NaBloPoMo Day Thirty - Saving Up

Did I really just do this NaBloPoMo thing? Me? The not-so-regular-poster? Well, heck! I can do anything! Just so you know, I almost didn't make it. My car broke down, I have a ton of work to complete, the house is in critical mode, and The Offspring had a large paper due - which meant little computer time for me. But I MADE IT!

Notice that new poll in the sidebar? I'm taking off Saturday and Sunday, and will be back for Fun Monday. YOU can determine when I should post again! So vote, and don't worry about hurting my feelings.

As promised, I had been saving these photos of The Offspring from her Halloween dance and a Halloween party. Every year, she will change some elements of "the look" to make each a little different. For the party? I think she was going for drag queen vampiress. With AWESOME platform boots! She really WAS wearing fangs at the time. I want these eyelashes: For the dance? I'm guessing Hot Bloody Zombie. Thank you for supporting me and encouraging me and actually reading my daily drivel during NaBloPoMo - you made it fun, and a lot less painful than I expected. I am actually enjoying this blog more, and I guess that's a great thing. HAPPY DECEMBER!

NaBloPoMo Day Twenty-Nine - Progress!

I almost didn't have a post today. You were going to get The Offspring's Halloween photos early. However, the painters and cabinet-makers saved me! The heat is also on, thanks to our friends in the business, so it's not 40 degrees inside. And my paint might dry.

I just couldn't wait to show you the beginnings of CABINETS in my kitchen, naked as they are, without doors and drawers. There isn't any cabinet molding yet, and there is still an island and bar to install, but this should give you some idea of the storage capacity:Trust me - they will look a lot better after the trim, doors, and countertops are in place. I just couldn't WAIT! Here are the cabinets above the washer and dryer:Here is the cabinet over the toilet in the master bath (the big cabinets for the sinks aren't installed yet):The painters finished the area around the cabinets, so you can get an idea of our final wall color - the shade on the right of this photo:And look! The frame for our whirlpool tub!Now, go back to the first photo. Take a good, long look. PLEASE help me decide where to put the junk drawer!

NaBloPoMo Day Twenty-Eight - A Meme and an Award that Willowtree Won't Get

NaBloBoZo is ALMOST over! And just in time to save my arse, come Bond and Matt.

Thankfully, there is only ONE MORE DAY left of this daily posting business, and I saved The Offspring's Halloween photos, just in case I ran out of ideas. Don't worry - there are two days left.

Now, Bond had an interesting meme assignment. Rules: Devise a list of 5-10 courses you would take to fix your life. It's more fun to be in classes with friends, so include one class from the person who tagged you that you'd also like to take. Tag five.

DeCluttering 101 - After reading everyone's last Fun Monday assignments, MANY of you out there are blogging too much, allowing the clutter to pile up!

Traffic Building 505 - This one from Bond. How DO some bloggers get a ton of hits, after posting about NOTHING? Is the blogosphere akin to Seinfeld episodes? Though I will admit, this NaBloPoMo thing has resulted in the MOST traffic my blog has ever experienced.

Quieting Your Shoulder Devil 102 - You know that little voice that says, "You LOVE those shoes! They look SO delicious on your feet! So what if they cost more than the rest of your outfit? BUY THEM!" Yeah - I need to shut that little guy UP.

Cloning in Five Easy Steps - I need two of me. Or more. Don't we all? Besides, I'd send one of me out to make a lot of money, so I can give another me an SLR camera, resulting in a much better blog. And then another one of me can take these other classes. And I need another one of me that just concentrates on convincing The Offspring that, collectively, the sum of all my personas are NOT idiots.

Finding Your Inner Peace, Without Really Trying - Yeah - I could use this one. All those sleepless nights? Gone. Painful Pilates and Yoga positions? History. Hundreds of dollars spent on massages? Bye-bye.

I hereby tag:
Desert Songbird (b/c this has to be the one meme she hasn't been tagged for)
Melissa (b/c I KNOW she'll come up with some wackiness!)
BermudaBluez (for her faithfulness in visiting)
Nude Memphis Steve (b/c he needs to be schooled)
Pamela (b/c she rocks!)

Check out my latest blogging award. I promise, this is NOT my picture:
Thanks, Matt! I feel fabulous and (almost) 40!

BTW, did I mention earlier that Pamela rocks? Well, she does - and to prove it, she won this award, too!

NaBloPoMo Day Twenty-Seven - PAMELA ROCKS!

Did I happen to mention that Pamela rocks? Oh, yeah. She truly does.

If you saw her most recent Fun Monday post, you might think she is the "Unfinisher." But you would be terribly wrong.

