Friday, July 11, 2008
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Summer Fun 2008
Fun Things We Have Planned (Bold & Italics have been done at least once)
Note... none of these things is complicated or takes more than an hour or so.... so we do most of them after work during the week.
1. Go to the "big" park and have a picnic
2. Dairy Queen Drive Thru
3. Frozen Yogurt at Costco
4. Fairgrounds Park
5. Spring Meadow picnic... with spinnin' chicken
6. Applebee's take away at the park (tonight!)
7. Bring a picnic lunch to mama at work when daddy has a day off during the week
8. Library
9. Carousel
10. Play in the creek
11. Go fishing at Park Lake
12. Bullman's Pizza
13. Alive at 5 (I don't love Alive at 5 but we might try to do at least one this year)
14. Wednesday night at the local brew pub (the kids are NOT invited)
15. Shakespeare in the Parks (August)
Ok.... I know there were more things on my original list but I can't remember them right now....
Note... none of these things is complicated or takes more than an hour or so.... so we do most of them after work during the week.
1. Go to the "big" park and have a picnic
2. Dairy Queen Drive Thru
3. Frozen Yogurt at Costco
4. Fairgrounds Park
5. Spring Meadow picnic... with spinnin' chicken
6. Applebee's take away at the park (tonight!)
7. Bring a picnic lunch to mama at work when daddy has a day off during the week
8. Library
9. Carousel
10. Play in the creek
11. Go fishing at Park Lake
12. Bullman's Pizza
13. Alive at 5 (I don't love Alive at 5 but we might try to do at least one this year)
14. Wednesday night at the local brew pub (the kids are NOT invited)
15. Shakespeare in the Parks (August)
Ok.... I know there were more things on my original list but I can't remember them right now....
July Financial Checkin
Ok. My lordy. I'm over my rant from yesterday.
Over at Money Saving Mom it is time to do the July Fiscal Report.
So we will check in as well.
My June goals were to minimize the costs of attending my brother's wedding, use coupons wisely & effectively (effectively means without making myself insane), and continue tracking our budget. We tend to track more mid-month to mid-month because that's the time frame for the credit card but the mid-June bill was pretty over-the-top due to some spring projects, camping supply purchases and wedding expenses.
July's goals include figuring out how to easily and effectively (again, effectively means without making myself or those around me insane) use Quicken for budgeting, keep costs to a minimum to balance out June's costs and do a lot of fun but cheap activities with the kids.
I also took a long hard look at my closet. And realized I might have to go shopping. Let's recap. I budget $50/month to myself for clothing. I spent $109 for a dress and $20 for undergarments for the wedding. Gasp. I know. But I returned all those sandals in the photo because it was so freakin' cold I wore boots. And I spent $0 in May and $12.49 in April... so it balanced. So for July I went to Ross and got myself about 6 shirts from the clearance section. So I'm set again. I still need a pair of "weekend" shorts, another bra and a "spanx" top..... but my birthday is coming. And I plan to get new jeans this fall.
Have I mentioned I hate coupons??
But....
Here's the deal I just did.....
Background: In July if you buy CVS's 99 cent pantiliners then you get 99 cents in ECB's. So I got one of those last week. Last week CVS had buy Physician's formula mascara for $7.99 and get $7.99 in ECB (Extra Care Bucks) so I did that because I needed new mascara anyway.... the computer spewed out a $3 off on face care coupon.
So today I went in because Olay stuff was buy $20 worth and get $10 ECB's and the night cream that I love is $29.99 and was on sale for $24.99. Then I used the 99 cent & $7.99 ECB's and the $3 off skin care coupon AND a $3 off coupon from the newspaper insert. So I spent $10.01.... and the computer spewed out my $10 ECB and a $4 off a 20 dollar purchase..... so that's a good deal, right?
It's hard not to double count the ECB's.... If you roll them right you should only spend about a dollar per transaction.... but I'm just not that good at it. And I usually just get frustrated and buy what I want anyway....
And this cream will make me really beautiful and take away the sun spots on my cheeks.... so that's worth any cost.
Over at Money Saving Mom it is time to do the July Fiscal Report.
So we will check in as well.
My June goals were to minimize the costs of attending my brother's wedding, use coupons wisely & effectively (effectively means without making myself insane), and continue tracking our budget. We tend to track more mid-month to mid-month because that's the time frame for the credit card but the mid-June bill was pretty over-the-top due to some spring projects, camping supply purchases and wedding expenses.
