The Coffee Table

Sunday Stealing

2008-10-05T16:29:00.003-04:00

There's a new weekly blogstop in town, and it's called "Sunday Stealing". Each week they search the web for cool memes, and when they find one they like, they "steal" it. This week's meme is called "The Aging Meme":

At a certain age women should: lighten up and have a little fun.

At a certain age men should: grow the hell up.

When I was a kid I thought I would: marry a serious business man.

Now that I am older I wish: I had been more frugal when I was young.

You know you are too old to party when: you would rather waste the calories on cheesecake than beer.

You know you are too young to retire when: you still have a child in grade school.

When I was in high school I listened to the music of: Foreigner and Rush.

Nowadays I find I like the music of: Kenny Chesney and Rascal Flatts.

On my last birthday I: was on the road with Steven.

On my next birthday I want to: do it again.

The best birthday present I ever got was: Daniel. He was born one month before my 30th birthday.

The first time I felt grown up was: someone called me "Joseph's mom."

The last time I felt like a kid was: when Steven was in town and we were smooching like teenagers.

When I read "The Chronicles of Narnia", it changed my life.

Last year was: busy.

Next year I hope: to stop and smell the roses more.

Hope you're having a restful Sunday. Let me know if you "steal" this from me.

J.

I Gots Awards!

2008-10-04T17:38:00.002-04:00

Happy Saturday everyone! How do you like my new template? I decided I wanted a new, more seasonal look. Of course as fall wanes and winter approaches, I will have to change it again, but I've finally figured out a quick and easy way to save and transfer my widgets. Anyway, no "Saturday Nine" today....instead, AWARDS! In the last month or so, I've been given 2 blog awards and today I have decided to pass them on!

First, I would like thank my best Florida buddy, Sayre, who gave me this award almost a month ago, the "A Perfect Blend of Friendship" award. I have never met Sayre (although I've tried!), but she feels more like a sister sometimes than my own sister.
I bestow this award on:

1. Amy, of Amy's Musings. We have so much in common it's scary, except she lives in sunny California and I live in boring Indiana. Amy is warm and funny and has the ability to survive any adversity. We are united in the fight against teenage angst in our families as well as crazy cats and the war of younger vs. older siblings.

2. LadyJaye, of LadyJaye's Revenge. This woman is one of the toughest and coolest chicks in Tennessee. I wish I had had half her intelligence and self-confidence at her age! She's my Twitter buddy, as well as a fellow tormenter/teaser of our buddy Trukindog.

3. Poppy, of PoppyCedes. Who doesn't love Poppy? She has an adorable boyfriend, she's found love and life in the big city, and she's a cat lover! And for the longest time, she totally had me believing she lived in France! But I'm kinda gullible that way..... :-)

4. Trukindog, of Trukindog's Den. What can I say? This guy is my buddy! He has a wonderful four-legged son, a silly sense of humor, and he drives a truck! You couldn't ask for a better blogger buddy, even if he is addicted to beer. Of course, he'll never put a girly award like this on his blog, but I'm giving it to him anyway.

My second award is from one of my new blogging buddies, Faiqa. She has bestowed on me the "I Love Your Blog" award. I "met" her via Avitable and she is great. She thinks I'm as sweet as sweet tea. What's not to love? I humbly bestow this award on the following:

1. Crys, of Clearly Crystal. I totally love this wacky chick!

2. Avitable. Yes, I know he already has a million awards, but I never miss his blog. He has the strangest sense of humor, but I love his blog.

3. BlondeFabulous, of BlondeFabulocity! This lady is a busy mom and hilarious writer. I admire her tenacity and intensity.

That's all for this Saturday. Have a good weekend, everyone!
J.

Weight Loss Tracker.

2008-10-04T12:39:00.001-04:00

Friday Fill-Ins and PICTURES!

2008-10-03T20:28:00.009-04:00

1. October is Rachael's birthday month! October 22 she'll be 17!
2. Politicians scare me!
3. Leaves are falling all around, it's time to hand out the rakes.
4. My favorite horror movie is American Werewolf in London because it was the first one I ever saw, when I was a senior in high school.
5. Watching Daniel play football = good memories.
6. It was a dark and stormy night and I prayed for my trees and my electricity.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to having my boy home, tomorrow my plans include a soccer game and a parade, and Sunday, I want to go to Weight Watchers and find out how much more I've lost!

