there early enough to enjoy a book on the beach. The weather was chilly but perfect. We like it a little chilly when we camp, who wants to sit around a campfire when its 90 degrees?
Speaking of 90 degrees, the hot has returned. I was hoping for a nice trip to the zoo with Gryffin this week but alas, no go.
Today we will kick back for a little while. I was planning on going to Fairview Heights to look for some pants for Gryffin and maybe some pillows to keep Java off the couch in the living room but it seems there is this massive man hunt for a psycho killer that has shut traffic down on the interstate. Nothing like a murderer to ruin your morning plans.

Argh, Matey!

I was in the middle of a nice relaxing bubble bath last night when Gryffin came running in screaming, "Argh, I'm a pirate!". Not a big deal, until I looked at him. "Look at my red eyepatch, Mommy. I'm a pirate." Yup, my child drew a red 'eye patch' on himself last night. Along with 'tattoos' all up and down both arms.

Yup, would've much rather spent the day with Chucky. I had to stop the dental hygienist from finishing because apparently the tears streaming down my face went unnoticed. Sadists. The government just needs to send this chick to Abhu Graib, the information would just flow. For those of you who don't know, I have TMJ which is a jaw disease that causes involuntary contractions of the jaw. Its like clenching your teeth so hard your eyes begin to pop over and over and not being able to stop. I can't open my jaw very wide or for very long so just a cleaning like I had done today is excruciating. Labor pains were easier to deal with! Hmmm, I wonder what kind of soup we have.

How much chuck can a Chuck up-chuck?

Tuesday when I took Gryffin to Day Out there was this poor little boy in his class that was screaming hysterically for his parents. It was his first day and he was not happy about it. He had worked himself into such a frenzy that as I helped Gryffin put his lunch in his cubby the kid (who shall henceforth be named 'Chucky') puked. Gryffin had been pretty calm up to this point but seeing Chucky up-chuck was traumatic enough to make him scream and grab hold of my leg with a vise like grip. I tried calming Gryffin down by reading him 'The Cat in the Hat' but Chucky was still screaming like a claustrophobic shut in a coffin. I was hoping/praying that the teacher would just escort him out of class until he calmed down but it didn't happen. Finally the teacher's aide came in and could see that Gryffin was distraught so she took over the book and pryed him off me. I left and by the time I had signed Gryffin in he was sitting in the aide's lap calmly. Chucky on the other hand was still screaming.
When I picked Gryffin up later than afternoon he was happily playing outside and had fully recovered. Chucky was still, yes still, screaming. The haggard teacher said that she had gotten him calmed down for a short period of time but for the most part he had been like this all day. I felt so sorry for her and for the kid.
This morning when I told Gryffin that it was Day Out day he did his best Chucky impression, sans yakking thank goodness. He told me it was too ucky to go to Day Out. Great, now my kid is scared to go because of Chucky. Stupid Chucky. I am preparing myself for meltdown when I take Gryffin this morning and I won't be able to stick around for a book because I have a dentist appointment. Considering how I feel about dentists I would rather hang with Chucky for the day.

The weather is so perfect today! It makes me want to go pick apples or walk around the zoo. Neither of which I've been able to do yet this year. I can't believe Gryffin hasn't been to the zoo yet. Last year we went about half a dozen times. I guess life just keeps interrupting my life. Hate it when that happens.

Tuesday...

Play date yesterday was much needed for all those in attendance and also much enjoyed.
Today is Day Out and cleaning. In Day Out they work with Gryffin on potty training, which I desperately appreciate. I am not pushing him. He's my kid and he's going to do it when he wants to do it. Of all the things to get from me, my stubbornness was not one I would've chose. He'll go on the potty once in a while, the rest of the time he just asks for a clean diaper. I try to get him to sit on the potty first but it usually doesn't work. I tried bribing him with reading books while he's on the throne. I tried stickers but that was a fiasco because he got all upset that I wouldn't let him put the stickers on the bathroom tile and tub. Maybe I need to try that again but give him the sticker after leaving the bathroom and giving him a designated place to stick it. We will see. I'm taking my time, a small reason is that its one more step away from babyhood. And since he will be my one and only child there are times I mourn the loss of my little baby boy but more often than not I rejoice in the wonderful child that is emerging.

