Just Me....

Looking for me

2008-10-13T20:43:00.000-05:00

Just ask....

margbm2 at yahoo dot com

One year ago

2008-10-05T20:35:00.002-05:00

I married my best friend.

There have been good times, great times, hard times...

and every single one has been completely worth it.

My husband supports me.

Loves me.

Laughs with me.

Laughs at me (becuase I'm a big ole' dork)

Helps me.

And let's me love him, laugh with him, laughs at him and help him.

Here's for many, many more.

Love you.

We Learned About Birthin' A Baby

2008-10-05T16:46:00.002-05:00

Yesterday we spent the day at childbirth preparation class.

I wasn't prepared for the films. I had plenty of warnings from others about the grossness of the films but really, I wasn't prepared.

Placentas are quite gross looking.

I was amazed at the number of couples who didn't ask a single question. Really. Our teacher was quite good but do you really have NO questions?

I don't know how much I really want to do the whole natural birth thing. I knew that there were multiple stages of labor. But I didn't "know, know" that there were multiple stages of labor. So, I would like to ask tv shows and movies to show stuff a bit more realistically.

I wasn't prepared for the random emotions that would come forth. There were several times when I literally was wiping away the tears. Thinking back now, I have no idea what caused those but soemthing did.

Oh and seriously - placentas are gross looking.

New and Different meme

2008-09-28T03:23:00.003-05:00

I haven't seen this one yet.

Bree over at Whine and Cheese did this one and it appears to be a funny one.

1. MY ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet & current car) Vicki Aura

2. MY GANGSTA NAME: (favorite ice cream flavor, favorite cookie) Mint Chocolate Chip Chocolate Chip (wow, that sounds yummy)

3. MY "FLY Guy/Girl" NAME: (first initial of first name, first three letters of your last name) M Moe

4. MY DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal) Blue Dog (that sounds more like a gangsta name!)

5. MY SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born) Sally Hyannis (not bad)

6. MY STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first) MoeMa (ummm....)

7. MY SUPERHERO NAME: (“The” plus 2nd favorite color, favorite drink) The Green Kahlua and Creme (if i'm not pregnant) or The Green Caffeine Free Diet Coke (if I am pregnant)

8. MY NASCAR NAME: (the first names of your grandfathers) George Joseph

9. MY STRIPPER NAME: (the name of your favorite perfume/cologne, favorite candy) Baby Powder Snickers (perfumes give me headaches since I got pregnant and before I was pregnant there was only one who didn't give me headaches - and I forget the name of it)

10.MY WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother's & father's middle names ) Ruth Howard

11. MY TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME: (Your 5th grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter) Phillips Philadelphia or Sorrels San Antonio

12. MY SPY NAME: (your favorite season/holiday, flower) Winter Iris (again, more stripper'ish??)

13. MY CARTOON NAME: (favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now + “ie” or “y”) Granny Smith Apple T-Shirty (why on earth am I never simple???)

14. MY HIPPY NAME: (What you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree) English Muffin Oak (i don't think I really have a favorite tree....so I just picked one)

15. MY ROCKSTAR TOUR NAME: (”The” + Your favorite hobby/craft, favorite weather element + “Tour") The Sleeping Rain Tour (hey, I'm pregnant....sleep is wonderful - it's 3:30 am and I am doing a meme....)

If you want to do this, feel free. I am tagging my new friend:
Margaret the Minsanthrope becuase she's new to blogging and we need to learn this vital inforamtion about her.

Complete and Ginormous Craving

2008-09-26T10:34:00.002-05:00

For raw cookie dough.

Holy crap.

Must have it.

Damn this not being able to consume raw eggs.

I just saw a blog entry for baking chocolate chip cookies and a commercial for the refrigerated pre-made stuff.

Crap.

Here is my list of stuff I must consume as soon as possible after giving birth:
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
Margaritas
Kahlua and Cream
Hot Dog (which I normally don't like but maybe once a year but I would like one now)
Any and all type of cold cut sandwiches

And dare I mention that we think we have a name????

Wow...Holy Crap

2008-09-21T20:38:00.002-05:00

I have less than 100 days till my due date.

Holy crap

Holy shit

Holy crap

Wow.

I know, I've sucked lately with the blogging. It's been rough here - dealingw ith all the crap that comes with a hurricane. Friends and family without power. Work. Being generally exhausted.

I know that they say the 2nd trimester brings more energy. Hah. Really. Liars. I am either about to enter the 3rd trimester or just barely in it (depending on which book/chart you reference) and I am tireder than ever.

I am sleeping more through the night (at least, wehn I wake up to pee, I fall back asleep quickly), but I nap as often as I can. And that's pretty much as soon as I get dinner cooking during the week and on the weekends - as much as I can.

I'll try and be better....

HOly crap....less than 100 days. :)

Cheese

2008-09-16T18:19:00.003-05:00

Dear someone who may or may not live in my house with me that shall remain un-named.

Yes, I know that we had 2 bags of cheese in the fridge over the weekend. I know it. One was comletely full and one was half full. The half full one we used when we made fajitas for the crap load of people who were over.

And Yes, I know the full bag (NEVER TOUCHED) bag of cheese is no longer in there. But instead of asking me 4 differnt times where it is and tearing apart the fridge, perhaps listening to me when I say that maybe "someone's" friend who tore apart the fridge to ensure he had all of his items that were labelled (and apparantly some that weren't labelled) is where the bag of cheese ended up might be smart. Just maybe.

I did not mysteriously use said bag of shredded cheese over night (regardless of how much I love cheese), nor did my friends who still don't have power take it. SOMEONE"S friend also took a 1/2 full package of sandwich sliced cheese and an onion.

I know its hard to admit that your friends were not the best of houseguests, but damn.

I did not:

throw away
eat
give away
lose
move

an entire bag of cheese.

Thank you.

Signed, another person who may or may not live in the same house as you.

Things we discovered during Hurricane Ike

2008-09-15T18:41:00.002-05:00

1. We hosted 2 families when our power came back on damn quick (w/o power less than 12 hours) - our house is NOT child proofed for a 2 year old.
2. Our dog has about a 46 hour tolerance for a 2 year old (she got soooooo tired b/c of the extra people and pets that right as they were packing to leave, she warned the 2 year old often when he got too close).
3. Having people over is stressful
4. I'm damn tired.
5. When people bring food over to your house b/c they have power, often they are just using your fridge for storage - it's not a free for all for the food in the fridge. The homeowners stuff is free-for-all, but if you are a visitor, marking your stuff w/ your initials so no one takes any of it is apprantly OK. (NOTE: Only ONE family did this).
6. Your dog sleeps non-stop after company leaves.
7. Your cat will remain pissed off for a while.
8. I am damn tired.
9. We are so blessed when I see those who lost more than we did. Even driving down the main road outside our neighborhood, I saw power poles that had fallen on people's back fences and were leaning against people's houses. The power lines draped in their back yard.
10. I miss regular TV. Haven't seen it since Thursday (Yes, we have cable but I'm talking network TV)

11. I am so damn tired.

Dear Ignoramuses & New people I hate.

2008-09-12T09:13:00.003-05:00

Those of you that thought you could ride out Ike while LIVING on Surfside (right near Galveston) - You are ignorant. You are dumb.

And now you are risking police officer and fire fighter lives because of your ignorance.

Calling 911 after your home is surrounded by water proves your ignorance.

Also - for the person who wrote into the local news and said they saw their neighbor CHAINING their dog to a tree as they EVACUATED - thank you for saving that dog's life.

For the person who actually DID that? Screw. You.

I really do hate you.

I know its a strong word, but I don't care. hate, hate, hate, you, you, you.

We have begun

2008-09-11T16:32:00.002-05:00

To hunker down.

Ike is on his way.

Great.

We have water, canned food, batteries, candles, etc.

Things that won't work if the power goes out:

tv (and corresponding dvd players), internet, laptop (after a while), my nintendo ds (after a while) and my brand new wii (which I love).

sigh.

Ike - go easy on us, k?

Nominee for 2008

2008-09-04T20:15:00.002-05:00

I read this somewhere and laughed my ass off.

The nominee for Secretary of Infant Hair Care -

Piper Palin

I haven't laughed this hard in a long, long time time.

Words I don't like hearing from my doctor

2008-09-03T18:50:00.002-05:00

There's nothing we can do for you....

Seriously - this insomnia... I cannot describe how much it has pissed me off now.

LIterally, I have turned into a walking zombie. I have always gotten to work 30 or so minutes early. The past month or so, those thirty minutes are spent with my car seat reclined, and covered in a blanket I have started leaving in my car.

I take a nap in my car. Every morning.

I wake up each and every night between 12-2am. I am awake sometimes until 4. Sometimes till 4:30. Sometimes, I stay awake till its time to get up for work.

The doctor has suggested many things - Benadryl. Phenergren. Asking Mark not to disturb after I go to bed...nothing works.

The medication knocks me out...but when I wake up, I am merely in a drugged out insomiac haze.

Mark sleeping in the other room - all that does is allow me to lay in my bed rather than the couch when I can't sleep.

When I saw the doctor today (who, by the way, I absolutely officially adore), she shook her head and kinda frowned and said there is not much else we can do. She said for me to sleep when I can. If it means napping when I get home, then nap. if I need to sleep in my car in the morning, that's OK too.

But as far as really HELPING me? not too much.

And yes, I know, this is preparing me for 18 years of craptastic sleep. I understand that. But right now? Not so much on the helping me side....

Will I cause a recall?

2008-08-30T09:33:00.002-05:00

Or at least a warning for a baby product?

Hmmmm.....

I have been religously working on my baby registry. Researching pretty much each and every product. Looking at ratings by fellow parents. I have been downright compulsive on this.

I found this product on Babies-R-Us's website.

It looks great, huh? While we don't have a small kitchen and do have plenty of room for a regular high chair, we liked the idea of the portability of this. We could take it to the grandparents houses with no problem.

It even briefly made it on my registry for a few days.

Then I started noticing as I saw it on websites and even in person. Each photo of it has it on a non-padded chair. Hmmmm...I thought.... I wonder....

Our kitchen chairs have padding on the bottoms.

I went back to Fisher-Price's website and looked at it more closely, downloading the PDF of instructions. Reading closely. Is there a warning against padded chairs? Nope....

So I called their 800#. A very nice woman answered. I told her my questions/concerns. She said she had never been asked that before. She said she wanted to call their safety/quality department and ask.

After approximately 10 minutes on hold, she said that they had never been asked that question before and was very glad that I had called in. The space-saver high-chair is not recommended for chairs that have permanent padding on the tushie-area. They feel it would not be able to be secured tight enough for baby's safety.

