- I'm getting close to my stupid period. And it makes me crazy in the head. My head is full of angry bees -- Angry, evil bees that tell me that I'm fat and lazy and that nothing is right. And that nothing will BE right. And, WHY THE HELL can I be left alone in some cave somewhere where I will eat my body weight in chocolate and Fritos ... and emerge in about a week twenty pounds (give or take) heavier and full of self-loathing.
- I'm seriously, totally bummed about Oregon's voters passing Measures 66 and 67. Okay, truly? I couldn't care less about 66. We don't make anywhere NEAR $250,000 in our family. And, really, I don't know if anyone I know does. Besides Bill Gates. But that's probably why he lives in Washington ...
But Measure 67, which totally boots the taxes on businesses? It scares me. There are going to be family farmers put out of business. Michael's company might be put out of business. We're STILL in the middle of this stupid recession and NOW the few companies that ARE looking at doing business here in Oregon are pulling out because of these CRAZY-HIGH taxes. ... Taxes that I highly doubt will ever make it to the schools and public services that they're SUPPOSED to fund. ... Yes, I'm jaded and depressed. I REALLY BELIEVE that instead of creating these new (and RETROACTIVE?!?) taxes, our state government should just take a pay cut (or A FEW) to counteract ALL the times that they've recently voted to give THEMSELVES RAISES.
I'm just sayin'. Especially since these raises are coming as they demand that teachers take pay cuts. "For the children." ... Yeah, right. I'm ready to start a movement that makes our state government a VOLUNTEER position. ... Okay, I'm not, really. But I think they are overpaid and underworked. If they can't create and stick to a viable budget, KICK THEM OUT. And fine them for all that they've gone over. That's how we mere peons are treated, right?
*headdesk. headdesk. headdesk.* - I'm still bummed that Gingi's dead. And that my children KEEP. BRINGING. IT UP. If they didn't bring it up about once a day, maybe I could get over it faster. I don't know.
- My children are whining.
- My house is never fully clean. Part of the reason is that I'm a sentimental idiot and HATE to get rid of things. Part of it is that I don't have lots of money, so I don't want to get rid of something that MIGHT be useful. Because, per Murphy's Law, when I finally get rid of something that I haven't used in forever, THAT's going to be when I really need it. And then I'd have to buy a new one. And I can't afford that. Whatever it is.
- I hate money. Or, more honestly, not having money. I would LOVE to be all caught up on bills, have money for a trip somewhere, able to buy some fun things ... But it's not in the cards right now. I know that this experience is to HELP us and to TEACH us something. But it's really, REALLY wearing thin. I want this stupid recession to END. I want my husband to be able to be paid what he deserves ... which isn't happening because things are tight for EVERYONE. I'm not trying to be selfish about all this. I want the recession done and over with for EVERYONE. ... That all said, I'm grateful for the blessings that we receive from paying out tithing. There's no way at ALL that we should be able to afford to be even where we are without it. So, yeah. that is that. Money situation = EPIC SUCK. Tithing = MADE OF AWESOME.
- I hate being all pissy. It isn't fun. I want to be a fun person. Like how I was before I worried about money and acting like a boring type of grown-up. I don't always feel that I'm as interesting as I used to be.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Just to get it all off my chest
Thursday, January 28, 2010
What's shakin' today ...
- Had to say goodbye to my mom again. But she'll be up next week, so that's really okay.
- Got to the library for storytime with enough time to get a great parking spot.
- I know where they've moved the J (Juvenile) DVDs, so we got quite a few to watch. ... Including VeggieTales, "The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything" (which always makes me think of BriBri) and a DVD of Mo Willems and John Scieszka (rhymes with "Fresca") narrating a cartoon of "Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus."
- My mom's now read just about ALL of Mo Willems books. Last month, she really hadn't even heard of him. But my kiddos (and I, truth be told) LOVE "da pijjin'". And Knuffle Bunny. And the Elephant (Gerald) and Piggie books (seriously, check out the endpapers in those! They are EXCELLENT!!!). Good stuff.