When I arrived at work Monday, I was dreading what most people dread facing after taking a week-long vacation. But what did I find? This:Beautiful, brightly painted leaves, on a sweet card, HAND-PAINTED by the caring and thoughtful Pamela. At first, I thought it was a store-bought creation - and let me tell you, if she sold these? Well, there's money to be made. Her card was GORGEOUS! The photo doesn't begin to do it justice.

The sentiment inside was just as sweet. Thank you so much, Pamela - and you can bet that your creation is one of the first items that will be framed and hanging at my new abode. I love blogging buddies!

NaBloPoMo Day Twenty-Six - A Fun Monday, Unfinished

This Fun Monday should have been a breeze for me, but it was more difficult than I expected. Blue Momma in her Fish Bowl wanted to see our unfinished projects, including photos. I could have a million photos posted, but then, you would never visit my blog again. It's that bad. So I've chosen the ones that are pestering my brain, but still not getting done.

First, the ordering of light fixtures. Most are selected, except two ceiling fans for the living room - which must be different than all the others, b/c of their proximity to one another. Some lights are already purchased and in storage - but I have to drive out of town to pick up more, oh...and pay for them, too. Here is a photo of my research, which includes matching bathroom fixtures (and towel/tissue holders) to the lights:Now if you remember the Fun Monday where we showed off our bookcases, you might remember this photo, and my other unfinished project? Packing - which we "sort of" started today. Which means Roger packed some stuff, while I groaned about it.Another reason I'm glad we are moving? Because I have a lot of unfinished painting to do, and it is almost impossible to paint a room with 10-foot ceilings, and still manage to live in the house. Here is a snapshot of a portion of Amber's room that we never finished:The major unfinished project is featured in the post below this one.

Now go check out all the Fun Monday participants, and you're sure to feel better about YOUR unfinished projects!

NaBloPoMo Day Twenty-Five - House Update

I have made a decision. I am NOT going to try to celebrate Christmas in the new house, even if the builder is absolutely sure that we are going to be in by then. With our luck, we would get to move in the weekend BEFORE Christmas...and that's just too much stress to handle during an already stressful time of year.

That being said, do you think I've put up my tree in our current house yet? Uh, no. With all the packing that has to be done, I just haven't gotten up the energy to unpack the Christmas decorations. I know, I suck.

I was surprised to find we had windowsills this past weekend, here in the master bedroom:
And in the living room:

And the dining room:

And they had started putting some shelving in Roger's closet:

There are so many little details left. Baseboards, the final painting, cabinets, lighting (some of which I STILL haven't bought and picked up yet), guttering, SIDING (yeah, STILL not done), railing, septic tank - so I'm not holding my breath for a holiday moving date. But I knew what to expect. At least the siding guys got most of the big siding completed:

And the interior doors are all hung, though I forgot to get a photo of that:

I really don't have any complaints, and I'm patient. It will all be done, soon enough. Not in time for a New Year's Rockin' Eve, but soon enough.

I wonder if this would qualify for tomorrow's "Fun Monday" assignment? Nah - too easy, right?

NaBloPoMo Day Twenty-Four - THEY ALL WON!

My massage therapist predicted it. She knew, as she bade me goodbye, that I was in for a relaxing, wonderful weekend. Relaxing? Not especially - but wonderful? Yes! Because, for the first time in a LONG time, every one of my football teams WON!

Roger wasn't especially thrilled that The Offspring spent the holiday with a friend's family instead of ours. But my oven is broken, and there was football on tv - so why cook? And I'm NOT having my new oven delivered to this house, then moved again. It's only a few months. No one will starve.

For all you football fans who said Favre was "too old" to play the game - a big HA to you! He's younger than me - and in football, that means "ancient" - but didn't he look spry yesterday? I foresee the Packers doing VERY well in the playoffs. The "old guy" was full of vim and vigor. Go Brett!

Now, I'm NOT a huge Romo fan, but I like the Cowboys. Since I grew up in Texas, and the days of the Houston Oilers are over...I have found a new Texas team to cheer.Romo is cocky and irritates me more than T.O. Romo's performance in last year's playoffs was UNFORGIVABLE. But T.O. has settled down, and with the son of Bum Phillips coaching the Cowboys now - I have renewed hope and interest in this team. Romo and Owens are connecting like MAD...and I want to see the Cowboys in the Super Bowl.

I've been worried about Peyton Manning lately - he's not himself, so I watched last night's game with great anticipation.Thankfully, he was back on track - and wouldn't a Super Bowl repeat performance seal his Hall of Fame induction?

But the most frightening day of football was ahead - my two favorite teams were lined up against opponents destined to hand them resounding defeats. But I still had hopes for my alma mater, Texas A&M. After all, they were playing at home. If you've ever been to game at Kyle Field, you know of what I speak. ANYTHING can happen there.
There's nothing like the noise, the spirit, and the power of the 12th Man to make a game unpredictable. It is our school rivalry, playing the t-sips of t.u. How many schools' fight song is ALL ABOUT beating just one team? The Aggies made me proud - and upset Texas, while sporting their old-fashioned grey pants.

