A Pretty Good Week

The past week has been pretty good for me mentally, even when physically I haven't been tops. I'm not complaining though, just stating facts.

Lil' Miss got her first ever invite to a birthday/slumber party last week. This was just the boost she needed, as she was feeling pretty sad over being harrassed by the girl at school. I was so excited for her. Her aunts were too; they bought her her first sleeping bag, a really cute pink and purple girly bag. And the fact that she recognized their generosity made me so proud. She drew her friend a story book and wrapped it up in TONS of medical tape and pink Barbie paper. She talked endlessly about, but with a purpose towards, having fun at the birthday girl's house. We bought a small gift on Friday night. On Saturday morning while I was at the laundrymat, Lil' Miss awoke and wrapped up the gift, again, all on her own, this time with Christmas wrapping paper and more medical tape. She even managed to nicely put ribbon around the present. The wrapping was less than perfect, but it was absolutely beautiful to see the love she put into it.

When we arrived, after walking the 1/3 of a mile in the heat, Lil' Miss and her friend disappeared into the bedroom to explore all the neat things. (I was happily surprised that this little girl shared many of the same bedroom items and ideas, and could see they were obviously happy and carefree.) The other mom and I talked for a short bit, as I cooled down before my walk back home. Really nice family with similair beliefs and attitudes. I told her about how she had made Lil' Miss' day by inviting her; that this was her first sleepover at a non-relative's home; that she had few friends because of a handful of kids who bully the other kids into staying away from my baby, but that her daughter was someone I'd heard lots about, even though they weren't in the same class. She mentioned that she had heard from her daughter about the bullies and how her daughter would come home and tell her mom that Lil' Miss was really nice and that she liked playing with her, despite what the other kids said. That really warmed my heart. As did her mom's advice to her child: "tell them that you're smart enough to choose who to be friends with on your own." Awwwww! I wish more parent's talked with their kids about what goes on at school, but that's another post for another day.

I was feeling lucky and didn't feel like sitting home alone if I didn't have to, so I called my sister to see if she and Nancy wanted to go to Bingo that night. We haven't played in years but it would only cost $10-$20 to play. It was also just a good way to just hang out and talk. They agreed and came and picked me up about an hour after taking Lil' Miss to her sleepover. We stopped at McDonald's and grabbed a bite to eat (not my first choice, but I wasn't driving) then drove to the Bingo Hall up the street from my house. We settled in for a few hours of playing. We talked and caught up on things NOT related to Sonic...LOL! With several dozen people playing, it was weird that the first two games were won by the two couples at each end of our large table. Third game came up and I had one bingo on my card but needed two and I was looking at a different pattern to get there. They called some number on my card and I marked it. Then like a flash bulb going off, I realized I had my two bingos and hollered out, "BINGO" before I could think. Tracie and Nancy looked over, thinking I was joking, when they also saw I really had won! WOW, what a cool feeling! It was a $100 win although they took $5 for their tip, something I don't remember them doing automatically before, but I was happy; I still had $95! I told my sister it was their turn now. We laughed and we cussed over coming so close to winning. They were trying to plan our next visit, like addicted junkies. LOL! At the end of the night, I was the only cash winner amongst us. But it was a good night and I was glad I went.

On Sunday night/Monday morning I stayed up trying to catch the latest update on Hurricane Katrina on my cable-less tv (not an easy task). I watched as it headed towards New Orleans then suddenly veared to the east, taking aim at Mississippi. I listened to the news while getting Lil' Miss ready for school. I was just in shock. But I was also dead tired and figured I better get some sleep before school got out, so her, daddy and I could spend some time together. Sweet Glenn saw how tired I was and let me sleep until almost dinner time when Tracie called. She asked if I still had some of my winnings from Saturday (which of course I did since I had only bought a few groceries) and wanted to know if I felt up to going to Bingo again. Glenn said he didn't mind if I went, as long as I won again (umm...ok?), so I took a quick shower, fed the munchkin then got her bathed and dressed for bed, while making sure the computer was safely off, before leaving to meet up with Tracie and Nancy. Again we settled in as we listened to the thunder and rain pounding the sky outside. One of the workers came around and sold us a few "early bird" game cards, jokingly urging us to make sure we won. (My "quickly addicted" sisters had spent Sunday evening there playing, although they still hadn't won.) We laughed and thanked him. Then wouldn't ya know? I WON AGAIN on that very first game! Only $48 after the tip, but I wasn't unhappy! Nancy told me I wasn't allowed to come with them anymore! ha ha ha! It felt good and without thinking twice, I split my winnings with them, even though they said I didn't have to. It was another good night, and we talked and laughed, and Nancy even won a game towards the end of the night.