Monday, monday

Not a bad start to the day, appliance repair man done and gone, cherry pie for play date in the oven, laundry in the washer, second cup of 'joe' on its way down, shower, bed made and kitchen cleaned. This is going to be a short and busy week. Mike took Friday off to go camping and there is a lot involved in getting ready for that. I have been asked to make a big batch of 'Hair On Your Nuts' to share at the campsite, along with a double batch of Jambalaya mix for Saturday night's dinner. Every year Mike has hosted a big camping/float trip for the cool kids at work. This will be the smallest and probably the last due to many people leaving for fear of being laid off when the big merger occurs after the first of the year. It is always a good time though. Mike always goes down on Friday while I wait until Saturday afternoon. I don't like canoeing. I much prefer sitting around a deserted campsite with a book and an exorbitant amount of bug spray. Besides, I don't think I could stand being away from Gryffin for two nights. Saturday night is spent around a campfire the size of Rhode Island, talking, imbibing to excess (usually) and betting when a certain attendee will either fall off the ledge or into the fire. Luckily, no one has ever been hurt (not counting hangovers). My favorite part of the whole thing is on Sunday morning. Its chilly and there's usually a misty fog in the air and is always quiet. There's nothing like waking up in the midst of nature, watching the sun come up. Oh yeah, and getting the opportunity to see how bad everyone looks in the morning.

I got big butt and I cannot lie

Ok fashion world, you're pissing me off. In fact you have been for the past few years. To make it easy for you to understand I have put my lecture into an outline:
I. Hip hugger jeans
A. Not for people with hips
B. Not for people under 18 or over 40
II. Skinny jeans
A. Should never be made in acid wash, even back in 84 when it was fashionable- the first time.
B. Should not come in any rise other than mid
a. High rise skinny jeans = prostimom
b. Low rise skinny jeans = prostiplumber
III. Distressed jeans
A. Dirty wash, the homeless look will never be in
B. Ripped- shouldn't have 'em if you don't earn 'em
IV. Button fly jeans
A. Can double as a chastity belt
B. Require diapers unless you're a champion texter and have super finger speed
V. Embellished jeans
A. Studs are for duds
B. If I want flowers on my ass I will get a buttineer

Next week my lesson will be, "Little Girls (women too for that matter) should not look like Bratz Dollz".

Now, if anyone can point me in the direction of the 'Under $40, skinny, dark wash, mid rise, no zippered ankle jeans department', I would really appreciate it.

Drumming to a different beat.

I did it, at least I think I did. I don't remember bitching about anything so I'll call it success.
Can't say I have anything to complain about today either. Especially since Gryffin slept through the night last night. YEAH!!! I woke up several times thinking that I heard him out of bed but alas it was not so. I even got up once only to find Java wandering about.
Today I am tackling the laundry pile. At least its a clean one. I don't know what it is about laundry that I find so challenging. Maybe remembering to put it in the dryer, or take it out, or fold it, or put it away. Yeah, I think that might be it. I know people who find doing laundry therapeutic. I envy those crazy broads. The only thing I find therapeutic these days are hot bubble baths, books and big glasses of wine. Luckily Mike lets me get therapy almost every night.
Just so others might appreciate the joys of my son, here is a video of one of his talents. (Plug your ears)

Mission Impossible

Today I am challenging myself to not complain- about anything. I have a very blessed life filled with loving people who support me, a home that is safe and comfortable, cars that are dependable and clean underwear. The latter just came about this morning after doing some laundry. Funny how clean underwear can make you introspective. Anyway, I am even continuing this challenge through my egg-donors visit this evening. Shouldn't be too hard, but don't think for a minute that this will continue tomorrow too.

Don't come a knockin' if the Country Clubs a rockin'

Last night the country club about a mile away put on a concert outside. No big deal, you say? Oh it was at our house. At first we thought Drunk Naked Guy had his radio cranked, that was the DJ. After that bit of annoyance there were two bands. Loud cover bands. Now I'm not going to rip cover bands, they are a true form of fandom; however, I will rip a cover band that plays a decent version of The Beatles, 'All You Need Is Love', only to follow it with a crap country song and some Jimmy Buffet. It literally sounded like these bands were in our back yard. Mike couldn't hear the TV, I couldn't sleep or concentrate to read and even closing the doors and windows didn't help it was so loud. About 11 pm I was so pissed I called the cops only to learn that the country club had a permit for this until midnight. MIDNIGHT! ON A SUNDAY! I went back to bed and fumed. I had finally fallen asleep about 12:30 and at 1:45 Gryffin woke up in a pee soaked bed. It was a long night, an even longer day today.
It seems the talk of the neighborhood today is this concert. No one was happy about it. Who can blame them, we had to listen to it but wouldn't have been allowed to see it because it wasn't open to the public. That's it, I'm not joining that country club no matter what! Besides I think the facts that I'm poor, I don't play golf and I prefer the company of real people would disqualify me anyway.

