h/t Shannon!
That would be suitcases and car, for those who may be curious. Felt silly packing on Tuesday night, but when all I had to do was zip up the suitcase and load everything in the car tonight, I was glad I did. I’m sure I’ll forget something, but that’s what T*rget is for, right?
Olivia wanted a “Diznee Werld cwedit card” (a.k.a. gift card) so I bought her one and loaded it with $10 at the Diznee Store last weekend. She asked to look at it today so I handed it to her. When we got home this evening I asked her where it was. She told me she wasn’t sure; I figured it fell between the seats in the car and I would find it when I packed the car. Tonight while packing the car, she came up to me and told me she told me a lie and went into a loooong story. Long story short, she was “swiping” her credit card in the slot on the door of the van that the window shades roll down into and she dropped it. It’s now inside the van door *sigh*. She came clean on the lie, which I was proud of her for. I’m glad I only put $10 on there because I had planned to call and add some more money to it for her. We had a talk, I sent her in to brush her teeth, put her jammies on and go to bed early. She was really upset and cried hard because I was mad at her. I felt horrible, but I know it comes with the territory and she knows not to put things around that area, etc. We had another talk, hugged, kissed and snuggled in for the night. I love that kid so much. I want so badly to always do the right thing, which I know won’t always happen, but I’m glad of a couple of things. One is that she owned up to what she did and understood it was wrong. Second is that she understood why she got in some trouble and was able to explain it back to me in her own way, which tells me she truly understands. Third is that we never ever end our day on a sour note. She gives great hugs and I’m glad I as many as I want each and every day.
Time to try and get some sleep….
G’night ya’ll….
…Yeah, you know me…
I hate trying to figure out where to stay when I visit a city. Some places we visit over and over I have my set places. Not a problem. I try to stay within one particular chain just because I have the best success with walking across the room and not worrying about my socks getting dirty. Seriously.
For everywhere else, holy cripes…it takes me FOREVER to figure out where to stay. Like the return trip from Dizney Werld, for example. We’re stopping in Sa*van*nah on the way home and it’s been YEARS since we were there and I have no clue as to where we stayed. So, for the past week or three, I’ve been stressing over it. Where should we stay? How much do we want to pay? I know the area we want to stay, so that narrowed down the 139 choices on Tr*vel0city down to just slightly over 100 and when I took out the one and two star places, I still had about 70 choices. The F0ur P0ints Sherat0n was a kicking special with good location, but the reviews were bad. Then there was the non-chain hotel that would have been nice and it was priced reasonably and there was no valid reason to NOT choose that one. Except for the other non-chain hotel that was sooo quaint, but it was a little higher priced, but would have been neat to stay there. Then there’s the Ec0n0-L0dge that I could have paid $39 for off the interstate, driven to the historic district and not had this anxiety. Damn self-inflicted anxiety. It gets the best of me. Well, since Will went to bed early and Fabul-O has zero interest in talking about it, I had to do something. I mean, vacation starts soon. Verrrrry soon. I used Pric3line dot com. I’ve never used them before. Evah. Talk about anxiety? They didn’t bite at my four-star hotel for $75. Mixed emotions…I didn’t have to give up control of deciding where to stay, even though every freaking search engine knows my dates and preferences by heart and Firef0x is so tired of searching for me, it just shuts down when it sees me coming. As I got ready to click to close my screen, I had to give it one more shot. So, I threw in a 3-1/2 star rating and threw caution to the wind. Next thing I know, my heart is beating rapidly, I have no color in my face and I’m sweating. My offer was accepted and my credit card charged. Imagine a slow-motion run like I’m trying to catch a Faberge egg flying through the air with a long, drawn out “Noooooooo.” Except it wasn’t out loud… it was a silent struggle because Will is strapped into his flight mask (CPAP) snoring away and Olivia is dosed up on cough med/decongestant and if Pom Pom hears me, she’ll want to go out and I’m not in the mood to wipe muddy paws this late. But the feeling was there. I did it. I gave up control and have a room. I couldn’t even focus my eyes to see where it put us at first….Not bad….we’re staying here. I saved about $45-50 off the lowest discounted rate I could find, so I guess that’s pretty nifty.