GOOD NEWS: Daniel's foot was cleared by the doctor on Thursday and he played his first game Thursday night! The coach very wisely only played him about half the time he usually would have played, but he was very happy to be back out there, as these pictures show!

BAD NEWS: Rachael's band is breaking up. The drummer,
Stephanie, has gone off to college, and the girls are dissatisfied with the direction the band had been taking, so they played their last gig last weekend. This is the last group shot of "Ms. Understood".

GOOD NEWS: Rachael was asked to escort a senior boy for Homecoming. This is her dressy outfit she wore to school for the in-school ceremony. Doesn't she look terrific?

Hope you all have had a wonderful Friday! I have all my children home for the weekend!

J.

Ten on Tuesday

2008-09-30T22:15:00.002-04:00

This week's topic: 10 Things That Freak You Out.

In no particular order:

1. Bugs in my bathroom.
2. Big dogs.
3. Watching anyone brush their teeth.
4. Mice.
5. Bloody movies.
6. The thought of ever having had intimate contact in the past with my ex-husband. (bleah!)
7. Going down into the basement late at night.
8. E.Craig's occasionally warped sense of humor.
9. Slimy stuff.
10. Very butch women.

That is all.
J.

Manic Monday (finally) and Good News!

2008-09-29T22:40:00.000-04:00

What is the most useful gift you’ve ever been given? My iPhone. It's a phone AND a mini-computer AND a camera AND a calculator AND Mapquest. I love it.

Name the most terrifying moment of your life so far. Once, I was arrested. That was terrifying. I was also terrified when I realized that my ex-husband really wasn't bluffing, he really was going through with the divorce. I was so afraid of being on my own, and raising the kids by myself.

One hot summer afternoon, while walking through a parking lot at a large shopping center, you notice a dog suffering badly from the heat inside a locked car. What would you do? I would call the police.

Weight Watchers Update: I lost 4 pounds in my first week, which is pretty good. I was hoping for 5, but I started my period on Saturday, so that probably added some water weight to my total. I am going to be very good this week so I can have a big payoff again next week.

Steven was here this weekend (which was fantastic!) and he took me shopping for low-cal snacks to keep at work. He also took me out to Applebee's to celebrate my loss - they have several W.W. choices there.

Hope everyone had a terrific Monday!
J.

Friday Fill-ins and Weight Watchers

2008-09-26T07:18:00.001-04:00

Happy Friday everyone! Can you believe it's already the end of September? I can't. Here is a picture of me (taken in the faculty women's bathroom at school because it has the really big mirror) to illustrate the fact that I have gained weight. Almost 30 pounds since last year at this time. Ugh. Sooooooo....last Sunday I joined Weight Watchers. I really, really, REALLY want to lose weight. I have been religious about it this week and have managed to walk almost every night. Wednesday night I walked all the way to Thorton's Food Mart and back, which is 1.6 miles round trip. I will weigh again on Sunday afternoon, so I will let you know my progress. I am counting on all of you to hold me accountable! (just don't be mean)

FRIDAY FILL-INS:

1. Pumpkins, Harvest Homecoming, Rachael's birthday, and hosting another French exchange student are some of the things I'm most looking forward to in October.

2. Sometimes I underestimate myself.

3. I usually say, "I neverwin anything!", but last Friday I did! and that's why there is a saying, "never say never"!

4. When I'm down, my voice always gives me away.

5. In my car is where you'll find me most often.

6. A rainy day is good for sleeping late, reading books, and snuggling.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to hanging out with Aaron, tomorrow my plans include soccer, football, and STEVEN! and Sunday, I want to spend MORE time with Steven!

Have a good weekend, everyone!

J.

I Should Have Been an English Teacher.......

2008-09-24T22:22:00.002-04:00

I saw this over at The Peanut Gallery. I am such an English geek.......

Your result for The Commonly Confused Words Test...

Advanced

You scored 93% Beginner, 100% Intermediate, 87% Advanced, and 67% Expert!