- I finished making dinner -- chicken and stars soup from homemade stock.
- The kiddos haven't taken a nap, but they did lay quietly. And Bruise only really had one meltdown, which earned him a spanking and a timeout (The spank was due to the fact that he was arguing about going to his room for the timeout).
- Facebook seems to have fixed whatever issue they were having ... which was having me get kicked off of FB every few minutes. Which was annoying.
- Philips Electronics has CRAP customer service (first email - "Hey, have you read the manual and checked out the page FAQ?" My response - "Yes. And because my issue wasn't answered THERE, I am asking YOU. And I'm rather OFFENDED that you'd assume that I wouldn't check THERE before wasting your PRECIOUS TIME. 'k write me back, smoochies!" Them - "Well, since it's not solved there and it's out of warranty, you need to take it somewhere, anywhere that YOU can find, to have it looked over. Good luck! Also, I really don't write in English well! I'm probably working for a job that was outsourced!") ... (Okay, so there's some SLIGHT dramatization going on. If you REALLY want me to post what EXACTLY was said, I will. But I don't want people to be bored. ... Still, totally helpful, huh? Just makes you want to RUN out and SNATCH up some Philips Home Theater Systems since you're going to get such GREAT customer service!! /sarcasm)
- Still, the DVD player likes Michael. And Michael's found that if you press "stop" LOTS, it'll work without much fuss. Phew! Because, seriously, it's JUST out of warranty. By, like, a MONTH. Really, don't we PAY for products to work even when they're out of warranty? *sigh*
- I mentioned a couple posts down that I had leftover Chinese for lunch. Yum.
Bummer ...
So, it's been 181 days since my Gingi-kitty died.
Random bit
Cynthia's going to be jeeeeeeeeaaaaaaalous!!! :P
MyHeritage: Family tree - Genealogy - Celebrity - Collage - Morph
What can I say? I know how to pick 'em, huh?
And, here's mine.
The two celebrities that wouldn't fit on that were Gillian Anderson and Katie Holmes, if you wondered.
It makes me laugh that one of Bruise's celeb-twins is Colin Firth. ^_^
And, last, here's our princess:
It tickles me that most of her matches are Japanese. :P Good for her!
So, there you go! If you do some of the Celebrity-lookalike collages, let me know! These always are fun. ^_^
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Thinks that make you go "Awwwwwww!!!"
So she made a list of all the things that she ISN'T.
Not that I'd EVER do that. *whistles innocently. If I could whistle that well*
Best Laid Plans and other random bits
Then, in the afternoon, there was a free nutrition workshop at the local library. With FREE CHILDCARE. Bruise happily played at the library's train table for about an hour and a half. Happy as a pig in the mud. Bucket would go back and forth between playing in the children's section of the library and then coming to sit with us in the presentation room/storytime room.
Well, I did dust the living room. And I did a load of dishes. Everything else? Fell by the wayside.
I read with the kids. A chapter of The Book of Mormon (hey, we have to start somewhere, right?) and some Mo Willems books. We love us some pigeon books ... and anything else he writes, really. ^_^ I think we're going to have to buy his whole oeuvre of kids' books.
(Yes, I LOVE my husband.)
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Funny aside ...
In which I gripe ... and then am very humbled
If you are putting off merging until the last second, don't expect me to be as happy and patient as if you'd put on your blinker right away. OR been in the correct lane in the first place.
Bucket is most likely the youngest in her class, since it's for 4-6 year-olds and she did just turn 4. She has a church-friend in the class, which is nice. Bucket is, though, definitely the smallest. And, as with most new things, she was really reticent about joining in at first. She did participate with the group in the warm-up and the cool-down sections. However, the bulk of the class was spent either sitting on my mom's or my lap -- or (and this was much more preferable) practicing along with the girls as she stood next to our chairs.
Bruise didn't participate at all. I finally kicked him out of my lap so I could take a few pictures of Bucket being in class (and I SHOULD have taken the picture of her, tear-streaked, cuddling in my mom's lap). So, he ended up sitting in a chair next to me for 80% of the class.
