Lola's Diner

Christmas Eve Randomness

2009-12-24T00:16:00.003-06:00

I just don't feel like doing "If I Could Blog Back Time Thursdays - Christmas Future", so I'm not. Suffice to say next year I hope our daughter continues to be doing well and I definitely hope that I'm better prepared for Christmas next year. (I wish that every year, but every year I'm up on Christmas Eve until I finish wrapping all the gifts, because I just couldn't wrap a single one before then.)

So yes, it's true, still not a single Christmas gift wrapped. I could have started last night, but I was in such a foul mood that I just could not start.

Why am I in such a foul mood? Our new(er) stove still isn't installed. We have made literally 10 trips to the Ace and Lowe's, come to find out that the gas pipe coming up from the floor by the stove has to be re-piped with a 1/2" fitting because they no longer make adapters for the size pipe end we have. I called the handyman recommended by the township and he called back and Anastasia spoke to him, but apparently the job he was on lasted longer than anticipated and he never made it out to us yesterday. I'm hoping he calls us first thing today and can come out and get the job done. This is just so frustrating and it's possibly the worst time of year to not have a working stove.

Yesterday I went out and bought 1 of the Christmas gifts Anastasia said she couldn't find in stock. She power shopped Tuesday night and went to 2 Meijer's, 2 Walmarts and I forget the rest. Anyway, I got it on my first and only Walmart stop. While I was there I picked up a 2 pack of disposable cookie sheets thinking they would fit inside my Nesco Roaster and we could bake 2 sheets of cookies at a time with the rack inverted. They don't fit. Today I will be cutting them down to size. I'm going to have Christmas cookies if it kills me. (And I mean more than the 9 cookies at a time that fit in the toaster oven!) I also need to figure out how I'm going to make the Sfinconi. I'm thinking the 9x13 baking pan will do, even though the sides are too high, I know it fits in the Nesco Roaster, so it should work. Why does everything have to be so difficult? Wahhhhh!

Speaking of difficult...I went to bed around midnight. Fairly early for me. Just past 1am, not quite asleep I hear an awful banging on the front door. It's Anastasia. She dropped her keys through the crack between the house and the porch. Had to wake up our son and he had to shimmy on his belly in the snow and mud to grab the keys which Anastasia thought for sure were lost forever.

Sheesh! Sounds like all I do is complain. Maybe it's time to whip out "Monty Python's Life of Brian" and listen to "Always look on the the bright side of life" and turn this around.

The kittys are crazy! All they do is chase each other at top speed and Irish hisses at poor Maddux. How long before they get along? Ok, that's a dumb question I guess. That's like asking how long before your teens get a long, right?

I hope everyone has a nice Christmas. Take it easy on the eggnog. I hope that those of you who visit family have a safe trip and enjoy your time together.

Lola's Diner
©2008-2009

Wordless Wednesday - Gingerbread House

2009-12-23T01:21:00.001-06:00

Not quite wordless. Anastasia and the kids made this. I was only the photographer. I just wanted to point that out.

Does snow really melt like that???
Oh well, it's a first attempt and at least they had fun!

Lola's Diner
©2008-2009

Random Tuesday Thoughts

2009-12-22T01:13:00.002-06:00

We are currently completely stove-less. Anastasia disconnected the old one and attempted to connect the replacement. She bought a new flex gas line but it didn't come with the proper connections so I was sent back to Ace to purchase adapters. I explained to the geezer at Ace what we were doing. I was very explicit about the fact that we were replacing a gas range, already bought the flex line and needed adapters. I didn't know at the time, but he sold me the wrong parts, which I did not know until Anastasia installed them and we had a gas leak. A very late night visit from Anastasia's niece (who is a contractor) confirmed we were sold the wrong parts. Can I say how brisk and refreshing it was to open up windows and doors at close to midnight to get the gas out of the house? No, I can't, we were freezing our arses off. Anastasia went to buy the appropriate part today, so hopefully she can install it sometime on Tuesday and we can again live like normal people, instead of trying to figure out what we can cook in a microwave or toaster oven. (I packed away the Nesco Roaster on Sunday because I thought we were done with it and someone was complaining about how much space it was taking up on the counter.) Arghhh!