July's goals include figuring out how to easily and effectively (again, effectively means without making myself or those around me insane) use Quicken for budgeting, keep costs to a minimum to balance out June's costs and do a lot of fun but cheap activities with the kids.
I also took a long hard look at my closet. And realized I might have to go shopping. Let's recap. I budget $50/month to myself for clothing. I spent $109 for a dress and $20 for undergarments for the wedding. Gasp. I know. But I returned all those sandals in the photo because it was so freakin' cold I wore boots. And I spent $0 in May and $12.49 in April... so it balanced. So for July I went to Ross and got myself about 6 shirts from the clearance section. So I'm set again. I still need a pair of "weekend" shorts, another bra and a "spanx" top..... but my birthday is coming. And I plan to get new jeans this fall.
Have I mentioned I hate coupons??
But....
Here's the deal I just did.....
Background: In July if you buy CVS's 99 cent pantiliners then you get 99 cents in ECB's. So I got one of those last week. Last week CVS had buy Physician's formula mascara for $7.99 and get $7.99 in ECB (Extra Care Bucks) so I did that because I needed new mascara anyway.... the computer spewed out a $3 off on face care coupon.
So today I went in because Olay stuff was buy $20 worth and get $10 ECB's and the night cream that I love is $29.99 and was on sale for $24.99. Then I used the 99 cent & $7.99 ECB's and the $3 off skin care coupon AND a $3 off coupon from the newspaper insert. So I spent $10.01.... and the computer spewed out my $10 ECB and a $4 off a 20 dollar purchase..... so that's a good deal, right?
It's hard not to double count the ECB's.... If you roll them right you should only spend about a dollar per transaction.... but I'm just not that good at it. And I usually just get frustrated and buy what I want anyway....
And this cream will make me really beautiful and take away the sun spots on my cheeks.... so that's worth any cost.
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Paradise Lost....
Is fuck you to strong in the language department?
Because, seriously, when I read articles like this one it is my first reaction.
Specifically it is this part "NBC affiliate KCRA-TV reported that some residents in the area were refusing to leave, instead locking themselves in their homes and counting on fire crews to protect them as the fire approaches." that boils my blood....
Guess why.
Because, while it isn't my husband this time, it very easily could be.
Yeah.... that guy you are paying $10/hour? The one who doesn't get hazard pay? The one who you expect to RISK HIS LIFE to protect you.... for him I say this....
GET OVER YOURSELF.
You are willing to risk someone else's life just so you can stay in your house?
I have no words for how stupid, immature and irresponsible you are. And if my husband or his friends and crewmates die because of you.... I have no words for how stupid, immature and irresponsible I will become. I'll come burn down your fuckin' house myself.
Here's what you do. GO TO THE SHELTER. Take you portable hard drive and your box of important memories and paper work and your dog and GET THE FUCK OUT.
Worried if your house burnt down? Here's what I've heard... call your land line. If it rings, the house stands. If you get a busy signal... it's toast.
Now. Pitter-patter, get at 'er. Go. Pack your shit. Flee.
Don't make me call you a jack ass.
Because, seriously, when I read articles like this one it is my first reaction.
Specifically it is this part "NBC affiliate KCRA-TV reported that some residents in the area were refusing to leave, instead locking themselves in their homes and counting on fire crews to protect them as the fire approaches." that boils my blood....
Guess why.
Because, while it isn't my husband this time, it very easily could be.
Yeah.... that guy you are paying $10/hour? The one who doesn't get hazard pay? The one who you expect to RISK HIS LIFE to protect you.... for him I say this....
GET OVER YOURSELF.
You are willing to risk someone else's life just so you can stay in your house?
I have no words for how stupid, immature and irresponsible you are. And if my husband or his friends and crewmates die because of you.... I have no words for how stupid, immature and irresponsible I will become. I'll come burn down your fuckin' house myself.
Here's what you do. GO TO THE SHELTER. Take you portable hard drive and your box of important memories and paper work and your dog and GET THE FUCK OUT.
Worried if your house burnt down? Here's what I've heard... call your land line. If it rings, the house stands. If you get a busy signal... it's toast.
Now. Pitter-patter, get at 'er. Go. Pack your shit. Flee.
Don't make me call you a jack ass.
