tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28685394806683635362024-03-14T00:52:53.662-04:00coconutnoodlemonkeyCoconut, noodle, and monkey are not the ingredients for a recipe from some exotic far off land. They are my kids nicknames.Lornahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15867647493818409077noreply@blogger.comBlogger201125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868539480668363536.post-13671857456918944612011-02-11T08:54:00.000-05:002011-02-11T08:54:40.127-05:00Hubby Always Said I Can't MeasureHe says I think things are bigger than they really are.<br />
<br />
I'm beginning to think he is right. <br />
<br />
I got my Le Creuset baking dishes from CSN last week. They got here super fast. Like 3 days after I ordered them. Considering that it was free shipping, I expected they would be sent the slowest way possible on the back of a sloth or something, so three days was super exciting. <br />
<br />
I tore into the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">big</span> box like a kid on Christmas day. Inside I found a LOT of packing material and two <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">little </span>baking dishes. Huh? I stood there scratching my head about how they seemed to be half the size I was expecting when the Hubby came over and schooled me (again) in measurement. The measurements I had even typed into my first post about them, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 14px;">10.5' x 7' baking dish and bonus 7' x 5' dish. He pointed to a framed picture on my bookshelf and said "Honey, what size is this picture?" I replied "5' x 7'". He held up my small 7' x 5' dish next to the picture and then turned it sideways while cocking one eyebrow as if to say "Really? You somehow expected this to be larger?" Yes, yes I did. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 14px;">So now I don't know what I'm going to bake for my family of five in these little dishes, </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 14px;">but they sure are pretty.</span>Lornahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15867647493818409077noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868539480668363536.post-21421988694858785722011-02-02T13:38:00.000-05:002011-02-02T13:38:02.033-05:00More Than a Few Inches of SnowAnother item checked off my "Living in the snow bucket list".<br />
<br />
My first foot or more of snow in one night.<br />
<br />
This morning we woke up to this. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TUmjJN3JP8I/AAAAAAAAApg/K9OS0WJaOEQ/s1600/077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TUmjJN3JP8I/AAAAAAAAApg/K9OS0WJaOEQ/s320/077.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Guess I'm not taking the dogs out for a walk that way. Maybe out the garage?</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TUmjMj-SnhI/AAAAAAAAApk/4Szy26VBfoE/s1600/079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TUmjMj-SnhI/AAAAAAAAApk/4Szy26VBfoE/s320/079.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Or maybe not. That snow is taller than my dogs.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TUmjPi09FII/AAAAAAAAApo/1ntdI4Ut8Rg/s1600/080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TUmjPi09FII/AAAAAAAAApo/1ntdI4Ut8Rg/s320/080.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My upstairs window had accumulated a little snow too.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TUmjS8u4acI/AAAAAAAAAps/kYM58aGShBA/s1600/082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TUmjS8u4acI/AAAAAAAAAps/kYM58aGShBA/s320/082.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Somewhere under there is our front steps and walkway.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TUmjWMKF54I/AAAAAAAAApw/QrHtfbiPmbs/s1600/086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TUmjWMKF54I/AAAAAAAAApw/QrHtfbiPmbs/s320/086.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After we dug out the driveway, this is the pile we had.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TUmjZY5oVrI/AAAAAAAAAp0/UK1_BVZIqOY/s1600/088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TUmjZY5oVrI/AAAAAAAAAp0/UK1_BVZIqOY/s320/088.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And there's our front porch again.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TUmjc_1ihjI/AAAAAAAAAp4/nMQChkW2vrQ/s1600/089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TUmjc_1ihjI/AAAAAAAAAp4/nMQChkW2vrQ/s320/089.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">View from the porch after we unburied it.</div>Lornahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15867647493818409077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868539480668363536.post-84268989149221305192011-01-29T11:14:00.000-05:002011-01-29T11:14:50.040-05:00The Things I Will Do For Cookware<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Remember CSN? Those folks with over 200 stores? Even one dedicated to <a href="http://www.swingsetsandmore.com/">swingsets</a>?</div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">They've asked me to work with them again. Last time I gave away bunny coffee mugs, </div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">but this time I think I'm going to do a review. I'm taking my time browsing this time, </div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">but so far I'm really leaning towards this 10.5' x 7' baking dish and bonus 7' x 5' dish. </div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TUQ5lho1leI/AAAAAAAAApc/N3HQFRQ1ytY/s1600/000001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TUQ5lho1leI/AAAAAAAAApc/N3HQFRQ1ytY/s320/000001.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">As I've mentioned before I have a fetish for Le Creuset cookware, so an opportunity to add a piece of their stoneware to my kitchen is kind of a no brainer. I still really want the frying pan, but it's still a little spendy. I'm thinking that the smaller dish might be perfect for a half batch of my enchiladas, and I can't wait to try it out. Stay tuned for the review and enchilada recipe.</div></div>Lornahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15867647493818409077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868539480668363536.post-55913679301040997612011-01-21T14:14:00.000-05:002011-01-21T14:14:21.632-05:00Cats With ThumbsI've been promising my children that we'd get new kittens for a while now.<br />
<br />
I've been looking and there just haven't been that many kittens on craigslist. <br />
The ones that there were, either didn't have pictures or just didn't pull at my heart strings.<br />
<br />
Then last week I saw an ad for these cuties.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TTnMIng2JoI/AAAAAAAAApM/5khnhANIoTQ/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TTnMIng2JoI/AAAAAAAAApM/5khnhANIoTQ/s320/008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TTnMMaJMw3I/AAAAAAAAApQ/dY5sD1IvZuE/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="display: inline !important; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TTnMMaJMw3I/AAAAAAAAApQ/dY5sD1IvZuE/s320/012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div> They are sisters and they have thumbs.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TTnMs2XBbhI/AAAAAAAAApU/T910WlrvVf4/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TTnMs2XBbhI/AAAAAAAAApU/T910WlrvVf4/s320/007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TTnMwJcnnWI/AAAAAAAAApY/AffJnpWZ_ic/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TTnMwJcnnWI/AAAAAAAAApY/AffJnpWZ_ic/s320/014.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>We went to go look at them after the kids got home from school.<br />
On the way there, I told my oldest that the cats had six toes,<br />
and she said "Really??" in the most hopeful excited voice you can imagine.<br />
She started ranting about how <a href="http://thebloggess.com/">Jenny The Bloggess</a> recently <a href="http://thebloggess.com/2010/12/im-looking-for-a-cat-named-bob-barker/#comments">got a cat with 6 toes also</a>. <br />
Of course I already knew this, because hello,<br />
I've been reading <a href="http://thebloggess.com/">The Bloggess</a> way longer than she has.<br />
Right then, the deal was sealed, we were getting us some cats with thumbs.<br />
<br />
When my hubby got home from a work trip the next day, he was slightly ticked that once again,<br />
I obtained new animals for our household when he was out of town. <br />
He really looked at me sideways when I told him they had bonus toes.<br />
He may have said something about them being mutants.<br />
Whatever.<br />
We think they're awesome.Lornahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15867647493818409077noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868539480668363536.post-21858577302168011942011-01-20T06:54:00.002-05:002011-01-20T07:29:54.235-05:00Winter Wonderland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>This week, one of <a href="http://www.mamakatslosinit.com/2011/01/writing-prompts-54/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+MamasLosinIt+(Mama's+Losin'+It)">Mama Kat's writing prompts</a> was a photo journal entry<br />
about what winter looks like in my town. <br />
<br />
This is my first REAL winter. The first one where I've experienced cold<br />
and the first where I've experienced snow. <br />
<br />
Winter in Southern California is palm trees and rain. <br />