You have an extremely good understanding of beginner, intermediate, and advanced level commonly confused English words, getting at least 75% of each of these three levels' questions correct. This is an exceptional score. Remember, these are commonly confused English words, which means most people don't use them properly. You got an extremely respectable score.

Take The Commonly Confused Words Test at HelloQuizzy

I am disappointed I only got 67% in Expert! I'll have to try again.

How did YOU do?

Aviti-meme

2008-09-22T21:26:00.000-04:00

About a week ago, Avitable posted THIS meme. It's taken me a week (since 3 of those days had no power) to do it. Here it is:

My........

My favorite age: 43

My best friend: Steven

My celebrity crush: George Clooney.

My defining characteristic: Physically? My eyes. Emotionally? My friendliness

My most evil moment: When I "explained" the "truth" about the past to my ex-husband's NEW wife. She was shocked. I enjoyed it.

My favorite food: Pasta

My grossest injury: Pulling my stitches from my c-section. Ick.

My biggest hatred: Lazy parents.

My most illegal activity: I was arrested once. Don't ask, 'cause I'm not telling.

My need for justice: When I see stupid parents whose kids are dirty or out in the grocery store WAY past a child's bedtime or are being yelled at just for acting like a kid.

My most knowledgeable field: Elementary education, primarily (no pun intended) reading and math. I also know a lot about children's literature. I would have made a great librarian.

My life's goals: To write a children's book. To own a bookstore. To be happy.

My mother's influence: My mother is very generous and giving, in her own weird way, and I think I get that from her. Other than that, I am sadly nothing like my mom. Much to her dismay.

My nerdiest point: My absolute love of English literature.

My oldest memory: I remember when my mom came home from the hospital with my sister. I was 4.

My perfect date: Dinner and a movie, either in the theater or at home snuggling on the couch.

My unanswered question: Why are some people who would make great parents unable to have kids, and some people who make absolutely horrible parents seem to be able to reproduce like rabbits?

My random fact: I wanted to be a nun, a teacher, and a mom when I was a kid. At least I got 2 out of 3.

My stupidest decision: Oh my, this is a loaded one. But as much as I would like to call my ex-husband a stupid decision, I can't because if we hadn't gotten married, I wouldn't have my kids. I guess my stupidest decision was not pursuing the English degree I really wanted way back when I was 18.

My favorite television show: Numbers.

My style of underwear: Briefs.

My favorite vegetable: Honestly, asparagus.

My weakest trait: I take EVERYTHING too personally.

My X-men power: Super-core strength and ultra-friendliness.

My strongest yearning: To be able to give my kids everything they need.

My moment of Zen: Sitting on my front porch on my swing in the dark.

Let me know if you do it. I hope you all had a wonderful Monday. Mine wasn't bad, for the first day back to work after 9 days off from work. It was also my first day of my diet and I am proud to report no cheating AND a 20 minute walk! Yay me!

J.

If I Were.....

2008-09-21T20:12:00.002-04:00

If I were a liquid I’d be… sweet tea.
If I were a sin I’d be… greed. I really, really love money ( I just don't have any).
If I were a gem/stone I’d be… a diamond.
If I were a metal I’d be… gold. Timeless.
If I were a tree I’d be… an oak. Strong and tall and full of cute little acorns.
If I were a flower I’d be… a sunflower - bright and cheerful and ultimately useful.
If I were weather I’d be… a spring rain - helpful and refreshing.
If I were a color I’d be… yellow - sunny and optimistic.
If I were a sound I’d be… chiming bells.
If I were a lyric I’d be… a country song.
If I were a scent I’d be… cinnamon.
If I were a piece of clothing I’d be… a pair of jeans - comfortable and easy-going.
If I were one of the four seasons I’d be…spring - flowery and refreshing (most of the time).

Stolen from Finn. Let me know if you try this one.
J.

Saturday Nine

2008-09-20T16:49:00.003-04:00

Saturday 9: Would You Take Them Back?

1. Think of all your exes. Would you take any of them back? No. I have great affection for one ex-husband (the one who has died) and a civil relationship with one ex-boyfriend, but knowing what I know now, I wouldn't attempt to re-establish a permanent relationship with even one of them. We weren't right for each other then or now. As for the man I was married to for 14 years, NO WAY IN HELL.