Even though I haven't found another job (YET) and my body is hurting something awful, I've been in pretty good spirits for close to a week and it's just really nice. Lil' Miss had a lot of fun at the slumber party and is hoping to have her friend come over here in the next few weeks to sleep over, which I think would be so good for her. Glenn is working hard, and trying to do his best to take care of us and I love him for that. And well, things just feel good right now. As I see the tragedies coming from Hurricane Katrina, I know how lucky I truly am. I wish them all well and hope the pain ends soon for the millions of people affected.

Pet Peeves Of E-Mail

I came across this post over on Lily's blog and felt the message was worth repeating. Now before I give you MY list I want to say that I've been just as guilty of many of these as most of you probably have. However, at some point you should get a clue that not everything needs to be forwarded or sent to EVERY person in your address book. I love getting e-mail (see my profile) but sometimes a little common sense should be used.

OK, so here's my e-mail pet peeves, in no particular order:

1.) Not using the BCC function of addressing an e-mail.
1a.) Not using "copy and paste" function when forwarding an e-mail.
Receiving an e-mail that is mostly headers of who it's been sent to is not only annoying, but can also spell trouble for someone looking for new e-mail addresses to send SPAM to. I'd rather not have my name or e-mail address sent along to people I don't know when you send an e-mail to me or forward something I sent to you.
2.) Forwarding the same old jokes or stories over and over.
Some things are worth repeating. Most are not. Newbies to the internet tend to do this most (I know I did, much to the dismay of my more seasoned friends and family) not realizing we've seen or heard 98% of what is forwarded. Sometimes we still send this stuff out, but at least preface it with our own comments as to why this is being sent around again, which can ease the frustration.
3.) Including attachments or links without even the simplest explanation.
In this day of viruses and hi-jacked addresses, it's important to explain why/what you're sending. I generally don't click on links without knowing what to expect.
4.) Images that have not been edited down in size.
I may be one of the few who still uses dial-up, so it's really time consuming to wait for an image that turns out to be 10 times the size of my screen or worse, not worth my time.
5.) Empty subject lines.
It's a lot easier to file, sort or search for an e-mail that has been given a title/subject. This also helps me prioritize important e-mails when crucnched for time.
6.) Petitions or warnings that have not first been verified for accuracy.
Petitons that list lots of personal information asking to be forwarded somewhere, are rarely if ever useful to anyone other than for identity theft. And untrue or exaggerated warnings just add to the panic, often without grounds or facts to back them up. Try Snopes before you send that next warning.
7.) Forwarding an e-mail back to me.
If I sent it to you, I've already seen it and don't need another copy filling up my inbox.
8.) Replies that don't include some reference to the original e-mail.
This is opposite of #7. If you're going to reply, at least mention part of the original e-mail so I know what the heck you're talking about. This combined with #5 is a sure fire way to end up in the junk folder, and I might miss what you had to say.
9.) Adult content/pictures without a warning in the subject line.
I keep my computer out in the open in my house, and opening an unexpected e-mail that is inappropriate for my children's eyes will always piss me off.
10.) "Getting to know your friends" or similair "information requested" e-mails that are unoriginal, especially if we've known each other for some time.
These can be lots of fun to send and receive, but if we've known each other and already know the "basics" then how 'bout you try to make it interesting and add some questions that are not boring repeats of the same old thing.
11.) Day or Week "events" that never seem to end.
OK, so just how many "Girlfriend" days or "Friendship" weeks are there each month???

Do you have any e-mail pet peeves?

This Is MOSTLY True!

Can you guess which part is the lie?

Summer Reading Material: From The Mind Of A 16 Year Old Boy

We visited Taco Bell that first week my boys were here this summer. We walked out of there with a bag of taco sauce packets. Why? Because my son decided he needed some "reading material." LMAO! He cracks me up with his thinking.

Last week I cleaned out the refridgerator and found most of those packets still sitting in the veggie drawer. I stopped to read a few of the "messages" they now sport. If you've never seen them, they are similair to fortunes found in cookies, only on the outside.