Holy crap. Really????

My friend at work is convinced that there will be at least a warning put out about this. If there, is, please know you heard it here first.

And Fisher-Price? If you are looking for someone to safety/quality check any of your other products? Gimme a call. I'm always available.

Spongebob Beats Me EVERYTIME....

2008-08-25T19:48:00.003-05:00

That's all I have to say.

This afternoon, I pick up the phone to check and see how my nephew's first day at kindergarten was (I called my dad). Nephew answers the phone.

Nephew: Hello
Me: Hi Nephew! It's Auntie Margaret!!
N: Hi Auntie Margaret!
Me: How was your first day of school?
N: Great!
Me: Really? I'm SOOOOO glad you had a great first day of big boy school.
N: Yes.
Me: What's your teacher's name?
N: i don't remember
Me: that's ok you had a big day. can you try and remember tomorrow and tell me?
N: Yes
Me: Did you ride the school bus?
N: Yes
Me: Was it fun?
N: Yes.
Me: You're such a big boy - I'm so proud of you!
N: I know. I'm big now
Me: Yes. And did you bring your lunch or did you buy your lunch?
N: MoMo (my mother) bought it for me?
Me: MoMo bought your lunch?
N: Yes.
Me: You are Such a big boy in a great school. Uncle Mark and I are so proud of you!!!
N: I love you Aunt Margaret!

Now, at this point, my heart is melting. He had a GREAT first day of school. I am SO proud of him for doing good.

THen I ask to speak to PoPo (my dad).

Dad gets on the phone.

Me: Nephew had a great first day, huh?
Dad: What are youtalking about?
Me: Nephew's first day - kindergarten - you know?? First.Day.Of.School?
Dad: WHAT are you talking about??? (Laughing)
Me: SEriously - his first day of kindergarten?
Dad: Ummmm...Kindergarten's first day of school is Wednesday. The rest of the grades started today. Nephew wasn't really listening to you - he was watching Spongebob.

Sigh.....

Weird Dreams

2008-08-24T06:38:00.001-05:00

As if dreaming that my son came out weighing nearly 11 pounds wasn't enough -

I dreamed that when I went into the bag to get his going home clothes, all that was there was bright pink jeans with pink and purple rhinestones spelling out Hannah M0ntana on his tushie.

I love hormones...

Letter to my unborn son

2008-08-22T03:06:00.002-05:00

Dear beautiful, sweet, unborn child of mine -

I love you more than life itself. I never knew I could love someone this much that I haven't even met yet.

But please, please get off of my sciatic nerve.

I have been up since 1:47 (now 3:07) and am in such deep bone-jarring pain, I can't even describe it. The pain feel like it is deep within my hip bone itself.

Your daddy fell asleep on the couch, so I am laying with multiple pillows propping me up - that's the least painful position. I have a heating pad only on my hip because even though the doctor says its OK, I don't particularly want to have you all warm.

Please, give your mommy some rest. I already am not sleeping well normally, this makes it worse.

Please....help your mommy out. Please?

I will buy you many toys. With lots of pieces. And lots of noise and lights.

Anything.

Please?

Love,

Mommy

I, apparently, am really a 13 year old boy deep down inside

2008-08-18T20:44:00.003-05:00

I have had SO much fun with the Olympics.

yes, watching Phelps win everything has been great.

These women beach volleyball players that just beat Brazil - woo hoo!

What's given me the most joy?

Some of the players names.

Today, Mark and I watched a feed from Chinese tv of ping pong. The players from China were named: Wang and Wang. (hee hee Wang Wang)

Some guy (??) on the trampoline - his name is Dong Dong.

I also saw some guy named Gaydarski.

Honest to goodness, I haven't stopped giggling.

p.s. - am watching the women's trampoline. Holy crap.... do they jump high enough? No way in HELL I'd do any of that.

My Brother

2008-08-15T21:00:00.003-05:00

If it weren't for people like him, this world would be a lot less safe.

He's one of the ones who helped rescue folks from this fire last night.

Unfortunately, not everyone made it out.

But to him, and his colleagues who do what they do....

Thank you

Pardon My Language

2008-08-11T19:25:00.002-05:00

But, if you are the ASSHOLE that is driving around with the paint from my back quarter panel of my 6 month old car on the front quarter panel of your car...

Screw You.

Ass Hole

Fucker

Bastard

Really....

You took out a shit load of paint on my car and broke some piece of something that I tuned out from my husband talking about. Now, I have to deal with this. Why? because you were too big of an ASSHOLE to leave a note.

I sincerely hope that what Mark says he wants to happen to you really does happen:

1. You catch some type of STD.
2. It causes your penis to turn green
3. Shrivel up (you probably don't have much of one anyhow)
4. Fall off

If you are a female, we request the following to happen to you.

1. You catch some type of STD.
2. It causes your vagina to turn green
3. It will then shrink so it can be of NO USE EVER AGAIN for you

I also hope that you catch some type of skin disorder on your face that people will just look at you and know you have that STD. And they point. Laugh. And run away.

Thank you very much, asshole.

Can you hear the quiet?

2008-08-09T22:06:00.002-05:00

Part of "our" family is not speaking to "us".

If you can translate that - fabulous.

Sorry I haven't blogged too much folks. I've been busy. buying stuff for my baby. and hanging at the other place.

I will make more of an effort.

Maybe I will write about the 2 first sentences.

Or not.

Preparing for having a son

2008-08-04T22:28:00.002-05:00

1. Sound asleep. Awake to a certain un-named male in my family storming into the bedroom. Using quite a few un-mentionable words.
2. Ask him to repeat himself as you are sure he didn't say something about red ink on your tan carpet.
3. Wonder if the amnio is correct and hoping a son will take more after yourself than same un-named man in the family
4. Go into adjoining room and see quarter sized stain of bright red ink...on tan carpet
5. Asked for a can of sprite, figuring it's close to tonic water, right?
6. Quickly googled removing ink and found this website. Forget the sprite, bring on the milk!
7. Declared my undying love for this person as they saved my carpet. Who'd-a-thunk milk would remove an ink stain from carpet???

Lesson Learned - A red ball point ink pen does NOT function as a minature crowbar to pry something open. It will break and splash ink all over the carpet.

So, this is what I have to look forward to with a little boy on the way, right??

Yippeee!!!

Milk??? Really?

Blogger Issue

2008-08-02T06:31:00.002-05:00

So, I am not having any issues posting - I am having issues READING blogs.

When I go to any blogger blog, i get an error - something that IE can't open it - and it closes.

WTH?

Giggle....Snort....Giggle....

2008-08-01T10:22:00.001-05:00

It's my off-Friday.

For some reason, I have had TV Land on today. There are 2 episodes in a row on of Good Times.

I can't stop laughing because Thelma is dating a character named E-Bay.

Seriously.

E-bay.

giggle

snort

giggle

I need a life.

cross posted - My Story

2008-07-29T18:38:00.001-05:00

I am telling my story at the other place.

What we went thru the past 5 weeks.

Stop in if you'd like.

Hugs...

Margaret

My Baby and Someone Else's Baby

2008-07-27T18:15:00.003-05:00

Is going to be one well-dressed man (isn't that a song???)

I bought a crap load of stuff already. Thursday I bought stuff to surprise Mark. Saturday - even more.

Really. I ignored everyone's advice about buying clothes for this little guy, and bought scads of clothes. And stuff. Rubber duckies of all varieties for the tub. bath towels. Wash cloths.

OMG, I have never completely forgot about buying anything for me (or anyone else) like I have right now.

hee hee.

Who knew boy clothes could be so damn cute?

*****

Side note:

Dear asshole man in Target:

Your little boy, of approximate age 4, was skipping. He was being a four year old BOY. He tripped and bumped into you.

It was NOT necessary for you to scold him for doing so. It was COMPLETELY NOT NECESSARY for you to grab your child by the EAR and pull him so hard that he was on his tippy-toes. His little face was bright red in pain. You didn't need to tell him that he was a 'bad, bad, bad boy' and that 'this is what happens to bad boys'.

I wanted to say something to you. I should have said something to you.

But I didn't.

So, in the meantime, I hope your little boy is OK.

I promise

2008-07-24T21:04:00.005-05:00

To write more about what we have gone through.

I NEED to.

But in the meantime....

Seventeen Weeks, Some Odd Days

2008-07-20T17:10:00.003-05:00

And completely and utterly uncomfortable already.

Spent Friday and Saturday limping and gimping around. After research online and calls to friends (i don't want to call the doc about this), it appears that Kidlet enjoys hanging out on my sciatic nerve in my left hip.

Today, I ate my normal lunch (chips, sandwich) and it completely filled me up way too soon (as in 1/2 the sandwich and a few chips). I am still completely uncomfortably full and believe that this baby is doing whatever it can to be as big as possible (stretching, jumping, etc) to poke into my ribs, my stomach and my side. Even though I can't feel them moving around yet.

And I have 23 more weeks to go!!!

I actually am laying on the floor and asking Kidlet to please let me get to some semblance of comfort just for a bit.

So far, completely not listening.

I love this baby!!! Completely stubborn, just like mom!

The Downside of my secret crush

2008-07-18T17:43:00.001-05:00

Is there a downside to my crush and addiction to SVU?

Yes.

This commercial plays on the SVU episodes on USA constantly.

Really.

Is this necessary?

Ssssh.... I Have a secret crush

2008-07-18T06:31:00.002-05:00

If you were to look at my DVR, you would find episode after episode after episode of this recorded. I disovered this show in November or so and I LOVE it. Literally, I search for this show every week and record any episodes I haven't seen. THank goodness for USA Network.

I love that show.

But my secret crush?

Sigh....

Please, don't mock me. I can't explain it. He makes my heart go pitter-patter and it has nothing to do with fluctuating blood pressure with this pregnancy.

Update - Crossposted

2008-07-17T18:35:00.001-05:00

Hi all -

I really don't want to do this, but I am going to re-post something here, that I posted at the other place.

Greetings All!

I feel like I must apologize, I have been a little quiet. Some things have gone on with 'Kidlet' in the past few weeks. We are 110% confident that everything is just fine, but I have still backed off from blogging and from commenting. I still have been reading everyone though.
I must have tried a million times (ok, probably more like thirty) to write something for here, but the words just wouldn't come. And if they did, they usually ended up with me being in tears.

So it was easier NOT to write.

For everyone who sent me a note, or commented at the other place, Thank You!

I still am a little hesitant to write too much about what has happened these last 3 1/2-4 weeks. But I will say that so very quickly I realized how much I love this baby. That even before I give birth, pick out an outfit or a piece of furniture or even feel the baby move...

I am already a Mommy.