Our son had his IEP meeting at the crack of dawn this Monday. Had I known it was a late start because of final exams I would have scheduled it closer to the start of the school day. Instead, I had to take him to the meeting, go home for 2 hours and then drive him back. His IEP went very well. His grades are awesome. I found out the math class he is taking is the regular ed class, just at a slower pace and he is borderline A/B. His final will determine whether he gets an A or B. We are very proud of him. I got his case manager and the social worker on my side about getting him into an after-school activity, so come January he will need to pick something. Yay!

Anastasia has not finished Christmas shopping. In fact I think it's fair to say that she hasn't gotten me anything yet. In fact, I don't think she has done much shopping at all. Can I say politely that she currently resembles the Grinch or Scrooge? A wee bit cranky. Ok, more than a wee bit. Monday afternoon she left early and went shopping and called me in a panic because the store she went to was out of one of the items on my list. I told her it was ok to order it and have it delivered after Christmas. I don't mind really. I'd rather get the item at the better price (because then she can buy me more stuff on my list) and have it be exactly what I want, than to order the uber expensive item that is not exactly what I want. I'm a grown-up, it's ok. Honest!

I still don't have a single gift wrapped and I have no idea when I will be able to begin. What with Anastasia sleeping quite late and our daughter being home on winter break already, I don't have a clue. By the way, she's already driving me batty. She wanted me to look up movie times at the local theatre. Hello! I told her I can't leave until UPS comes Monday or Tuesday. Not to mention that I really don't have any money to spend on going to the movies.

Lola's Diner
©2008-2009

Randomness

2009-12-18T01:46:00.001-06:00

I am still battling my sinus infection and I'm crabby as all get out. I have been running like crazy since last week. Last week 2 trips to Naperville to pick up our daughter. This week 2 trips to Naperville, 1 for her IEP meeting on Monday and then bonus...Thursday she missed the bus. Since I knew she had a project she was supposed to work on and it's deadline was Friday (last day before winter break), I knew I had to drive her. (Ok, I will admit it, I really wasn't in the mood for having her stay home either. I've got 2 weeks of that to look forward to.) Needless to say I was not a happy camper.

Our son in his infinite wisdom has decided to ditch his dad this weekend because he is oh so under pressure because final exams are next week. Who wants to bet that he spends the entire weekend playing video games, or playing with the kittys and doesn't even crack a book? I will admit that he does have an ulterior motive. The ex is moving in with his 'fiance' this weekend and was going to be relying on our son to be one of the movers. He's not hiring anyone, only having some of his fiance's friends help.

Trash pick up is today. We put our old dishwasher at the curb yesterday and it was gone in under two hours. I hope we can say the same for our stove when we put it out there. We are picking up our replacement stove Saturday.

Anastasia was all busy on her birthday installing the folding door. After she left for her caregiver gig I gave each kitty a chance to have a run of the first and second floor. Maddux is crazy. He was running under the tree, batting the candy canes on the lower branches (who put those there?), then running behind the sofa and then into the kitchen, sliding across the parquet floor and flipping over. Sorry, I didn't the Flip handy then, but I'm sure this will be a regular sport for him. Irish was more subdued. She investigated, but kept going back up to the master bedroom where she has been staying. She'd come down and check things out, then back up again. She wasn't as excited about the new found freedom as Maddux was. I did manage to get Maddux on the Flip playing. For such a shy guy, he's got a lot of energy. Lol! (You may want to turn your sound down. The bell is rather obvnoxious.) Wasn't it nice that our son just dumped his stuff. Yes, he's too busy studying to put his things away or do any chores.

Lola's Diner
©2008-2009

If I Could Blog Back Time Thursdays - Christmas Present

2009-12-17T06:47:00.002-06:00

Come join me for the next edition. Post yours Thursday, December 17th and comeback and sign up with MckLinky.

This Thursday's topic is: Christmas Present -

Time to share some Christmas memories.

Be sure to include some photos. (Photos with Santa, your family around the tree, etc.)
12/24/09 topic is Christmas Future. What are your hopes for future Christmases?

For details on how you can submit a topic, and if used, earn 100 Entrecard Credits, click here.

This year is going to be a bit leaner than previous Christmases, but that's ok. We are so thankful we are together. Our daughter is doing better. She still has issues, but they aren't nearly as severe as in the past. I think that the current visitation scheme has helped greatly. That and the wonderful teachers and counselors at her behavioral school.

My Christmas shopping is just about done. I just have Anastasia left to buy for and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I can catch a deal or two Sunday or Monday. Am I a procrastinator? A bit. But I'm holding out for the best deal, what can I say?