And yet they are simply and oddly, bizarre and meaningless. Here are some examples:

MILD-HOT-FIRE
*Hello.
*Of all those sauce packets, why me, why now?
*Mmmmmmm.... Sauce.
*Bike tires scare me.
*When I grow up, I want to be a waterbed.
*Heads...
*If you throw this, would it be a flying saucer?
*Pick me! Picke me!
*Does a Grilled Stuft Burrito qualify you for the car pool lane?
*Tails.
*Careful! I don't do well under pressure.
*I'm in good hands now.
*My best friends hang out on the menu board.
*I'M A HOT T R U 2?
*Nice palm. I read a great deal of pleasure in your future.
*You had me at taco.
*My sauce is an honor student at Taco Middle School.
*Willing to relocate.
*Not to be used as a floatation device.
*Open quickly... I'm burning up in here.
*Where are you taking me?

Helpful Or Helpless?

I've been journalling privately, as I'm still not sure this is the place to air some very dirty laundry, partly because I do worry about the reprecussions to me and my family, but also because it's very complicated and could become messy to explain. I'm waiting to see where current events take us on this ride, but I thank you all for your support and input while trying to help me. You're the best.

Now onto something new:

There is a little old lady who lives across the street from me and has been there since before we moved in 7 years ago. Before this spring, I'd never spoken to her and always wondered about her, as she would often stand around "spying" on the neighborhood. Rarely I would see a car in her drive-way, a son or grandson perhaps coming to assist her. And ohmygosh, does this woman have a lot of cats around her house.

So anyhow, this spring while Glenn's mom was visiting, we finally had our first contact with the LOL (little old lady). I came home from work one day and was told she had been watching my daughter play at the fire station and didn't feel it was safe so she called my daughter across a rather busy little street to tell Lil' Miss to go home because I was at work and she shouldn't be playing at the fire station. (This fire station has a GREAT BIG parking lot and SUPER HUGE field behind it, used for Care-Flight Helicopters to land and all of it is directly and clearly visible from my front windows.) Glenn and grandma had been watching Lil' Miss while inside, when suddenly they noticed she was GONE! They freaked out and headed out the door to look for her, just as she was coming towards our driveway, crying. They were so upset, but neither wanted to argue with LOL because while they had been watching her, it wasn't 100% and the fact that Lil' Miss walked out of sight, scared them.

Well I'm furious at this woman, a stranger, for further endangering my child and for being so bold as to tell her what to do without first coming to talk to one of the adults in charge of Lil' Miss, so I storm over to her door ready to chew her out. But I had a change of heart while waiting for her to finally answer the door, and instead asked if she had a problem with my daughter. This frail little lady was almost in tears as she explained why she did what she did. I felt grateful that someone was keeping an extra eye out for my child and thanked her for that, but also explained that by calling her across the street, out of safety's view and across a street where people frequently speed by, she had further put my baby in danger and asked her to please come knock on my door next time and let me know instead of approaching my daughter directly. She said she would and asked that I come to visit her again.

Fast forward 3 months to July. When Lil' Miss was out at the fire station again, riding her scooter and minding her own business as I stood watching her from the cool insides of my front window. A man suddenly appeared, seemingly nervous and pacing not too terribly far from my daughter. Not too close, but close enough to give me the willies. I asked my oldest son to go ride with her to make sure no one approached or hurt her. Before he could make it out the door, Lil' Miss suddenly darts across the street without really looking for traffic, as she's been taught to do and I freak, rushing out the door! Luckily there wasn't any cars, but her carelessness needed addressing immediately. As I begin to ask her why she did that, she said, "that old woman was talking to me again and trying to get me to come over to her house, so I just shook my head NO and came to tell you. I didn't talk to her mom." "Oh, ok, well that's very good of you. However, next time WATCH for cars before crossing the street. If you want to still ride, go ahead and go back over there with Chad." "OK." And off they went. With the strange man still lurking about, but more away from where they were. Then LOL comes walking across the street, in her house coat, and stops my son in the middle of the street to talk! You could see Chad slowly easing his way out of the street, with LOL moving towards him as he was listening and "yes, ma'aming" her every comment. Finally he headed home and said LOL wanted to talk to me.

Oh great. Ok, what does she want? So I walk out to the driveway, meeting her half way and she begins to tell me about "that damn n*gg*r watching" my daughter and that "it wasn't safe for her to be over there alone." Folks, I am not racist and do not put up with stupid-assed people who are. Hello, my kids are multi-racial, and I'm very protective of them being treated with disrespect in any form. I would have "gladly" stood there and listened to whatever she said for as long as it took, but when she started off with a racial slur, I lost my niceness and went off on her. (Granted, the guy did seem suspicious, but it was his actions, not his color that gave me that feeling.) "Well, you know what? You're NO BETTER than he is, when you try to call my daughter across the street, which I've asked you before not to do. Look at my front window! Do you see my blinds pulled all the way up? That's because I was standing right there, watching every move they made. She was fine playing over there, and her brother was on his way to join her. I don't appreciate you talking to my daughter without my knowledge, let alone trying to get her to come to you, and would like you not to do that again!" And as she tried to speak, I turned and walked back inside, closing the door on that conversation. I was so irritated by her blatant racism and disregard to our previous conversation about my child. I haven't talked to her since.