Still Kinda On A Break

2008-07-13T16:37:00.002-05:00

Hi -

It's been a really long time since I posted.

I still am not 100% ready to talk about what's going on.

So I will just ask, in the next few days - if you have any spare prayers laying around, if you could share a few of them with me, Mark, and most importantly, Kidlet, we would love them.

We need all the good thoughts and prayers we can gather.

I hope to be back soon. But for now, I just need a little more time.

I have been to read at yor places - maybe not commenting, but I promise, i've been reading.

Back soon,
Hugs,
Margaret, Mark and Kidlet

A bit of a break

2008-06-20T01:01:00.001-05:00

All -

Just need some time for me. I am sure I will still post over at the other place. but for now, I need some time.

Love,
Margaret

The Big Fifth Birthday

2008-06-16T19:48:00.004-05:00

Happy Birthday, my little bubba!

Hard to believe that 5 years ago today, I was the first person (besides your parents) to hold you at the hospital!

You were 9 months old in this picture. What a handsome guy you were then (and are now).

Here you were - almost 2. Still my buddy.

Now, tonight on the phone, you tell me that "today is my REAL birthday". Because Saturday at Chuck E. Cheese was a pretend birthday.

Happy 5th Ben!

Uncle Mark and Aunt Margaret love you VERY MUCH!!!

Update Scmudates

2008-06-13T20:07:00.003-05:00

1. Dog isn't limping but a tiny bit. If still limping over the weekend, will take her in on monday. Now it's only when she gets up from laying down.

2. Doc appt went good yesterday. Mark couldn't go (damn work) and I took a pal with me. Heard the heartbeat (174 bpm) and b/c the doc wasn't there 2 weeks ago to see the ultrasound, she asked for another one. She has a policy to see the baby each time it's ultrasounded. Anyhow, so Mark missed ANOTHER ultrasound but our baby is cute. Hanging out on his/her back this time! (will scan in the pic later).

3. Oh, and baby is about 5 days bigger than what we thought. Originally, our "period math" put us at 11 weeks, 2 days. As of yesterday's size, we were at 12 weeks!!

Due date officially adjusted to December 25, 2008. A Christmas Baby!!!!

Next week we go back for the Ultra-Screen. We want some peace of mind....

4. Check this out....

http://blogs.chron.com/mamadrama/archives/2008/06/joining_the_clu.html

This blog here (Just me) will still be a great source of venting for me. My family doesn't know about this place, so it's my place to complain about whatever. And I will still post on here. I don't anticipate doing the "cross-posting" thing - post one thing here and there.

Come visit me at my new other digs!

And thank you for everyone who asked about Cammie! She doesnt know how lucky she is to have such cool people around asking about her.

I do, and can't tell you how much you mean to me.

Smoochies

Margaret & Kidlet

Awww...crap

2008-06-11T19:49:00.001-05:00

Came home from work today.

Dog limping.

Leg swollen.

Awwwww....crap.

NEver seen a more pitiful looking thing than her right now.

No way to go to vet tomorrow. We have our doc appointment. Guess Friday its time to find a vet if still limping.

Sigh....

Been a Little Quiet

2008-06-07T15:41:00.002-05:00

Why? No particular reason. Or maybe there's one itty bitty reason.

I've been particularly moody.

How's that for the understatement of the year.

I've been particularly bitchy.

Work? yes. Pisses me off.
Home? Yes. Pisses me off.
Dog/Cat? Yes. They piss me off.
Family? You guessed it....pissing me off.

There isn't a whole lot right now that isn't making me mad.

Or making me cry.

We were in the local home improvement store, and I wanted to buy a nice orange bucket with lid to hold the dog's food. They were out of lids. Had dozens of buckets at the end of each and every aisle - but not a damn lid to be found.

And guess what - that made me cry.

Then their computer systems were all jacked up when time to pay. That made me so furious.

This moodiness, please tell me that it will get slightly better. Soon? Someday? Ever??

I feel horrible for how i am acting around/to/in the general vicinity of Mark. I really do. In the middle of one of my fanatical moments, its like I literally look at myself outside of me and wonder who this raving lunatic woman is. (Really, I am not a raving lunatic - but I am definitely closer to that than I am to sanity).

On a better note, I am eleven weeks today! (woo hoo) and we have the next doctors appointment on Thursday! All goes well, Mark should get to hear the heartbeat in person and we will plan for the prenatal testing in about 2 weeks or so.

Here's hoping for a better week!

p.s. - I love being too fat for regular clothes and not pregnant enough for maternity clothes. Wow. That makes me happy.

Can a hero be someone you have never met?

2008-06-02T20:01:00.002-05:00

And probably never will?

If there is ONE person that I only wish I could have 1/100th of his strength. His courage. His amazing everything about him.

It's Professor Randy Pausch.

Rockabye....and goodnight.....

2008-05-31T07:57:00.003-05:00

Sleep. Sweet, hadn't had it in a while, sleep.

Yesterday...

Fell asleep at 6:45pm
Woke up at 10:30 to pee.
Back asleep by 11.
Woke up at 12:30 to pee
Back asleep by 2.
Woke up at 5 to pee.
Back asleep at 5:45.
Awake at 7:15.

I have no idea how much sleep that is, but OH MY GOD. I haven't felt this good in a while.

And yes, my back is feeling better - thanks to those of you who asked. Still not 100% sure how I did it. :)

**Updated:
Back asleep at 8:00,
Awake at 8:55

This may very well be my best day ever. Or at least in a long time.

Get Ready To Start Rolling Your Eyes

2008-05-29T20:30:00.005-05:00

Because the pictures have started.

Thanks to a pulled muscle in my back, I ended up at the doctor's office today just to be checked.

My back was in such severe pain down by my left kidney that I called them right after lunch. The triage nurse told me to come in right away just to be seen. The Doc thought it was most likely a muscle pull, but decided to go ahead and do an ultrasound just to make sure.

Of course, Mark wasn't there (this was compeltely unexpected appointment) but we called him on my cell phone so he could hear the heart beat (an "excellent" 188 beats per minute) and the tech took our baby's first picture!

About the size of a large grape or small strawberry - our baby seems to be doing just fine! "Kidlet" was very wiggly and squirmy. "Kidlet" did not care for the poke of the ultrasound wand - every time he/she was poked to be photographed, he/she wiggled to try and get away!! In the pic, you will see him/her laying on his/her tummy. Head is over to the left, one arm is up by their face, and you can see one of the legs down on the right.

We will know more in 2 weeks when we go back for our first "official" appt to hear the heart beat, and Mark should get to see Kidlet live and in action then.

I just realized my last name is in the photo. I have no idea how to blur that out.

Now everyone can know what my long-ass-last-name is. :)

-------------

p.s. - Holy crap, I am confused.

Pardon Me....

2008-05-28T20:23:00.003-05:00

Do you happen to have a good mac and cheese recipe?

one that involves Velveeta? (Not necessary but it just sounds good)

A tried and true recipe? One you don't mind sharing?

Smoochies--

margaret

Why I shouldn't watch TV during the day

2008-05-27T18:20:00.003-05:00

I was home sick today. Yesterday, as we were driving home, I noticed that familiar eye twitch and ache in my shoulder/neck. A sure sign I am about to get a migraine.

Around 9, it got worse. I am trying to be so good about not taking any medicine at all so I sucked it up. I took a hot shower and fell asleep.

I woke up around 1, 2:30 and 4 (I love this constant peeing thing) and realized there was NO way I would make it to work today. Hurt way too much.

I stayed home, slept off and on.

Sometime today, there was a show on TLC or something about Bringing home your new baby. The first episode was great - they prepared the nursery, family was there, etc....

Second episode - the couple saw no reason to really prepare for the baby. I kid you not. That was (as close as I remember) to their exact words. They said all you needed was some diapers and some onesies. Grrrr... Ok. Fine. That irritated me a bit, but whatever.

Next thing you know, they are talking about something called a spinal headache or an epidural headache. What in the hell is this? Why has this never been mentioned before? This is not in any book that I have seen so far. I googled it and really had to dig to find it.

This woman (who, yes, saw no reason to buy anything more than some diapers and some onesies - and yes, they ended up with a stroller and with boppy pillow) literally could NOT sit up without being in extreme pain. She had problems nursing the baby. Her significant other/guy/fellow not-preparer had to go and buy her a bed pan.

Could someone please explain to me what in hell a spinal headache/epidural headache is?

I was all about an epidural (thanks to the encouragement of my doctor) until learning of this phenomenon.

Yes, I know I have 200 some odd days until I have to worry about this, but in my mind, that's 200 some odd days to worry about this.

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is why I should not watch TV during the day when I am home sick.

Disappointments and Other Stuff

2008-05-26T19:04:00.004-05:00

#1 - While in the Hill Country, we decided to go into Austin and visit my nephew. We went to a world-famous bbq joint (been rated by many places for best bbq beef) My first time being there. It frickin' sucked. Bad.

See, I have this thing about sending food back. Am afraid they will spit on it. But this brisket was so frickin nasty. My nephew's - nice and lean - NO FAT. Mine - you couldn't bite into it - too much fat to even tear it away.

Severely disappointed.

#2 - I live in Texas. It's a frickin' sauna here. This weekend in the Hill Country, it was a zillion degrees - IN THE SHADE. I am now, more than ever, completely incapable of dealing with the heat. Completely. I was an absolute grouch. Covered in sweat and grouchy. I sweat from places I didn't know I had sweat glands.

#3 - I was very glad to see on my BabyCenter.com update this week that apparantly my moodiness is "normal". It says from week six to week 10 is usually the peak. Then it tapers down until the end of the pregnancy.

I give Mark all the credit in the world for dealing with me. Really. Moodniess is not the most appropriate word for me lately.

#4 - Damn....I REALLY wanted some good bbq brisket the other day. Jerks.

#5 - When I get REALLY aggravated, I start to really notice things. For example, we went to see Indy Jones the other night. A woman and her daughter sat next to me. Not sure of the daughter's age - but I'd guess around 11 or 12. The mom was ever so sweet in that she explained EVERY single thing that happened in the movie. About halfway through the movie, I started counting times she said something. I was at 83 when the movie ended. I tried to do the "look over and glare" but it did nothing. And I couldn't say anything because I would have said some not-so-nice words in front of the girl.

Sigh.....

Finally

2008-05-23T07:49:00.002-05:00

It's a post NOT about pregnancy!!!

For months (and MONTHS), Mark and I have been wanting to get away.

Finally, its going to happen.