I still have to let Anastasia know what I want. Yes, Maddux was part of Christmas, but she wants me to give her a list of what I would want, or more accurately...links to the products after I've found the best deals. Ok, I realize her time is at a premium because she spends so much time being caregiver for her brother...and her computer is acting all wonky. (Note to self: must try to fix said wonky computer today in between baking and soaking my head in a pot of chicken soup.) I don't really mind though. Honest.

Speaking of letting her know what I want for Christmas...has anyone got any ideas? I'm having trouble trying to think of things that I want to get from Anastasia. One would think I would know what I want, but I don't.

Christmas Eve will be spent wrapping gifts (frantically). I'll be making my sfincioni and I'll have a veggie tray and dip set up so everyone can help themselves. We may or may not stop in at Anastasia's Mom's house. We'll be going over there Christmas afternoon. Everyone brings something to contribute to the meal which is set up buffet style and everyone helps themself whenever they want. This is not a formal dinner. We all kind of rotate, grabbing a plate and eating in the dining room or the kitchen, the kids downstairs. Of course those that are dieting eat standing up, because you know you gain less weight that way. Lol!

Please post your "Christmas Present." post on your blog. Then come back to Lola's Diner and leave the actual post link here. Please grab the html code for If I Could Blog Back Time Thursdays! Badge HERE.

Don’t forget to visit the other participants! It’s a great way to make new bloggy friends!

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS MckLinky IS STRICTLY FOR 'IF I COULD BLOG BACK TIME THURSDAYS' PARTICIPANTS ONLY.
ANY OTHER LINKS WILL BE DELETED WITHOUT PREJUDICE!

Lola's Diner
©2008-2009

Happy Birthday Anastasia!

2009-12-17T00:01:00.001-06:00

Today is Anastasia's Birthday. I will probably be attempting to bake a cake in the Nesco Roaster. (Wish me luck!)

Our daughter saved up her money and chipped in to buy dinner last night as her present to Anastasia. She is so giving and thoughtful! She is always wanting to share her measly lunch crew earnings with all of us. Sometimes I feel guilty and insist she spend it all on herself, but this time she really wanted to treat to celebrate Anastasia's birthday last night (since she was actually home for dinner. Tonight she will be at her caregiver gig.) We had Chinese take-out! It was so good! We haven't had it in ages and ages. I ordered a quart of Hot and Sour Soup (spicy). It was almost better than chicken soup.

Happy Birthday Anastasia! Hope you have a great day!

Lola's Diner
©2008-2009

Christmas came early at the diner

2009-12-15T20:59:00.005-06:00

In the form of 2 cuddly new family members. Yes! Two!

I'd been working on Anastasia for the last 2 weeks. Today after running some errands and a doctor appointment I called her and asked if she wanted to go to Giordano's for lunch. She said yes and I picked her up. Afterward we went to Kmart and she asked if we had time to go to TLC. I jumped on it. (Who knew that Giordano's was Anastasia's kryptonite?)

One 9 month old kitten immediately picked Anastasia. (We originally were only getting 1 kitty.) She did meet one of my kitty's siblings, but he was a wild child and her kitty just kept beckoning her.

So....without further ado...here is Anastasia's kitty, Irish:
And now...7 week old Maddux:

Sorry Maddux's photo is a little blurry. He doesn't like the paparazzi as much as Irish.
Here is his photo from the shelter:

Right now Maddux is laying on my chest as I try to type this. He's purring up a storm and he is investigating all this clicking going on. Lol! He got lose when we got home from buying supplies. (Who knew supplies for 2 kitties would cost so much?) Even though we put food out he kept scrambling for under the sofa or loveseat. It was great sport watching both kids try to corner him. I was lmao!

For some reason our son who has been begging relentlessly to have s adopt a dog, has latched on to Maddux and now says that he doesn't mind if we don't get a dog.

Tomorrow I'm off to Lowe's to buy a folding door to keep the kitties out of the basement. (We have no door at the back of the kitchen or at the top of the stairs, so since space is at a premium, a folding door is the best option.

Lola's Diner
©2008-2009

Random Tuesday Thoughts

2009-12-14T18:59:00.005-06:00

What is up with AT&T? My daughter's phone keeps getting the service cut-off. We have a family plan, it's paid in full and only her phone has been affected. I've had to call them twice in less than a week and spend nearly an hour each time while they futz around and get it back working. Is this their way of hinting that I should be upgrading her phone? Any recommendations for a flip phone with a camera or slider phone with a camera?