Will I use Pric3line again? I don’t know. It’s too freaking stressful for me. Now I’m wondering if I should have put a lower offer in to see if it would have been accepted. See the imaginary stress?!?! gah.
Now I have to book a hotel for the stop on the way down. I know which one I’m choosing, but I always get buyer’s remorse and wonder if I made the right decision and my fellow travel mates aren’t that much help. They’re the last ones who want to help, but aren’t shy about their displeasure. *sigh*
You’d think I would have done it by now. Since I need it in, ohhhh, two days. Can’t use P.line because there are too many choices that could be oh.so.wrong. for that stop. And I just don’t have the mental capacity for it. Sad, huh? But I certainly can’t be the only one who has useless anxiety.
Oy vey…free my mind……………………
Oh, yeah….insomnia is kicking my arse this week. I need this vacation. Desperately.
So much to bitch and ramble tell about…where do I begin?
- Fabul-O has been mega stuffy the past several days so I called the doc’s office. They were slammed today and not able to work her in. Don’t gasp, she doesn’t have a fever and normally I wouldn’t stress over it, but since we go on vacation, ohhh, in four more sleeps, I wanted to be safe. Our doc’s office has an attached urgent care and it was suggested that we go there. She must have heard the hesitation in my voice because she followed up with that it only costs our usual office co-pay to be seen since we are established patients. I’m holding off on the “score” until I get the bill. They wouldn’t take our co-pay at the window because we pay a percentage vs. a set amount. BUT, we were in and out in an hour and that included a flu test, which was negative.
- Because we made our detour to the doc’s office tonight, it threw off my routine a weensy bit so I flip-flopped what I had planned for the evenings and we are packed for vacation! There are two small loads of laundry to be completed and socks to match, but if we left tomorrow, we’d be fine. *woot*
- While packing, I’ve noticed something very disturbing. My being a paperweight with my health issues for the past several months has packed on some weight. Quite a bit, I might add. My jeans still fit – bless that 2% of spandex, I suppose. Where has it all settled? In ye ole ta-tas. Dadgummit. If we were headed to Maine or somewhere cold, I’d be perfect ’cause your buttons don’t bulge in a hoodie. My cute button up blouses? Ain’t happening. A recurrence of a migraine has kept me grounded, but…
- When Mar and crew came to Chateau L, she really does have the same tennis shoes that I loathed. After talking with her, it was discovered these particular shoes run a tinsy bit small – okay a half to full size. I reordered them in a half size bigger and they are okay…just need to be broken in, but totally doable. Had I ordered a full size larger, I’m sure they would be grand, but the right one eats my sock now and I can only imagine if there was more room for my socks to bunch.
- I need to have my hair did, but I’m on the fence about where to go. I found a new salon when they sponsored a day of pampering for National Guard wives not too long ago, but my first visit there was e.x.p.e.n.s.i.v.e., even with the “new customer” discount. The color was fantabulous. The best I’ve ever had, but I’m not so sure that justifies the money to get it done. Seriously. I had a follow-up appointment, but chickened out and will reschedule somewhere after Thanksgiving. My friend JW gets her hair done at a different salon and her hair always looks smoking. So, roots until I get home.
- I’m looking forward to this trip on so many levels. Olivia loves the wonder in everything and I’m really hoping Disney will be no different. I have our itinerary pretty much laid out and will need to tweak it a little, but our main game plan is done. There’s a lot we want to do while we’re gone, so a plan was a must!
- I have my alarm set to wake and see the meteor shower, but I’m betting I say screw it when it actually goes off.
I hope all is well in the lands of you……….
Much needed.
Can’t wait.
Dammit, Friday. Get here already.
we have:
(3) stuffy noses
(2) headaches
(3) grumpies- one of which is mega grumpy because (s)he went to bed at 2 a.m. with two during the night wake up hollas from one cute little girl who was miserable who ended up bounding into our bed about 4 and proceeded to whale on me all night in her sleep so now I have bruised kidneys to go with everything else. And began our day at 7 a.m.