But the most frightening game of all? The Hogs up against the #1 team in the nation, LSU. I had expected to only watch one quarter of this game, counting on a whalloping. The Arkansas coach has not been in good favor lately - and UofA isn't even ranked.

My biggest hope came in overtime. Arkansas is famous for overtime. They have played in the three longest games in NCAA history - and seven overtimes? They've done it. And won it. Today, it was with great pride that I watched them pull a huge upset. But mostly, I'm proud that McFadden helped his Heisman trophy chances. Even if he doesn't win, his stint as running back and part-time quarterback in this game is a great way to end his college career. And it will assure him a high draft number and big money in the NFL next year.

Oh, and did I mention, The Offspring got a new haircut?

She says it's called a "scene" look. I think it makes her look more like her mom.

NaBloPoMo Day Twenty Three - More Nocturnal Rituals

There are a few rituals at our house, and one of them involves Poo Woo. Even though he spends a great deal of time outside, Poo Woo MUST come in each evening...and he MUST have a chewie. MUST. As he reaches the end of the chewie, he does the "Chewie Roll" - where he writhes and twists and celebrates his ability to dispose of the chewie in less than a minute and a half. Notice those spots on the carpet? Chewie drool. And another reason we are getting tile floors in the new house.

We used to give it to him as soon as he entered the house, but I've been watching a lot of Cesar Millan, so now we wait until we've poked him in the neck with a good "TCHHHHT!!" or two to settle him down. I'm not really much of a Dog Whisperer - more of a Dog Shouter, but I'm learning.

Sometimes, when we have reached the bottom of the ice cream tub he's really good, he gets ice cream:

Poo Woo also has ONE TOY that he hasn't destroyed in the 4 1/2 years he's been our dog - his Squeak. Hard to see here, b/c of his protective posture.

Eventually, he MUST sit on my lap. He is NOT a lap dog.

NaBloPoMo Day Twenty Two - Happy Turkey Day!

Sorry for the lateness, but it IS a holiday, and there is FOOTBALL to be watched! The first two games of the day weren't much to talk about - but here's hoping that Peyton and the Colts shake off their offensive slump and start looking like the team I KNOW they are!

As a holiday treat, enjoy this email I received from a friend:

Things that you can say ONLY at Thanksgiving

1. Talk about a huge breast!
2. Tying the legs together keeps the inside moist.
3. It's Cool Whip time!
4. If I don't undo my pants, I'll burst!

5. Whew, that's one terrific spread!
6. I'm in the mood for a little dark meat.
7. Are you ready for seconds yet?
8. It's a little dry. Do you still want to eat it?
9. Just wait your turn. You'll get some!
10. Don't play with your meat.
11. Just spread the legs open and stuff it in.
12. Do you think you'll be able to handle all these people at once?
13. I didn't expect everyone to come at once!
14. You still have a little bit on your chin.
15. How long will it take after you stick it in?
16. You'll know it's ready when it pops up.
17. Wow, I didn't think I could handle all of that!
18. That's the biggest one I've ever seen!
19. How long do I beat it before its ready?

NaBloPoMo Day Twenty-One - Life is Like a Box of...

I've never claimed to be anything but unique. In fact, I am PROUD that I'm unlike anyone I've ever met. Of course, it's more complicated when you are abandoned shortly after birth.

Those of you unfamiliar with THE STORY, go ahead and catch up. Then maybe you'll forget that I've been NaBloPoMo-ing (moaning?) for days, and get lost in a decent narrative.

At any rate, if you DO know THE STORY, then you'll appreciate this even more.

I wanted to keep my gall bladder after they took it out. Not that it was good for our home decor, but I'm kinda attached to my parts. (They DID let me keep the gallstones, and Roger let me display them for months on a shelf in our dining room. He finally threw them away. Dammit.) I am so curious about every aspect of my body, in case I might find something unusual that would make me "one in a million," and easier to link to any possible relatives. At any rate, the only thing that has come out/off of me are:

1) a mole;
2) a fatty tumor under my armpit (I know, GROSS), after several painful mammograms;
3) The Offspring;
4) a gift to my husband's friend.

Wanna see?

Now SOMEBODY on the blogosphere wasn't appreciative of my twisted sense of humor, even though my GIFT, considering the nature of THE CONTEST, was heartfelt and appropriate.

The recipient of these? Well, let's just say that it was his first real glimpse into the person his best friend married. I had never seen this man in my life, yet my husband and I threw together this package of random stuff you might find in your junk drawers, some happy meal toys, etc., and my teeth. These were pulled from my head when I was 14 years old, to make room for braces and my ultra-massive teeth in my too-small mouth.