Dishwasher installation was finally completed over the weekend. It's so nice to not have all the arguing over who's turn it is. Now they just started fighting over what side of the couch is theirs. Jeez! Moms can't win!

Looks like we will be getting the free gas range. I heard from the lady today. Now we just have to get one of Anastasia's relatives with a truck and coordinate when they can pick it up with when the lady is home.

Our son spent Hanukkah weekend with us because his dad bailed on him and didn't even bother to call. Then in a phone call on Sunday he blamed it on every one of us because none of us called him. So each of us took turns hanging up on him. I more than made up for it though. I roasted a huge chicken, made potato latkes and mock kishke and I bought the last packages of chocolate Hanukkah coins. Even though I'm not Jewish, I rocked it in the kitchen! I was going to be making Matzo Ball Soup today, but instead I am off to the doctor because my cold has turned into a sinus infection.

Had our daughter's IEP meeting yesterday. It went very well. Our daughter insisted that Anastasia go with me. She did, even though it just about killed her to get up at that crack of dawn when she's used to getting up in the afternoon because she is caregiver for her brother well past midnight 4 nights a week. Afterward we did some Christmas shopping. It was almost like a date.

Anastasia's birthday is on Thursday. She was dropping birthday gift and Christmas gift hints all over the place yesterday.

Looking forward to New Year's Eve for the drunken Janet Davies local coverage. Anastasia is too. (We're both sick that way. Lol!) Yes it's a few weeks away, but sometimes you need something to look forward to...even if it is a bit of a stretch. Lol!

Lola's Diner
©2008-2009

Children's Christmas List

2009-12-13T01:14:00.001-06:00

Our kids know that this year will be a bit different from the rest because this year is very different in terms of our finances. We're not making it obvious, like my Mom did (hello 4 foot aluminum Christmas tree), but we have hinted and we have set limits.
We've been asking since Thanksgiving for lists from them and we've asked them to prioritize their list to let us know what their most wanted items are. I finally got our son's list this past Sunday. Our daughter has waved her list at me several times, but didn't actually give us a copy until Tuesday night.

Do you ask your kids for 'wish lists'?

If you do, what was the biggest ticket item they asked for?

If you do, what was the most unusual thing they asked for? How old were they?

My kids have always made lists, even before they could write, they used to cut the pictures out of the ads and paste them on paper.

I don't recall any really high ticket items, although video game systems have been on their list since they became aware of Nintendo 64.

Most unusual, I don't really recall any unusual, other than this year, the kid who grumbled and groaned at trying out for the golf team and who refused to 'listen' to the coaches tips during lessons and league has asked for a very expensive driver for Christmas. So in keeping with one of our daughter's favorite things, we've decided to play Let's Make A Deal. If he participates in golf lessons and leagues next summer, makes every effort to be 'teachable' and follows the coaches direction and makes an honest effort to try out for the team and if he makes it, he follows through and participates for the season we will get him the driver next year. We're not making it contingent on making the team, but he has to do his best. How will we know? His attitude, feedback from the coaches and how he golfs with Anastasia. How can we make a promise to buy a bit of a big ticket item? I'm the queen of deals. Last year I got some awesome deals on the very expensive driver and irons that I got Anastasia over the last year.

Lola's Diner
©2008-2009

Captain Obvious

2009-12-12T01:12:00.000-06:00

Captain Obvious. Don't know if you've heard of this 'character', but recently I've been donning the pink cape when I state the obviously obvious in an effort to not seem like I'm being insulting. Even if I don't don the cape, my intent isn't insulting, but somehow it comes off that way. Hence the need for the cape.

Wednesday, I didn't think to don the cape and just decided that the point in question was soooo obviously obvious, that I didn't need to point it out. Anastasia was removing the old dishwasher, Captain Obvious did not swoop in and ask if she had done plumbing work before and did not give a gentle reminder about turning the water shut-off valves under the sink to the "off" position. (She was working on this at 1am, I was in bed, heard a commotion and came down to investigate. I found Anastasia soaked head to toe and the parquet floor in the kitchen had quite a nice size puddle.)

So Thursday when I was on the road and remembered another situation that Captain Obvious needed to handle regarding the dishwasher installation, I phoned Anastasia after donning the pink cape. Turns out she was not aware and Captain Obvious saved the day.

