September Stew

You too, 11th hole

2010-07-01T10:56:00.001-04:00

Forget you 10th hole...you will not get one of my balls this time

2010-07-01T10:49:00.001-04:00

It couldn't get to 88.8 MPH...

2010-06-20T10:17:00.001-04:00

...and I stink at taking pictures in the car, but we saw this on the interstate this morning.

Bad baby

2010-03-06T17:24:00.002-05:00

Caroline put her baby in timeout. She said to her, "Baby, you get in time out. Stay there. I mean it!"

Chia What?

2009-07-10T08:06:00.004-04:00

We've all seen them, the "original" Chia Pet advertised on late night TV.

But, wait, did you know there is now an entire slew of animals & licensed characters

But that's not all, now, you, too, can have famous celebrities, er, politicians, right in your own home.

Dont' wait! Make sure you check out the video from the website of the guy at the podium if you are on the fence! He's awfully convincing!!

2009-04-10T14:23:00.000-04:00

It's a cold, gloomy day at the track.

To all you doubters, I wasn't lying OR crazy

2009-04-08T15:12:00.006-04:00

I haven't shared this with too many people, because I get that "you're kidding me right?" look. In fact, I just got just that reaction from my brother-in-law last week. But now, I can proclaim to all, because the interwebs sez I'm not crazy.

I have a weird allergy to bananas. I admit, I don't like many fruits, but I do actually like bananas; however, when I eat bananas, my tongue itches.

I actually think I have an allergy to watermelons too. I really don't like the taste of watermelon, but the one time I did eat one, my throat felt like it was closing up. I had to literally choke it down though, as I was visiting someone and did not want to be impolite.

Anyway, on to the root of this. Today, on CNNHealth.com, I have finally been vindicated. Apparently, those that have pollen allergies, can also have oral food allergies. Apparently, some of us with no-so-meticulous immune systems can "confuse" the ragweed proteins with the proteins in some fruits---wait for it---like bananas and watermelon. Not everyone may have this problem (yes, that means you The Locke), but I guess that just means your immune system is smarter than mine.

Anyway, to all you that have laughed at me in the past...well, I guess you can keep laughing. Like this will change anything.

Is it coming by Pony Express?

2008-12-10T12:50:00.001-05:00

Amazon.com Marketplace merchants shipping estimate for a recent gift purchase:

Shipping estimate:December 8, 2008 - December 9, 2008
Delivery estimate:December 12, 2008 - December 30, 2008

Creeped Out!

2008-12-10T11:03:00.004-05:00

So, I have to call BestBuy.com Customer Service because a Christmas present (PC software) I ordered for in-store pick up was no longer available. The good news is BB will ship it to the house for free. That actually works even better, as I don't have to fight the throngs of BBers.

Today was actually the third day I tried to call. Monday, the phone at the house was on the fritz. Last night, the wait was over 20 minutes. So this morning, I call, and when I'm being transferred to Customer Service, I keep getting disconnected. On the third attempt, I get a rep. He's a little slow, but helpful and we are well on our way.

He ended up having to enter in my address info manually, as it wouldn't copy over from the order. At one point, he tries to make small talk and says "How old is the recipient of this gift?" Me (in hindsight) not really thinking, said "5".

Then he proceeds to say "Well, I guess I'll have to come over and watch him play it".

Totally creeped out.

I've taken a hostage!

2008-11-07T14:14:00.001-05:00

Don't call the police or you will be sorry! :)

From Misc Blog Stuff

Do we really need another (made-up) holiday?

2008-10-09T08:36:00.002-04:00

Compliments of 1-800-Flowers

Ex Day is October 16th!

Send our stunning fresh bouquet of gorgeous green and white blooms to reconnect with a long-lost "Ex"! Order one today and make their day as unforgettable as they are to you!

The freshest carnations, Gerbera daisies, Asiatic lilies, daisy poms, button poms and more, all in gorgeous shades of green and white
Arranged by our select florists in a clear glass gathering vase accented with raffia; measures 8"H
Components may vary
Arrangement measures approximately 18”H x 14”D

A terrific way to share a gift of stunning beauty with a past love and never let them forget you care!