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Clutter: Wedding
Unclutterer is talking about wedding clutter today.
How about you? Wedding clutter? I have my dress in a box in the shed.
From the list in the post:
Napkins. We didn't have special wedding napkins.
Cookie Bags. Again. No cookie bags. Our favors were homemade seed packets full of wild flowers. Designed and printed by me.... colored (they had a cartoon image of two swooning flowers.... goofy but adorable... just like us) by all the nieces and nephews to entertain themselves at the rehearsal dinner. I'm sure I have a seed packet in the photo album. And I've seen a few gorgeous flowerbeds from the actual seeds.... so that's cool.
Candles. We went with standard, simple white candles for everything. I do have a big white pillar candle on my dresser that looks just like our wedding candle but it, um, gets burnt on a regular basis... ahem, if you know what I mean.
Champagne glasses. We didn't have special glasses. We used a pewter cup that has been handed down several generations in Hot Stuff's family... then it went to the next family members. We did get a lovely set of glasses.... which we used regularly until one broke... now the other is a flower vase and looks lovely with pincushion flowers and daisies.
Greeting cards. I confess... there may be a box of cards in the shed. I guess those could go, huh?
Wedding Programs. Again. In the album. One. Oh, and the template is on the computer.... in case anyone wants to make super-cool programs.
Cake knife. Borrowed from the reception place. Decorated with appropriate ribbons.
Guest book pen. ??? Um, I think we used sharpies. Wow. A detail I truly can't remember... at all.
Wedding favors. See flower packet info above. We also did the old birdseed baggies..... pretty sure I didn't save any.... those were traumatic to make.
Wedding planning book. Oh, is THAT how you are supposed to do it?
Cake topper. We used flowers. Although, had I had access to it... I would have used the little one my grandmother used.... that my brother just used..... it is cool and tiny and adorable.... maybe for our 25th wedding anniversary.
So how 'bout you? Silly things you saved from your wedding?
How about you? Wedding clutter? I have my dress in a box in the shed.
From the list in the post:
Napkins. We didn't have special wedding napkins.
Cookie Bags. Again. No cookie bags. Our favors were homemade seed packets full of wild flowers. Designed and printed by me.... colored (they had a cartoon image of two swooning flowers.... goofy but adorable... just like us) by all the nieces and nephews to entertain themselves at the rehearsal dinner. I'm sure I have a seed packet in the photo album. And I've seen a few gorgeous flowerbeds from the actual seeds.... so that's cool.
Candles. We went with standard, simple white candles for everything. I do have a big white pillar candle on my dresser that looks just like our wedding candle but it, um, gets burnt on a regular basis... ahem, if you know what I mean.
Champagne glasses. We didn't have special glasses. We used a pewter cup that has been handed down several generations in Hot Stuff's family... then it went to the next family members. We did get a lovely set of glasses.... which we used regularly until one broke... now the other is a flower vase and looks lovely with pincushion flowers and daisies.
Greeting cards. I confess... there may be a box of cards in the shed. I guess those could go, huh?
Wedding Programs. Again. In the album. One. Oh, and the template is on the computer.... in case anyone wants to make super-cool programs.
Cake knife. Borrowed from the reception place. Decorated with appropriate ribbons.
Guest book pen. ??? Um, I think we used sharpies. Wow. A detail I truly can't remember... at all.
Wedding favors. See flower packet info above. We also did the old birdseed baggies..... pretty sure I didn't save any.... those were traumatic to make.
Wedding planning book. Oh, is THAT how you are supposed to do it?
Cake topper. We used flowers. Although, had I had access to it... I would have used the little one my grandmother used.... that my brother just used..... it is cool and tiny and adorable.... maybe for our 25th wedding anniversary.
So how 'bout you? Silly things you saved from your wedding?
Thursday, July 03, 2008
But What Happens if you slide the card
S-L-O-W-L-Y
..... still takes all your fuckin' money to fill the tank......
..... still takes all your fuckin' money to fill the tank......
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
The Unholy Triumvirate
I like to think a stool balances best on three legs. Ya know? Even if one leg is a little shorter than the others.... with three legs it will still balance.
That's my approach.
So 'round here we struggle with balancing three main philosophies.... like a 3-legged stool.... or like 3 overlapping circles....