Maybe some ice on your windshield here and there. <br />
If you want to take the kids sledding, you load them up in the car<br />
and drive at least an hour to the nearest ski resort.<br />
<br />
Winter in Arizona is like summer in Arizona, except not 120 degrees. <br />
It's sunshine and flip flops. It's 80 degree days. <br />
If you want to take the kids sledding, you load them up in the car<br />
and drive three hours to the nearest place with enough elevation to get snow.<br />
<br />
To say that winter in Michigan is different is like saying that<br />
Jerry Falwell and Boy George are different.<br />
<br />
It's a WHOLE new world over here.<br />
<br />
It's icicles.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TTeFFGo_10I/AAAAAAAAApA/YsEjVjZg4L4/s1600/032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TTeFFGo_10I/AAAAAAAAApA/YsEjVjZg4L4/s320/032.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>It's "Hey, that's the one bush that's still green, buried under a foot of snow."<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TTeE9QgWjbI/AAAAAAAAAo4/STuIHs9PD-E/s1600/028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TTeE9QgWjbI/AAAAAAAAAo4/STuIHs9PD-E/s1600/028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TTeE9QgWjbI/AAAAAAAAAo4/STuIHs9PD-E/s320/028.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Because seriously, all the other bushes look like this.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TTeFB6Y8FoI/AAAAAAAAAo8/yftH9pYE9cU/s1600/029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TTeFB6Y8FoI/AAAAAAAAAo8/yftH9pYE9cU/s320/029.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I know this isn't exactly what winter looks like in my TOWN,<br />
but I'm still awed by the simple things right in front of me.<br />
<br />
And since I'm terrified of driving in the snow, I haven't been getting out a whole lot.Lornahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15867647493818409077noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868539480668363536.post-23188180818040834002011-01-14T13:18:00.000-05:002011-01-14T13:18:46.295-05:00Who Are YOU?Everyone else is doing it, and by "IT" I don't mean drugs or sex.<br />
<br />
It's this whole De-Lurking day thing. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TTCRavJ1z7I/AAAAAAAAAok/jwDTBw4rvGo/s1600/delurking-day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TTCRavJ1z7I/AAAAAAAAAok/jwDTBw4rvGo/s1600/delurking-day.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">See? It even came with a flasher guy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This thing says that I have 22 followers. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Exactly FOUR of you comment on any kind of regular basis. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A special Shout Out to:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Alisha</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Beth</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Brookah</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lena</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Soooo. Today is the day that YOU tell me something about you.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1) Do you have a blog or twitter that I should be following?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2) What is your excuse for not regularly commenting on my awesomeness?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Am I just not that awesome? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Is it that you come read my blog like some kind of train wreck you just can't walk away from?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">3) What is your favorite thing about my blog?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">4) Is there something you wish I'd blog more about? Or less? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Or something really annoying that I do that drives you nuts? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">5) I fear that I use the word "So" too much. Please discuss.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Lornahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15867647493818409077noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868539480668363536.post-24732523902311047622011-01-13T08:27:00.002-05:002011-01-14T10:39:06.958-05:00Shoveling Snow is Good For the Soul Amongst Other ThingsI ALWAYS said that snow was nice to visit, but I wouldn't want to live in it,<br />
I didn't want to have to drive in it, or have to shovel it out of my driveway.<br />
<br />
Ahem.<br />
<br />
Famous Last Words.<br />
<br />
Here I am, living what should be my own personal nightmare, and you know what? I kinda like it. My husband wants to buy a $500 snow thrower, and I'm thinking "We don't need to waste our money on that, just give me my shovel and go away". I know it sounds totally bizarre, but I came to this realization while my mom was here visiting. (Yeah, that's a whole other story). <br />
<br />
I thought it would be nice to have her come and visit. To see where we live. To see that we can still be family even though I moved 2000 miles away. That I hadn't abandoned her. Seven days might have been a little ambitious considering our not too distant blow up. We managed not to fight, but we also avoided speaking about anything of substance. <br />
There was A LOT of tongue biting. <br />
<br />
When it snowed, I had to go outside and shovel, and for the first time in DAYS, I had peace. It was just me and my shovel, methodically removing the snow from the walks and the driveway. I found myself lapsing into this meditative state where my mind was void of worry, I was just moving, just shoveling, without thinking. It was the quietest my mind has been in ages.<br />
<br />
Maybe this too will get old. Maybe the newness will wear off and it will just become work like so many other household chores, but for now, I'm enjoying my private time with my snow shovel.<br />
<br />
I also think that my rear might be residing a little higher than it was before all this physical labor. Bonus!!Lornahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15867647493818409077noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868539480668363536.post-74857988548983623372011-01-12T15:45:00.000-05:002011-01-12T15:45:21.532-05:00TomorrowI'm in a funk. I don't want to do anything. <div>To be honest, "anything" might be too strong of a word...<div>I want to bake and eat sweet things, but that isn't entirely productive. <div><br />
</div><div>I have a ton of work I should be doing. Hello end of the year bookkeeping and IRS related chores. Ick. I don't want to and I've got until the end of the month to get those 1099's out, right? It's only the 12th. I can put it off a few more days.</div><div><br />
</div><div>I should be working on some handmade projects for friends that I promised in a facebook post.</div><div><br />
</div><div>I could be taking down my Christmas tree and decorations.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Instead I think I'll go take a nap. I'm good at avoiding.</div></div></div>Lornahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15867647493818409077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868539480668363536.post-18808600036637610102011-01-04T07:40:00.002-05:002011-01-04T07:40:00.242-05:00In 2011 I will either do something really smart or something really stupid. Maybe both.I'm usually not one for resolutions, and I don't know if I'd call this a resolution. It might be more of a midlife crisis or a mental breakdown, maybe. All I know is that I'm tired of continuing to do what I've always done, and being unhappy with what I get. <br />
<br />
Mainly I'm tired of the roller coaster ride that is my husbands career. He works and then he doesn't work. When he's not working there is no guarantee when the next work is going to be. Some years he makes a lot of money, some years, not so much. It's really hard to manage a household when you have no idea how much money you will have or when you are going to have it. I'm pretty sure I'm on the fast track for an ulcer or a padded room. I'm the one that worries about how the bills are going to get paid. He enjoys his off time playing video games. <br />
<br />
So in 2011 I'm going to do something different. I've talked about this before, but I've always put it off because of the amount of time and effort involved. It's time for me to go back to school. This freaks me out for an untold number of reasons, starting with it's been 10 years since I've set foot on a college campus and ending with the 5-6 years it will take me to finish my chosen degree (going full time). <br />
<br />
When I think about the benefits though, like how in 5 years I will be able to consistently make as much money as the hubby has made in his best years, it seems like a no brainer. When I think about the fact that in 5 years I will have the first 2 of my 3 children also trying to obtain a college education and having the money to cover that for them, I feel in control.<br />
<br />
So first things first, I've ordered my transcripts, since I have no idea where the copies I have are located. When they arrive, I will meet with a counselor at the college to plan out my next 5 years. Since it's going to be too late for this semester, I won't be able to put this plan fully in motion until the Fall. I don't think I want to jump back into college in the Summer.<br />
<br />