We leave tomorrow morning for a small town outside of Austin. One of Mark's good friends from way back is in town and his family is having a BBQ for the holiday weekend. My oldest nephew (aaack, I have a 22 year old nephew!!) just moved to Austin. Like a typical 22 year old guy, he is living rather simple, so Mark and I hope to take him out for a nice lunch and see if he needs anything. Mark's cousin will also be in town, so we hope to get to see her too.

Mark also wants to go and walk thru his college campus (about 1/2 hour in other direction) but it may be a bit too hot for me to go and walk around for an hour or so.

Anyhow, what a boring post this is. Because of my insomniac state, I will be bringing my laptop and will probably still be checking in with everyone's blogs.

Good lord, this was a big ole' waste of time. For me writing and you reading!! :)

Hugs!

I try not to say "hate"

2008-05-20T02:43:00.003-05:00

But Insomnia.... - I really hate you. I do.

Asleep at 10:15. Awake at 1.

Asleep sometime around 1:15.

Up at 2:05.

The time is now 2:44.

Insomnia, I hate you.

Sinus issues causing me to have a massively sore throat, stuffy nose and overall feeling of crap. Not too fond of you either.

Hee Hee.... It's a party

2008-05-18T18:58:00.003-05:00

For me!!!!!!!

If I had known that I'd only be a few weeks (8 weeks today!!) preggo and then I'd get a party - well, I'd a done this earlier. (KIDDING)

My Blogging Buddy Heather is giving me a Par-Tay.

Got some tips? Hints? Stories? Anything- please share.

She's giving away some cool stuff too.

Because, she absolutely rocks.

So, if you have any tips, please share them. Lord knows, Mark and I need all the tips we can get. We went to a baby expo today and were hopelessly confused. Which then resulted in a stop at a book store where I bought EVERY parenting/pregnancy magazine they had. Mark wouldn't let me go to the books. There may not have been room in our car (or in our checking account) because I would have bought each and every book.

Questions currently sitting in my brain:

1. Travel system stroller with carrier versus regular stroller and 2 regular car-seats that also fit newborns. Knowing if I got the carrier version - both cars would need a base then eventually we would both need car seats.

2. They have these swaddling wrap things. Say they make the kids sleep better and longer (Mark LOVED that thought). Worth it? Do they make those in grown up size?

3. Seriously - how many types of bottles are there? EAch and every single one said they were the best, pediatrician recommended, most "natural", etc.

4. There was a photography lady there who comes into the birthing room and takes pictures RIGHT when the baby is born. Ummm...really?? A stranger? No. Thanks.

That's about all the questions I have now.

So, if you have any tips, suggestions or answers - feel free to jump over to Heather's. You may win something.

:)

Wow

2008-05-17T09:47:00.002-05:00

i really can't believe that I'm gonna have a baby.

And god, please, don't let me be jinxing myself, but I have only had one day of pure hell morning sickness. The rest have been pure exhaustion.

Thursday night/friday morning, I actually slept from 10-4. That's the most sleep I have gotten in weeks! Last night I slept from 10-6 courtesy of my medicine and then from 7-9:30.

Pants are starting to get snug. Probably because I am contastly hungry - therefore constantly eating. Contstantly. I wake up to go pee at 3am - seems like a good time for a snack,huh? Not sure if this is the time that things start getting snug or not, but they are.

I have gotten several outfits from people so far (gender neutral) and 2 beautiful receiving blankets and 2 really cute rattles. I keep looking at the outfits over and over. And just marvel that in a few months (OK, like 6) we will have a little one to fill them up!

And my dreams? Every Single Dream has been that we have a girl. EVERY single one.

To Summarize

2008-05-14T21:06:00.002-05:00

Still not sleeping.

After taking doc's advice, I took half a phenergren (sp) last night. I slept from 8:30 to 1:30. Then from 4:30 to 5.

I am going to try and take my prenatal during the day and see if that helps. Maybe it's screwing my system up.

Yes, I know, this is preparing me for a lifetime of a child. I just think if I had a REASON to be awake, it woudl be a bit more tolerable. Right?

"Kidlet" does not like cake. Had some last week - no bueno. Had some today - super no bueno.

Something has my "system" all messed up. Will be mentioning that to the doc.

4 weeks from today, I will get to hear the heartbeat. :)

And America's Next Top Model - HELL YEAH for picking Whitney!! Hardly a "plus-sized" or "full-figured" at size TEN. She's absolutely fricking normal. And gorgeous. WOO HOO for girls with a bootie! I only wish mine was that small!

I am so frickin Naive - UPDATED!!

2008-05-12T19:47:00.004-05:00

Seriously.

All of you with children - be prepared to laugh manically at me right now.

1. Holy crap, am I tired. Seriously. In the past (nearly) two weeks, I have fallen asleep eating dinner three times.
2. How do you manage if you already have one (or more) at home? I can barely take care of myself, let alone any other child?
3. SEriously - how is it possible to be THIS tired and still not sleep? Every morning, about 2:30, I get up to go pee and then I am WIDE AWAKE! Let's go! Let's do something! Laundry? Clean the kitchen? Watch more TV? Play on the computer? Wonder why people aren't updating their blogs at that insane hour? Come ONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN! Let's go! Let's do ALL of these things!!!

Please tell me this insomnia crap gets better...at least give me some inkling of hope that maybe for 2 or so months, it will be better??
4. Morning sickness is NOTHING like what I thought it would be. In my past life every time I have puked, it has a very distinct pre-puking feeling. This? Yeah, not so much. There is no "pre-puking" warning. It's all of a sudden - SPRINT toward the bathroom.
5. HOw is it that the very THOUGHT of food makes me vomit? Just the thought. No tasting, no smelling (don't get me wrong - that can do it too) but the whole thought of food? Let's see - things that have made me puke
a. Mark mentioning steamed broccoli.
b. Looking at the assorted home-made cream cheeses at work for bagels
c. And last week, when I couldn't sleep and I was watching Malcolm in the Middle at 4am, they mentioned something called blood sausages. I had never heard of them, but the thought of them made me gag. Then I puked. Then, in my infinite brilliance, I went to work and g00gled them. BIG mistake. HUGE. Seriously? Why would you eat such a thing???

moving on.
6. Any possible "glow" that pregnant women have - that's all crap, right? Or does that come later on? Because the only glow I can think that I might have is from leaning over the toilet.
7. I would like to officially request that pre-natals please come in a more appetizing flavor than what I think closely tastes like dirt. My doc gave me 6 different types to try. The first 2 boxes? One resembles dirt. The second - yeah, pretty much dirt. Yes, I take them in the evening. Because god knows I can't swallow dirt first thing in the morning.

I am off to try and get some sleep.

If any of you feel like updating your blogs, it is fairly safe to think that I will be visiting between 2:30 and 4:30am.

p.s. - the time is now 3:39 am. I am awake and visiting blogs!

News

2008-05-12T03:18:00.003-05:00

OK, so I guess I owe a little explanation on the last post? Huh?

With all that BS I was going through at work and working long hard hours, I just didn't notice that I was late. I did notice that I was exceptionally tired, and peeing a crap load, but in my blind ignorance, I didn't know that was symptoms of being PREGNANT!!!

So finally on May 1st, I finally did the whole "period math" and started counting. I realized that I was about 7-8 days late. So I called Mark and said that I was running to the local drug store. I pulled out of the garage as he was pulling in the garage. I got home, went to the downstairs bath and from that second, our lives changed.

I wish I could tell you that I told Mark in some fun, romantic way. Nope. It consisted of me opening the door and saying "Ummm....hon? Honey? HONEY?!!??!!??!!"

We were beyond shocked. There was no way this was only going to take us a few months of trying!

We went to the doctor on the 8th, and she confirmed everything. She said I am about 7-8 weeks along (about a week more than what my math was showing). Mark came to the appointment, and was so blasted uncomfortable, it was cute.

We go back on June 12th to hear the heartbeat! That's one hell of a birthday present, huh? (Mine is on the 11th)

Now, i know that a lot of women choose not to talk about their pregnancy until out of the first trimester. I just couldn't.

I invite you to join me and Mark as we go through this wonderful and exciting journey! In the upcoming days, I will "talk" about:
1. How we told our parents
2. My "symptoms" - (let's not mention broccoli, ok??)
3. TV shows I can't watch as a result of #2.
4. Whatever else comes up.

It';s been hard not talking about this here for the past week and a half! There are a few people who read here who know my family, so I just couldn't do it!

Hugs!!!

Merry Christmas

2008-05-10T19:37:00.001-05:00

And a Happy New Year!!

December 28th, 2008 (ish).

more to follow....

any guesses?

Still here....

2008-05-08T04:24:00.002-05:00

And still have nuttin' to say.

am hoping to have something slightly exciting in my life to tell whoever of you that are left sometime soon.

p.s. - 4:30 am -Hello, Insomnia?? You suck.

Nothing New

2008-05-03T06:58:00.003-05:00

Good Morning -

It has been a while since i have posted. Mainly becuase I have been working long hours. I have been trying to keep up with reading everyone's blogs. Actually been doing quite a bit of that. I just haven't been commenting as much as I'd like to.

Things are fairly normal here on my end. I am desperately looking forward to Memorial Day - Mark and I are going to spend 2 nights away from everything. Not quite sure yet where we are going but we are going somewhere. We think Austin for one night and a great quaint little town called Fredericksburg. We had hoped to take more time away, but not sure about it. Work may beckoning us more than we care it to.

Ummm.... yeah. the preceeding two paragraphs, that are exceedingly boring, are an exact representation of my life right now.

Maybe, one day soon, i'll have something even slightly more exciting to share with you.

Hugs.

Update

2008-04-25T15:11:00.002-05:00

So, if you want an update on my "situation", and if you have my email address - email me.

Otherwise, life is good. Busy, but good.

I actually spent my off friday doing fun stuff. Besides working from 8-10:30, I met Mark for lunch and went and pampered myself with a nail appt. Nothing better than cute toes, right??

I have worked more this past week than I care to think about. But the next two weeks are going to be even worse - I am even getting a hotel room near work one night next week just because it's going to stink THAT bad.

Good thing I met Mark for lunch today - he's working most of tomorrow and next 2-3 weeks are going to be miserable. Hope I get to see him more than a few minutes each day.

How are y'all?

Me....28'ish years ago

2008-04-13T19:42:00.005-05:00

Wow.... there is so much to comment on.

The shirt.

The belt.

The hair.

The skinniness.

My mom found this old picture. She thinks I was about 5 or 6.

Why am I sharing this?

I have no flippin idea.

Wow....

2008-04-12T18:32:00.002-05:00

I've been quiet.

It's been a craptastic week. Work has been absolutely kicking my ass. There's no two ways about it. And it's just going to get worse until...well...probably mid May.

How exciting.