What's The Story?
Inspired by CBS' new series, THE EX LIST, "Ex Day" on October 16th is the perfect day to reconnect with your "Ex" and who knows…sparks could fly again! And what better way to surprise them than with this fabulous bouquet of fresh green and white flowers!

I mean, come on...do we really need to make up new ways for the folks to spend money?

Like stealing candy, er, cake, from an 8-year old

2008-08-26T07:31:00.002-04:00

Gotta love a veep candidate who steals the thunder from an 8-year old at her birthday party:

Courtesy of people.com:

How did Sen. Biden tell the family?
Jill Biden: My granddaughter, Maisy, turned 8 and we were having a little birthday party for her. We had just finished blowing out the candles and were cutting the cake. Joe said to everybody, 'Hey, I have something that I'd like to announce.' And he said, 'Barack called me and asked me to be vice-president.' Everybody – I get so emotional when I think about it – and everybody clapped and started hugging.

Think there's any Obama thunder to steal?

I cry (guinea) fowl!

2008-05-23T20:03:00.002-04:00

This was found perched on the window to our laundry room! They make the most annoying cries at night, too.

Potty Mouth

2008-05-23T16:00:00.000-04:00

I've been meaning to write about this topic for quite some time, but time has not been a luxury these days with work, work travel, and just the litany of things one has to complete during the day.

What I can say is that as Connor gets older, bathroom breaks are becoming, well, more...hmmmm....interesting. Following are the Top 5 most recent (and amusing) comments heard in the ladies restrooms around town.

5. Mommy, what's that box for?
Brain goes into overdrive trying to explain the "special" paper products that go in the metal containers in the ladies restrooms and why he can't add his used toilet paper to the mix. You just don't want to know, son. One day, you will be horrified by the real answer.

4. Did you hear that big 'plop' Mommy?
Why are boys are always so proud of their waste??

3. Don't Touch Me, Mommy
Panic! Does the person in the next stall think the kid is getting a "bad touch"? Will I have the local PD surrounding the joint upon on my exist from the restroom, complete with toilet paper trailing from my shoe?

2. Mommy, can I touch your *squishy* belly??!?
Allow me to note, there is a great deal of emphasis on "squishy" here, with a little chuckle at the end. Thanks son, not only do I have a constant reminder of my 2-baby-having-belly when I pull up and down my pants, but if that's not enough, now I have a little goblin cheerleader to remind me. At least he likes it I guess. That makes one of us.

1. Stupid Tricky! Spray!!
The little guy proclaimed this after assuming the position in front of the toilet in a Wendy's restroom and then wasn't able to complete the deed. I just about lost it, as it was so loud and so demanding, I'm quite sure the kitchen staff had quite a chuckle.

I have a feeling Cline's toilet travels may not be so amusing at this age...well, I hope not.

Awesome Website for Coupons

2008-04-10T14:35:00.004-04:00

Gotta love YouTube

2008-03-31T22:16:00.003-04:00

I found this while watching a promo for Wii Fit. I'm not sure if it is disturbing or hilarious, but I did laugh out loud.

Maybe that doesn't make this little endeavor quite so bad...

Wii Did It!

2008-03-30T09:53:00.003-04:00

Gotta love the Hooterville Walmart. On Saturday, the Cman and I had a day out shopping for birthday presents and having a mommy-son lunch. We just happened to pass through the Electronics area and I noticed a sign stating that Wiis advertised in the sales flyer would be available beginning at 8am Sunday. Hmmm...i thought.

Back in December, when XBox 360 Rock Bands were a bit hard to come by, I went to Walmart early on a weekday to get a few groceries before the workday started. The hubby had been wanting one, but neither of us were really interested in a) stalking the stores to get one or b) paying a premium to secure it. I was also trying to make it a surprise for him, since I'd been lamenting that we needed to wait, since he really wouldn't have time to play with a new baby and all. I cruised by the Electronics area then and they happened to have one left on display--a complete fluke, as I wasn't even keeping up on shipments and the such. Of course, I snagged it up, and surprises ensued.