Green: So obvious. So trendy. So current. So hip. Cut the clutter. Stop shopping. Repurpose. Try being happy with what you have.... see, it isn't so bad. I wish there was a better word for it than green... it makes me feel so muppet-y.
Cheap: Again, with the trendy. And the price of gas. But I swear to you.... I've been doing this for years. Budget.... but not a cheapskate.... right? Because I'm not afraid to dish cash for a serious investment (or really excellent cheese).... But am I going to spring for fancy all-organic food? Probably not. But will I shell out $25/week for a CSA share? Probably.
Easy: Ok, some would call this "simple" and call me a hipster. (If you could see what I'm wearing, eating, reading and doing right now you would laugh at THAT label....) But it goes beyond simple.... simple stirs ideas of hippie and crunchy and earthy..... and sometimes my idea of simple is.... well..... mac-n-cheese and a dvd on a Friday night. So within the triumvirate balance we see microcosms of internal balance.... oh, our simple diagram of three overlapping circles just got a little more complicated, didn't it? Maybe "easy" has some tones of "slow down" or "simplify" or "just give yourself a fucking break already there, SuperMom" in it.
So I'm finding tones of these things in everything as I go about my day. Am I just using this to justify living how I want to live? Because if that is the case I'm wasting my time.... who cares? Is it a tactic to justify the slightly schizophrenic cross between hippie & redneck? Or to justify feeding my kids hot dogs? Or is it not about justification at all?
How 'bout you?
That's my approach.
So 'round here we struggle with balancing three main philosophies.... like a 3-legged stool.... or like 3 overlapping circles....
Green: So obvious. So trendy. So current. So hip. Cut the clutter. Stop shopping. Repurpose. Try being happy with what you have.... see, it isn't so bad. I wish there was a better word for it than green... it makes me feel so muppet-y.
Cheap: Again, with the trendy. And the price of gas. But I swear to you.... I've been doing this for years. Budget.... but not a cheapskate.... right? Because I'm not afraid to dish cash for a serious investment (or really excellent cheese).... But am I going to spring for fancy all-organic food? Probably not. But will I shell out $25/week for a CSA share? Probably.
Easy: Ok, some would call this "simple" and call me a hipster. (If you could see what I'm wearing, eating, reading and doing right now you would laugh at THAT label....) But it goes beyond simple.... simple stirs ideas of hippie and crunchy and earthy..... and sometimes my idea of simple is.... well..... mac-n-cheese and a dvd on a Friday night. So within the triumvirate balance we see microcosms of internal balance.... oh, our simple diagram of three overlapping circles just got a little more complicated, didn't it? Maybe "easy" has some tones of "slow down" or "simplify" or "just give yourself a fucking break already there, SuperMom" in it.
So I'm finding tones of these things in everything as I go about my day. Am I just using this to justify living how I want to live? Because if that is the case I'm wasting my time.... who cares? Is it a tactic to justify the slightly schizophrenic cross between hippie & redneck? Or to justify feeding my kids hot dogs? Or is it not about justification at all?
How 'bout you?
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Come Walk With Me
It is early in the morning and we are heading down the hill and what do we see..... a rooftop, some smoke, winter coats & green boots....
Some of us are just a little excited... Some of us are duty-bound to guard the wagon train.
Some of us are just a little excited... Some of us are duty-bound to guard the wagon train.
Some of us are just happy to be out running with our humans...
Ah... camp life. The coffee is brewing, the kids are eating scrambled eggs & sausage and we all got to use indoor plumbing....
Thursday, June 19, 2008
When it rains.... go camping
Post One of a series about our Memorial Day camping trip.
We planned..... BIG. Hot Stuff and I both took Wednesday, Thursday & Friday off from work. The plan (see, I'm trying to become a "planner") was to take the kids to daycare Wednesday morning, go out for a nice breakfast, plan our adventure, then go shopping for Sweet's birthday and any camping supplies we needed.
So steps one and two went off without a hitch. We dropped, we dined. (The No Sweat Cafe... yum-o.) We.... TRIED to plan. But, see, the weather.... it was not cooperating. It was raining and cold. So we scaled down our "go into the woods" plans to "camp at our house" which was a good idea. I'm not a seasoned camper. I don't know what to pack. So this would be good practice.
Hot Stuff got to experience some of the frustration of shopping. Hate it. We ended up going clear out to Hell... um, I mean Wal-Mart, to find a particular Transformer for Sweet....