And it makes for absolutely boring blogging. Actually non-existent blogging.

What have Mark and I been up to? Today, we actually took a few hours out of our lives and drove about an hour outside of Houston. And we found giant fields of bluebonnets.

Not from Texas?

Check these pictures out.

This
and
this
and
this

none of our pictures will be near as stunning as these, but we had a blast. Sitting in bluebonnets, walking gingerly through the fields so as to not stomp on them and then laughing as we realized that perhaps I should not have worn high-heeled sandals.

Our pictures, providing they turned out well, will be up soon.

Seriously - my life has become completely non-blog-worthy.

gah.

General Stuff

2008-04-04T21:05:00.002-05:00

My dad is doing quite well! Yippee!!

I seriously cannot thank all of you for your prayers, good wishes, thoughts, emails....everything. You guys are all absolutely the best.

After a few rough days, he finally started feeling really good on Wednesday.

Thursday - yeah, out on the riding lawnmower.

Hello?? Dad??? You had prostate cancer surgery 6 days earlier and you are out on the riding lawnmower??

Sheesh....

But you are all wonderful people. The strength I drew from your comments was felt deep inside me. And I wish I had something more to say than "thank you".

But I don't. So thank you for being YOU.

Big hugs to you all. And for whatever you are going through, or will go through, if you need anything - just holler. You are all in MY prayers each night.

Imagine my shock when my colleague Brendan commented on my blog the other day about his
battle of the jerkface that is cancer.

Brendan's strength is true inspiration.

If you are in Houston, and care to join The Relay for Life ... let's do it. Everyone has been touched by cancer. Everyone.... Let's beat it, shall we?

Update Part Deux

2008-03-30T17:16:00.003-05:00

Dad had a really good day yesterday. Limited pain. Had a pain pill at like 2 or 3 am, and nothing all day. He did well all day. Yippee!!

This morning was a little rougher. He actually had to take a pain pill today. And had a really upset stomach - which is probably because of the antibiotics, we think.

He goes in tomorrow to have everything checked. Fingers crossed!!!

Thank you all for your good thoughts, prayers and wishes. Keep 'em comin' if you don't mind.

Update

2008-03-28T18:30:00.002-05:00

Dad seemed to come through the surgery just fine. Doctor said he did great...

I went ahead and left the hospital and then got a call from my mom. Said he looked horrible. I reminded her that anyone coming out of anesthesia looks horrible. She said she thought he looked worse than any of the other times.

Then the nurse asked her "does he have oxygen at home in case he needs it". Mom freaked. Bad.

She went to go get his scrips filled and I told her to go and ask the nurse why she asked that question. As soon as she gets back to the hospital, she will.

I called my brother, the doc and he said that they won't release him if there is any doubt about him being stable or if he isn't getting proper oxygen.

Shit.

I so should not have left the hospital. If I went back now, with Houston traffic, it would take me 2+ hours to get there.

Spare prayers? Keep sayin' em please.

Love you daddy!

Spare Prayers?

2008-03-27T18:28:00.002-05:00

If you happen to have any spare prayers, good thoughts, happy thoughts, anything - I'm not ashamed to ask for them.

My dad is undergoing surgery tomorrow (Friday) for his prostate cancer.

Any good thoughts and prayers about kicking cancer's ass - we'd love to have them.

Cancer? You suck. Hard.

And guess what? You won't win. You hear that? You won't win.

Daddy? I love you! You will beat this ass-crappy disease.

Big prayers to you Daddy!!

Expectations

2008-03-23T21:09:00.004-05:00

Did I really expect it to work after one true month of trying?

No.

Was I hoping for it?

Yes.

A good friend of mine got pregnant on an "oops" (you know, just one time with nothing to prevent... just ONCE). So yes, I kinda thought Why Not?? Ya know?

So yesterday, I admit. I cried a bit. Yes. I know, things have to be just right. And sometimes things can be just right and it still not work.

Why am I so concerned after 2 months of trying? (actually really just one. February - our timing just stunk). I am concerned because Mark is foregoing some medicine that he needs in order for us to do this. And every day we try to get pregnant is another day he isn't on that medication. And he needs it. Will he die without the medicine? No. Is he uncomfortable? Yes.

And that upsets me.

Yesterday he asked why I was so upset about not being pregnant. Yes I was upset because I wasn't pregnant. But I was also upset because of him.

I have to figure out how to not be so stressed about this next month. I have to. I can't sit and obsess about it. I just can't.

I just don't know how to not. Too much is riding on this.

So, what do we do? We have said if it doesn't work next month - then we will figure out what to do. Mark said he will go and get checked and maybe I should too. will they laugh us out of their offices? Two months trying? That's nothing. Absolutely NOTHING.

But, its everything for us. For him.

Advice? Anyone?

p.s. - his medicine, that I cannot recall the name of, doesn't do any damage to his swimmers. It just decreases the count of them. He started weaning off of them in December. Takes about 45-60 days for his system to get back to normal. Thus - February/March was our start trying time.

The Only Thing Worse....

2008-03-22T22:06:00.003-05:00

Than not being pregnant when you are trying...

Is to have your body just laugh in the face of all that is good and kind and have your "friend" show up THREE DAYS EARLY.

Pardon me while I go and hide.

Happy Easter Y'all!

more stuff I shouldn't post about

2008-03-17T19:53:00.003-05:00

As we were laying in bed last night, I fell asleep first. I was JUST at that great point of falling asleep. You know, you are just reaching that total relaxation point?? I love that point.

Anyhow, so I hear Mark....

"Sweetie????"
pause pause pause
"Sweetie???"
pause pause pause
"Are you sleeping sweetie???"
SIGH
"Not anymore, Mark"

I roll over and ask him what can I possibly do to help him.

"I've decided on another possible name for a boy if we have one"
(Note - I am STILL not pregnant yet....)

Me: "Ummm...okay"

Him: Ludwig

Me: WTF??? (p.s. - I actually said what the WTF stands for - I didn't say WTF)

Him: Yes. Ludwig

Me: LUDWIG??

Him: Yes. With our last name, he will need something fun and different. I chose Ludwig. In fact, we should just copy Beethoven's name and call him Ludwig Van 13-letter-last-name.

Me: Seriously...

Him: Think about it.

At this point, I just rolled over and silently apologized to any future child/children we will have. He continued talking about it....but I....I just couldn't.

I didn't want to post about this....

2008-03-15T13:43:00.002-05:00

But I have to.

So 2 months (or 3???) ago, I posted about something.

And now we are actually "trying". Woo hoo!

And after peeing on those damn ovulation sticks, we finally saw that second line that in fact said "Hi, you are ovulating soon", we did what we had to do.

And now, I am waiting. I still have a few days (or more like 14'ish) until my "friend" is due.

What in hell do i do now? Literally, every single second I am spending thinking "am I??" or "Am I not???".

How do I get through 2'ish weeks WAITING?!?!

Things I have done since seeing that ovulation kit turn positive:
-Look at stuff for a nursery. I have picked out most everything I like.
-Annoy my husband with more talk about baby names (For the record, we are NOT naming our child Wolfgang Van 13-letter-last-name, thankyouverymuchMark)
-Go to a website and discover that pregnancy countdowns actually start upon date of last period, which means if this thing worked, I won't be 2 weeks pregnant, I would be 4 weeks pregnant. WTH???
-Calculate estimated due date if this whole thing worked (December 3rd, if anyone is wondering)

Holy crap.

I have reached a whole new level of insanity. How do I get though this?

Stuff I learned last week - expanded version

2008-03-10T18:30:00.002-05:00

Guys Code of Ethics

What I learned at lunch last Friday.

Cast of Characters: Me (you know me)
Bob (one of my new co-workers)
Sue (Bob's wife who, coincidentally, I used to work with a few years ago)
Other Miscellaneous guys I work with (we will call them Misc 1, Misc 2, Misc 3.)

Me, Bob and Misc 1, 2 and 3 went out to lunch on Friday. Somehow, it got brought up in the conversation that guys have this "Code of Ethics".

About 2 years ago, Bob had gone out to dinner and to a bar with Sue's sister's husband (his brother in law). Get that? Anyhow, so Bob and his brother in law went out to a bar. And Bob's brother in law started hitting on some women. And Bob's brother in law ended up leaving with one of the women. WTH??? Anyhow, so I said to Bob, "Did you tell Sue (your wife)"

His response: Nope.

WTH??? WTH??? OK. So your wife's sister's husband is messing around and you don't tell ANYONE? He said "Nope". To which all the guys at the table started nodding in agreement and said "Yup, its the Guy Code of Ethics". Seriously. Really? You don't tell your wife that her sister's husband is cheating? Apparantly NOT. Bob continued to tell me that he ended up coming home at 4 or 5 in the AM and had some cock-a-mamie excuse for being out and Sue believed it. So, he decided that she probably has stupid blind faith in the guy and wouldn't believe Bob anyhow. Ugh.

So, of course, last night, as Mark and I were about to fall asleep, I went into Interrogation Mode. Me: "Hey. what is it with you men??"
Mark: "There went any chance of going to sleep soon"
Me: "If my sisters husband was cheating on her, and you knew, would you tell me or her" Mark: "I dont know your sister"
Me: "I know you dont. But lets say you did"
Mark: "But I dont"
Me: "I don't care, would you tell me"
Mark: "Depends on the situation"
Me: "I TOLD you the situation. PRETEND sister's husband is cheating on her. You know. Thats it. Do you tell?"
Mark: "its really not that cut and dry"
Me: "Yes it is. What is this code of ethics you guys have"
Mark: "Really, all I wanted to do was sleep"
Me: "Whatever. Mr. 'I am avoiding the question'. It's all your guy ethics, right??? RIGHT???" Mark: "There is nothing that I can say that is the correct answer."
Me: "You can say that you would tell me if my sister's husband was cheating on her
Mark: "But I can't. It depends on the situation."
Me: "ARGH"
Mark: "ARGH"
Cue several minutes of silence.
Mark: 'I love you"
Me: "But if I had a sister that I was close to and her husband was cheating on her, you wouldn't tell me OR her. That's like condoning it".
Mark: "Am I ever going to get to sleep??"
Me: "Maybe...."
Mark: "Fine. I love you. I love your imaginary sister who you are imagining being close with who's imaginary husband is imaganiaringly cheating on her so I would tell you or her if I knew about it"
Me: "Thank you. I love you too. Good Night!!"
I don't think he meant it. But at least it got us both to sleep.

Things I have learned over the past week

2008-03-09T19:03:00.002-05:00

1. When your dog gets her teeth cleaned (under anesthesia, of course) one should NOT listen to their husband and give the dog food and water the next morning (because she "looked hungry") is a bad idea. Even though you have been through similar situations several times and you know better...don't do it. You will have to clean up the pee and poop later on.