Bus 312 to Comatown, now boarding!

Ever get hit by a bus and not notice? Mike has been telling me all day that I just didn't seem right. Ok, so I had a little headache and was tired. Welcome to motherhood. After I put Gryffin down for a nap I laid down too. I woke up to Mike yelling through the window telling me that Gryffin was in our room jumping on the bed. Sneaky little booger, how can he have the grace of an elephant and be so quiet?! Anyway, I feel like I could just sleep the day away or at least crash on the couch watching totally toddler inappropriate movies- but instead its The Incredibles for the 967th time.
I guess it was Divine Intervention that kept me from going to see Beqi's band, http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=149237244, last night. I was in the car, on my way when all of a sudden the strongest desire for a relaxing bubble bath came over me. That and doubting that I would know anyone else at the show. When Mike was in a band I would walk into bars by myself, sit and watch by myself and feel like everyone was watching me. Not a good feeling in a town of crazies on booze.
I don't know if I'm getting sick or what. I just know that anything other than folding some laundry and changing a diaper or two is out of the question. Good thing Mike is outside going to church, what he calls mowing and working in the yard. He picks up my slack so well. I guess thats fair since I pick up his dirty socks.

The Adventures of Super Pickle

Today we took Gryffin to the St Louis Science Center for the first time. They were having a Marvel Comics exhibit so it was just as much for Mike as it was Gryffin. They both had a marvelous (hee hee) time. The Science Center also has a big dinosaur. The same one they had when I was a kid going on field trips. Gryffin really likes dinosaurs but not this one. He thought it was pretty cool, until it roared. That scared him a bit but he did like spotting Rex from far away.
He stocked up on the booty. A Spiderman poster, a picture of a comic book cover with him dressed as Spiderman and a new Stegosaurus stuffed dinosaur from Build-a-Bear. They actually have one of those inside the Science Center. Its pretty cool though, when it roars it doesn't scare Gryffin. He likes that dinosaur so much he insisted on taking it to the ice cream shop down the block tonight.

More potty talk.

It's Thursday. $10 off coupon day at the grocery, get the laundry done for the weekend day and hopefully get to take a nap day.
Last night was the first night in a while where Gryffin didn't wake up 1/2 way through, screaming in a urine soaked bed. He did wake up a couple times but as long as I'm not forced to changed drippy sheets in a semiconscious state its all good. He even woke us (Mike) up at 5:30 to sit on the potty. That makes me happy on two levels: 1. Mike got up and helped and 2. Gryffin didn't try it on his own. Last time he was in the bathroom by himself, unknown to us, he flushed the splash guard from his potty down the toilet. Now he has to pee with his legs closed and from what my husband told me, its not the easiest thing to do. But it did bring me to the realization that everything in the world comes in two sizes: flushable and nonflushable.
Luckily, Gryffin went back to sleep for a little bit and so did I. I was awoken at 7 by the pitter patter, which is really more of a thud-thud-thud, of Gryffin running into the family room asking where his fire truck was. He got a new fire truck yesterday and its kept him busy ever since. I swear if he could've figured a way to sleep with it comfortably he would have.

Off the hook, sort of.