2. What was the first car you drove? What happened to it? My first car was a neon green VW Rabbit. My parents bought it for me and my brother to drive, but my brother was too embarrassed to be seen in it, so basically it was mine. My friends called it the "Fred Flintstone mobile" because it was so rusted that everyone swore if you put your feet down hard, they would go straight through the floorboard and you could pedal like Fred! As for what happened to it, my parents traded it in on a gray Dodge Omni which they actually GAVE to me when I went away to college.

3. What’s the longest amount of time you have driven a car non-stop? I was in a car for 23 hours driving to Florida in college. We did get out for potty breaks and driver changes, but otherwise we drove straight through.

4. Have you ever been stood up on a date? If yes, when? Honestly I don't think so. If I had, I think I would remember.

5. What TV network do you watch the most? The History Channel if I have time, CBS ("Numbers"), or USA network ("Monk").

6. Pick out a song you like that has special meaning to you. Share with us what song is it, and what’s the meaning to you. "The Flame" by Cheap Trick. Because Steven sang it to me over the phone. Lyrics:
Another night slowly closes in, and I feel so lonelyTouching heat freezing on my skin, I pretend you still hold meI'm going crazy, I'm losing sleep, I'm in too far, I'm in way too deep Over you, I can't believe you're goneYou were the first, you'll be the lastWherever you go, I'll be with you, whatever you want, I'll give it to youWhenever you need someone, to lay your heart and head uponRemember, after the fire, after all the rainI will be the flame, I will be the flameWatching shadows move across the wall, I feel so frightenedI wanna run to you, I wanna call, but I've been hit by lightningJust can't stand up for falling apartCan't see through this veil across my heartOver you, you'll always be the one, you were the first, you'll be the lastWherever you go, I'll be with you, whatever you want, I'll give it to youWhenever you need someone, to lay your heart and head uponRemember, after the fire, after all the rainI will be the flame, I will be the flameI'm going crazy, I'm losing sleep, I'm in too far, I'm in way too deep Over you, you'll always be the one, you were the first, you'll be the lastWherever you go, I'll be with you, whatever you want, I'll give it to youWhenever you need someone, to lay your heart and head uponRemember, after the fire, after all the rainI will be the flame, I will be the flameWhatever you want, I'll give it to youWherever you go, I'll be with you, & whatever you want, I'll give it to youWhatever you want, I’ll give it to you.

7. Who was your first celebrity crush on? Shaun Cassidy and Parker Stevenson - "The Hardy Boys". I would have easily married either one of them.

8. What is your favorite romantic comedy movie? "When Harry Met Sally", "Sleepless in Seattle", and "While You Were Sleeping".

9. It has been said, "First Loves Are Never Over." Is this true for you? No. My first crush in high school - uh uh. My first serious relationship was my first husband - uh uh. My first major crush after my divorce - I did have a hard time getting over him. But eventually I did.

All is well here. Joseph is doing fine in college. He is coming home next weekend. I haven't seen him in a month. I really miss him. Rachael is doing very well in school, even with her advanced classes. She got all A's and B+'s on her progress report (where the grading scale is 95-100 for an A). Daniel's foot is healing spectacularly. Because I have been off school for a week, I got to take him myself to his orthpedic doctor's appointment on Thursday. He can go back to football in 2 weeks, with an air cast. But at least now that he has the air cast, it is smaller than the boot and he can wear both his shoes! Aaron is also hanging in there. His progress report was good, and he is loving soccer! AND he has made a friend, Dominic, and they went golfing today! Not putt-putt, regular golf. His mother said Aaron was very good. I am fine. A little stress lately, but I have had a week off with pay AND I won all the prizes on the radio Friday, so I can't complain much. I FINALLY had time to watch my new copy of "The Lake House" and I watched "Baby Mama", which surprisingly was very good. I love Tina Fey and Amy Pohler.

Anyway, that's about it for now. Hope everyone is having a good weekend.
J.