2. Domino's Pizza. Holy crap. So you place an order online and then it tracks it every step of the way. Some guy named Demetri received my order. Made my pizza then he put it in the oven. Then a nice guy named Matthew delivered it. How do I know this? Because I watched it each step of the way. I am such a geek to find this to be fun. But it was. Then it gives you an option to fill out a survey and give comments. So when your pizza comes with enough cheese for four pizzas, you can immeidately send feedback.

3. When you have a boring-ass life like I do, your blog begins to SUCK. Not that it didn't before...but it sucks more.

4. I actually learned something new about a "guy code of ethics" from some guys at work. I will have to share this soon with everyone. I did not know this at all.

Misc. Fun Stuff...

2008-03-08T09:32:00.001-06:00

52%

Google Reader

2008-03-08T07:12:00.002-06:00

What the crap? I FINALLY get a blog reader thing....

Now, it seems to be changing the feeds. they still APPEAR to be the same, but it seems to be adding another blogs feeds into what appears to be another blog being fed into my feed.

Does that make sense? Do I need to switch blog readers?

Holy Crap

2008-03-05T21:29:00.003-06:00

Mama Lee found this.

HOly crap.

My thoughts and prayers are with you, my fellow Houstonian.

The article from the enquirer made my eyes well up in tears. Reading the one that I linked to on TMZ still has me choking up but it doesn't seem so bad. There seems to be some hope.

Hello Out There!!

2008-03-03T17:56:00.002-06:00

It's very odd. Lately, I have started getting lots of anonymous comments.

If you count two as being lots....

Funny thing is, these are great comments!

One found what the name that I had the dream about and I found that it meant "unlucky". Another one flat out interpreted my dream.

Who are you? Come forth! Do you have a blog? Huh? Do ya?

I've been really crappy, again, about writing. And I actually HAVE stuff to write about.

I've been contemplating letting folks I know in the non-bloggy world know about this place, but then I would lose something. So I don't think I will.

How about you, do you have non-bloggy pals who know about your blog?

It's funny, I can pour my heart out here, I can pour my heart out to total strangers, who one day I hope to meet, and yet family and friends who I tell pretty much the same stuff to, I don't want them to know about this place.

Hmmmm...

I'll be back soon with an update. I promise.

HEy....

2008-02-27T19:21:00.002-06:00

Hey asshole?!?

Yes, you the one on the freeway about 8 cars in front of me? THe one that was carrying a load of lumber that wasn't tied down? The one who dropped 2x4's that shattered into zillions of pieces?

Except for the one giant piece that bounced off the car in front of me and then went toward me? Yes...the same piece of wood that barely missed my windshield and then slammed against the top of my BRAND NEW CAR?!?!?

Yes, you are an ASS. I saw you. You were driving a piece of crap car that is probably 10 years older than me. and probably not insured. So who gives a rat's behind if your crap lumber goes off and smacks peoples tops of their car.

It's only a few scratches. I don't care.

You are an ass.

Thank you.

p.s. - have I mentioned I think you are an ASS???

I had a dream....

2008-02-25T20:11:00.002-06:00

Swear to goodness -

2 nights ago I dreamt that Mark and I had a baby girl. I guess to go with that baby seat my family has picked out for us.

Anyhow, we named her (name to be left unmentioned) and I woke up and was absolutely beaming.

This was a sign right?? It was a cute name, I really liked it.

Right?

Yeah, until I looked it up. It means "unlucky". Scratch the sign coming to me.

And no....still not pregnant.

yet.

Pressure...

2008-02-23T20:22:00.005-06:00

Tonight, Mark, my mom, Mark's mom, Mark's dad, Mark's aunt and I all went out to dinner. (My dad went home early - long story as to why my mom was here w/o my dad).

At dinner, it took precisely 12 minutes (I timed it) for us having children to be brought up in conversation. This was the first time my mom has been around for the ganging up on us to have a kid.

they (being EVERYONE but us) have already decided:

1. We need two kids.
2. Preferably one boy and one girl
3. Twins would be fabulous
4. If we have a girl, that child will be spoiled with jewelry and cute little girl clothes.
5. Clothing will consist of little denim skirts with the ruffles on the thing that goes over the diaper (I've drawn a blank of the name of said item of clothing)
6. If we have a boy, said child will be spoiled with clothing and "boy stuff"
7. Clothing will consist of khaki pants and polo shirt looking one-sies.
8. Although having only one boy would mean the family name will carry on, if we have a girl that is PERFECTLY FINE.
9. As we were leaving the restaurant, they decided that if we have a girl, the baby WILL (and I cannot emphasize the "will" enough) have this:

Yes, they have already picked out a pink paisley carseat.

10. Nine months from RIGHT NOW is perfectly okay for us to have a baby.

11. Anytime that Mark and I would like to go out of town, we do not have to ask them to take care of the child (children) - all we have to do is call and say "Mom...." and then pause. They will be on the road RIGHT then.

Good thing they don't know that we are "trying"...they'd be tracking EVERYTHING, huh?

Simple Act Of Kindness

2008-02-22T19:42:00.004-06:00

I wrote a few days ago about Car Max and someone from Car Max actually commented on my blog.

Now, I am going to write about Purina Dog Food. And Pedigree Dog Food. And Iams. And any other dog food that I cannot think about. I hope one of you finds this and sees my request.

Purina
Pedigree
Iams

Whoever...
Please step up to the plate and provide this very kind Marine with a lifetime supply of dog food for his new best friend, Nubs.

To this Marine - Your small act of kindness is an amazing thing to me. I know you will never read this, but you are simply amazing. Thank you for what you do - both on the battlefield and for being you and saving this sweet puppydog.

And by the way - to whoever did that mean stuff to that puppy dog?? I truly and sincerely hope you rot in the bottomest depths of hell. After someone cuts off your ears and stabs you with a screwdriver.

This story has sat with me all day today. This story has affected (effected??) me more than I realized at first. It shows me about the goodness in people. The horribleness in people. The unwavering love of an animal. That an animal can see the good in people. That this wonderful, sweet dog found a wonderful, sweet Marine, in the very middle of a battlefield. AFter travelling miles they found each other again.

When the world sucks as much as it can suck, its the stuff like this that keeps me going. It's this type of stuff that makes me smile.

Marine - you are a fine man. You are a kind and wonderful soul who will have a new best friend who will be by your side for years.

Thank you for reminding me of some good.

And thank you for taking care of Nubs.

Sshhh... don't tell Mark, but I have a new LOVE!

2008-02-17T06:45:00.003-06:00

Don't tell my husband.

Seriously.

I have a new love.

Actually 2.

Do you have CarMax where you live? If not, then you cannot share in my LOVE of them.

Why do I love them???

Because they are buying my old car. My old car with 150,000 miles. My old car that needs some serious help. That should happen on Monday.

And they are giving me a really good deal on my old car. WAY more than any dealership would.

So, that's my first new love.

Second new love? I refuse to jinx it. I will not talk about this new love until everything is said and done on Monday.

Let's just say my new love is blue. *doesn't* have 150k miles on it. and a few other gadgets and gizmos.

*****

In the midst of all the haggling and looking at vehicles yesterday, I said to Mark "wow..honey... this is our first major purchase together"

To which he responds, "ummm... didn't we buy a HOUSE??"

Yeah, I guess that's kinda major.

Hey Ya'll

2008-02-14T05:26:00.002-06:00

Hope you are all doing well!
Not a lot going on here. At all.
So I don't write a lot.
I do go and visit you. But I understand why you may not come here as much anymore.

There are a few things that I just don't want to talk about. With anyone. It's not anything bad. It's just not blog worthy. Or anything worthy. Just some things I need to figure out.

In the meantime, I wish you a fabulous Valentine's Day.

xoxoxo - margaret

Bullies

2008-02-04T19:22:00.000-06:00

I work with a bully.

An honest to goodness, I bet he may steal my lunch money tomorrow, BULLY.

And Friday, I was at the end of his bulliness. And I wasn't even there. Apparantly I was the topic of conversation. Why? Becuase my boss sent out an email complimenting me about a huge project I was working on and how well it went.

and in his typical bully insecurity, he went all bully on me - except I wasn't there on Friday. I got a phone call that he was talking smack about me. I thanked the friend who called me to tell me, but it hurt to hear.

THis bully completely discounted all my hard work. MONTHS of hard work. Months of 6, 7, 8, 9pm conference calls. Months of working on weekends. I have never asked for any credit. Never asked for anything. I just ask that you do your job and I do mine.

But he told someone that I have been "strolling around acting like Queen of the World" and pretending that this project was "all me".

The set-up was all me. The implementaiton was all me. But the execution of it - was a team effort. I never denied that. That's what I do. I set stuff up for other people to succeed off of.

And this bully (and I am not the only one he bullies) went and discounted it.

My boss says I should say something to him. Problem is? I don't like bullies. I don't know how to confornt them without being all emotional.

So, I'm just going to walk away from this and let him win. This one time.

He's young - actually my age - but hasn't been in the professional workforce very long. Prior to here, he worked somewehre for 3 or 4 months and before that, was a high school football coach. Not to discount coaches, but that's very different than the corporate world. VERY.

So if he does it again, I will confront him about that issue. THis one is dead to me. It has to be.

I hate to walk away from this, but I just can't confront him. Partly because I hate bullies. Partly because in a wierd way, I am scared of bullies...but mostly, I don't want him to know he got to me.

Who would have thunk that in my 30's, I'd be dealing with this?

Please think good thoughts that he doesn't push me down on the playground, steal my milk money and take the twinkie my mom packs me for lunch.

What to write about?

2008-02-03T09:28:00.000-06:00

I read on a blog last week - someone asked had blogging "jumped the shark"? iF you don't know the whole theory behind "jumping the shark" - then click and read. It's actually quite fun to read about.

anyhow, I look back to when I started this a year or so ago and either I was more infatuated with blogging or I had more stuff to write about. Maybe it was because I was dating, and then the engagement and then the wedding planning and let's not forget changing jobs AND buying a house?!? (holy crap, that was a busy year for me)

So, I feel guilty, here's this outlet for me. Something I can write about whatever in, and yet I don't have much to write about. Do you want to hear about me and my long ass commute? Nope. How about my neighbors...again? Hah. I don't even want to write about that. Do you want to hear about me and Mark? Please...how fun is that? (although I watched an episode of Everybody Loves Raym0nd the other night - we are just like Ray and his wife. Bicker bicker bicker. Love, love, love)

I feel guilty because I don't write. Becuase I bet it would help me feel better and less stressed. And yet, I don't. I feel bad because I go to all these fabulous blogs and they write beautiful eloquent stuff and I write about stupid stuff.