(1) sore throat
(1) thinks they may not be feeling well, but is too much under the cloud of being tired and grumpy to know fo sho.
(1) super sneezer
This time next week, we will be having breakfast with a fellow milspouse blogger on our way do Diznee Werld. That is if we all stay well. O is feeling the worst of the bunch, but I’m gonna keep fighting it. I’m thinking plastic bubbles for everyone. I can’t have this trip messed up. It’s been too well planned to go down the toilet. Oh, and I need a nap. It’s only 9:00.
For those who know Fabul-O’s obsession with snacks: They have been bought and are ready to go. They are in the Operation Diznee staging area.
We need some good health ju-ju “sewiously” ’round these parts.
And I’m gonna be rocking with them in April. American Express presale started this morning at 10. So, I was able to get tickets AND use some of my AMEX points for the tickets. Score. Score. Score.
My Soldier hasn’t always been a Soldier. No, siree. He was a Devil Dog when we first got married.
Man, that uniform still makes my heart skip a beat. However, seeing him in his ACUs can make my heart go pitter-patter, too.
We give our most heartfelt and grateful thanks to those who are currently serving our great Nation and to those who have served in the past. We are are proud to live in the land of the free because of the brave. We proudly stand tall and support those who are serving from the four corners of the earth to keep us safe.
I am proud to be a military spouse and I’m proud of my Soldier. A long time ago, I read on a blog something along these lines, “soldiering is an honest calling just like farming, plumbing, …” I agree.
Our prayers are many and hearts are full. So, again, I say thank you. Thank you from the depths of my heart to those who serve our nation as a member of our Armed Forces and those who serve our nation on the home front.
Bon Jovi’s new CD, The Circle, is the Amazon.com MP3 Daily Deal for the bargain price of $3.99. You’re welcome.
I will have my tickets for their concert soon. Soon as in this week. Thankyouverymuch.
Anyone with an ounce of compassion is saddened and heart-broken over the tragedy at Ft. H00d. We are no different. Those who know me, know how passionate I am about our Armed Forces and consider the Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, Airmen and Coasties, and their families, a part of our extended family. It is family that just so happens to be spread to the four corners of the earth and 99.999% I’ll never meet, but have the distinct pleasure of being a minority with.
My point…
Today I had a message from a television station. The message was left on my home phone for someone I have done some volunteer work with. She did a search and turned up the other lady’s name with my number attached. It just so happens that I don’t have the phone number of the lady she was looking for, but since she addressed the group of which I’m a member, I figured I could answer whatever questions she may have. I’ve done it a hundred times or more. I explained to the caller who I was, how I was related to the group and asked was there something I could do for her. (By the way, it’s 3:30 in the afternoon and I checked my messages from work after receiving notification of a voicemail left on my home number) She told me she was looking for some people to talk to with ties to the military to give their opinions on what happened at Ft. H00d. Well, that’s easy enough and I explained the way my family and I felt about it. Heart broken and saddened by the events. She wanted me to leave work to meet her for an interview. When I explained I couldn’t because I’m easily an hour and a half from where she would need me to be and my schedule didn’t mesh with hers, she then wanted me to alert those I know who may be able to drop what they were doing to schlep into the Big City to do her interview for the nightly news, but it had to be done before 6 because she really needed to cover the candlelight vigil being held. I know she’s not the newspaper, but I asked why couldn’t she just speak to people over the phone since it was such short notice. I was told it wasn’t the same and the impact wasn’t as good.
It unnerved me. And, no, I didn’t spread the word. My thought: she did an internet search and found me. So, do another one and find someone else.
Fabul-O had originally requested to be a Ninja for Halloween. I said no. Her backup was a Power Ranger, to which I, again, said no. After some careful negotiations, she asked for a purple costume with wings and a wand. Bless costume(dot)com because they had a purple plum fairy? Plum purple fairy? I can’t rember, but it was purple with wings and a wand. And a headband with flowers that make it “da best ever” and put me at the top of her “bestest mommy ever list.”
Years past, we would simply take Olivia to the local mall for some treats and she would pick where she wanted to eat. Her choice: Pizza Hut. Not this year. We packed up and headed to the big city to see Shannon, Tony and Emily and went trick-or-treating in their neighborhood. In the pouring down rain.