In the meantime, I'm also considering doing something totally ridiculous, <a href="http://www.warriordash.com/info.php">The Warrior Dash</a>. Not that this event is in itself ridiculous, but ME participating in it is ridiculous. For those of you that know me in real life, you will understand what a silly endeavor this is. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">For those of you that don't, let me break it down for you: </div><br />
<ul><li style="text-align: left;">First, my mantra is "I don't run unless zombies are chasing me". </li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Second, I am the antithesis of athletic, like I trip over air and fall UP stairs (ok to be honest, I've fallen down them too, but that is much easier to do). </li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Third, I DON'T like being dirty. </li>
</ul><br />
Why this event appeals to me, I don't know. Probably something to do with the mental breakdown I'm having. I think I'm looking to have control over something. Either way, it should make for an interesting year.Lornahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15867647493818409077noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868539480668363536.post-22890082885268232392011-01-03T07:53:00.001-05:002011-01-03T07:53:00.149-05:00ApologiesWith all the craziness in December a few things got put off until the new year.<br />
<br />
Obviously regular blogging on my part was one of them. I'm not going to declare that "I'm Back!!" or anything that dramatic. Those of you that have followed me for awhile know that I don't blog on any kind of regular time table. I apologize however if your December was in any way less grand because of not being able to read my blog. Somehow I doubt this, but I'll put it out there anyway.<br />
<br />
The other thing that got put off was the shipment of naughty bunny mugs. As soon as the giveaway ended, I ordered them from CSN which shipped them promptly to my house. The only problem being that they shipped the FOUR mugs I ordered in one box. Apparently they come from their maker in sets of 4. Since I had ordered this many, I got four, in their original 4 pack box. That's fantastic, because that left me having to find coffee mug shaped boxes, suitable for mailing, in the busiest shipping month of the year. So sorry to my winners, I decided to put off this task until the new year. Tops on my list this week is to find boxes and get these in the mail.<br />
<br />
My tree, and all my other Christmas decorations are still up, and I have no immediate plans to take them down. The amount of work involved hurts my head. I really don't understand how some people decorate for EVERY holiday to this extent. Most other holidays are acknowledged in this house by a different hand towel in the guest bath. Yeah, I know, I got all out. Then there are the gung ho people that take it all down the day after Christmas. You know who you are, (ahem, cough, Kim, cough). Really, how do they do it? I was still nursing a headache from only having about 4 hours sleep Christmas Eve.<br />
<br />
Of course, next year, this won't be a problem. On Christmas morning, when the hubby and I finally dragged ourselves out of bed, after hours of the kids coming in and trying to extricate us from our slumber, we decided that we'd had enough of staying up until the last of the kiddos FINALLY fell asleep so Santa could come, only to be woken four hours later by those same children who somehow require a third less sleep on Christmas. <br />
<br />
No, we aren't going to stop believing in Santa. What we are going to do is wake the kids up right after he comes. Yup, next year as soon as the kids are asleep and Santa comes, we are going to wake them all up, (the hubby wants to do this with a bull horn) and drag them all downstairs for present opening. Then they can either stay up and play with their toys or go back to sleep, but we will be able to go back to sleep and not have to worry about being woken up at 6 am by impatient kids.Lornahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15867647493818409077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868539480668363536.post-39843812088045267322011-01-02T13:44:00.004-05:002011-01-02T13:52:56.227-05:002010 Wrap Up<div style="text-align: center;">The month of December was insane. First my mom visiting, then my mother in law. After I was done with house guests it was a mad rush to finish Christmas shopping, mail off gifts that were getting shipped, and prepare for the big day. On December 23rd, it occurred to me that the family might want something fancier than Hamburger Helper for dinner on Christmas day. <br />
I called Honeybaked and was still able to procure a ham, and on Christmas Eve I set out to grocery shop for all the dinner accompaniments. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Christmas itself was great. The hubby had been hinting around at the fact that he had broken our tradition of just buying for the kids and had actually got me something, so I purchased a couple of gifts for him. I got him some new cologne and DJ Hero2. He liked them a lot. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">All month long I had been fishing for hints since I'm not good at suspense or waiting for things. While his mom was here visiting I made her a cheesecake. As I was getting out my hand mixer<br />
to make it, I asked him "OOooh, Is my present a stand mixer?". He said "No". I made a sad face. My mother in law says "You mean one of those Kitchen Aid things? You need one of those.<br />
I'll buy you one for Christmas." Now this ends up being a gift for her too, since she is moving here, and I know is hoping there are a lot more cakes and cheesecakes in her future,<br />
not that I'm going to complain though. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So it turns out that this WAS what he was planning on getting me, but had not actually gone shopping for. Now that his mom said she was going to buy me one, he had to come up with something else to get me since there were two presents from me under the tree. <br />
SEE why we usually don't do buy for each other. It gets so damn complicated.<br />
On Christmas Eve, while I was wrapping gifts and grocery shopping,</div><div style="text-align: center;"> the hubby took the 3 girls to the mall to shop for a present for me. </div><div style="text-align: center;"> Before they left I dropped a couple of hints as to what I might like. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I mentioned that I always liked Willow Tree figurines.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hubby said "What in the heck is that???"</div><div style="text-align: center;">My oldest said "I know dad, don't worry."</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TSC-jdMve1I/AAAAAAAAAoc/Zwd8NbXGnPM/s1600/Christmas+2010+076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TSC-jdMve1I/AAAAAAAAAoc/Zwd8NbXGnPM/s320/Christmas+2010+076.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I ended up with a Willow Tree figurine from my hubby and each of my girls.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Perfect!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The hubby also was responsible for picking up the stand mixer from his mom. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">She and I had gone shopping for it before she left, but the store was out of them, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">so she had left the money so we could get it when they got more in.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hubby went to Kohl's though, and ended up getting me a MUCH better one </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">for the same amount of money as the regular one she and I were looking at. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It isn't pretty red, but it has all metal parts so it will hopefully last forever and ever, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">plus it has a larger capacity and stronger motor too.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TSC-m7KqS-I/AAAAAAAAAog/9Abyh87DPN0/s1600/Christmas+2010+080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TSC-m7KqS-I/AAAAAAAAAog/9Abyh87DPN0/s320/Christmas+2010+080.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Even though I knew I was getting it. Even though he didn't wrap it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">He wouldn't let me open the box until Christmas day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So after presents were opened, I broke this puppy out and set out to make a Red Velvet cake for </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Christmas dessert. To say it was a miserable failure would be an understatement. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's been a long time since I've made a cake from scratch, and I learned that Red Velvet is tricky. I ended up throwing the first one out and making a second one the day after Christmas. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was edible, but still not what I'd call good. I guess I'll just have to do a lot more practicing. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Darn.</div><div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The last two weeks of December were consumed with house hunting for my mother in law. </div><div style="text-align: center;">We looked at the good, the bad, the ugly, the smelly, the quirky, the lost in the 70's, </div><div style="text-align: center;">and the ones that only a match could improve. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We ended up finding a little cottage on a creek built in 1905 that spoke to her. It's kitchen consists of one wall of rotting cabinets and a sink. The single bathroom is the size of most half baths in houses nowadays, and has a shower so narrow that I really have to wonder if super models lived here. I can't imagine any normal sized person being able to turn around and soap their butt in this thing. In addition to that, there are parts of the roof that leak and parts of the floor that have rotted away. It's a really good thing that her sons and I are slightly handy. It is going to be a LOT of work, but I think it will be super cute once it's done. You can expect a lot of home remodel blogging starting around the beginning of February.</div>Lornahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15867647493818409077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868539480668363536.post-86648029997543914062010-12-10T07:52:00.000-05:002010-12-10T07:52:55.764-05:00House GuestsOn Monday I picked the winners of my Bunny Mug giveaway. Since I only had three comments, it wasn't too hard to figure out who my winners were. In case you were looking for a big announcement, that would be reason #1 why there wasn't one. I ordered the mugs, and emailed the winners for their addresses. Now as soon as the mugs show up, which looks to be sometime between Monday and Thursday of next week, I will send them out.<br />
<br />
Other than that, I've had house guests. My mom to be exact. She's been here since Monday and leaves next Monday. Then on Wednesday, my mother in law comes. <br />
<br />
Right before receiving house guests, I was able to get my tree up and decorate my mantel.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TQIgKhnULiI/AAAAAAAAAoE/4Wcd8Y5GbIc/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TQIgKhnULiI/AAAAAAAAAoE/4Wcd8Y5GbIc/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I got new stockings for the older two last year after Christmas at Target. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They didn't have the little one's initial. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Plus, hers is pink, and has monkeys, she's kind of attached to it.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TQIgOC9v8oI/AAAAAAAAAoI/Sfg-Zm265Hw/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TQIgOC9v8oI/AAAAAAAAAoI/Sfg-Zm265Hw/s320/002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There used to be this company called Christmas Around the World. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They sold awesome Christmas stuff using the home party plan (like Tupperware)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then they wen't bankrupt.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was sad. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These gingerbread houses are the last thing I got from them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TQIgUYAqgpI/AAAAAAAAAoM/gYNtSEiIh4Y/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TQIgUYAqgpI/AAAAAAAAAoM/gYNtSEiIh4Y/s320/003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was so excited this year that I finally had a mantel again </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and could use my "JOY" stocking hangers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I opened the box they were in to discover that a snow globe had not survived the move.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Other contents of the tote were ruined, the stocking hangers were attempting to rust.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They were able to be saved, but I did have to put new felt under the J.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TQIgb3rgiYI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/iJZFhOSIqiU/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TQIgb3rgiYI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/iJZFhOSIqiU/s320/004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These hurricanes usually have candles in them. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I took the candles out and filled them with little wooden ornaments my mom had given me</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> from when I was a kid.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TQIgiexwYkI/AAAAAAAAAoU/x_kkDq7kJgc/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TQIgiexwYkI/AAAAAAAAAoU/x_kkDq7kJgc/s320/005.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<br />
That's about the extent of the decorating around here. New lights were purchased for the outside of the house, but since they haven't been put up yet and the hubby only has one day off this week, I don't think they are getting done this year.Lornahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15867647493818409077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868539480668363536.post-63275995549764205372010-12-03T19:53:00.001-05:002010-12-03T19:56:57.375-05:00My First SnowWe finally got snow here a few days ago.<br />
I was too busy <a href="http://coconutnoodlemonkey.blogspot.com/2010/11/everyone-loves-free-stuff.html" style="text-decoration: line-through;">selling out for fornicating bunny mugs</a> posting giveaways to blog about it.<br />
<br />
My first snow was beautiful.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TPmM65guvjI/AAAAAAAAAoA/XLimDKg5KL4/s1600/038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TPmM65guvjI/AAAAAAAAAoA/XLimDKg5KL4/s320/038.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>At first.<br />
<br />
Then I had to drive in it.<br />
<br />
Tiffany had a violin lesson. A lesson that normally is about 30 min from the house. Hubby warned me to leave early, give myself plenty of time, leave plenty of room between me and the car in front of me, and not to wait until the last minute to brake. <br />
<br />
I left to take her a full hour before we needed to be there. The roads had been plowed or salted or something because the roads were just wet. The drive was not as treacherous as the hubby had made it out to be. It took 45 minutes. I drove slow. I left room. I braked slowly and carefully. We got there in one piece, with 15 minutes to spare. <br />
<br />
Forty five minutes later when we left it was a WHOLE different story. All those roads that had been merely wet had turned to ice, and apparently everyone is leaving work (near violin lessons) and heading home (to my neighborhood) around 5 pm. Go figure.<br />
<br />
The TWO hour drive home was the scariest two hours I have ever spent in my whole life. <br />
It was two hours spent clutching my steering wheel, pointing my car in the general direction I wanted to go, and praying. <br />
<br />
There was sliding.<br />
There was not going anywhere even though the gas pedal was being pushed.<br />
There was an annoying pulsation that is the traction control.<br />
It didn't seem to help much other than to remind me that<br />
MY TIRES WERE NOT IN CONTACT WITH THE ROAD,<br />
causing me to panic even more.<br />
<br />
I really wished I had painted "I'm new here and have never driven in the snow before" on the back window of my car. People were entirely too close to me for their own good.<br />
<br />
When I finally made it home, I told my husband that for the rest of the winter I'm only going out right after the roads have been cleared, quickly running my errands, and then I'm coming straight home. If I can't get it done in a 2 hour window, it's not getting done until spring.Lornahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15867647493818409077noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868539480668363536.post-48688476843377299392010-11-30T18:56:00.004-05:002010-12-07T07:33:56.083-05:00Everyone Loves Free StuffThe wonderful folks over at CSN stores recently contacted me about doing a giveaway on my blog. They have over 200 different stores selling everything from <a href="http://www.tvstands.com/">tv tables</a> to <a href="http://www.everyvesselsink.com/">bathroom sinks</a>. <br />
<br />
I really got excited about getting some free cookware from their <a href="http://www.cookware.com/">cookware</a> site, but the Le Creuset skillet I was hoping for costs a little more than the $35 they are going to give me.<br />
<br />
So, you my loyal readers luck out. <br />
I'll be spending the $35 on six of my second favorite item on their site, this <a href="http://www.cookware.com/Taylor-and-Ng-50671-TNG1063.html">bunny mug</a>. <br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TPWIZU--LvI/AAAAAAAAAnM/RY_imTQ-6Ms/s1600/Animates%252B11%252Boz%252BBlue%252BDaytime%252BRabbits%252BMug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TPWIZU--LvI/AAAAAAAAAnM/RY_imTQ-6Ms/s320/Animates%252B11%252Boz%252BBlue%252BDaytime%252BRabbits%252BMug.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
I'm keeping one for myself, and giving the other five away.<br />
<br />
To enter all you need to do is leave a comment and make sure that you leave your email if I am not going to be able to find it in 2 clicks or less. <br />
<br />
I'm also giving an extra entry to anyone who leaves a comment<br />
AND was following me before this post went live.<br />
<br />
If for some reason the bunny mug is going to be inappropriate for your workplace, feel free to peruse any of <a href="http://www.csnstores.com/ourstores.asp">CSN's other 200 stores</a> and tell me what you'd rather have as long as it costs the same or less than the bunny mug.<br />