- bills, bills, bills. And they're never all paid off , really. Because as soon as we get them paid, the NEXT one comes in.
- My kids are slowly trying to drive me mad -- lying, ordering me about like some plus-sized Cinderella (and HELL if I'm going to put up with that!)
- I've been sleeping wrong (or something) which has resulted in REALLY sore shoulders and neck for me ... which only adds to my cheerful, sweet disposition ... of wait, it doesn't. It leaves me PISSIER THAN EVER.
- Did I mention that my computer, which had started WORKING AGAIN, died AGAIN?
- I still miss my Gingi-cat. And I tear up about how much I miss her just THINKING of it. And I wonder if I'd rather NOT feel these emotions ... and if I could give them up, would I? Or would it be disloyal to her somehow? And it doesn't help that Diana-cat isn't much like my Ginger. Or that, every so often, I'll catch a glimpse of something pale out of the corner of my eye and, immediately, think that it's her ... and then I have to remember that it's NOT. And that I'm not really putting forth enough effort to perfect myself so that I can be utterly assured of getting to the Celestial Kingdom (because I'm one of my harshest critics. If not THE harshest) ... and if I don't make it there, I might not get to hang with my Gingi much.
- I get frustrated with myself for thinking the above. But have I gotten fully motivated to read my scriptures more (let alone really STUDY them)? I am praying a little more ... I could EXERCISE and get some endorphins.
- We're reading "The Last Battle" and things are so ... bleak/bad/suckified/crap. I KNOW that it gets better. I really do. It's not just faith because I've read this book before. MULTIPLE TIMES, even. But reading it aloud to the kids (because I have read it aloud before when it was just Michael and me, driving along) .... it just makes it (and life) seem more bleak/bad/suckified. Yesterday, I read some of Mo Willems pigeon books instead. Because they're lighter and funny and I just couldn't handle reading about Shift and his wicked designs.
Most people amaze me ... Most people rise up and make great choices and DO great things.
They're not all greedy and power-hungry.
If only we (If only I) could be more like them.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Trying to get rid of my stinking thinking ...
I love the musical and motion picture Fiddler on the Roof. There a wonderful Jewish father sings “If I Were a Rich Man.” His memorable prayer concludes with this pleading question:
Lord, who made the lion and the lamb,
You decreed I should be what I am;
Would it spoil some vast eternal plan,
If I were a wealthy man?
(lyrics by Sheldon Harnick [1964])
Yes, Tevye, it might. Let us give thanks for what we are and for the circumstances God has given us for our personal journey through mortality.
*headdesk*
And let's do clean the bathrooms and get the kitchen into some semblance of order again. (It's about halfway there. Phew.)
And let's do finish folding the laundry and getting it put away. And perhaps I'll get off my duff and work up some endorphins by actually exercising. Not a bad plan.
Review: Rick and Bubba's Guide to the Almost Nearly Perfect Marriage
Rick and Bubba’s Guide to the Almost Nearly Perfect Marriage tells of what Rick and Bubba (and their wives) have learned in their own marriages – and from watching others’ relationships. They give short, to-the-point lessons infused with plenty of humor. The lessons are rather simple, but easily applicable to anyone’s life.
I enjoyed this book overall. There were a few things that Rick and Bubba discussed that I should work on in my marriage. Their writing didn’t ever feel preachy or condescending … More like two funny men (and their wives, who chipped in some advice on occasion) discussing life. The only think that bothered me a little is that sometimes Betty comes across as a little … gruff and less-than-charitable. However, “The Book of Blame” (a bonus chapter) had me snickering to myself.
As a Thomas Nelson book reviewer, I received this book free to review. This has been my honest and unbiased opinion of this work.
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If you are interested in reviewing Christian-genre books, go to booksneeze.com and sign up.
Yes, this is one of the ways that I feed my addiction. ^_^
Friday, January 15, 2010
Nothing huge to report...