So, I figured this was some manner of sign that it was time to get a Wii. I'd been wanting one ever since I'd kicked the hubby's butt (quite literally) at Wii Boxing, but with a relatively new Xbox, much house stuff, and a baby on the way, I just couldn't justify the expense or the dust collecting that would probably follow such a purchase during 2007. So, I devised my plan: I wasn't about to get up early and wait in line for one, but I did need to go back to Walmart on Sunday as I had forgotten a couple of items that we needed (the result of an ill-forged list). I'd get up, go around 8am-ish if the timing of the kids feeding complimented this plan, and if they had one, great, if not, not a wasted trip or time;

Enter seredipity. Cline would NOT stay asleep last night. I was up every hour until about 5am when I decided to put her in the bed with me. At 7a, Cman had to potty, so the entire house got up and this was my second sign that Walmart was the place I should be around 8am.

I cruise into the Walmart parking lot around 7:30a. It was pretty much deserted. All the cars were at the grocery side. I grab a basket, slide by the Electronics department and there is only like 3 people there. I figure I'm home free, go get the other couple of items I need, and return to the same 3 people. Turns out, that is the line, and 2 of the 3 were together. We begin chatting, and I learn they have 11 or 12 available. Sweet!

The rest of the story is pretty uneventful. We chat, we watch the loop of movie preview and 101 Dalmations. We watch with anticipation (well, okay, not so much) the clerks roll out the cart of Wiis. At 8:01a, they begin to process the first transaction, and by 08:05:10, I'm checked out as well.

i thought this would be a nice surprise once the hubby came home from his trip on Monday. But, alas, his trip has been extended. So perhaps karma has intervened for me not calling him and telling him i nabbed one as soon as i got it.

Yeah, yeah, Gimme a Break

2008-03-28T12:06:00.003-04:00

Okay, yes, I realize it has been like 2 weeks since I have parleyed boring information about me, but between kid stuff, work, lack of sleep, work, house chores, work, and, oh, did I mention, work, I have had little time to do much more than the above referenced items.

Ah..the baby is crying....gotta go!

But, Mom, he said he'd make me a star!

2008-03-12T21:56:00.005-04:00

You know, maybe my parents were overly protective (ok...those of you that know me are aware of that fact), and yes, I probably didn't realize that "The Toy Tiger" in Lousyville was indeed an adult establishment rather than a toy store until long after I should have, but c'mon--how does your non-driver's license having 14-year old get a job at a strip club that keeps her out until midnight on a school night without the parental units wondering what the heck is going on??!?

I suppose my sole source of comfort is that she *only* worked for two nights.

Going down, down, down...

2008-03-12T15:27:00.005-04:00

...causing my healthcare portfolio to be in a burning ring of fire after a 30% decline yesterday. Humana took an additional 20+% hit today after a steep decline Tuesday.

Gotta love the stock market....

Inconsistent Consistency

2008-03-03T20:31:00.000-05:00

Recently, the family indulged in some Papa John's pizza. This will typically involve 1-2 pizzas (depending on how many days we are looking to feed ourselves for) and cheesesticks. Cman insists on having both pizza and cheesesticks, despite him fitfully picking off toppings from our pizzas making it a cheese pizza--a la a glorified cheesestick, which is annoying, but, well, that is not the reason for this post.

Anyway, a topic that invariably comes up for discussion is the consistency of the "Special Garlic Dipping Sauce". Sometimes it is the consistency of melted butter--thin and somewhat transparent; other times, it is the consistency of, well, heavy cream.

Has anyone else had this experience? Any preference for one over the other? Anyone have a clue as to which Papa John intended for us to partake?

Transition, Smansition...

2008-02-28T19:57:00.011-05:00

Parent Transition Week

Policy Statement (from the company handbook):
[Insert Company Name Here] realizes that adjusting to a regular work schedule can be challenging following the arrival of a child and wishes to support an associate's transition back to work. To assist in the transition back to work, the Company offers a full week of pay for half the time worked for new parents during their first week back."