Tonight was supposed to be my egg-donors visit since last week she had to cancel due to illness. Apparently she is still ill because she just called and cancelled this visit too. Woo-hoo! Yes, you might feel that I'm being cold in my wording. I am. This woman is always sick. Even when she is feeling healthy the state of her mind keeps her in the ill category. When I think of my muther I don't get the fond, warm fuzzies like most people when they think of theirs. I get the bitter, you f-ed with my head, cold shivers.
She feels that everything, I mean EVERYTHING is about her. She spent a half hour complaining about a going away party at church for a friend. No, HER friend. She was upset that she wasn't 'in' on the planning and didn't even find out about it until it was announced one night after service. She was upset that she wasn't asked to serve cake or punch at the party. OH MY GOSH! I don't believe a word of any of it as my sister-in-law took charge of the party planning because muther drops the ball on everything. This was not a party for her but for a member of her church yet she made it seem like she was the only one that even cared for this person. AAAaaaaa, it just blows my mind.
She proceeded to spend an hour whining, saying that she should just die because no one calls her or comes to visit or comes running to see if she needs anything when she's sick. Boo-hoo. No one does this because even if we did she would still find something about us to bitch about. Why go out of our way to be abused?
Then she started on the whole 'I was such a wonderful Mommy' spiel. That is when I just had to shut up because even though she never taught this too me, I don't kick a dog when their down. I just gave grunts and uh-huhs until I thought my phone was going to explode from all the crap coming over it.
Anyway, I'm done with this rant. I'm off to make some Beef Stroganoff for dinner. I hope reading this didn't put you in a bad mood because it was therapy for me.

Keep it in your pants!

A quarter after 5 this morning Gryffin comes in our room whimpering. I scoop him up and carry him back to his room where he tells me that his bed is wet. I'm thinking this can't be true, he's not even wet but I check none the less. Sure enough, his bed was soaked and his diaper was dry. I get Mike, who proceeds to change Gryffin's jammies, there was a little wet spot on the side. I change the bedding and get milk. I tucked Gryffin in and climbed back in bed. Not five minutes later I hear him crying and opening his door. I get up and as I step into his room I step into something cold and wet. Little man had peed on the floor in his favorite spot. His little legs were dripping. I may have, OK I did, mutter a profanity. I know, I know. This will cause my child irreparable harm and make him talk like a sailor. Anyway, Mike heard my bad mommy skillz and came in. He would've spurted a potty mouth too but I warned him of the danger zone. Bless his big heart he got a towel and mopped it up while I did the same to Gryffin. Now Gryffin is awake, telling me so even and I'm trying to explain to him that playing in his diaper is bad and 'B' has to stay in his diaper. 'B' is the name he gave his well, you know. He looked up at me and said, 'I take care of B'. Yup, kid you sure do. I reiterated my comments that 'B' needs to stay in his diaper and that he will be going back to bed when he just smiled and asked, 'Mommy, you loving me?' Melt melt melt. I told him that yes, I loved him but that right now he wasn't making it easy.

Like I need more pressure about this!

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070827/ap_on_re_us/diaper_free_babies;_ylt=AlYGalpTNBvCo8brG4XlbbBvzwcF

I don't want to call these fanatics fanatics but ARE YOU KIDDING? Personally, I bet their homes smell like toilets from all the oopsie poopsies that have got to come with this sort of practice. Then again, the one lady just took her kid behind a tree. Maybe if I had done this with Gryffin he wouldn't have flushed the splatter guard from his potty down our toilet last night but just fertilized the lawn instead.

1 down 1,000,000 to go

General contractor is gone. Bye bye! After he tucked tail and ran I kept having nightmares about him sneaking back and lighting the house on fire. Yeah, I'm paranoid. Last night was the first night of real sleep I've had in a long time.
Electrician is scheduled to start tomorrow and I'm hoping the experience won't give me more stress. With the housing market the way it is, in the toilet, we are hesitant to put it on the market, at least at a price that would make us happy anyway. The subject of renting came up, was shot down by Mike and later brought up again by him. Neither one of us is really thrilled with the idea of it. I've seen the way my renter friends have treated their abodes and I've heard the horror stories of the messes my rentor friends have been left with. One involved a mummified turkey in the oven that had turned into a condo for maggots. Hope you're not eating and reading this. Anyway, I think if we come across someone we know who is looking for a place to live then we would rent to them but we aren't going to actively advertise it.
Or maybe we will just use my Dad's sales tactics and slap a '$1,000,000 or Best Offer' sign on it.