And the rain came down.
Thursday dawned bright and early and wet. We loaded up the pickup and drove the, oh, 100 yards or so to our camp site. Only some foul language was issued while setting up the wall tent... in the rain. The kids thought it was way cool and then we walked home for lunch and naps.
And the rain came down.
We theorized we maybe should have spent the day building an ark instead of putting up a tent.
We ended doing that age-old activity of parents with children.... camping in the living room. While watching Mr. Magorium. Thank you Netflix. Oh, it wasn't a total loss.... we piled some ribbon on the floor, called it a fire, and roasted marshmallows on chopsticks.
Tuff was totally thrilled. She thinks "camping" means eating tortilla chips and marshmallows in the living room.
Friday was cold and wet. Surprised?
So we looked for alternative activities... like wearing our winter jammies all day and doing crafts.
We planned..... BIG. Hot Stuff and I both took Wednesday, Thursday & Friday off from work. The plan (see, I'm trying to become a "planner") was to take the kids to daycare Wednesday morning, go out for a nice breakfast, plan our adventure, then go shopping for Sweet's birthday and any camping supplies we needed.
So steps one and two went off without a hitch. We dropped, we dined. (The No Sweat Cafe... yum-o.) We.... TRIED to plan. But, see, the weather.... it was not cooperating. It was raining and cold. So we scaled down our "go into the woods" plans to "camp at our house" which was a good idea. I'm not a seasoned camper. I don't know what to pack. So this would be good practice.
Hot Stuff got to experience some of the frustration of shopping. Hate it. We ended up going clear out to Hell... um, I mean Wal-Mart, to find a particular Transformer for Sweet....
And the rain came down.
Thursday dawned bright and early and wet. We loaded up the pickup and drove the, oh, 100 yards or so to our camp site. Only some foul language was issued while setting up the wall tent... in the rain. The kids thought it was way cool and then we walked home for lunch and naps.
And the rain came down.
We theorized we maybe should have spent the day building an ark instead of putting up a tent.
We ended doing that age-old activity of parents with children.... camping in the living room. While watching Mr. Magorium. Thank you Netflix. Oh, it wasn't a total loss.... we piled some ribbon on the floor, called it a fire, and roasted marshmallows on chopsticks.
Tuff was totally thrilled. She thinks "camping" means eating tortilla chips and marshmallows in the living room.
Friday was cold and wet. Surprised?
So we looked for alternative activities... like wearing our winter jammies all day and doing crafts.
We even planted some seeds. (Notice the use of a tin camp coffee cup. I thought it made the whole experience more authentic.)
This is what it looked like outside.... the picture does not do justice to the rain coming down.
Ok, can you see the thermometer? It says 44.6F. That was close to the HIGH temp of the day.
Stay tuned for post 2.... when we tour Camp Happy and observe a lecture on fire safety.
I love this girl.
Oh relax, I didn't actually make her wear that headband for the wedding. She wore piggies... with daisies hot glued on the bands. And she did NOT wear those shoes. She wore these ones in "cedar/cream/chocolate" with her heavy-weight winter tights... because it was cold. Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Father's Day.....
What are you getting your hubby for Father's Day?
What? Father's Day? I'm his SPOUSE.... not his kid.... do I have to get him something?
Ok. Ok. Ok.
So I did have a fabulous MOTHER'S DAY.
So I suppose I should return the favor.
We are trying to be all "Dave Ramsey" at our house so a practical gift is in order. Honestly, he bought parts to repair his sprayer and that should be enough.... but I will probably spring for some other little things.
I may get him a coffee shack gift card. I pulled into the coffee shack the other day (with the remains of my $25 g/c from September) and Sweet said, "Oh, daddy takes us here all the time. Please get me a steamer, would ya?" Apparently THAT is where all the cash in the cookie jar keeps disappearing too....
Or a dvd. He has a list of ones he wants to own.
He really wants power tools... but the deWalt drill he likes best is NOT in our budget.
We will get his dad money for season college football tickets.... always a safe bet.
And my dad? Well, I took him to CostCo and bought him whatever he wanted.... he got a giant bag of pretzels and a couple of tubs of dates. He's happy. We've trimmed Hallmark-holiday gift giving in my family to the $15-$30 range.... which is nice for everyone.