But, who knows? Maybe we should do Lloyd Alexander's Chronicles of Prydain ... though that would mean that I'd really HAVE to learn to pronounce all of those Welsh names. And I'm really crap about Welsh pronunciation. It'd be nice to improve, though. Really nice.
Monday, January 11, 2010
New Year's Goals -- Progress (and the lack thereof)
- I am doing a little better on reading my scriptures and praying. I have a testimony that it's important ... so I should better really make it a habit that I don't have to THINK about, huh?
- My computer is running. The monitor ... not so healthy. But, hey! I'm on the internet, I have most of the programs that I desperately want loaded on it. Now, to back-up EVERYTHING every month (or every couple of weeks. JUST so that I don't freak out when this ever happens again.) ... And to save up for a new computer. And a netbook. And an iTouch. Since I love me some technology.
- I still need to review all the YW manuals and guidelines. I'm going to get on that.
- I need to set up my VT appointments. But I've read the lesson. That's something, right?
- I have not worked out at ALL, really. Any exercise that I've gotten has been purely accidental. Like cleaning the house or walking around the zoo. I haven't turned on an exercise DVD or anything. :(
- My house IS loads cleaner. I do have a plan for the dinner calendar for last week and this week. I've been doing the FLYlady daily missions.
- I haven't done anything about Bruise or Bucket's baby books. Or Gingi's grave marker. I'm not doing the 365 photo project. I haven't given a thought to NaNoWriMo (well, one thought. A totally different plot point. Which will lead me to sobbing when I'm writing it. Because I'm a sentimental idiot. But I can handle that. It'll be cleansing and ... well, hopefully, it won't be complete drivel. We'll see.
- I've done one of the book reviews that I needed to do. One more. Then I can get a new book. The one downside of this book reviewing is that my choices are so limited. The options are often nothing that I've had on my TBR list. But that's not a bad thing, really.
- We still need to attend the temple this month.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
The party report
- A bouncy horse
- Dress-up clothes (Bucket)
- A dress (Bucket)
- Money
- Legos (Bruise)
- Transformers (Bruise)
- DVDs - Mulan, Meet the Robinsons, The Fox and the Hound, and season two of Transformers: The Animated Series (with the cool, Manga-esque art. ^_^)
- Paints, smocks, and paper
- They each got an outfit (Bucket's has a purple shirt and pants, Bruise's has blue/gray camo pants and a Transformers shirt)
(For someone who can talk easily with people, I really do seem to be a bit of an introvert now. I am still so tired after being social with so many people. Crazy, huh? But it's wonderful to have so much of the family together. I was so glad that my dad and L managed to come. ^_^)
Four Years Ago ...
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
Crazy Dream Chronicles - It's a TWOfer!
Now, the really depressing part of writing about this dream is that there were, like, THREE cases. And I don't remember the details! I remember, in the last one, those Winchester boys and the villianess (and her assistant) were in some industrial-type kitchen (like in a restaurant or a school or something) and they were trying to slice up Sam and Dean (who were trying to apprehend them and get the confession out of the one gal) and Sam, I think, turned the tables on her and asked how she'd like her uterus sliced out ... since, as I do recall, the main reason for her crime spree was that she was with one guy ... and I think she got pregnant by him. And she killed him and the unborn baby because she was holding out for her Mr. Darcy because what she wanted (more than a Mr. Darcy) more than ANYTHING, was to live at Pemberly. Yeah, she was a messed-up little chickadee, huh?
OTHER results of my insomnia and my raging hormones:
- My kitchen is CLEAN - wiped down the cabinets, swept/scrubbed the floor, the counters are clean, the cupboards reorganized. I'm SICK in the head.
- Cleaned the kids' bathroom. We're talking microfiber towels and anti-bacterial Windex. EVEN ON THE FLOOR. I soaked their toothbrushes in bleach water. ALONG WITH THE TOOTHBRUSH HOLDER.
- The front parts of the house are cleaned and vacuumed.
- I did that book review yesterday. I read that book ALL Monday night.
- My desk is lots cleaner.
- I have the YW calendars started through March.