So, what are some of your Captain Obvious moments?

Lola's Diner
©2008-2009

Friday Randomness

2009-12-11T01:30:00.003-06:00

Our tree is up, but still not decorated. It's on the 'to do list' for this weekend. Hopefully if our son doesn't go to Chicago I can get him to let me cut his hair and we can have Anastasia's sister take our holiday family photo. (Oh jeez! I just looked at our son as I typed this and he's cut his bangs even more! What is with this kid?)

I picked our daughter up from school Thursday and took her to her bowling match in Bolingbrook. I watched the first game. She did awesome! She had 3 strikes and picked up several spares. Some of them were after getting a gutter ball on the first throw. She's definitely doing better and her coach sent me an email praising our daughter for working so hard. They played 2 games. I went to the car after our daughter bowled the 10th frame of the first game because the bowling alley was freezing cold! I went to my car and cranked the heat to the highest setting and sat in the car until she called me to come sign her out after they finished the 2nd game. I don't know if I'm getting sick, or just getting old, but my feet and legs were freezing. Our daughter got in the car and could not believe how hot I had the car. It's just not like me...I've been known to be driving on a balmy, sunny winter day and have the a/c on.

The used gas range may not pan out. I contacted the person and they are having trouble borrowing a truck to transport the appliances from mother to daughter and the daughter, understandably, won't let me have hers until she get's her mom's old one. I did find a used one on Bookoo.com and bargained the price down, but Anastasia poo poo'd it because the unit isn't installed and therefore can't be checked (and since this one isn't free, if it doesn't work we'd be out money) and it's in a sketchy neighborhood in Joliet. (big sigh!)

Anastasia is having car trouble. This is so not the time for this. Her starter is acting tempermental, her brake fluid light is on and she broke a wiper blade the other day. She bought the part and dropped it off at her sister's car guy so we are hoping he can do it this weekend. In the mean time I will probably switch cars with her today since I only have to run our daughter to her appointment in Joliet.

Found out my tire inflation warning system really is working. I was wondering after the brake job if the repair shop forgot to connect something, but Thursday because of the big drop in temperature it signaled I had 2 tires that were low. So yay! It's working. Not so good that I have to freeze my fingers off to put a tiny bit of air in.

Hmm, will my sister call again today to see if I opened the last package she sent? The gifts inside need to be wrapped. (She ran out of shirt boxes...likely story!) Right there she should have known that I hadn't opened it. I typically wait until the last minute to wrap. Remember this post last year? Oh yeah, and when we got the snow the other day our son asked me if I was going to take out the snow thrower and blow out my other thumb this year. Nice! Don't get me wrong, I'm very appreciative that my sister spent the time and money to select these presents and told me that I could put Anastasia and my name as the 'from', it's just that sometimes she umm, fixates on things. (Yeah, fixates, much nicer than saying she is a pest.) (She sent a box the previous week of the gifts from her and her husband.) Yes, I've thanked her repeatedly Anastasia! Honest!

I woke up this morning feeling like crap. I'm rockin' a Brenda Vaccaro/Lauren Bacall voice and I would just rather go back to bed, but can't because I have to take our daughter to her appointment. (Didn't I say that yesterday being so cold either meant I was getting sick or getting old? I guess I should thank my lucky stars I'm not getting old. Lol!) I am so regretting that I promised to make some traditional Jewish foods on Sunday for our kids. (I'm not Jewish, their dad is and they love the things I cook.) I was going to make potato latkes and kishke. I guess I better add matzo ball soup to the menu.

Lola's Diner
©2008-2009

If I Could Blog Back Time Thursdays - Christmas Past

2009-12-10T21:17:00.006-06:00

Come join me for the next edition. Post yours Thursday, December 10th and comeback and sign up with MckLinky.

This Thursday's topic is: Christmas Past -

Time to share some Christmas memories.

Be sure to include some photos. (Photos with Santa, your family around the tree, etc.)
12/17/19 topic is Christmas Present. What are your hopes/plans for this Christmas?
12/24/09 topic is Christmas Future. What are your hopes for future Christmases?

For details on how you can submit a topic, and if used, earn 100 Entrecard Credits, click here.