Wait a minute. I bought Hot Stuff a NEW 4-WHEELER for Father's Day. Granted, it is a 1986 Yamaha.... but still.... I signed the check for it. Yeah... how much would YOU pay for it??
What? Father's Day? I'm his SPOUSE.... not his kid.... do I have to get him something?
Ok. Ok. Ok.
So I did have a fabulous MOTHER'S DAY.
So I suppose I should return the favor.
We are trying to be all "Dave Ramsey" at our house so a practical gift is in order. Honestly, he bought parts to repair his sprayer and that should be enough.... but I will probably spring for some other little things.
I may get him a coffee shack gift card. I pulled into the coffee shack the other day (with the remains of my $25 g/c from September) and Sweet said, "Oh, daddy takes us here all the time. Please get me a steamer, would ya?" Apparently THAT is where all the cash in the cookie jar keeps disappearing too....
Or a dvd. He has a list of ones he wants to own.
He really wants power tools... but the deWalt drill he likes best is NOT in our budget.
We will get his dad money for season college football tickets.... always a safe bet.
And my dad? Well, I took him to CostCo and bought him whatever he wanted.... he got a giant bag of pretzels and a couple of tubs of dates. He's happy. We've trimmed Hallmark-holiday gift giving in my family to the $15-$30 range.... which is nice for everyone.
Wait a minute. I bought Hot Stuff a NEW 4-WHEELER for Father's Day. Granted, it is a 1986 Yamaha.... but still.... I signed the check for it. Yeah... how much would YOU pay for it??
When given options I should always take the simplest one.... it will make me happiest in the long run.
My new sis-in-law got beautiful everyday dishes and some quite lovely china. I think she did pretty well considering she registered over the internet.
This got me thinking.
First, I got over my lust for her new dishes by realizing I love my everyday dishes. When given options I should always take the simplest one.... it will make me happiest in the long run.
Second, I thought about fancy plates. Do people outside of rural America register for china anymore? I did. Because my mother-in-law said I would regret it if I didn't. And I like my china. It's some lovely Villery-Boch white stuff with a variety of floral cake plates. Go here and look at photo 11 of 19 if you really care. I resisted registering for fancy silverware. I find this is just fine. And I'm particular about my eatin' 'tinsels..... I'm left-handed. And a lot of cutlery discriminates.
I registered for and got LOTS of glassware. I like the sound of crystal but my glasses are so delicate they regularly are broken by hand-washing.... the ones we really use are the sturdy Target cheapies. If I had it to do over again (and, if I keep breaking wine glasses I might) I'd get a couple random sets from an antique store or garage sale and mix-n-match. Everyone's favorite glassware at my mom's house are actually green wineglasses that came from ARBY'S... free with a beef and cheddar.
I recently reorganized my tiny kitchen a bit. Well, actually, I reorganized the office corner of the living room to make room for all the games which required moving all the platters and things out of the drawer in the computer hutch. They are now stashed in the cupboard over the microwave behind the cereal. The fancy china that WAS up there is now on the shelf in the bottom cupboard behind the kitchenaide and the crackers by the pitchers. The random spare food items that WERE on that shelf are now in the pantry in the laundry room. Don't ask me how all that stuff fits because I'm not really sure.... something about giving up Hamburger Helper and not replacing all the toxic cleaning supplies made everything fit in the laundry room.
All that to say... now the fancy china is more accessible and we are actually USING it. Like... I had to take the price tags off the plates on the bottom of the stack. Finally.
And we recently had tea and scones and used the tea pot. And we regularly use the little expresso cups and Asian-inspired tea cups for our snacks.
And it is fun. I like the idea my kids are learning a few refined things. Not much, granted, but at least they are learning life isn't ALWAYS served on a plastic John Deere plate.
The whole point of this post was to say: When given options I should always take the simplest one.... it will make me happiest in the long run.
This got me thinking.
First, I got over my lust for her new dishes by realizing I love my everyday dishes. When given options I should always take the simplest one.... it will make me happiest in the long run.
Second, I thought about fancy plates. Do people outside of rural America register for china anymore? I did. Because my mother-in-law said I would regret it if I didn't. And I like my china. It's some lovely Villery-Boch white stuff with a variety of floral cake plates. Go here and look at photo 11 of 19 if you really care. I resisted registering for fancy silverware. I find this is just fine. And I'm particular about my eatin' 'tinsels..... I'm left-handed. And a lot of cutlery discriminates.