Take the money and run

Here we sit waiting on evil contractor to show up for his money. He's not getting as much as he wants, that's for sure.
Knucklehead left the wax ring from the toilet on our hardwood floor for days and now there's a big grease spot that won't come up. When I mentioned it he commented that our floors needed to be refinished anyway. NOT THE POINT! Before you no stain, after you stain.
The list that I provided him with this morning specifically stated that the living and dining rooms needed second coats of paint. Heck, I even pointed to the spots that looked like crap when I let him in this morning. Did he do it? Does the moon glow plaid?!
When he came over this afternoon to tell me he was done he said that the cutoff valve under the bathroom sink was leaking and that we needed a new one and a new hose line for the toilet. Funny, didn't need that before you put your grubby little paws on it.
My dogs could've caulked the baseboards better than this numb skull. Jeez! I keep telling you, he's got kahunas. Big ones that are in a vise right now.
We are going to tell him. "This is how much you are getting, take it, run and never show your face around here again or you get nothing but a call from our lawyer". And then we are having him sign a receipt stating that the job was paid in full.
We don't joke about bringing in lawyers. Not just because we don't like them either. Lawyers and their profession should be the last possible resort not the first. Which is exactly the opposite of how my egg-donor feels. When she is in an accident, she calls her lawyer before the cops or insurance company. Anyway, I digress.
Mike asked me not to be present when he talks to The Evil One because I tend to get a little emotional. Hmm, go figure. That's fine, I won't be there but don't think that I won't be spying with 911 ready on my phone. After all, last time I dealt with a contractor I did have to call 911 and file a report because he was threatening mine and my families lives. Why are psychotic contractors magnetically attracted to my house?!

Sunscreen is for intelligent woosies.

Wednesday was spent with Beqi, http://www.beqiclothing.com/index.html, her husband and son. They came over and we let the boys trash the place like rock stars while we drank coffee.

Yesterday was spent in my mother-in-law's pool. Gryffin had a great time swimming and playing with his cousins and Grandma. I had a good time too but am paying a price today. Being the super ultra wonder Mommy I am, I made sure to slather G down with sunscreen. Being the super ditzy dingbat that I am, I forgot to put any on myself. It was a long night of readjusting me and the covers because things kept touching me. You know its really hard to lay down without anything touching you.

Today the contractor from hell is 'supposed' to finish. Its promising since he actually showed up. I handed him a list of everything that still had to be done and everything that had to be done again. We are to the point where we just want him done and gone.

I am also going to be taming the laundry monster today. I would much rather go to Trader Joe's and get coffee with Robin and Clara Jane but I've already been served with a notice from the Homemaker's Union that if I don't get it in gear they will take away my apron.

Reprieve

I have been granted a reprieve tonight. Muther is sick as usual so tomorrow's play date that I'm hosting will just be for fun instead of therapy. That and to keep too many witnesses around so I don't have opportunity of physically harming the contractor from hell. Not that I would ever do that. I talk the big talk but when it comes down to the walk I run away.
Speaking of said contractor, he yet again has asked for an advance on the job. He has promised that he would finish tomorrow but had to subcontract out the floor because of his incompetence. He asked for $300, he's only owed $450 total, and wants to pick it up tonight. Too bad, so sad. By the time he asked Mike had already left work and our bank is in the neighboring state so all of our checks have holds put on them by the local banks. Of course, we could always hit an ATM to get the cash but I wasn't about to tell him that. I just told him that we would have to discuss it when Mike gets home. Amazing this guy can walk with those kahunas.

Attack of the 5'4" Contentment Killer!

Have you ever met someone who no matter what is never happy? A person who sucks life out of everything around them? A person who constantly complains but is never willing to do anything to improve their situation? A person who thrives off of drama and conflict? A person who feels the world revolves around them and owes them a better life?
Yup, you guessed it. My muther is coming tonight.
I take comfort in the small things like knowing that when she comes to visit my house will be clean. Maybe not mother-in-law clean but vacuumed, clean toilets and clutter put away. I take comfort knowing that she will most likely be absorbed with Gryffin and only mutter a meager 'hello' at me. I take comfort in knowing that she leaves around 7pm because that is (as far as she knows) when we get Gryffin ready for bed. Lastly, I take comfort in knowing that I will have a nice glass of wine and relax after she leaves.

7 down, several million to go

Monday, again. I have a love/hate relationship with Mondays. I love them because I get to go to Robin's for a play date and hang out with really funny, enjoyable people. I hate them because there is always a void when Mike has to go back to work. I would much prefer he find a way to work from home that would still pay the bills but I just don't think it possible. I would also love to find a way for me to do the same, but again I'm dreaming. Then again last week I did win the lottery. Only $7 but its a start!