Friday Fill-INs and "Talk Like a Pirate" Day

2008-09-19T15:46:00.009-04:00

1. There is no need to explain.

2. Where in the heck did the last couple of posts go? (wink)

3. Housework and phone calls this week is all I managed to do.

4. Prospects for the future are a mystery.

5. Live for the moment is the message.

6. Simplicity and tranquility are found in nature (like beautiful fall leaves).

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to hanging out with my kids, tomorrow my plans include a soccer game and the school's Fall Festival, and Sunday, I want to get ready for FINALLY going back to work!

Every year September 19 is "Talk Like a Pirate Day". I usually laugh it off and pay little or no attention to it. But TODAY I was listening to the local country radio station on the way home from dropping off the boys at school, and the DJ invited people to call in to take a silly pirate Jeopardy quiz and win some prizes. So I called in and I got through! The questions were: "Name the procedure used to save people" (CPRrrrrrrrrr), "We usually get around in this" (a carrrrrrrr), and "You keep jelly in this" (a jarrrrr).

So, guess what I won? 3 days worth of tickets to the Ryder's Cup Golf Tournament, which is here in Louisville this weekend AND 2 tickets to see "Larry the Cable Guy" when he is in Louisville in November AND "meet and greet" passes to meet him! I completely flipped out (in a good way)! I sold the Ryder's Cup tickets for $175 today through Craig's List. And I am totally pysched about having great seats to see a hilarious comedian AND we get to meet him. I have made an official date with Steven. It will be hard to wait for November for this!

For some hilarious pirate jokes, try HERE . "Talk Like a Pirate"Day is now one of my FAVORITE holidays!

Have a great weekend!

POWER!!!!

2008-09-17T15:39:00.004-04:00

Yes, my friends, I have come to the light! This morning, after I had to have Steven wake me up via telephone and after lighting several candles so we could see so Daniel could take a shower, suddenly THERE WAS LIGHT! At 6:20 AM! I was so happy, I'll admit I was a little obnoxious about it (several messages on Twitter, goofy messages on people's blogs). AND, I am off for the rest of the week - WITH POWER!!

These first pictures are from my parents' backyard. My dad cleaning his chain saw, the biggest tree in the backyard that looks like someone blasted it with a shotgun, and Aaron playing with some branches.

The next ones I call "Living in the Dark": Peanut Butter and Jelly by candlelight, and all the candles all over the house.

The last 4 are from my front yard. My poor tree and the MAJOR crack in it. What is it with my kids and hiding behind tree limbs?

Well, that's it for now. I will be around....lots!
Hope you have lights and hot water wherever you are.
J.

10 on Tuesday

2008-09-16T14:47:00.003-04:00

Howdy, all you folks out there in the well-lit world. What's it like to be able to shower with the lights on? Just wondering. My "10 on Tuesday" this week is NOT the chosen topic, but instead:

THE 10 THINGS I LOVE ABOUT ELECTRICITY:

1. Cold food in the refrigerator.

2. Use of the TV.

3. Use of the computer.

4. Not having the kids say 100 times "I'm bored" because the video games won't work.

5. Not having to shower in the dark.

6. Being able to charge my phone at night in the house, instead of in the car.

7. Microwave popcorn.

8. Being able to use my straightener. (if you like the natural curly look, you should see me today!)

9. Use of the DVD player ( I miss being able to watch a movie!)

10. Air conditioning (or heat, depending on the weather).

By the way, I have been very carefully reading everyone's responses to my problem in the last post and I really appreciate all the great input and advice I've been getting. Unfortunately I don't have time to respond right now. I will post long and detailed answers as soon as possible.

Have an "electric" day!

What a Mess!

2008-09-14T19:37:00.002-04:00

Okay, I am writing this on my iPhone in my car. I am in the car because this is the only place I can charge my phone. A "category 1" windstorm blew through here from around noon to 4 pm. My beautiful tree out front is cracked and a major piece is just laying on my house. I have no power and no Internet. Jefferson County, Kentucky, which is essentially the city of Louisville, has been declared in a state of emergency, as have most of the counties in Southern Indiana. There is no school tomorrow in either area. At least the storm cooled everything off. It is very nice outside with no humidity and many of my neighbors are sitting outside on their front porches tonight. Anyway, I was planning on writing a real post tonight as well as visiting all of your blogs, but I can't. Oh well. I'm sure it will all shake out in the end. More later. Stay safe and dry wherever you are.