I registered for and got LOTS of glassware. I like the sound of crystal but my glasses are so delicate they regularly are broken by hand-washing.... the ones we really use are the sturdy Target cheapies. If I had it to do over again (and, if I keep breaking wine glasses I might) I'd get a couple random sets from an antique store or garage sale and mix-n-match. Everyone's favorite glassware at my mom's house are actually green wineglasses that came from ARBY'S... free with a beef and cheddar.
I recently reorganized my tiny kitchen a bit. Well, actually, I reorganized the office corner of the living room to make room for all the games which required moving all the platters and things out of the drawer in the computer hutch. They are now stashed in the cupboard over the microwave behind the cereal. The fancy china that WAS up there is now on the shelf in the bottom cupboard behind the kitchenaide and the crackers by the pitchers. The random spare food items that WERE on that shelf are now in the pantry in the laundry room. Don't ask me how all that stuff fits because I'm not really sure.... something about giving up Hamburger Helper and not replacing all the toxic cleaning supplies made everything fit in the laundry room.
All that to say... now the fancy china is more accessible and we are actually USING it. Like... I had to take the price tags off the plates on the bottom of the stack. Finally.
And we recently had tea and scones and used the tea pot. And we regularly use the little expresso cups and Asian-inspired tea cups for our snacks.
And it is fun. I like the idea my kids are learning a few refined things. Not much, granted, but at least they are learning life isn't ALWAYS served on a plastic John Deere plate.
The whole point of this post was to say: When given options I should always take the simplest one.... it will make me happiest in the long run.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
So the only thing I actually needed was the hot glue gun and the alka-seltzer....
Why did I need the glue gun?
Well.... I glued flowers on a tractor.
And daisies on ponytail holders.... and a dab of hot glue on a new hat band will keep it in place.
And we seriously considered some combination of hot glue and spray starch for our hair.... the wind.... she blows. Rained on the outdoor ceremony.... but when two farming families are getting married.... well, everybody is excited about rain..... The reception was a blast and the food was great.
It was fabulous.
My hubby got drunk enough to dance but not TOO drunk to dance.... you know that place? He was in the zone.
The power strip was handy for the hairstylist.... she didn't have enough plug ins for all the hot rollers. I didn't take a single photo or video. The infamous "orange bag" was used a lot... bandaids, clear nail polish, nail file, safety pins, glue gun, sewing kit, scissors, extra ribbon, alka-seltzer, spray starch.... those kinds of items.
My niece.... Olive.... chewed up the new water bottle I got her mother for her birthday... which is pretty amazing to consider when you realize the underbite she has....
My kids rocked out until 1:00 am. Well, they napped on couches... but they loved it.
I told my dad I loved him with alka-seltzer..... he needed it.... rare for him. He rode his motorcycle up on Friday and home Saturday morning to do chores.... almost froze to death.... came back in the car.
What else?
Can't think. Tired.
The next few days will be consumed with laundry, unpacking and returning all the things we bought but didn't need.... oh, like all THREE pairs of sandals.... I wore long johns and boots under my dress.
Well.... I glued flowers on a tractor.
And daisies on ponytail holders.... and a dab of hot glue on a new hat band will keep it in place.
And we seriously considered some combination of hot glue and spray starch for our hair.... the wind.... she blows. Rained on the outdoor ceremony.... but when two farming families are getting married.... well, everybody is excited about rain..... The reception was a blast and the food was great.
It was fabulous.
My hubby got drunk enough to dance but not TOO drunk to dance.... you know that place? He was in the zone.
The power strip was handy for the hairstylist.... she didn't have enough plug ins for all the hot rollers. I didn't take a single photo or video. The infamous "orange bag" was used a lot... bandaids, clear nail polish, nail file, safety pins, glue gun, sewing kit, scissors, extra ribbon, alka-seltzer, spray starch.... those kinds of items.
My niece.... Olive.... chewed up the new water bottle I got her mother for her birthday... which is pretty amazing to consider when you realize the underbite she has....
My kids rocked out until 1:00 am. Well, they napped on couches... but they loved it.
I told my dad I loved him with alka-seltzer..... he needed it.... rare for him. He rode his motorcycle up on Friday and home Saturday morning to do chores.... almost froze to death.... came back in the car.
What else?
Can't think. Tired.