Better late than never?
This is from Christmas 2007. Look! There's our son with an actual haircut, done by either me or Supercuts. (Our son is still refusing to have his haircut. He did however decide that he needed his bangs cut so he did it himself. Now he looks like he has a very bad, very thick, hairy toupee. Sadly, I'm not even kidding.) That's a real tree in the background. Nice, but I don't miss the clean-up.
Oh look, here he is again. He had to get all dressed up for Grandma (Anastasia's Mom). Yes, he decided he had to wear a shirt and tie, even though everyone else was very casual.

I was hoping to post some photos from way, way back when, but I didn't have time to go through the box of photos and scan some. Perhaps in the next few days I will have a chance

This was the first Christmas after our daughter's illness. Looking back at the photos I notice not only the amount of weight she has gained since then, but her whole demeanor is different. It's good to see her happy though, the end of 2007 was a really rough year in terms of her health.

Please post your "Christmas Past." post on your blog. Then come back to Lola's Diner and leave the actual post link here. Please grab the html code for If I Could Blog Back Time Thursdays! Badge HERE.

Don’t forget to visit the other participants! It’s a great way to make new bloggy friends!

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS MckLinky IS STRICTLY FOR 'IF I COULD BLOG BACK TIME THURSDAYS' PARTICIPANTS ONLY.
ANY OTHER LINKS WILL BE DELETED WITHOUT PREJUDICE!

Lola's Diner
©2008-2009

Official Book Club Selection: A Memoir According To Kathy Griffin

2009-12-09T02:27:00.002-06:00

I just finished Kathy Griffin's memoir "Official Book Club Selection: A Memoir According to Kathy Griffin". This was much lighter fare than the previous memoir I read, MacKenzie Phillips "High On Arrival". No drinking or drug stories here. In fact Kathy Griffin doesn't drink at all. I did, however, lose track of how many f-bombs were dropped.

I love Kathy Griffin and I miss watching her show "My Life On The D List". I haven't had cable or satellite in it seems like eons and I truly miss her show. Yes, she can count me as one of her gays.

Kathy Griffin's book should have been titled "Hardest Working Woman In Show Business". Talk about working hard just to get on the 'D List'! That Irish Catholic gal definitely knows the meaning of 'good work ethic'.

She chronicles her early days and hits the highlights (or lowlights, as it were) of the last few years. Her Emmy adventures, Fanning gate (as she calls it), and her marriage and her family. She drops names. (Hey Oprah!) And discusses the sitcom she was on with Brooke Shields, "Suddenly Susan" (1996). She also tells a colorful tale about Andy Dick. She also talks about her current show, "My Life On The D List" which is in it's 5th season.

Definitely an enjoyable, quick read. I would recommend it.

Lola's Diner
©2008-2009

Getting in the Holiday Mood

2009-12-08T17:50:00.002-06:00

Slowly but surely, getting in the holiday mood. My sister has been furiously sending packages for the kids and I bought my first gift today. I'm not a regular JC Penney shopper, I'm more Targhay, but I had a couple of $10 coupons I got in the mail. I got a $30 something something on sale and with the coupon it cost me $4.99. Now that kind of deal will definitely get me in a holiday mood! I even turned on the local holiday music station on the way to the store. I had to change it back when Manneheim Steamroller came on. (Can't stand them!)

Bad camera work aside, this stuff still turns my stomach.

I had to post this because Anastasia claims she's never heard them. My apologies to all for putting your through this. Lol!

Lola's Diner
©2008-2009

Random Tuesday Thoughts

2009-12-08T01:41:00.006-06:00

Friday I got the regular flu shot at my doctor's office. My arm is still swollen and sore. I spent 90 minutes at the doctor's office. No, not waiting, I was seen immediately when I walked in. I had to clear up a paperwork issue that stopped my disability check. Perfect time of year for this sort of thing to happen, don't you think? And...bonus...I've been referred to a gastroenterologist, so I'm sure a colonscopy is in my future. (Good times!)

Oh, and a receptionist from my doctor's office called and left me a message Monday morning to ask how I'm doing. Umm, gee fine, I have no money thanks to you and it's making my stress increase and my colitis flare up badly, but otherwise I'm just peachy. This from the doctor's office that doesn't even call to remind you that you have an appointment. Now they care? Puh-leeze!
Oh...good news. I don't have any 'wants' or 'warrants' on me. How do I know that? Because I got pulled over Saturday by our village's finest because my license plate sticker expired. I thought our son was going to have a coronary. He was scared speechless, while I was calm, cool and respectful. I explained to him my check situation and promised to get my sticker asap. He gave me a verbal warning! I guess Saturday was my lucky day. I've never gotten a warning before...ever. I borrowed money to get my sticker on Monday at the Currency Exchange.