<br />
Winners will be picked at random on December 7th.<br />
<br />
************ Contest Is Closed *****************************Lornahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15867647493818409077noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868539480668363536.post-22533366077505023592010-11-29T17:53:00.001-05:002010-12-01T12:32:49.316-05:00I'm Kind Of A Big Deal<div>You know when bloggers write about the bad PR pitches they receive?</div><div>I always thought, I'll know when I'm a big deal blogger when I get bad PR pitches too.</div><div><br />
</div><div>So a few days ago I get this email,</div><div>asking ME if I'd be interested in doing a review/giveaway.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Unlike some of the offers I've heard other bloggers laugh at, this seemed well written (enough), </div><div>and didn't ask me to whore myself out while getting nothing in return.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Of course, they didn't address me by name, </div><div>but they didn't screw up my name either, so I'll call that even.</div><div><br />
</div><div>I checked out their website with minimal expectations and immediately saw that they carry a brand of cookware that I've lusted over for years, but this is what happened when I considered buying a piece of it once.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Me (to hubby): "While I was out shopping today I saw this awesome skillet, </div><div>I almost bought it, but thought I should run it by you."</div><div><br />
</div><div>Hubby: "Why?"</div><div><br />
</div><div>Me: " It was $70"</div><div><br />
</div><div>Him: "It's a good thing you didn't buy it then, </div><div>I would have had to hit you upside the head with it."</div><div><br />
</div><div>Me: "That would have hurt. It was cast iron."</div><div><br />
</div><div>I emailed them back and said "Sure, I'd love to receive two of these skillets. </div><div>One for me and one to giveaway to one of my <s>19</s> many followers." </div><div><br />
</div><div>I don't know for sure if this is how it works, but it sure as heck is how I want it to work, </div><div>so I decided to put it out there. The worst they could say is no, right? </div><div><br />
</div><div>I'm pretty sure at some point they will figure out that I am not, in fact, the big deal they thought I was, and rescind their offer to give me free stuff. In the meantime I'll dream, and maybe if each of you goes and finds a few friends to come follow me before they come to check me out further, we'll actually get these frying pans. </div><div>Hint Hint.</div><div><br />
</div><div>After replying to them with my wishes, I went back to close the window to their online store, </div><div>but got distracted by a coffee mug with what appeared to be rabbits on it, </div><div>doing that thing that rabbits are famous for. </div><div><br />
</div><div>I clicked on it, and what would you know, it was a coffee mug, with rabbits, making rabbits. </div><div>In. Multiple. Positions. </div><div>Like I'm pretty sure it was the bunny Kama Sutra on a coffee mug. </div><div><br />
</div><div>BUT THEN, once I was actually looking at the mug with the fornicating rabbits on it, </div><div>it suggested that people that liked that item also viewed.... </div><div>the coffee mug with the bears, </div><div>or the one with the penguins, </div><div>or elephants, </div><div>all of them in the throes of passion. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Well except maybe the bears, </div><div>they kinda looked like they were trying to bite each other's faces off. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Then I was pissed at myself for not looking a little longer before agreeing to write sponsored content for a frying pan when I could have had the bunny porn mug! I've decided that if they turn me down for the skillet, telling me that a blog with only nineteen followers isn't worthy of a $70 skillet, I'm going to ask again for the mug. </div><div>It's only $5.99.</div>Lornahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15867647493818409077noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868539480668363536.post-36672165727497794072010-11-17T08:44:00.001-05:002010-11-18T14:26:02.482-05:006 DaysSix days ago my youngest came home from school and passed out on the couch.<br />
I knew without looking at her that she was sick.<br />
A mom knows.<br />
<br />
My hubby came home that night and kept complaining that it was too cold<br />
in the 70 degree house.<br />
He was sick too.<br />
This was going to be fun.<br />
<br />
Five days ago my hubby insisted he needed to go to the doctor. <br />
I told him he was wasting his time and a copay.<br />
He still wanted to go.<br />
Okey Dokey.<br />
<br />
I called and made him an appointment. <br />
Because I'm the mom and know who the doctor is.<br />
As I expected the doctor told him to take Alka Selzer Plus and plenty of fluids<br />
and to return Monday if he wasn't better.<br />
I saved a copay on the kid. <br />
<br />
My hubby always tells me I'm not a doctor,<br />
but I've taken my kids to the doctor enough times to know when the symptoms are going to warrant the trip and be worth the chance we pick up something more fun.<br />
<br />
Then the fever and lethargy spawned a nice cough.<br />
<br />
The weekend came and my facebook status read<br />
"My house sounds like the seal exhibit at the zoo".<br />
One of my friends commented "dead sardines all over the place?"<br />
I have funny friends.<br />
<br />
By Monday the fevers were better, but the coughs were worse.<br />
My husband did not return to the doctor.<br />
I thought he must be feeling better.<br />
Apparently he was just enjoying being miserable too much.<br />
<br />
I finally took my little one to the doctor yesterday, she got an inhaler and antibiotics,<br />
since after 5 days she still had a low grade fever. <br />
Hubby couldn't get in yesterday so he goes back today and I'm sure he'll get the same thing. <br />
<br />
It's a good thing too. <br />
Because it's kinda sad that my 9 year old is handling being sick better than her daddy.<br />
And I haven't gotten anything done that I wanted to do in a week.Lornahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15867647493818409077noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868539480668363536.post-68466028521381613942010-11-11T08:38:00.000-05:002010-11-11T08:38:11.160-05:00Random Musings On Being A Grown UpMy drivers license says I've been a adult two times over, but so far I suck at being a grown up.<br />
<br />
I still shop in the juniors section, because I refuse to wear the jeans that cover my belly button,<br />
and there is no in between. It's either the juniors section or the grandma section. <br />
WTF? Where is the hip 30 something year old section?<br />
<br />
I've been drinking coffee for 20 something years, if you consider a grande white mocha a coffee.<br />
I know it's more like a hot chocolate with a little coffee thrown in. <br />
I didn't own or know how to operate a coffee maker until 2 years ago.<br />
My coffee to creamer ratio is 2:1.<br />
<br />
I have a collection of about 50 shot glasses but my wine glasses are plastic. <br />
Up until recently my favorite wine was Boone's Farm Sangria. <br />
Lately I've been trying different wines (with corked bottles) and enjoying them. <br />
Hoping Santa brings me real glass wine glasses.<br />
<br />
My favorite time of day is nap time and I get cranky if I don't get one.<br />
<br />
I'm still trying to figure out what I want to be when I "grow up". <br />
Right now am leaning towards artist. <br />
I wouldn't have to worry about that whole starving part, because my hubby works.Lornahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15867647493818409077noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868539480668363536.post-35916342714915189402010-11-09T10:07:00.001-05:002010-11-11T07:30:30.412-05:00The Irony Is Not Lost On MeSo almost a month (gasp) ago I told you guys all about <a href="http://coconutnoodlemonkey.blogspot.com/2010/10/sorry-if-this-makes-you-dizzy.html">my entryway</a> and why I live in constant fear that someone will come to my door and see the mess and clutter. I vowed to do something about it. I was a girl on a mission. I had all these fabulous ideas in my head and I was going to tackle that entryway.<br />
<br />
Yeah. About that.<br />
<br />
A lack of money, procrastination, and other life obligations kinda got in the way of that.<br />
<br />
I did pick up some scrapbook paper and Mod Podge to spruce up the shoe thingie. The actual Mod Podging has not commenced however.<br />
<br />
The dog crate problem was partially solved, at least in my head anyway, when I found <a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/sf/how-to/how-to-hide-a-dog-crate-080165">this article on how to hide a dog crate</a>. Amazing what searching Google for "how to hide a dog crate" will find you. The remaining problem is for me to A) get the table, and B) figure out how to keep the dogs from being able to reach the fabric. They kinda like to pull any fabric they can snag with their claws into their crate and shred it. This might not work well if I have something pretty sitting on top of the table. So there is some sort of crate retrofit in order if this is going to work. Once again it just takes money.<br />
<br />