J.

Give me an "F"! Give me an "R"! Give me an "I"! You get the idea.....

2008-09-12T17:20:00.003-04:00

1. I enjoy seeing people smile: my students, my children, Steven (my love).

2. "Where does all the money go?" is something I wonder about often lately.

3. In your heart, you knew you had found THE one.

4. Take some sugar, add a little kid or two, and you end up with chaos, or the group of students I work with in the afternoon.

5. Life has gifted me with wonderful people to love and to love me.

6. Time at home alone is an instant vacation.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to working at the football game, tomorrow my plans include nothing in particular, and Sunday, I want to do something with Rachael!

I'm tired, but I'm off to work the football game....THEN it's time for ME! No Steven this weekend (sniff), but I do have a brand-new copy of "The Lake House" that I haven't watched. (smile)

Have a great weekend everyone.

Oh yes I did.

2008-09-11T17:57:00.003-04:00

I'll give you three guesses as to who went in this morning and volunteered to coach the quick recall team. But only after I coerced a co-teacher into helping me. Yeah, after all the venting yesterday, I ~~caved~~ "stepped up to the plate".

Just repeat after me: Tenure is a good thing, tenure is a good thing, tenure is a good thing.

Thank God today is Thursday because that means it's almost Friday. Yeah!

J.

The Umbrella Test

2008-09-09T22:23:00.001-04:00

WHAT YOUR PURPLE UMBRELLA SAYS ABOUT YOU:

What Your Purple Umbrella Says About You

When faced with adversity, you remain together and graceful.

You are very balanced, and it's hard for you to let yourself get too down.

You are brainy and philosophical. It's hard for you to lose your broad perspective on life.

You accept things as they are. You don't try to change anything that can't be changed.

On a rainy day: you should spend the day reading

The Umbrella Test

What does your umbrella color say about you?

Hey, Remember Me?

2008-09-08T19:48:00.004-04:00

Hello Blog World! Remember me? I hate that I have not had much time to blog or comment on blogs in the last week. But I'm baaaaaaaack. And it's time for "Manic Monday":

If you could choose only two movies to watch ever again, what would they be? "You've Got Mail" and "Little Women".

What have you found to be the best way to relieve tension? Well, it depends on whether Steven is here or not....hee, hee. Seriously, if I'm stressed out, I watch a "comfort movie" or I go for a walk or I talk to a friend on the phone to vent a little.

If you went to a beach and it turned out to be a nude beach, would you stay and go swimming? Would you swim nude? I might stay and swim, just out of curiosity. I don't think I would swim nude at my current weight. Too much belly and behind. If I weighed about 50 pounds less, I wouldn't mind too much. I don't know....some things just need to stay private.

So, here's my weekend:
Friday - Aaron to swimming birthday party, Daniel to Jr. High Dance, me and Rachael to Penn Station, then back to pick everyone up. Early bed, exhausted from the busy week.

Saturday - Daniel to football practice, me in cleaning frenzy around the house, Aaron to afternoon soccer game, Daniel to friend's house for overnight, Rachael out to dinner and a play with girlfriends, me and Aaron in heated Monopoly game (which he wins), STEVEN arrives late!Me and Steven up very late drinking (lightly) and watching movies.

Sunday - Everyone sleeping VERY late, me being a bad mother for not taking us to church, ANOTHER afternoon soccer game, Rachael to band practice, Steven and I grocery-shopping for dinner, Steven making huge but delicious Sunday dinner for everyone, me doing tons of laundry, ironing, hemming dress pants, and writing lesson plans, me and Steven to bed for lots of snuggles.

Monday - Up early to deliver Steven to his truck before work, lots of kisses, shortcut to work, WORK.

So, there you go. My life in a nutshell. It was so great to have Steven here again this weekend, but I am not going to expect to be that lucky all the time. Work is going extremely well so far. Hope everyone had a great Monday.

J.

Friday Fill-Ins and other random thoughts.