First, let me say, I am not aware of any other company that offers this benefit. I'm sure there are some out there, but most folks I have run into haven't heard of this. It is a superb benefit extended to not only birth, but adoptive parents. It is nice to know that one doesn't have to have it all together 8 weeks post partum and can ease back into work life.....well, in theory.

I made the decision last week that I would complete my 20 hour week by working each afternoon. My rationale was that if I worked in the morning, most likely I would get caught up in some issue and end up working an entire day. These seems like an ever more masterful plan in that I would have to leave no later than 5:00-5:30p to pick up one or more of the kids. This was an excellent plan...until about Tuesday.

After havings a full 1/2 day of meetings on Monday, including one with my boss who was giddy with excitement to not have to deal with my extremely competent, yet sometimes dysfunctional team, on Tuesday I was to meet with the two folks that filled in for me while I was out. This was like drinking from a firehose, but a typical day is like that, so it was just a matter of getting my head back into the game. I was indeed glazed over by the end of that call. I realized at this point, I had to complete goals for seven associates, complete a position requisition for an associate who was changing jobs, provide an assessment and resource needs for a neglected architecture, and provide documentation from a poor excuse for a reporting database to my boss on why my team needed at least 3 more staff. Let's do the math: 3 days x 4 hours=12 hours less 4 hours of meetings already on the calendar = 8 hours.

Now, if I actually had 8 dedicated hours, this might not be so bad. I had actually tried to "lay low" this week, but by Wednesday, it was full throttle--phone calls, IMs, email. I have easily put in my 20 hours this week already, and it is actually more like 30. There was thoughts of slacking on Friday and doing some things around the house to catch up, but alas, that would only mean working on the weekend.

So, to sum up:

Monday and Tuesday, my head was splitting by 2:30p.

Wednesday, I has nausea by5:00p.

Today, I actually had a spring in my step.

I guess I'm back. Just like riding a bicycle.

Who knows what tomorrow may bring.

So, with that, oh Corporate Master, I choose to provide edits to your policy:

~~[Insert Company Name Here]~~ [Your Corporate Master] realizes that adjusting to a regular 50+hour work week and 168 hour per week parenting schedule can be ~~challenging~~ enhausting following the arrival of another child and wishes to attempt to support an associate's transition back to work. To ~~assist~~ entice the associate with a seemingly favorable work schedule in the transition back to working ungodly hours, the Company offers a full week of pay for half the time worked for new parents during their first week back."

Hmmm....I guess that's better than a full week of work for half the pay.

A week of firsts

2008-02-19T18:02:00.005-05:00

As the title suggests, this was a week of firsts for me and the family. Among them (in order of accomplishment, nonetheless):

First 2008 overnight travel for the hubby (leaving me home alone with 2 kids)
First 2008 shower before 9am (yes, I have showered this year--we just won't bother ourselves with a count right now)
First outing with both kids, less hubby
First preventative checkup for C-line
First prevetative checkup for C-man where he wasn't scared to death or wailing like someone was scratching out his eyes during the exam.
First night alone with TWO kids
Creation and posting of my first blog

The week hasn't been nearly as bad as I expected. C-man has been really good and I've been able to get a little work done throughout the week. What I haven't been able to do it to get C-man to school much before 9am, so this does not bode well for the hubby's next trip when I'm back at work and the kiddos have to go to two daycares. Let's just hope that the nursery at C-man's school opens in April when they say it will, then both kids can go to the same facility, and hubby doesn't have to travel too much between now and then so he can wrangle one child in the morning.

One more first will occur come Monday--my first (albeit, official) day back to work after 2 months of maternity leave. I don't really feel like I've even been out of the office, as I had to compile, write, and administer 11 reviews. With a newborn, sleep deprivation, and a work-laden husband, it took me two months to get the things done. The good news is I only have to work 20 hours next week but get paid for the full 40. My goal: keep it to 20 hours.......yeah, right...