Saturday we spent hours trying to get our artificial tree up. Why? Because for some reason it seemed to have grown. We couldn't figure out where to put it. We had to remove a lamp, 2 end tables and the copier/printer/fax. We didn't have to do all that rearranging last year. Ok, we did add a recliner to the mix this year, but still, we had a heck of a time fitting the thing next to the sofa where it was last year. Note to self: never attempt tree assembly after 9pm, everyone is grouchy and wants nothing to do with the process. Oh yes, and our daughter skipped out and went to bed, avoiding the whole melee.

Our daughter had her first 'away' bowling match on Saturday. She was to be a sub, but ended up not playing. I had to get up at the crack of dawn to get her to catch the bus at 7:30am. They weren't done until after 4pm. That's a heck of a long bowling match! No word on which team won, everyone was so wanting to get on the bus and get home that no one waited for the final tally. Tuesday, today, is her first match that she will be participating in. I may have to pick her up from school Thursday and take her to the Bolingbrook match because the bus company is in a tizzy over it.

A niece of my Aunt posted this on my fb wall "Have you ever been in a relationship with Lola?" It was part of some 'Kiss or Diss' application. This person also posed questions of some other relatives on fb, but they were more benign questions like "Are you related to so and so?" I told Anastasia about it and told her to please spell it out in plain english, once and for all. So she did. She commented "I am happy to say, I have been Lola's lesbian partner for the last 6 years. In the absence of their father, Lola and I have raised two wonderful children." Ok, I would have hoped for a dig something like 'and had you all not had other plans when we were in town, we could have met.' Oh well, you can't have everything. Lol! If they don't 'get it' now, they never will.

Things are looking up on the kitchen appliance front. Anastasia's Mom is getting a new dishwasher and we are getting her old one. Can I hear a Hallelujuah? That means a big reduction in the incessant fighting we are having over hand washing dishes. I also heard from a freecycler who has a gas range in good working order. Her mom is getting a new one, she is getting her mom's old one and if everything works out, we will be getting her old one. Keep your fingers crossed for us. We've been managing pretty good between the Nesco Roaster, Toaster Oven, Crockpot and Microwave Oven, but it does take some extra thought when figuring out dinner, because I need to figure out the best way to cook it and sometimes cook in 2 shifts. Saturday night we had homemade pizza's made from 5" Pita bread. We cooked 2 at a time in the Nesco Roaster. Our son has become a master at making cookies in the Toaster Oven. (9 mini chocolate chip cookies at a time. Lol!)
Oh, and on the dishwasher front...Anastasia is insisting that she's going to do the removal and installation. Lin...I've got my pole and kerchief (if anyone else is wondering how to tie a kerchief on stick hobo style, it's officially called a bindle and in case you don't know how, ehow.com explains how to do it here) waiting by the back door...

Lola's Diner
©2008-2009

Saving The Holidays - Be One of Santa's Elves

2009-12-07T02:27:00.000-06:00

This post is a partial re-post from last year. As the holidays approach please try to do what you can to bring holiday cheer to those less fortunate than yourself.

Now is the time to make your plans. If you work in an office and your employer has corporate matching, ask if your department or your floor can participate in Catholic Charities Adopt A Family or a similar organization that provides gifts for families less fortunate. Chip in together to adopt 1 family or more, whatever you collectively can afford. If you cannot afford to chip in money, offer to be the designated shopper who takes the list from Catholic Charities and plans the shopping according to the funds collected. Heaven knows there are a lot of people who just hate shopping and will welcome you volunteering for this task. In addition to Catholic Charities, many malls have gift trees, many local newspapers have gift drives. Be on the lookout for opportunities.

Here is my re-post from last year:

Christmas 1968, my Father had been in and out of the hospital with back problems. He had just had major back surgery. Back then it was a very big deal, he was in the hospital at least a month. My Mother didn’t drive, but she dutifully took 3 buses each way to visit him daily while we were at school. On her half a mile walk home from the bus stop she would stop at the grocery store and purchase just what she could carry and what she could afford.