2008-09-05T20:55:00.009-04:00

1. If I was to walk into your life, would you take my hand and walk with me?

2. Catch a bright star and make a wish for a miracle.

3. And you can send me lots and lots of flowers, for no reason at all.

4. When I am faced with my ex-husband I try to forget, but I'm dealing with a memory that never forgets.

5. I'm the innocent bystander / Somehow I got stuck with all the fun!

6. What's keeping us apart isn't selfishness, it's diesel fuel.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to going to bed early, tomorrow my plans include a soccer game and a short visit from Steven, and Sunday, I want to go to ANOTHER soccer game and do lesson plans!

****************************************************************

Happy Friday everyone! This has been a hell of a week! I am sooo tired. I was out late Wednesday night with "Back to School" night at Rachael's high school and Open House at my school Thursday night. Steven and I went shopping last weekend for some professional clothes for me (thank you, hon!) and so I went to work Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday in heels (moderate) and dressy clothes. I got lots of compliments, but I was ever-so-glad for "dress down day" today at school. I'm much more comfortable in jeans and tennies. Lots of drama at work with a co-worker under scrutiny, but I found out today that I was unknowingly being "checked" as well and I passed with flying colors. Yay me!

Good news: Joseph tried out for the "Singing Hoosiers", the traveling choral performance group at IU and made it! They only accept 80 students, so we were all really pleased for him. He is very excited! He seems to be doing very well in his first week of classes.

Rachael is doing well in all classes (4 honors classes and a stiff grading scale) and has earned the spot of "assistant director" for the Fall Show. She made an excellent chocolate pie for a school project, and it was delicious.

Daniel is doing well with his broken ankle. He can have it x-rayed in 2 weeks. He has been a real trooper, going to every practice and every game. He is literally itching to get back on the field and hit someone!

Aaron is doing okay in 3rd grade. He is still struggling with making friends, but a new boy, Dominic, is in his class and also on his soccer team. He is happy to have a friend. First soccer game: tomorrow at 2:30.

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Just in case you were wondering, this is NOT me.
(arrow pointing to picture of Christie Brinkley)

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And finally, a quote I found that I really like:

"We come to love not by finding the perfect person, but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly." - Sam Keen
So true.

Have a great weekend everyone,
J.

Manic Monday

2008-09-01T18:37:00.003-04:00

If you were to name the one thing you have the most compassion for, what would it be? Children with incompetent parents.....you know, the ones who come to school needing a bath, needing clean clothes, needing breakfast, without their homework done or their permission slips signed because no one looked in their backpacks, the ones who don't ever get read to at night, and have never been on a real vacation, so they don't understand half of what they read because they have absolutely no background of experiences to draw from.

It's been said that, "The best things in life are free." Do you think this is true? Yes, but I would like to try out some of the other stuff once in awhile.

What is the most valuable thing you own? My house, I guess, if we're talking material things. The most valuable things I have that technically belong to me are the kids.

Hope everyone is having a great "extra" day off. Steven has been here since Saturday and as always, we've had a wonderful time just being together. What did YOU do with your Labor Day?

J.

Saturday Nine and Krispy Kreme Cheeseburgers.

2008-08-30T10:50:00.005-04:00

Saturday 9: The Happy Labor Day Meme

It's time, it's time, for the Saturday Nine....

1. What are you doing special this weekend for Labor Day? Hanging out with Steven!

2. What was your best vacation this past summer? Oh, everyone knows the answer to THAT one....my trip with out west.

3. Did you do anything special for the 4th of July? I was in Texas with my sweetie..that was VERY special!

4. What did you do special for Memorial Day? You know, I don't remember. Must not have been that great.

5. How was the weather? Tell us where you live and how the weather was as compared to summers past. I live in Southern Indiana. It was really nice most of the summer. We didn't get the nasty heat and humidity until August. It's been a lot like most summers, except for the delay in the mega-heat, which is just fine with me.

6. Did you discover a new favorite summer drink? Just sweet tea.

7. Did you enjoy this summer’s Olympics? I didn't watch it a lot, but I really liked the opening ceremony and the swimming. Every time the kids had it on, I found it interesting. Oh, and the beach volleyball. Those woman are tuff!

8. I am from New England (Rhode Island). Lobster rules supreme in the summer. Is lobster part of your summer ritual? Sorry, not much lobster here in Indiana. Ripe tomatos, sweet corn, and strawberries are part of the summer ritual around here.