The one issue I did manage to solve was what to do with all the hats, gloves, etc. that were overflowing in a too small plastic tote on top of the shoe thing. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TNleK4wAXkI/AAAAAAAAAnE/esdUx545rqY/s1600/20101107114623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TNleK4wAXkI/AAAAAAAAAnE/esdUx545rqY/s320/20101107114623.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Yes, my friends, that is an over the door shoe rack holding all the hats, gloves, and scarves. It is not, but is remarkably similar to, the over the door shoe rack some of you might remember me ranting about <a href="http://coconutnoodlemonkey.blogspot.com/2008/12/contest.html">way back in December of 2008</a>. Now just so you know, THAT shoe rack was given to me in December of 2005 and even though I had no use for it, I held on to it (because it was a gift and hoping I'd find something I could use it for). I finally gave up and put it in a garage sale this past January so I would have less to move to Michigan, and now, just as I lamented about in <a href="http://coconutnoodlemonkey.blogspot.com/2010/01/my-people.html">this post</a>, as soon as I got rid of it, I needed it. Grr.<br />
<br />
This past weekend I went to the store and spent $12.99 on this over the door shoe rack. I came home and put it on the door. I put all the hats and what not in it. I proudly showed the hubby what I had done. <br />
<br />
Hubby: "What is that?"<br />
Me: "That would be my mad home organizational skillz"<br />
Hubby: "And what EXACTLY did you USE to achieve this organization?"<br />
Me: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">"an over the door shoe rack?"</span><br />
Hubby: "A what???"<br />
Me: "An over the door shoe rack"<br />
Hubby: "You'd better not let your mom see that"<br />
Me: "I know"Lornahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15867647493818409077noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868539480668363536.post-47573873896103431722010-11-07T20:25:00.000-05:002010-11-07T20:25:13.915-05:00Homemade ChristmasAs I've been exercising my creative muscles this past month, the kids have wanted to play too. Every time I pull out the craft supplies, they are right there saying "Can I make something?". That gave me an idea. They are old enough now, 14, 12, and 9 to really start thinking about Christmas in terms of giving rather than receiving. So I told them that this year, I want them to make presents for each other, grandmas, and mom and dad. I gave them a week to plan what they want to make and took them shopping at the craft store this weekend. They came up with some really good ideas. It will be interesting to see how they turn out. I won't post any pics until the gifts are given, but look for them in a future post.Lornahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15867647493818409077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868539480668363536.post-58110862868935720422010-11-06T20:29:00.000-04:002010-11-06T20:29:18.377-04:00Bunch of IngratesAgain I found inspiration over at <a href="http://www.tipjunkie.com/">Tip Junkie</a>. <br />
<br />
A few days ago Laurie posted <a href="http://www.tipjunkie.com/thanksgiving-crafts/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+TipJunkie+(Tip+Junkie+-+Creative+Inspiration)">20 Thanksgiving Crafts To Make</a>. I loved the concept behind crafts 1 - 4, to decorate for Thanksgiving with something that would cause the kids, and the hubby and I, to think about what we are grateful for. Sometimes I think we all get so caught up wanting things we don't have (and don't need) that we forget to take stock of our blessings.<br />
<br />
A trip to JoAnn's last night and a trip to the Salvation Army store this morning<br />
yielded the items needed to make my board.<br />
<br />
I worked on it for hours. Mostly because the chipboard letters were on the smallish<br />
side and I wanted to Mod Podge them with fall scrapbook paper. <br />
Tracing and cutting out all the letters took forever.<br />
<br />
I finally finished it and invited the kids to come write what they were thankful for.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TNXw3wGpsuI/AAAAAAAAAnA/aItmUpAXOwA/s1600/20101106173733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TNXw3wGpsuI/AAAAAAAAAnA/aItmUpAXOwA/s320/20101106173733.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Tiffany is thankful for her family, shelter, and bananas. <br />
<br />
Kimberly is thankful for mommy and daddy's love & yummy muffins.<br />
<br />
Aimee is thankful for all the wonderful people that I love and all the love we share.<br />
<br />
They drew some interesting pictures too.<br />
<br />
After I took this picture the hubby came over and added that he was thankful for whoopie cushions and added to the art fest with a drawing of a dude wearing sunglasses.<br />
<br />
I think they are missing the point.<br />
<br />
Or they are mocking me.<br />
<br />
Either way I'm really proud of my board.Lornahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15867647493818409077noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868539480668363536.post-34827141694139789062010-10-31T13:33:00.000-04:002010-10-31T13:33:02.431-04:00Halloween Craftiness<div style="text-align: center;">Today is Halloween and this past week I had the chance to use my creativity to make some treats for Tiffany's classroom and decorations for my front porch. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I was so excited that Tiffany's class was having a Halloween party, she was getting to wear her costume at school, and the whole school was having a costume parade. After living in Arizona for the last six years, where every holiday was either completely ignored by the school (like Halloween) or rendered completely non offensive (like the winter party and winter concert that didn't have any holiday songs or references to the fact that <u>anybody</u> might celebrate <u>anything</u> in the upcoming weeks of December), it was nice to be in a place where the kids can just have fun being kids and enjoy dressing up and eating candy. I decided that to celebrate, I needed to make awesome treats for her class party. The fact that I could make awesome treats was special too. Arizona only allowed store bought treats to be brought to school, BOO. I decided I really wanted to learn to play with chocolate, so I went to Michael's, bought candy melts, sticks, sprinkles, and lollipop bags, then hit up the store for some marshmallows, and made these.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TM2igCMgFnI/AAAAAAAAAm4/zWqrXhYBpdA/s1600/20101028211036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TM2igCMgFnI/AAAAAAAAAm4/zWqrXhYBpdA/s320/20101028211036.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They came out great. I was a little surprised by the thickness of the candy melts. I had envisioned drizzling the orange across the white, but there was no drizzling going on. I took a break and Google'd chocolate covered marshmallows and Wilton candy melts and found that most people recommended a dip and spin along the edge of the bowl to remove the excess technique. Realizing that drizzling wasn't going to be an option, I gave up trying that and just did some white with sprinkles, some orange with sprinkles, and some white and then dipped partially in orange. They came out amazing and her class loved them. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then, while surfing in blog land last week I came across a super easy craft using milk jugs, and I forgot where I found it, so unfortunately can't link to it, but since that person mentioned seeing the craft on Family Fun, I know it's not an original. The whole craft only cost me 29 cents since I had the rest of the materials already in my stash and only had to buy one piece of green felt.. I used 3 milk jugs, one strand of orange lights, three pipe cleaners, a sharpie marker, and one piece of green felt, and this is what I came up with.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TM2ncTJtxmI/AAAAAAAAAm8/vsenmc_pYQY/s1600/pumpkins_crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TM2ncTJtxmI/AAAAAAAAAm8/vsenmc_pYQY/s320/pumpkins_crop.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pretty cute huh?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tiffany made the albino spider while I was busy making these </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">so he needed to be in the picture too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Have a Happy Halloween!!</div>Lornahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15867647493818409077noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868539480668363536.post-59474128610592080392010-10-28T22:51:00.000-04:002010-10-28T22:51:35.874-04:00Not A Prude<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Anyone that knows me, knows that I'm not a prude. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"> I know how to have a good time, but this.... </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TMor3hfvwMI/AAAAAAAAAmk/YXNzR5mIePQ/s1600/Tween+Honey+Bee+Costume.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TMor3hfvwMI/AAAAAAAAAmk/YXNzR5mIePQ/s1600/Tween+Honey+Bee+Costume.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TMor4BtbJ8I/AAAAAAAAAmo/lhQAsQVY8KU/s1600/Tween+Night+Wing+Bat+Costume.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TMor4BtbJ8I/AAAAAAAAAmo/lhQAsQVY8KU/s1600/Tween+Night+Wing+Bat+Costume.