Surprise! I still have some gnarly wisdom teeth to send, so watch out.

Here is a picture of him and Roger, during our visit to Chicago. They had not seen each other in 12 years. Needless to say, we recently received a package from Kim (yes, that's his real name). I got my teeth back.

That's how we roll.

NaBloPoMo Day Twenty - What I REALLY Do at Night

I know it's Monday night, and what am I doing? Two things - watching Monday Night Football, and playing Amber's PS2. One summer, I bought her a Nintendo 64, and spent 3 months beating Donkey Kong 64 and taking photos on Pokemon Snap! So, yeah, I'm still a nerd at heart. Now that Amber's television is in our bedroom temporarily, the PS2 is hooked up, and I have another addiction. Can you guess what it is?
Our neighbors have two delightful children. One is a little more delightful than the other right now, since he let us borrow Guitar Hero II. You can play it with the regular controllers, but this little gent has not one, but TWO guitars that hook into the system, for dual action play!

So, yeah - I've been playing songs like "Cherry Pie" and "John the Fisherman" to my heart's content. The only downside?

This game was NOT developed for women with long fingernails.

NaBloPoMo Day Nineteen - Fun Monday Embarrassment

It's that time again! This week's host for Fun Monday is Karisma, and it's her first time to host! WOOHOO! She wanted us to take a trip down memory lane, right back to our childhood. "And I want to hear "THAT STORY". You remember the one? Yes, you do! The one your parents, siblings, extended family or friends, would never let you forget, live down or get over!"

I had to think long and hard about the "most" embarrassing moment - after all, when you go thru middle school with buck teeth? Every day is pretty embarrassing. Remember Bowzer from "Sha Na Na?" My mother has a photo of me doing an impression of him, mouth wide open, bicep flexed. She showed it to The Offspring on our last trip to California, and if I HAD that photo, no - I still wouldn't be posting it. But the kid? She laughed her rear off, and can't believe Roger still married me, knowing I had the capability to be so gross.

I was a "goody two shoes" as a kid (don't worry, I made up for it in college), the least likely to EVER get into trouble. Except maybe for talking. When I was in the third grade, we had an 'alternative' activity, due to rainy weather. P.E. was not held, and all the girls would crowd into a metal building to watch movies. I was sitting near the front, while our P.E. teachers ran the movie projector in the back. Some of us were talking and giggling, and abruptly, one of our P.E. teachers shut down the film, and asked, "Is it my ears, or is someone talking up there?"

For some strange reason, I wrongly assumed that everyone would answer, "It's just your ears!" So, I loudly proclaimed that fact, and realized that my voice was the only one, shouting into the dead silence of the room. I was mortified! In those days, spanking in school was still allowed, and I found myself in the hallway, about to face THE PADDLE. The male P.E. coach had made it special - lots of tiny holes "to let the steam escape" - wrapped in tape, and ready for my tail end.

The inevitable next part of the story? Me, breaking down into hysterics - begging not to be paddled - trying to explain that I thought EVERYONE was just going to say it - making a "funny" - and guess what? I didn't get paddled.

But the worst part? The faces of the teachers in the hallway - as they passed me waiting there. The looks from students who had not been in the room, wondering what on EARTH I could have done. Even some satisfied smirks as they passed - that finally someone like ME was gonna "get it."

Now go check out all the Fun Monday stories! I can't WAIT!

NaBloPoMo Day Eighteen - Beck's Bounty

Sorry I'm running late today, but we were VERY busy yesterday at Amber's All-Region choir event. I'm just now enjoying some football and getting around the house.

One of my biggest fears about moving into our new home is that it won't feel "homey," like our little Victorian bungalow. I worry that all our eclectic things won't feel "right" in a brand-spanking new abode. However, I can follow the lead of Beck, one of our best friends. Beck's former house was small and cozy - it's the place where I met and married Roger, as well. She and her husband built a new home a few years ago, and I remember wondering if it would "feel the same." Beck has a unique style, and she took great pains to bring that style into their new environment, including her fabulous collection of glass paperweights: The jellyfish is by far my favorite, and yet you can't see its true beauty here. The pedestal is a light base, that changes colors periodically. This is only a portion of her collection, but aren't they beautiful?

Every season, Beck decorates her dining room table with the most fantastic displays. I could spend an hour, pilfering thru her creations, finding treasures. Here is the one we found, as we escaped trick-or-treaters at her house this past Halloween:To give her husband, Nick, some credit, the glow in the dark dragon on the bottom left is his.

My "find" in her bounty? These cork gourds - aren't they neat?Nick and Beck's new home is just as homey as the last - so I know where to go for decorating tips!