I want to write about this journey we have now officially started. But that frightens me. Do I talk about it? If so, how much? Will I be jinxing it if I do? I have so much to say about it.... but am afraid (which is not the best word for it) to write about it.

So, that being said (and I know I just wrote like 5 paragraphs of NOTHING), I have no idea what the next few weeks, months will bring.

Hope I don't bore you too much. And if I do, it's okay. I pretty much bore the hell out of myself.

Love y'all!

p.s. - oh and dear mother nature (or whoever is responsible for me getting these GINORMOUS zits - please...give some pity to me. Please????)

p.s.s. - We need to go and show some love to a fellow blogger. I have no idea how I ended up at her blog, but I did. And she needs some bloggy love. More than there are words for.

Whaddup

2008-02-02T16:49:00.000-06:00

I spent 15 minutes reading thru this icanhazacheezburger.com website.

It's been a long time since I have laughed this hard at something as goofy as this.

moar funny pictures

I would like this dog to join my household...and the cats.

My animals just sleep ALL.DAY.LONG.

p.s. - we are off to Barnes and Noble to go get some books and Best Buy for a computer game. THEN we are off to a fancy dinner. My choice of where.

why? Because. That's why. Because we both deserve it.

Steak, baked potato and some type of veggies - here I come.

Mmmmmmm......

I just threw up in my mouth a little...UPDATED

2008-01-30T18:55:00.000-06:00

Well dammitall... I fell for it.

Sorry...

Or a lot

Hi

2008-01-29T20:50:00.001-06:00

Hey...you....company in the logo featured below.

Guess what.

I hated you in November.

I hated you in December.

I hate you even more now.

Jerks.

That is all.

Yes, I know. Not very eloquent. I was at a job fair today. WAY too many people showed up. Made me cranky. I lost my work phone. Made me crankier.

I'm Back!

2008-01-27T19:40:00.000-06:00

I can't believe I went a week without posting.

I wish I could say it was because I had won the lottery. Or Mark had whisked me away to a private island in the Caribbean.

But no.

I worked a crap load this past week. and didn't have much to write about.

Now, my circumstances changed as of last night. Why? Well because we had 30'ish people over last night for, what was widely claimed to be, one of the best parties ever.

Prior to any consumption of alcohol, I counted:

2 1/4 LARGE bottles of vodka

11 (yes, ELEVEN) bottles of wine

2 trays (each holding 48) of Jello Shots

30 jello shots that didn't fit onto the trays

1 Large bottle of Tequila and corresponding margarita stuff
1 decent sized bottle of coconut rum

Beer - between 4 and 5 twelve-packs.

Now, once people arrived, we received:

4 more bottles of wine

1 more bottle of vodka

2 bottles of sparkling wine

1 bottle of coconut rum.

Copious more amounts of beer

Sometime after I consumed massive amounts of jello shots and vodka/cranberry juice, apparantly there was ANOTHER run to a liquor store. Wherein was purchased:

More juice

MORE vodka (good lord...)

2 bottles of Jaeger-meister (sp?)

Two folks brought accordians. Much fun. MUCH fun.

And the best part? 6 boxes of SPARKLERS!!!!!

Everyone got me into the yard with sparklers and asked me to do a dance. I fell. But it was SOOOOOO much fun.

Sparklers and jello shots = Giant Fun.

p.s. - not all of the liquor was consumed. Out of everything, there is about 18 beer bottles left, 4 bottles of wine, 1 of the LARGE bottles of vodka and the sparkling wine.

And NONE of the jello shots were left. NONE.

I wish y'all could have come!

p.p.s. -- for those of you that dropped me an email checking on me. Thank you....

Life's Little Lessons

2008-01-19T21:59:00.000-06:00

Mark and I have been hanging out with my 11 year old niece and 4 1/2 year old nephew all weekend (picked them up Friday AM and return Sunday afternoon).

Lessons I have learned:

(and I am sure all of you Moms will be laughing at the non-parents that Mark and I are)

1. Teaching the 4 1/2 year old about rhyming words is a great thing in the car. Ben mentioned "fat cat". So I told him they rhymed. And we said other words - bat, sat, hat, etc. Then we rhymed with Ben - when, hen, men. I asked for a new word for us to rhyme to. Ben said "duck".

No. We WON'T rhyme to "duck". EVER.

2. Upon same 4 1/2 year old asking me what was wrong with my face (you can probably see the giant zit on my chin from wherever you are) - I explained "Auntie Margaret has a big pimple. It happens sometimes" - be prepared for him to tell the cashier at Petsmart - "Auntie Margaret has a big pimple on her face".

Gee. Thanks.

3. An 11 year old girl and her 4 1/2 year old brother are physically incapable of sitting in the backseat of the car without touching each other. EVER.

4. When you get out of the shower, and same 4 1/2 year old is sitting on the couch whimpering, and you ask what's wrong and you hear "She hit me" - you may want to ask why his sister hit him. His answer just might be "I was hitting her in the head." All the while, still whimpering.

5. Have I mentioned that an 11 year old and a 4 1/2 year old are completely and utterly incapable of not touching each other? Not just in the car, but in a restaurant, in the house, in the backyard, and pretty much anywhere else?

6. An eleven year old, a windy day and a frisbee are a bad combination. My $14 Houston Astros frisbee is now in evil neighbor's backyard. Thus making us have to do the knock on the door and ask for it back trip.

7. Spongebob Square pants (not to be confused with Spongebob Squareboobs) is on nearly 24 hours a day on SOME channel.

8. Taking kiddos to a local pond where lots of ducks hang out is a fabulous thing. Bringing the ducks bread so the kids (and who's kidding - I did it too) could feed them is a blast. Walking around the pond and seeing some eggs is amazing (although I knew it was way too cold for un-covered eggs to survive). And there was something so sweet about watching the momma duck SPRINT back after you take a few steps away from her eggs. (we stayed about 15 feet away from them to begin with. Neither of us wanted to risk Momma duck thinking we were too close. But when we backed up about 10 more feet, she ran to her eggs).

9. Taking your 4 1/2 year old nephew and 11 year old niece for an entire weekend will cause your brother and sister in law to be so happy they will pretty much promise you anything. But when it comes down to it, when you get a million kisses and hugs from the little guy and she asks for an extra hug before bed because she's "having so much fun" and thanks you over and over again for a pizza buffet dinner and quarters for video games AND sister in law tells you "i have NEVER been this relaxed...we can't thank you enough"- it's all worth it.

10. And HOLY CRAP are we tired.

Go ahead, all you mom's - laugh your butts off at us.

Very Quiet, Part II

2008-01-15T19:47:00.000-06:00

I have been quiet lately. Not sure why. Just ever so tired. Literally have never been this tired. (NO, I am not knocked up yet). Every day last week I was asleep before 9. Last weekend, I worked nearly every bit of it. I took a few hours off on Saturday and that's it.

I am at one of those points in my life where I need to get away. I am going to ask Mark to take me somehwere just for a weekend. Ask him to do everything. Make the kennel appointment for the dog. Figure out where we will go. Eveyrhting. I just need this. It's hard because everything everyone does irritates the crap out of me.

Mark is doing his best to be patient and understanding. He really is. God love him for not strangling me. I would have strangled me.

Unfortunately, the next few weeks are tied up. We have my niece and nephew for the entire weekend. (Please think good thoughts that we come out of this still wanting kids!! - kidding). Next weekend we are having a crap load of people over. In the midst of all this, work will be getting more and more hectic until the 2nd week in february. Maybe then....

There is a place in Galveston that I am interested in going to. We went there a few times growing up. It is a condo type place with a full kitchen, bedroom, living room, etc. I want us to pack a cooler and just "be". Sit on the porch, stare at the water and just BE. Maybe we will watch movies, maybe we will walk on the seawall. I dunno. But I just want to BE. I don't want to be Margaret who is working her ass off. Or Margaret who's laundry is literally overflowing and doesn't know when to do it (note: should be doing it isntead of blogging this senseless post).

Why Galveston? It's close. And a vacation that is close is a vacation that gives me more time on vacation. the less time travelling the more time I spend just being ME.

So, sorry I have sucked about commenting and even reading.

Hugs to you all.

My New Best Friend

2008-01-12T10:22:00.000-06:00

adopt your own virtual pet!

Hi

2008-01-08T20:01:00.000-06:00

So I don't have a lot to say.

1. I don't think Roger Clemens is guilty.

Yes, I admit. I have a giant, mongo, huge, ginormous crush on the man. But I don't think he did it.

2. Mark and I are hosting an open house/we got married forever ago/party type of thing. WE are thinking a crap load of people will be over in like 2 weeks. Holy crap. 2 weeks. My tree is still up.

3. My tree is still up.

4. I am making candles. It's kinda fun.

Could my life be any more boring? Yes, I do know it would be MUCH more fun if I took the time to take down my tree.

Shaking My Head

2008-01-04T21:03:00.000-06:00

Sweetie....

Please, get some help. Please. For the love of all that is good in life....get some help.

This is so far beyond funny, its even beyond sad now.

Just please, get some help.

Math, Round Heads, What will NEVER be the name of our child and Yall Need Glasses

2008-01-03T20:49:00.000-06:00

Seriously - every single one of you needs glasses. But I love y'all. I really do. Thanks for boosting a gal's ego. My actual point was not that I chew cud and moo for communicating but that when I look at a photo, I see a totally different me than when I see a mirror.
----
Comments overheard tonight from Mark while he was watching coverage of this caucus crap:
"Man, that guy has a PERFECTLY round head - but he isn't fat. How is that possible?"
"That guy is one big brown blob" (guy had a brown shirt, brown tie, brown jacket, brown hair, brown eyes and a fake brown tan)
"Honey, I can concentrate better on the election stuff when you rub my neck" (GAG GAG GAG -means I had to sit and watch with him)
"31 minus 23 is how much? Eight? Ok...." (Counting up differences between 2 candidates)
"Are you sure 31 minus 23 is eight? Ok....Remember that."
"How does someone's head get THAT round??"
"Ooooh...that reporter's name is Major. We should name our child Major. Major '13 letter last name' sounds good. Oh wait - No.... Sergeant '13 letter last name' sounds WAY better. Wow. He'd NEVER get beat up. We are naming our son Sergeant."
"Look, he's ahead by 9. Oh wait...no, that's still 8"
"This doesn't qualify as snuggle time?"
"Don't you like rubbing my legs? How about my feet?"

Sadly. I wish I were over-exaggerating on these. But no. All Direct Quotes. Each one of them.