Fabul-O loved it. Loved it, I said. And she was sure to let Emily have her turn at ringing the doorbell, but when she didn’t want to, Fab stepped up her big girl skills and accepted the responsibility. Both of them were very aware of their loot. Very aware. They were some pretty dang cute fairies, if I may say so.
Huge thanks to the Shannon’s for hosting us. We had a great time and can’t wait to see you again soon.
And Shannon totally made the night with some glitter spray.
Something is chapping my arse and I’m not going to say what it is or who it is that has started the chapping, but I’m irritated. And, honestly? This isn’t something that usually irritates me, but day-um, this is getting to me.
Things it’s not:
- It’s not the fact that Fabul-O is now making Christmas decorations to hang on our Christmas tree. Unlike Target, she did wait until the day after Halloween. That’s close on its heels, though. But this one I have the power to nip in the bud…all I gotta do is hide her scissors and glue stick.
- It’s not the fact I think the girl at Target totally jacked me on a couple of my coupons, but I suppose she could have totally screwed me out of all the ones I printed that wouldn’t scan. By the way, I saved $56 at Target tonight. Go Me!
- It’s just not a whole bunch of stuff, but it is irritating as hell and if I don’t stop this bullet crap, I’m going to have to throw me on the list.
Peace, ya’ll, y’all or however else you wanna do it. I’m going to raid a certain little Boo-bucket that has some Reese’s peanut butter cups in it.
I’m.Totally.Stoked. about this.
It’s been a long time since I’ve seen Bon Jovi in concert. Now if tickets would just go on sale so I can get them and relax.
Johnny says he doesn’t want a meme theme, but I know deep down he does, so I’m throwing him an e-bone.
My blog bio in ten bullet points or less:
- I have a degree in Criminal Justice, but have never done anything with it. I have a fancy title with a cabinet manufacturing company.
- Will and I have been married 12-1/2 years.
- When we first got married, we didn’t think we wanted kids, but, when we changed out minds, it appears Karma and Mother Nature teamed up against us and said, “Bite us Beyotches.” Oh, and I don’t like it when people tell me, “You might still get pregnant.” I don’t like it at all. You’re right. I might, but the chances are better that I won’t. And why do you even want to have that conversation with me? I don’t get mad, angry or upset when others get pregnant. I really do celebrate with them and for them. Remember: I love being able to say I was able to celebrate my baby shower with beer
- Will deployed to Iraq in 2005 and had “boots on the ground” for 214 days. Longest time he waited in line to call home: 8 hours. Amount of I cried after that phone call: 20 minutes.
- Olivia was adopted from China in 2006. (No, your eyes don’t deceive you…I’m white…very much so).
- I own a minivan and have since May. I don’t care what Mar says, painting flames on it isn’t going to make it cool and Will was right…I aged ten years.
- Despite what some may see, I’m actually a pretty shy person and super self-conscious. Close your jaws, I’m serious.
- I tear up when I hear our National Anthem.
- I think snark is a 6th sense that draws people together and keeps us close even when we’re miles and miles apart.
- I love blue jeans, peanut butter, cheese, cool weather and firmly believe toilet paper should go over, not under.
H/T Johnny…this was fun.
I got my new shoes yesterday. They aren’t comfortable. At all. I’ll be sending them back. Unfortunately, this was the smallest of my most recent round of disappointments.
I’m kind of at an impasse right now and I don’t know what to do. I tried to come up with some cute, quippy analogy, but I can’t. I’ve always been proud to call myself a strong, independent woman, but right now I feel defeated. Totally and utterly defeated within an inch of my being. And alone*
No comments and no questions, please. My health is fine and Olivia is doing just great. I have some supa cute pictures to post from a wedding we attended over the weekend. She was totally macked on by our friend’s little boy. He’s a handsome little fella.
____________
*I know I’m not really alone because I have real life peeps and I have my e-peeps, but for this I am. I’m sorry I can’t say more. One day maybe, but not right now.
I often wonder what certain things will look like on me, if I were to buy them. Something tells me with this shirt, I simply won’t look like the picture.