Breaking out the shovel

Its official, contractor dude is not coming out until Sunday (if then). I just had to call Mike and make him talk me down from a hysterical hissy fit. I want to scream, I want to puke, I want to scream puke all over this guy until he is covered in as much nasty as my beloved old homestead.
We were hoping to work on bringing my studio over this weekend but with plaster dust, construction debris and tools everywhere it would be an emergency room visit waiting to happen.
I'm going to the shed and get the shovel for a big hole under the porch. No one would smell him over the dog poo. Then again, you can smell him over the dog poo now so I better not.

Just call me Zombie Momma

I will call last night- The Night of a Thousand Nightmares. While I was at the grocery, Mike and Gryffin watched an old kids movie, The Mouse and the Motorcycle. It was from the early 80's and had a talking mouse that duh, rode a motorcycle and was constantly being chased by what Gryffin referred to as a monster cat. This cat looked and sounded demonic. And I have know some demonic cats in my life. Anyway, I didn't think anything of it until 2:30 this morning when Gryffin woke up screaming his little lungs out. When I asked him what was wrong all he would say was Monster Cat in between sobs. Oh great. From then on, about every 20-30 minutes, he was waking up screaming. It was a long night of diapers, milks and back rubs trying to get him back to sleep for more than a few minutes. No luck. He promptly declared at 6:15 this morning, "Momma, I awake!". Great kid, that makes one of us.
Currently I'm slugging down some trucker strength coffee in hopes of at least faking consciousness until I can wrestle him down for a nap about 11. HOPEFULLY.
I'm also keeping my fingers, toes, eyes, hairs and whatever else I have muscle control over crossed that the contractor shows up today and gets that vinyl adhesive off my wood floor before it dries and I have to bury his body under the porch.

Plug your ears!

AAAAAAaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

I finally heard back from the electrician. Wondered if my hearing aides were working when he quoted me the price too. This guy had done work on our current home and came highly recommended by our HVAC guys so we thought we would just go with him but...
Now I know all electricians are expensive, especially in this city of politics and permits, but jeez! Three and half months worth of house payments is a lot to switch around some hot and cold wires and install some GFC's and light fixtures.
Back to square one. I've already set up one estimate for tomorrow and have to fax our city inspection sheet to another place for their estimate. I'm really hoping this guy from today is smoking something and we can find someone else that can competently do it for much less. My hopes aren't high as when I told most places I called what city the job was in they responded that they work everywhere but here. Oh yeah, there's strings a pullin' round this town. Unfortunately, I'm just caught in them.

Adventures in contracting...

The last we left our heroine she was stuck in a pile of poo with an avalanche of construction materials about to over come her...
You gotta give our contractor some credit, the man must have kahunas the size of bowling balls because he asked us for an advance. He wanted $400 to buy the remainder of the supplies he will need to finish. And oh yeah, his phone bill before it was shut off. After conferring with Mike I told him that we would give him $250 if the floors were finished and he would give us a definite date of completion. When we had finished dinner we headed over there to take a look at the work. Living room floor- acceptable I suppose. Bathroom floor- STILL POPS! Holy macaroni, I thought Mike was going to pop when he asked the contractor if he had rolled it with a 100 lb roller and the guy said no, just a little 3" roller and his body weight. We reluctantly gave him the money, only because it was our only hope of getting the job done and left. I could literally see steam coming out Mike's ears and I told him that this guy wasn't getting any more money if the floor still pops. After all, that was one of the specific things he was supposed to fix.
We were at Kohl's shopping when the contractor called and said that he was ripping up the bathroom floor (again) and will put down new underlayment. The guy also said that he would be picking up the cost of the new materials and flooring. (We sure wouldn't have.)
Now the really funny in all this is that this contractor keeps trying to talk Mike and I into buying in to his business. Yup, he's got some kahunas! Next time he tries telling me its only $30,000 to buy in I might mention that he would make significantly more money if he would get his finances organized and stop having to do one job three times. You're right, I won't. I don't want to get shot.

One step forward, two steps back into a pile of dog crap.