The next few days will be consumed with laundry, unpacking and returning all the things we bought but didn't need.... oh, like all THREE pairs of sandals.... I wore long johns and boots under my dress.
Thursday, June 05, 2008
06-07-08
I'm off to the weekend of wedding festivities.
Wish me luck.
Does it seem wrong to be taking a POWER STRIP? And an electronics bag containing: a laptop, 3 cell phones (& chargers), a curling iron, a digital camera, a video camera, a portable dvd player, ipod speakers, a hot glue gun and a baby monitor??
Or an emergency bag containing alka-seltzer, a stiptic pencil, sewing kit, hot glue, valarian tea, tissues & limes??
And, of course, welcome to the west in June.... rain gear, warm clothes, hooded sweatshirts, boots, sandals & sunscreen.
Hell... even the DOG has a bag packed.
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Faith
Thanks for all your kind words. You guys rock.
A couple hours of weed pulling, staring at the mountains and drinking red wine and I'm feeling more balanced.
Here's the things no one tells you about a miscarriage:
1. The hormones. Even if you think you are having a even-keeled reaction to something... you are not. Trust me.
2. Write about it. Even when it hurts. Write. I went back and read what I'd written in the past and it helped.... it also made me realize... damn, sometimes I'm really funny.
3. What do you call it? "Lost a baby" makes me feel like I left a kid in the shopping cart at Walmart. "Miscarriage" sounds like I made a mistake or crashed a horse-n-buggy or something.
4. Mark your calendar. Even if it is just with a general due date.... let yourself mourn that time as well.... because you might need it... even if it is just a quiet glass of wine and some clearance holiday candy.... For some reason it comforts me to know the lost green pea just before Sweet was due near my grandma's birthday.... I know she's taking care of them all for me.
5. Target hurts. I've said this before.... Maternity clothes to the left, diapers to the right and baby gear dead ahead.... you can't avoid it and you can't do anything about it but sigh and buy some chocolate.
6. Go ahead....be a sunny-sided optimist. I've already re-stocked with pregnancy tests (from the Dollar Store, of course) and I'm carefully taking my prenatals every day....
7. Know your triggers. If being around pregnant people makes you nuts... Don't Do It. Skip baby showers.... just send a gift card. For me that has never been a problem but we have a code.... if I say I'm "going to Walmart" it means I'm probably going to try to sneak a dirty-faced waif out of some overwhelmed mama's shopping cart and make a run for it.... so stop me.
8. Believe in signs. If red tulips or daisies make you feel better then adopt them as your memorial. Have a moment of quiet faith when you see them..... whatever it takes to keep you in the moment.
A couple hours of weed pulling, staring at the mountains and drinking red wine and I'm feeling more balanced.
Here's the things no one tells you about a miscarriage:
1. The hormones. Even if you think you are having a even-keeled reaction to something... you are not. Trust me.
2. Write about it. Even when it hurts. Write. I went back and read what I'd written in the past and it helped.... it also made me realize... damn, sometimes I'm really funny.
3. What do you call it? "Lost a baby" makes me feel like I left a kid in the shopping cart at Walmart. "Miscarriage" sounds like I made a mistake or crashed a horse-n-buggy or something.
4. Mark your calendar. Even if it is just with a general due date.... let yourself mourn that time as well.... because you might need it... even if it is just a quiet glass of wine and some clearance holiday candy.... For some reason it comforts me to know the lost green pea just before Sweet was due near my grandma's birthday.... I know she's taking care of them all for me.
5. Target hurts. I've said this before.... Maternity clothes to the left, diapers to the right and baby gear dead ahead.... you can't avoid it and you can't do anything about it but sigh and buy some chocolate.
6. Go ahead....be a sunny-sided optimist. I've already re-stocked with pregnancy tests (from the Dollar Store, of course) and I'm carefully taking my prenatals every day....
7. Know your triggers. If being around pregnant people makes you nuts... Don't Do It. Skip baby showers.... just send a gift card. For me that has never been a problem but we have a code.... if I say I'm "going to Walmart" it means I'm probably going to try to sneak a dirty-faced waif out of some overwhelmed mama's shopping cart and make a run for it.... so stop me.
8. Believe in signs. If red tulips or daisies make you feel better then adopt them as your memorial. Have a moment of quiet faith when you see them..... whatever it takes to keep you in the moment.
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