Very Serious Question a.k.a. MOO! - UPDATED!!!!

2008-01-02T20:23:00.000-06:00

Why is it that when I look at myself in the mirror, I see someone who is chunky. Someone who needs to lose 20'ish pounds...

But when I see a picture of me, I truly see a GIANT HUMONGOUS FAT COW that needs to lose 837.25 pounds?

Honest to betsy (who is betsy??), Mark was testing his new flash on Saturday and each picture of me was just GIANT HUMONGOUS FAT COW'ish and yet when I look in the mirror, I see someone not that moo-ish. LIterally every picture of me I made him delete. Forever. This was the ONLY pic at my family Christmas celebration that isn't forever vanished.

p.s. - thanks to lovely said flash, it appears my husband has a severe case of a mullet. He does NOT have a mullet. Thank you very much.

p.s.s.- Mmmmoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo......

------------------------------------------------------

UPDATED!!

p.s.s.- Dave? Ummmm??? Dave???? Honey, we need to chat...call me. Let's chat. Grizzly Adams was SUCH a last year look.

p.p.s.s.- Mmmmooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo......

Mama Drama Con Queso II & Other STuff

2007-12-31T08:50:00.000-06:00

Fun Times Coming Soon!! Live in Houston? Join us... Don't live in Houston? Southwest Airlines is your answer!!

+++++++++++++++++

I have spent all day yesterday in bed unable to move. Literally. I pulled something in my neck. I managed to stand up one time (10 minute ordeal) and went to take a sip of my drink and could not lower my arm it hurt so bad. Mark came in, took the drink and lowered me back into bed. My arm stayed up for about 20 minutes until I could move it.

Today, its much better, but I am still unable to lift my head up or turn it to the right at all. All I can do is look down or a bit to my left.

Happy Frickin' New Year....now pass the muscle relaxers.

Merry Belated Christmas

2007-12-29T22:01:00.000-06:00

Out of all the gifts to receive, this could be the very best one.

Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas.

Misc Stuff

2007-12-29T07:41:00.000-06:00

This really is neat.

I've watched it 3 times already this morning
--------
Santa got me this for Christmas. I have never been so excited about a Christmas gift. I have wanted one for years. I have always watched the info-mercial and never pulled the trigger on buying one.

I will be experimenting with it tomorrow and on Tuesday. I must try the Chocolate Mousse', dicing onions, margaritas and MORE!!!!!
-------

I love ALL my neighbors

2007-12-28T16:59:00.000-06:00

# of lightbulbs broken on my lights lining my driveway - no less than 14 total (including 7 discovered on Wednesday alone)

# of actual lights (not bulbs) broken so they will not clip back onto the stakes next year - 6

# of fits thrown by myself in the front yard as I rip all of my lights out of the ground, thereby breaking most of the remaining lights, and saying not so quietly "This is bull @$&*, I should be able to have nice @$&% in my yard but NOOOOOOOOO" as Mark asks said teenagers to stay away from me, our lights and our yard - 1.

I have NEVER taken down Christmas lights prior to New Years. This year, December 26th. And it wasn't pretty. But, the 7 kids who were playing soccer in front of my house and in my yard quickly moved down the street after my fit (but not before one of them said "Ma'am, I don't think we broke your lights, ma'am". Granted, it may not have been their soccer playing "skills" that broke my lights and it could have been the basketball "players" next door. Whatever.

I love them. I really, really do.

My Wish for Each and Every One Of You...

2007-12-23T17:07:00.001-06:00

I have thought long and hard about how I wanted to wish each of you a Merry
Christmas (and a Happy New Year). There's so many beautiful Christmas songs out there. But I heard this again on the radio this morning. And it struck me, that this is how I feel. About myself, about everyone in my life - including all of you that stop in here to read the little tidbits about me and my life. (I wish they had a "real" video, but this is the best I can do...)

My Wish
I hope the days come easy and the moments pass slow
And each road leads you where you want to go
And if you’re faced with the choice and you have to choose
I hope you choose the one that means the most to you
And if one door opens to another door closed
I hope you keep on walkin’ ‘til you find the window
If it’s cold outside, show the world the warmth of your smile
But more than anything, more than anything

My wish for you
Is that this life becomes all that you want it to
Your dreams stay big, your worries stay small
You never need to carry more than you can hold
And while you’re out there gettin’ where you’re gettin’ to
I hope you know somebody loves you
And wants the same things too
Yeah, this is my wish

I hope you never look back but you never forget
All the ones who love you
And the place you left
I hope you always forgive and you never regret
And you help somebody every chance you get
Oh, you find God’s grace in every mistake
And always give more than you take
But more than anything, yeah more than anything
This is my wish

My wish for you
Is that this life becomes all that you want it to
Your dreams stay big, your worries stay small
You never need to carry more than you can hold
And while you’re out there gettin’ where you’re gettin’ to
I hope you know somebody loves you
And wants the same things too
Yeah, this is my wish

I hope you know somebody loves you
May all your dreams stay big

Am I the LAST person to see this?

2007-12-22T09:39:00.000-06:00

I am always one of the last to see these viral videos.

Absolutely phenomenal.

Something is Wrong With Me

2007-12-19T20:34:00.000-06:00

Seriously.

I watched this damn show on Monday.

And Tuesday.

And tonight (and its on 2 damn hours tonight)

and I cannot. turn. it. off.

What the CRAP is wrong with me?

Please. Someone help. Its on one more night after this.

Please?? Help me?? I am sitting here KNOWING this is a waste of brain cells. and yet, I can't change it. I know this is a bit of music with sappy crap mixed in to try and get votes, and yet I fuss at Mark when I can't hear it.

I need help. I admit it.
******************************************

p.s. - this game is SOOOO Much FUN. Found it again in my favorites. Now that that damn show is over, I've been playing this.

Can someone please send me some help? Or a margarita?

Completely Random

2007-12-18T20:25:00.000-06:00

I absolutely LOVE Y0utube. Seriously. I could spend days there.

Something today made me think about this commercial. And I wondered if I could find it.

And I did.

Makes me think that it doesn't matter how big you are, you can do it. And that every once in a while, you still may need a good team behind you. Supporting you. Helping you.

Either that, or I really needed a beer.

Dear Neighbor Teenagers

2007-12-17T20:08:00.000-06:00

If I, or my husband, catch you touching our Christmas lights again, I will not be responsible for what we do to you.

I can promise, it will be an un-fun experience.

As of now, you have broken 3 light bulbs (that I can see) and when I got home today and saw 7 of my lights pulled out from lining our driveway (and several more broken), I think small amounts of my brain burst out of my ears. I spent HOURS getting the driveway lined JUST PERFECTLY. Bushes done just right. Landscaping lined just perfectly. And now, Its uneven and NOT perfect.

I don't like you. At. All.

I really don't.

Stop touching my Christmas lights. Right Damn Now.

Get your basketball AWAY from my driveway and my lights. If you can't keep the ball in your own yard, take some classes on basketball. Same thing with your soccerball.

Really, in case you don't understand:

STAY AWAY from my Christmas Lights. Right. Damn. Now.

Two Posts...One Day....

2007-12-16T17:19:00.000-06:00

Mark asked me weeks ago what I wanted for Christmas. I couldn't make up my mind.

Gift certificates for new hair style...no....wait...how about for nail appts? Oh, nah....maybe one of those kits you can use to make candles (even though I have never done it and it may look like fun but please remember that I have a history of trying something one time and then HATING it and never touching it again). Nah. No candles... Crap.... I dunno want I want.

So... Mark said "Honey, you are constantly bitching that you have NOTHING to wear. Would you like clothes"?

Ummmm.... OK. Actually I would. He has great taste. I just don't want to tell anyone what size I wear. But I guess I love him and all and aren't supposed to have secrets. So I told him what size I wear adn what size shoes I wear.

So he spent all day yesterday shopping. And today, he said "honey, let's go shopping together but when it comes time to buy stuff for you, I need yu to disappear".

So we did.

Now, I am banished to the bedroom. He is in the gameroom. I hear sounds of wrapping paper and tape and scissors. And I can't stop smiling.

I have no idea what I'll get, or if it will fit. But its the fact that he literally took HOURS today and HOURS yesterday to pick stuff out for me. And I love him just for that.
----------------------
Expect a post soon about our conversation last night about naming our future child/children.

Happy Birthday!

2007-12-16T17:11:00.000-06:00

E -

Wow...eleven years old!! I can't believe how much you've grown up. You really are a young woman and I am so happy to have you as my niece. I am so very proud of the wonderful person you have become.

We love you so much,

Aunt Margaret and Uncle Mark

New Friends and More Bling

2007-12-10T20:21:00.000-06:00

So my new friend, Badness Jones (who, btw, has a kick-tushie name) not only wrote an entire post about ME, but she gave me some bling.

Dude, she wrote a post about me! Rather....about my "hypothetical friend". Ok, fine, there is no hypothetical friend.

It's me. Yeah, Mark and I are going to try to get knocked up here in a few months.

Anyhow, so Badness wrote about me AND gave me an award.

How much does she rock?

And how much does THIS rock???

So I am going to share my blingy love. With all new friends (except for one)

Tami - she has fab stories, the best cats (they talk to her, you know) and left me a hysterical comment about the whole preggo thing

Kathy - She's got great stories, has gotten an apple from Santa and liked my Space Shuttle story (if you haven't heard it, lemme know, cause I LOVE telling it....hahahahahah)

Heather at Mama Drama - because I don't hear enough from her and ALWAYS wonder how she's doing. And you aren't a new friend, but you certainly ARE NOT old. OK? I am worried that sounds wrong. But you have been a great friend to me. Thank you.

Mary - OMG, the photos on her blog...unbelievable. Since I married a hobbyist photographer, I keep yelling at him "COme see this one!!" "oooh...look at this one". He thinks I am wierd. I, love her words AND her photos....

And Amy - because where else in the world of blogging could you write the following sentence: "The diaper is on the sidewalk with the trash because it's trash days." Really? Pre-blogging, would that sentence really ever be written for any reason? I LOVE that sentence. And everything else she writes.

Badness - I wish I could send this right back to you, but that may be breakin' the rules. And I am NOT a rule breaker. Not in my blog and NOT in the express checkout lane at the grocery store. I count my items. and I count others too. HAH.

Seriously - for those of you who commented, smoochies.

Maybe one day fairly soon I can join the ranks of Mommy Bloggers. Cause that's all I read are blogs of Moms. But....y'all have quickly become my friends.

Thank you.

p.s. - No, Tami, I will not leave my pregnancy stick on the bathroom floor of a restaurant.

p.s.s. - Can I tell you that I haven't stopped smiling at the very thought of being a Mommy??