Today started out pretty good. Gryffin slept in and we had a lazy morning. The contractor actually showed up. We went to Robin's for an afternoon of eating, laughing and general goofing-off-ness. Then things went bad. Very, very bad.
As I was buckling Gryffin into his seat to come home Mike called and asked if I had seen what the workmen did today. Duh, no I was gone all day doing the goofing-off-thing. I could tell by Mike's tone that it wasn't good.
Lets just say the craftsmanship was only slightly better than if I had let Gryffin loose with a hammer and power saw and paint. I won't go into details, there are too many to list. And if I did list them my stomach would turn all over again and I really don't want to have to hit the Pepto because of it, again. I take it back, I will go into one little detail. Many of you will remember the bathroom floor. You know, the one that sounded like popcorn when you walked across it. That was what these dudes were supposed to be fixing. Believe it or not, they made it worse! Not only did it still pop, it had big globs of adhesive under it that created mushy bubbles that made it feel like you were stepping in dog doo.
Mike called the contractor and had him come over to look at the results. To make a long story longer, the guy couldn't deny the big pile of crap that his workers called progress. He ripped up the bathroom floor in front of Mike and apologized for the shoddy work and said that he will be out tomorrow to fix the problems. Of course, we didn't even mention all of the problems so when he shows up in the morning (at least he better show up) he will be presented with a list of all the inadequacies.
I was so wanting this to be done and over with. It will be, I just have to take a deep breath and relax. Huh, me relax. Funny. I think it would be easier for me to go blond sometimes.

Amazing thing happened yesterday. A rabid animal chased me into the pool. It was so hot I couldn't stand to sit on the hot concrete with only my feet in the water so I borrowed one of Dianne's old suits. Mike was so looking forward to seeing me in a swimsuit for the first time but alas, I put on a huge t-shirt over it to protect me from the sun.
It was a lot of fun splashing around with Gryffin watching him swim. Yes swim! All by himself! I was so proud of my little guppy. He got slightly annoyed with me slathering him down with sunscreen at every opportunity but it kept him from getting burnt.
Since we invited ourselves over to Dianne's we at least brought dinner. Brats, cole slaw and beans. She whipped up a salad and that was that. Gryffin stuffed his face like a starving pig, had seconds and a piece of chocolate cake. About 7:30 last night she and I were curled up on her new big a-double snakes couch with glasses of wine watching the Food Network dreaming of cooking a gourmet meal together. On the way home a short time later Gryffin fell sound asleep and didn't wake up until 8:15 this morning. Hmmm, we may have to go swimming more often.

Over the river and through the woods...

It looks like we may be going out to Grandma's today. Gryffin has been totally stir crazy and begging to go to her house. Who can blame him, she's got a pool! With triple digit temperatures a pool does sound nice. Of course, I don't own a swimsuit. But then again, my idea of swimming is sticking my feet in the water. Unless I'm being chased by a rabid animal that can't swim.

Leftover vacation pics...

I'm not a professional photographer, I just play one on vacations.

All of these were taken either at my Dad's or up the street from him.

Today has seen a plethora of nothing. So rather than just spew about politics, what I was going to cook for dinner or the bodily functions of our household I thought I would treat you visually instead.

The early bird catches the coffee

Up this morning early.
Granola bars and ice tea cooling.
Walked up to the market and picked up some coffee filters- can't run out of those again!
Now I'm off to make some freezer lasagna while listening to The Grateful Dead preview on Sirius. I have been waiting DECADES for an all Dead channel.
Then Robin and Clara Jane are coming over to play... looks like its turning out to be a nice day.

Makes me want to throw some tea overboard...

I hate politics, local, national, international, family, whatever... I hate politics.
A few years ago Mike and I gutted and remodeled our old kitchen. We improved our home, made it safer, worth more and prettier. And now the city is punishing us for it all because we didn't pull a permit. Of course we didn't pull a permit. We don't think government should be allowed in OUR home. We pay our taxes so they will leave us alone, its a lot like racketeering in my opinion but I won't go there.
Now that we are trying to get the house ready to sell they are trying to make us bring it up to current building codes instead of building codes suitable for a nearly 70 year old house. From what I understand this is kind of illegal, but try to convince any government agency they are doing something illegal and you will get punished even more.
Government can take your land, a good portion of your livelihood and in some cases, your youth and life. What do they give us in return? Red tape.

Cheeseburger, cheeseburger, cheeseburger!

Amy Winehouse, I love your music but damn girl, EAT A CHEESEBURGER!

I do think they should dedicate a hole in ozone especially to your hair though.

Troubles in a bubble and blow away...