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TMor4U_0hUI/AAAAAAAAAms/jTGEwosOkPQ/s1600/Tween+Strangelings+Sea+Star+Dark+Fairy+Costume.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TMor4U_0hUI/AAAAAAAAAms/jTGEwosOkPQ/s1600/Tween+Strangelings+Sea+Star+Dark+Fairy+Costume.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">SERIOUSLY.DISTURBS.ME.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Those are not the costumes I was considering for myself this year.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Those are the TWEEN costumes my TWELVE YEAR OLD had to choose from this year. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Really??? Thank you so much for including those SEE THROUGH TIGHTS with that ADULT costume that isn't more than a freaking TUBE TOP!! That so makes this more appropriate for my child that is just barely beginning to notice boys. Way to tell her that slutting it up is the way to get their attention. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">OH. And they wanted $35 - $40 for that crap! </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"> Break my wallet and turn my kid into a hooker at the same time. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">I refused. We ended up with this, a Geisha costume.</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TMou0rhdxQI/AAAAAAAAAmw/B4uGkdNVRHY/s1600/geisha+costume.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TMou0rhdxQI/AAAAAAAAAmw/B4uGkdNVRHY/s1600/geisha+costume.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">CRAP!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">My twelve year old is dressing as a hooker for Halloween! </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">OH WELL, at least she's going to be a COVERED UP hooker. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">(yes, I know, Geisha weren't really hookers, the Orian were the hookers)</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Oh yeah, and this covered up costume... $14.99.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Sweet!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">But next year, I'm boycotting store bought costumes. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Like it or not, my kids and I will all be dressing like this next Halloween.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TMo1hexE-eI/AAAAAAAAAm0/Snn-yA1bFSY/s1600/dapper-ducks-halloween-costume-craft-photo-260-FF1099COSTA01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TMo1hexE-eI/AAAAAAAAAm0/Snn-yA1bFSY/s1600/dapper-ducks-halloween-costume-craft-photo-260-FF1099COSTA01.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">I'm just disappointed that I didn't find all these great homemade costume ideas from</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"> <a href="http://familyfun.go.com/halloween/halloween-kids-costumes/girls-halloween-costumes/ducks-662521/">Disney's Family Fun</a> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;">until after I had wasted two days driving all over town</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;"> trying to find prude costumes for my kids.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span>Lornahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15867647493818409077noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868539480668363536.post-54995461315217164502010-10-27T05:42:00.003-04:002010-10-27T05:42:00.094-04:00Giving credit where credit is due<div style="text-align: center;">After writing yesterday's post, I realized that I may have exaggerated ever so slightly about the fact that my husband claims he can build stuff and yet has only ever built me a mantel. The mantel was part of a complete living room remodel. I've got some pictures, but you're going to have to use your imagination for some of this story. Unfortunately I wasn't so good about capturing this whole process on film.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This is what we started with. A cute little house that we rented for three years before we purchased. See those two floor to ceiling windows in the front. Yeah, I hated them. My couch backed up to them so I could never open the blinds without showing the neighborhood the back of my couch. Plus they were drafty. For three years I said, "If this were my house, I'd take those windows out and put in one (dual paned) window that doesn't go all the way to the floor"</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TMcjBvSKfQI/AAAAAAAAAmU/oJGVqeG543Q/s1600/house+before+pics+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TMcjBvSKfQI/AAAAAAAAAmU/oJGVqeG543Q/s320/house+before+pics+005.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Three days after we closed escrow on the house, the neighbors were invited over, beer was purchased and within a few hours those windows were gone, and in their place was a beautiful eight foot wide by four foot high dual paned window set inside brand new framing.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TMcjD1iz2YI/AAAAAAAAAmc/nKcOkU_gMOI/s1600/house+before+pics+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TMcjD1iz2YI/AAAAAAAAAmc/nKcOkU_gMOI/s320/house+before+pics+011.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now we needed to put up new drywall, texture, and paint, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">but we couldn't do that to just this wall,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> it wouldn't match with all the others in the room if we did. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The entire room and adjoining hallway were re-textured and painted. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">By my hubby.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We said goodbye to the 1970's style popcorn ceiling too, courtesy of my hubby.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then he brought the room into a more modern age by installing recessed lighting, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">a ceiling fan, and crown moulding. You can kinda see part of the fan and one</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> recessed light in the picture above.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">He had never done stucco before, so he called a friend that had, and the outside got finished too.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's a picture I took before the final color coat of stucco went on. </div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Somehow I never got a picture of the end result.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TMcjFF6yFdI/AAAAAAAAAmg/2fw9lqZJc-Y/s1600/our+clutter+012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TMcjFF6yFdI/AAAAAAAAAmg/2fw9lqZJc-Y/s320/our+clutter+012.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I found this picture from the following Halloween where you can see just a smidge of</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> the decorative moulding and ledge that the hubby built around the new window.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TMcjAVp-2AI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/cmIJvuY_DGs/s1600/HALLOWEEN+2003+010_crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TMcjAVp-2AI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/cmIJvuY_DGs/s320/HALLOWEEN+2003+010_crop.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then there was that mantel that I referred to yesterday. </div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here is it's before picture.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TMcjC04pDwI/AAAAAAAAAmY/FBt456RZCZM/s1600/house+before+pics+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TMcjC04pDwI/AAAAAAAAAmY/FBt456RZCZM/s320/house+before+pics+008.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This was the crappiest mantel ever, and another thing that I had said for three years </div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I would fix if it were my house. It was made out of 4 x 4's for the pieces that surround the </div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">brick and then sitting on top of that were two warped 1 x 4's. Anything I tried to set on top</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> would tip over either because of the warped condition of the boards or the gap between</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> them that ran the length of the mantel.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Utterly useless.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I personally got to use a sledgehammer and a crowbar to remove this. </div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Oh my was that fun.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I sketched out what I wanted the mantel to look like and my hubby built it for me.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was perfect and looked just like my sketch.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Do you think I got a picture of it?</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sort of?</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TMci_-_BYuI/AAAAAAAAAmM/kPHbTaTaMjs/s1600/christmas03+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TMci_-_BYuI/AAAAAAAAAmM/kPHbTaTaMjs/s320/christmas03+011.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Here is a picture from the following Christmas. You can see a corner of it.