I’m serious about the mud run. Will might not think I am and most people I tell about it roll their eyes at me, but I am. We will have to have a four-person team so I’m hoping he’ll get serious about it and we can get him through physical therapy to participate. He is supposed to tell his therapist about it and let them decide what they think the likelihood is he will be able to participate. If he can’t then I need 3 more. Anyone? Anyone?
Dr. Huha listened to my plea to get me off the seizure medication and we’re working my way backwards to something much more mild. He suggested, in front of my 4-1/2 year old, that I practice safe relations to avoid the three-headed baby I’m concerned about should my eggs do something asinine like fertilize. A herd of wild buffalo led by Cindewella and Pwince Chahming couldn’t have broken her trance off her mindless scribbling, but the word s.e.x. had her at full attention. He did that scream-whisper when he repeated it like I didn’t understand it the first two times he said it. Jayzus man…I get it! That wasn’t an “I’m confused” look. It was more of an “I’m terrified because now I have to avert a s.e.x. explanation when I leave here” look.
Anyway, Dr. Huha has reconfigured my medication and I should be able to hit the gym soon. I’m totally ready for this. Giving up my indulgences is another story. I’m having a hard time sticking too that…as I have been for quite some time.
I researched shoes. And I found these. I could have picked the boring blue, but I wanted the bright pink. 10% off be damned. I was able to search out a 20% off coupon code on retailmen0t(dot)com. With free shipping. And they are a Upromise partner. And they have free returns should I not like my new kicks. win-win-win-win.
We are also in the wee beginnings of something new. It’s pretty big and we aren’t sure what the outcome will be or if it will even work out for us. We could use some prayers and some good wishes for the best possible outcome, whatever that may be. I’ll update on it as soon as I can, but it may not be for several months, so keep us tucked in the recesses of your mind, wouldja?
Contractor called today. They want to frame the room addition tomorrow and set the windows and doors. They’ll have to come back another day to do siding and inside, but should be no more than a 2-day job. We’ll install the lighting and whatnot. It’s not fayncee, but it’s something. I got a lil nervous about not having a permit since most of the structure was already here (slab and roof), but applied anyway. Neighbor did same project without permit. Code enforcement will come inspect ours and I’m afraid he’ll get busted. Conscience is in my way, but I did what I felt we needed to do. Fine is double the cost of permit. We picked up the 2×4s, door, and insulation today. Windows we’ve had for a couple of weeks. Siding we couldn’t agree on because I didn’t see the exact thing he said to get, so I’ll let contractor pick it up. Kudos to Lowe’s for giving military discount. Need to pick out the lighting – think I’ve found what I like and it’s on clearance – blinds and floor covering. Pieces of cake.
Guesties arrive next week. So excited. The boys are going to the race. There’s gonna be a girl’s night out in the BIG city. Shannon and Shanny will be joining us so it’s sure to be a blast. Can’t wait.
Until next time….
Last month, we attended a gala for the North Carolina Heroes Fund. As a “parting gift” we were given a bottle of Zinfandel from One Hope Winery.
One Hope has five different wines and each supports a different cause. If you click on the wine link below, it will take you to that wine’s page and you can read why they chose that particular wine for that particular cause and it will tell you what charity it is supporting. I have only had the Zinfandel – and it’s not a white zinfandel – and I like it. I took a couple of bottles of the Cabernet Sauvignon to Shannon’s for her Autism Awareness cookout.
Zinfandel: Troops
Cabernet Sauvignon: Autism
Merlot: Aids Awareness
Chardonnay: Breast Cancer
Sauvignon Blanc: The Planet
One Hope is not a charity; they are a for-profit company making a difference and I think it’s worth a whirl around their website to check ’em out.
One of my besties, Shannon, is raising money for Autism Awareness. Last weekend she hosted a banging little get together at her place to raise some money and they are only $95 from their very modest goal. If you have a few bucks to spare, http://www.trianglerunwalkforautism.com/. As we all know, every little bit helps and it is tax deductible. Colin is her nephew and a very, very sweet little boy. And, yes, Shannon is walking.