Until yesterday. I'm home alone in the middle of the day, watching a little tv as I clip my coupons, and I see her roaming the streets in her nightgown. She walked over to the fire station and disappeared out of sight. Then my dogs start to bark and I hear her knock on my door. Before I can get the door open she's already walking away. I just stood there, confused and wondering what she wanted so I called out to her. "Did you need something?" She stops and turns around, looking very afraid and comes back towards me, saying that she turned on her stove and can't get it to go off and now she's afraid something's going to happen and wanted someone to help her look at how to turn it off. "Sure, let me get my shoes on and I'll come look at it for you." She proceeds to tell me that she just moved into this house yesterday and is unfamiliar with how everything works and how at 84 years old and she's not always there mentally. (Really, now? You don't say?) So I walk over and wait as she fumbles to get the door unlocked. As the door opens you can hear a low buzzing coming from the kitchen. Turns out she has one of those older style stoves with a twisty timer on it, which is very touchy and easily knocked out of it's "OFF" position. I explain this to her and she gives me a big hug and thanks me for helping her. "You're welcome. I'm glad I could help," I say as I walk out the door.

I noticed that her house is very well kept with lots of nice little knick-knacks all over and very clean looking, but that there is a strong cat litter smell, even though the litter box in the kitchen is quite clean. She also seems to have forgotten that she's lived there longer than I've been in the neighborhood, and that her 87 year old sister lives right next door to her, and that neither of them hardly ever leave. I felt sorry for her and worried that she probably goes through episodes of this everyday. So while I do not like her ways, I feel like she needs someone to watch out for her, the way she's looked out for my daughter. And for now on I will make an effort to check in on her and keep my eye out for anything unusual.

Suddenly, I'm a lot less irritated by this woman and hope she'll be ok.

In other news: Lil' Miss will be home tonight from her visit with Grandma and Pa. I'm really excited to see her and give her big hugs, while listening to all that she's experienced. Hope you all are having a good week.

FUCKED UP FAMILY

Something has happened in my family that I'm hesitant to discuss here, but I'm busting at the seams to talk about my feelings and fears regarding this. This has been going on for about 2 years, but legally just came to a close today. It's twisted, it's WRONG, it's scaring the crap out of me as I worry about my kids: past, present and future. I can't talk about this with anyone in the family, which makes it that much more difficult to wrap my brain around and make sense of something so terrible. Am I the enemy if I talk about this, publicly or private, or would bringing it up help me put my thoughts and fears into perspective? I dunno. What would you do?

First Sermon

In honor of Dale's First Sermon this past weekend (which we're still waiting for word on how it went......*hint*) I've decided to post this little bit of humor to remind us to "live, love, laugh." Way To Go, Dale!

~~~First Sermon~~~
A new priest at his first mass was so nervous he could hardly speak. After mass he asked the monsignor how he had done. The monsignor replied, "When I am worried about getting nervous on the pulpit, I put a glass of vodka next to the water glass. If I start to get nervous, I take a sip." So next Sunday he took the monsignor's advice. At the beginning of the sermon, he got nervous and took a drink. He proceeded to talk up a storm. Upon his return to his office after the mass, he found the following note on the door:
1. Sip the vodka, don't gulp.
2. There are 10 commandments, not 12.
3. There are 12 disciples, not 10.
4. Jesus was consecrated, not constipated.
5. Jacob wagered his donkey, he did not bet his ass.
6. We do not refer to Jesus Christ as the late J.C.
7. The Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are not referred to as Big Daddy, Junior and the Spook.
8. David slew Goliath, he did not kick the shit out of him.
9. When David was hit by a rock and was knocked off his donkey, don't say he was stoned off his ass.
10. We do not refer to the cross as the "Big T."
11. When Jesus br oke the bread at the last supper he said, "Take this and eat it for it is my body." He did not say "Eat me"
12. The Virgin Mary is not called " Mary with the Cherry,.
13. The recommended grace before a meal is not:Rub-A-Dub-Dub, thanks for the grub. Yay, God.
14. Next Sunday there will be a taffy pulling contest at St. Peter's not a peter pulling contest at St. Taffy's.

The Origination of this letter is unknown