I'm trying to remain calm this morning. Not easy. About 3 this morning I awoke with visions of city electric inspections flashing violently before me. I had dreamt that the city was suing us and had confiscated our home because we didn't have a 'city qualified electrician' do the work. It was like they had us wear big scarlet E's pinned to our clothes.
This afternoon Gryffin and I are going to a play date at a friends down the street, http://www.poppymom.com/ , which I am really looking forward to but my social anxiety is trying to break through my chest like an alien. I like meeting new people and doing new things, now if I could just convince my nerves of that life would be much easier.
All of this combined with my hairdryer not wanting to work this morning and a big pee spot on Gryffin's rug (don't know if it was him or dog but either way- Gross!) I'm ready for some coffee. Frangelica or Bailey's in it would be better but I'll just drink it straight for fear of trailer park tendencies. Hey, that would be a cool name for a band!

Yeah, I cried.

I finished Harry Potter last night at midnight. It only took about three days of reading to do it and that was only because I kept reminding myself to slow down. I savored every word just as much as I dreaded them. The end, it can't be the end. Or is it?
That is all I will say on the subject as I have a couple loyal readers who are still waiting for their copy.
Yesterday we cleaned up the old basement and readied things to be moved today. Spending time in my glass studio, sorting, cleaning made me realize how much I miss it. I'm chomping at the bit to get everything over here and set up so when Gryffin starts back to Day Out next month I can get back to working on glass.
My dream is someday to open and artist's co-op. Buy a big warehouse and put in a gallery, a classroom and studio spaces. Make it a place where artists of every medium can come to share ideas, inspire others and hopefully sell some wares. Someday.

Dorothy Hamel returns...

I've decided that my hair looks like Dorothy Hamel's. I want to find some rocker-punk chick with tattoos to fix it. Sorry Dorothy, I love ya, had your doll as a kid but I've outgrown you.

Holy Crap Weazels, Batman!

Its hot. Really hot. Did I mention it was hot? Yes well, its hot. A lot of my family live out in the desert and they say its hot out there, which it is but its not like here where you can literally feel the air pressing down you. There when sweat evaporates it cools you off, here it NEVER evaporates and just makes you stink. I used to go out to Arizona to visit them every August and the heat never bothered me, even at 115. Here it hits 95 and mixes with the humidity to make it feel like you are wearing a sweater in a steam shower. But hey, after all this lovely talk about the weather would you like to come help us move stuff out of our old basement today?

Diagnosis- Eeeeeeeww.

http://children.webmd.com/tc/Hand-Foot-and-Mouth-Disease-Topic-Overview
This is what Gryffin has. He's on the mend though. Last night he had black olives for dinner. Let me rephrase that: he asked for pizza for dinner so we got one wherein he only ate the black olives off of it. I didn't care as long as he was eating again. The blisters on his feet have already begun to heal and the ones on his tushy are looking a lot smaller. I see a light at the end of this tunnel!

The work crew showed up this morning and I'm really hoping they get it done fast and make it look nice. Mike worked late over there last night getting stuff cleaned up, moved out of the way or moved over here. I know, I know, you are all tired of hearing about this stupid move. Me too! But this people, is where I vent so get over it and know that when all of this is over I will have some other mundane thing to b*tch about.

Looking up...

Gryffin got a couple hours sleep last night and has managed to drink some milk this morning so things are looking up. At least he doesn't have a fever and has been able to eat some Jello. We have to go to the doctor at the end of the day and just wait. We are going to be the last people the doctor sees today. Oh yay.
We also have to pick up the paint and vinyl floor so the workmen can get started this week. That makes for a very busy day but at least I've got Mike here today to help out. He was so sweet and called off work because he knew I hadn't had any sleep and could use some help. Right now with Gryffin being cooperativehe is working in the basement cleaning. I think he is sick too, but of working every weekend on one house or the other and not getting time to play with Gryffin and me. Gee, a husband that likes chilling with wife and kid- look out world!

Its about 1:30 am. Gryffin has yet to sleep for more than 20-30 minutes all night. I am so worried. Monday he woke up with a low grade fever and massive amounts of drool. Teething, I thought. Today he woke up with a low grade fever, massive drooling, crankiness out the wazoo and refusing to eat. More medicine. Tonight, he won't eat or drink, ther are big white spots all over his tongue and throat and a rash from head to toe but no fever. Oh yeah, he's going to the doctor first thing in the morning. If the fever comes back we may be going to the hospital tonight. I am so worried I'm making myself sick too.
Right now he is camped out on the couch watching Shrek, as requested. He just can't get comfortable so he is going from one couch to the other. I am being called in a little pathetic voice so I'm off.