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">The last step in the remodel was ripping out the old grey carpet and installing laminate</div><div style="text-align: center;"> flooring in the whole house. As soon as the hubby did that, we decided to sell the house </div><div style="text-align: center;">and move to Arizona. I never got any pictures of the laminate floors.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Thinking about all this reminds me of how much more fun it is to live in an old house. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I like to build stuff. </div><div style="text-align: center;">And break stuff with sledgehammers. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> I need another old house. </div><div style="text-align: center;">And some wood.</div><div style="text-align: center;">And a new saw for the hubby.</div>Lornahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15867647493818409077noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868539480668363536.post-66885987619474301982010-10-26T10:36:00.000-04:002010-10-26T10:36:02.542-04:00SquirrelMaybe it's the changing of the leaves, or the fact that I can tell that each day has less daylight than the one before, but I've never been so aware that winter was coming. Our work pretty much comes to a dead stop in winter. This is the time of year I need to prepare for several lean months. I stock the freezer. I try to put aside enough money in the bank to pay the bills for at least three months. I don't spend money on anything that isn't a necessity. I feel a bit like a squirrel trying to hoard nuts. <br />
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Now it just figures that this would be the time I would be inspired to create things too. While everything is dying around me, I want to make things. I want to pretty up my foyer, I want to re-finish my dining room table, I want to build stuff. Oh my goodness how I want to build stuff. Yesterday Jen over at <a href="http://www.letsmakeitours.com/">Let's Make It Ours</a> wrote <a href="http://www.letsmakeitours.com/lets-make-it-ours/2010/10/25/i-need-to-learn-how-to-use-power-tools.html">this</a> about how she needs to learn how to use power tools so that she could build all these awesome creations by<a href="http://ana-white.com/">Ana at Ana-White.com</a>. Now I want to learn how to use power tools too!<br />
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It seems like <a href="http://ana-white.com/">Ana</a> and I have a lot of the same taste in furniture. The expensive Pottery Barn type stuff that I have lusted after for years but would never buy, because I just can't justify spending $600 - $1000 on a cabinet to collect all the crap in my entry way. But I want it, oh how I want it. I've even spent hours looking online for something similarly awesome without the Pottery Barn price tag. No luck. Until yesterday.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TMbfHFVJ2aI/AAAAAAAAAmI/ZZMtUhaISko/s1600/784G4379blogouttake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TMbfHFVJ2aI/AAAAAAAAAmI/ZZMtUhaISko/s320/784G4379blogouttake.jpg" width="221" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>See there's <a href="http://ana-white.com/">Ana</a> with the cabinet I've been lusting after for years, that she MADE herself, and tells me and YOU how to make <a href="http://ana-white.com/2010/09/locker-cabinet-for-fresh-home-magazine.html">here</a>. So I'm all gung ho to go buy some wood and start making a cabinet, but crap, just like <a href="http://www.letsmakeitours.com/">Jen</a>, I need to learn to use power tools, oh and theres that little thing about not spending any money that isn't absolutely necessary. I do, however, have a husband that is pretty handy and knows how to build stuff. That's what he tells me anyway. We've been married for fifteen years and I can't tell you how many times I've looked at a table or bookshelf that I've wanted and he's told me he could build it cheaper. Except he never does and I end up buying some POS bookshelf made out of particle board at Walmart. Well he did build me a new mantel once, and it was awesome, but that's it. <br />
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So today I called him out on it. I said, "For fifteen years you've told me you can build stuff and I've been dreaming of a cabinet like this for almost that long. You <u>MUST</u> build me this cabinet. Oh, and teach me how to use the power tools because there's about 15 more things on <a href="http://ana-white.com/">Ana's</a> site that I want to build too." <br />
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He smiled at me (because I'm so adorable when I'm being demanding), then he told me that he didn't think that saws and I were a good combination. Remember last week when I told you about the ladder rule. Yeah, that totally extends to anything I could maim myself with. He may have said something to the effect of "I've seen you walk". So what if I trip over air, I insisted that if he taught me how to use the the power tools properly I could be safe and retain all my appendages. Finally, he relented and told me he would help me build my cabinet.. Only, in order to do this, he'd need a new saw since his was stolen years ago.<br />
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So I can start building stuff as soon as I can find extra money to buy wood and a new saw.<br />
<br />
head.deskLornahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15867647493818409077noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868539480668363536.post-27186746388158060902010-10-24T19:33:00.000-04:002010-10-24T19:33:58.562-04:00When a piece is missingMy hubby just returned from a two week trip. Originally he was only going to be gone for one. I spent the first week being rather productive. I did some blogging. A quiet house is so conducive to blogging. Plus I gave myself a project to complete so I wouldn't have time to be miserable. My project, finish unpacking the boxes in my room. Yeah, I know, we've been in this house since July, but since the hubby and I are the only ones to ever see my room, it's always the last to be cleaned, unpacked, etc. This time however it's taken even longer than usual. The first day I tried to tackle my room I discovered the problem. The closet was all jacked up. There were boxes shoved in it and the clothes were all mixed up, shirts, pants, hubby's stuff, my stuff. I had to clean out and organize the closet before I could do the room. By the end of the week it was done. The room was beautiful and ready for my hubby to be home to enjoy it.<br />
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The weekend approached and I was giddy with anticipation, but then he called and asked me if I thought he should stay another week. I wanted nothing in the world more than to have him home, but if he stayed, there would be work. Work would mean a paycheck we wouldn't have otherwise. Paychecks mean we can eat and pay bills and stupid stuff like that. He wanted to come home too. He hates Los Angeles, with it's smog, traffic, and rude people. We both decided to do the smart thing and have him stay another week. To say it was a painful decision would be an understatement. This is when I started crumbling.<br />
That second week he was gone he missed so much.<br />
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Our oldest went to Homecoming and he wasn't here too see how beautiful she was.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TMSlvX3VL2I/AAAAAAAAAlw/nrvhU_U4jYg/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TMSlvX3VL2I/AAAAAAAAAlw/nrvhU_U4jYg/s320/014.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
We had some rain and wind which made our scarecrows fall down.<br />
I didn't have the requisite muscles to make them stand up again.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TMSnJ75CKLI/AAAAAAAAAl0/T-p5lXUee_k/s1600/zombie+scarecrows.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TMSnJ75CKLI/AAAAAAAAAl0/T-p5lXUee_k/s320/zombie+scarecrows.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
So they stayed like this, looking like zombie scarecrows.<br />
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I think the worst though was missing his birthday. Other than a Facebook wall filled with birthday wishes, his special day passed like any other. He got up, went to work, and returned to his brother's house to sleep on an air mattress. Happy Birthday indeed. So I was determined to do something special for him in honor of his birthday upon his return. I decided I needed to bake him a cake. There's just one small problem. His favorite cake, German Chocolate, and I'm allergic to coconut. As much as it's his day and all, this is cake we are talking about. I can't make it and then not be able to eat it. He got birthday cupcakes instead. Half had German Chocolate frosting and half had Cream Cheese frosting. Compromise people. It's all about the compromise.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TMS_Gp20SLI/AAAAAAAAAl4/xMfa5kd06pc/s1600/20101024191459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2XnXdRWmjk4/TMS_Gp20SLI/AAAAAAAAAl4/xMfa5kd06pc/s320/20101024191459.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Today he got up and made the scarecrows upright again. <br />
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Just when I had gotten used to having zombie scarecrows.Lornahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15867647493818409077noreply@blogger.com0