- I have almost all the laundry in the house washed and dried (but not folded or put away. *sigh*)
- I'm freaking out about getting the laundry room organized. And cleaning our bedroom and bathroom. Since those are the last bastions of clutter and uncleanliness. God help me, it's going to be quite a chore.
- I also am determined, amid all that cleaning, to read and review the last book that I have for Thomas Nelson. Then I'll be able to order away for some other free book.
- I also am down to having only one unread book from either library. Yes. One library book between two libraries that I haven't read. I've actually gotten caught up on all the ones that I NEEDED to read (even though, before Christmas, I did turn in quite a few that I hadn't yet read. I was just feeling lots of pressure. After this weekend, though, I'll be checking out books. And, hopefully, getting through all of them. ^_^)
I don't totally mind the being-totally-productive part. It's nice when Michael comes home and tells me how awesome I am -- having the front part of the house, INCLUDING THE KITCHEN, clean and dinner made. Yup. Impressive. Doesn't always happen as often as I'd like it to. :( Especially, what with my two munchkins, it's totally a full-time, continuous, never-ending job. Lord love my little monsters.
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
The Sweet By and By - Sara Evans (Book Review)
The Sweet By and By is about Jade, whose upcoming marriage is swiftly approaching. She debates whether or not to invite her mother, Beryl – who is just about Jade’s polar opposite, a free spirit who enjoyed Woodstock, in comparison to Jade’s staid existence as a shop owner and the soon-to-be wife of a lawyer who often suffers from panic attacks. Before Jade’s marriage, she has to come to grips with her past and her family – as well as adapting to the differences in the family she’s marrying into. Will Jade be able to let go and heal from her past or is her upcoming marriage going to fail before they even exchange their vows?
Overall, I mostly enjoyed The Sweet By and By. The family dynamics in both Jade’s and Max’s (her fiancé) families were interesting. Also, having a novel with romantic elements but without premarital intercourse was a refreshing surprise. The writing is clear.
However, as I read, the plot seemed to all move along well enough until about three-quarters of the way through. Then it all seemed to rush into a huge climax … and then peter out a little. The pacing in the beginning worked well. Toward the end … I just am not so sure about it.
The plot is original enough. Some events are a little predictable, but not too many. The characters are original and have believable dialogue. Still, with all the strong points, I don’t know that I would re-read this novel. But, if you’re looking for a quick read without graphic language or sex scenes, this might be the book for you.
I am a reviewer for Thomas Nelson Publishing. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for this book review. This review is my honest and unbiased opinion.
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If you want to review books for Thomas Nelson, here's their website: http://brb.thomasnelson.com/join
They do mostly Christian fiction and non-fiction. You can request one book at a time. After you review it on your blog (and you can create a new blog just for reviewing these books) and on a consumer website (e.g., Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, etc.). They'll ship you your book for free.
Right now, I still have one more book to review (I've been procrastinating terribly). This book, I was able to get because, every so often, Thomas Nelson will offer (on a first-response-first-gets system) a bonus book. Usually due to the fact that this book is a new book that they're publishing. And getting reviews put out on its first day helps. ^_^
This is my ... what, fourth book review for them. So, obviously, that means that I've gotten four free books. And, after you review the book, you're free to keep it or give it away or whatever.
This review, is the first time that I've reviewed a fiction work. All the others have been either Non-fiction or self-help.
(Coincidentally, I didn't enjoy this novel as much as I liked the other books I've reviewed. Probably because I have higher standards and read a heck of a lot more fiction. :P)
But, yeah. If you want to get some free books. And you don't mind writing around 200 words and posting it two places (so, all in all, depending on your writing speed, maybe one hour of work in exchange for a book), go for it!
(Sometimes it's not just books. My friend, Katie, who also signed up with Thomas Nelson, got to review a DVD with her kids.)
Figured that I'd share the wealth. And, really ... if I worked harder, I'm sure that I could have received at least double the books that I have currently gotten. Speaking of, probably within the week, there'll be another book review. So that I can get a new book. ^_^