9. What was the best single day of your summer? The first night we were in Utah and we took a walk around the area around the truck stop and watched the sunset. I will not forget how good everything felt that night. (see picture above)

As an extra bonus, how about a picture of a delicious snack? This one should be right up Trukindog's alley. Add a beer and he would be all set. Yep, that's right. They're Krispy Kreme cheeseburgers. Don't believe me? Check it out HERE .

Have a great weekend,

Friday Fill-Ins

2008-08-29T19:58:00.003-04:00

1. When I'm sick I retreat to my bedroom and sleep.

2. When I take a walk, I think about everything!

3. Money can't buy happiness but it can buy flowers and Chinese takeout.

4. Cotton makes me feel comfy and leather makes me feel warm.

5. The strangest person/character I've had lewd thoughts about was.....I'm sorry, I can't tell you, it was too weird.

6. My favorite color these days is dark pumpkin orange because fall is coming.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to an evening at home on my own, tomorrow my plans include STEVEN!! and Sunday, I want to spend MORE TIME WITH STEVEN!

Have a great Labor Day weekend!
J.

1st Day of College - Moving Day

2008-08-27T22:04:00.003-04:00

Okay, I'm going to have to eat my words. I have made all kinds of jokes and snide remarks about how Joseph "needed" to go away, how WE all needed for him to go away, how he had been so moody and snippy for the last few months that he would be gone at least a MONTH before anyone shed a tear......and here it is, the first night and I'm feeling a little blue. He's been away before, of course, but this is different......

So anyway, here are the pictures I took today. Traditional "back to school" celebration breakfast: orange danish rolls. I think he was surprised and pleased that I made them today, not just on the day the other kids started back. He ate 4. :)

This morning, after staying up packing and talking to friends - too tired to get out of the recliner.

All the junk, waiting to be loaded, in the living room.

His last "first day of school" picture on the front porch. With me.

One more for Grandpa - by himself.

In front of his dorm.

His dorm room. They have lofts, which I think are neat! He says his roommate is "cool".

With Grandpa at lunch at Chili's. My dad came along to help, and although he did drive us both crazy a couple of times, he was a big help.

Good-bye to Mom. (God, I look pregnant in this picture! Yikes!)

I don't exactly "miss" him yet....there's just this weird feeling that he won't be coming home tomorrow...or the next day...or even next week.

I'm going to bed. This has been a LONNNNG day.
J.

Here We Are.........

2008-08-26T22:21:00.007-04:00

I always wanted to be a mom. I couldn't wait to have a baby. I lost 2 babies before Joseph came along. He was my only child for only a year and a half.

All these images are running through my mind tonight. I remember a day when he was less than one. He was sick and I stayed home from work to be with him. It snowed all day that day, and he and I sat in the recliner all day and watched Christmas specials and watched the snow fall through the sliding glass door of our apartment.

I remember his first day of preschool. His first day of kindergarten. His 1st communion. His 8th grade graduation. His confirmation. His high school graduation.

And here we are: the night before he goes away to college. The night before he moves out of my home and goes to live somewhere else. I have been looking forward to this day like a marathon runner looks for the finish line. In my mind, this was the goal - to get him to college. I know I'm not finished....is a parent ever really finished?......but I still can't believe we're here. At this day.

In spite of the fact that this day was filled with events - Daniel had a football game to watch from the sidelines, Aaron had soccer practice, I had Open House at Daniel and Aaron's school, and somehow we squeezed in a run to the Apple Store in Louisville to doctor my iPhone - I insisted that we all do something as a family. We all went together to Dairy Queen to get ice cream at 9:30 at night. I asked, in the car, if anyone had anything to say to Joseph. Aaron said, "Good-bye Joseph. When are you coming back?" Daniel said, "I wanted to give you a card and some money, but I didn't get you a card. You can still have the money." Rachael said, "I love you like the sister I never had." (this one got a big laugh from everyone in the car).

Tomorrow morning there will be the traditional "special event" orange danish rolls. The kids will hug him and go to school. And my dad and I will head up the highway with Joseph and his stuff in tow.

This is the moment. Tomorrow is the day.

We are here.

J.