My Mother didn’t work outside the home, so we had to live on my Father’s small disability check. We were forewarned not to expect much for Christmas. I’m not sure if it was my Mother’s not so subtle way of letting us know that year was different, or maybe she was so tired from her bus travel, but my Mother didn’t put up the 7 foot artificial tree. That year we had a 4 foot silver aluminum tree that my mother put on the drum table in the picture window. It was truly a hideous tree and it forever marked a very different Christmas for us.

One night a few days before Christmas our front doorbell rang. My Father was still in the hospital and my Mother wondered who on earth could be ringing our bell after dinnertime on a cold snowy night. My Mother didn’t want to open the door, but I kept imploring that she HAD to open it because as I peeked through the picture window I saw it was Santa Claus! She finally did open the door, but wouldn’t let Santa in the house. He left 2 very large boxes on our front porch. Each box was 3 foot square, about 10 inches tall. One box was full of all kinds of food. There was cereal, flour, sugar, roasts, chickens, pasta and all sorts of canned goods. The other box had candy canes, chocolates, some clothing, hats, scarfs and mittens, and some coloring books. My Mother, proud as she was, kept calling back to Santa to take back the boxes, but he waved her off and disappeared into the night.

That Christmas was very lean. It was the year my sister and I got our first Monopoly game and Mini-Mod dolls instead of Barbies. At the time we were both a bit disheartened by the lack of Christmas loot, but as the years have passed I have to say that it was the one of the most memorable Christmases of my life. I was 7 years old and Santa came to my house and made my Mother cry. I don’t think I’d ever seen her cry before that. All that food helped us get by until my Father was able to go back to work. It was truly a Blessing.

We later found out that Santa was the brother-in-law of my parent’s neighbors, Tim and Terry. They said they had gone door to door and collected money from the neighbors and purchased all of those items. Terry knew my mother wasn’t going to ask for help and she knew she wouldn’t accept charity from her neighbors. A heartfelt note from Terry in one of the boxes told my Mother it was alright, it didn’t mean she owed anyone anything. It didn’t mean she was weak. It meant she was cared about. It meant she was loved.

Do you know someone who is struggling, whether because of illness, disability or unemployment, or perhaps a single mother struggling on her own?

There’s still time.
It’s not too late to save someone’s Christmas.
It wouldn’t take much. Maybe a bag or two of groceries, or a grocery store gift card and a couple of toys.
A Santa suit isn’t required.
Just a bit of cash and a big dose of holiday spirit.

Happy Holidays!

Lola's Diner
©2008-2009

Holiday Meme

2009-12-04T01:10:00.002-06:00

Ok, there's tons of memes out there. I decided to create my own holiday meme. Here goes:
1. What is your favorite holiday show/animated show?
Sentimental - "It's A Wonderful Life", Funny - "Christmas Vacation", Animated show - "Rudolf The Red-Nosed Reindeer".

2. What holiday character do you think you're most like?
Rudolf.

3. What holiday character does your spouse think you're most like?
The Grinch.

4. Favorite Christmas/holiday song?
"The Christmas Song" (Chestnuts roasting on an open fire.)

5. Most hated Christmas/holiday song?
"Happy Christmas (War Is Over)" by John Lennon. I can't explain it, it just grates on my nerves. I love just about anything else he did.

6. If you have an all holiday music radio station when do you start listening to it?
I tune in now and then, depending on my mood.

7. If you have an all holiday music radio station do you love it or hate it?
Depends on my mood.

8. Have you ever wrapped yourself as a Christmas present? Come on...you can tell!
Umm, no.

9. Who is Rudolf The Red Nosed Reindeer's father?
Let's see what you all have to say. I already know the answer.
10. Do you drive your neighborhood or one near you at night to look at other people's holiday decorations?
Guilty. Our kids always ask when we're going to do this. When we lived in Chicago we always drove around Sauganash. They had the best decorations. Santa in a tree house and a working, fully lit carousel.
11. When you see a heavily decorated house do you think, 'oh that's lovely'? Or do you think, 'oh criminy, that looks like Christmas threw up all over their lawn'?
Umm, yeah, totally Grinch here. Christmas threw up all over their lawn. Unless they have some one of a kind, spectacular item in the display (like the Santa in the tree house or a carousel), I think Christmas threw up.

12. Are you counting the days to Christmas with excited anticipation or dread?
Dread. Nuf said.

13. When was the last time you had your photo taken with Santa? Did you sit on his lap?
Our son's first Christmas when Marshall Field's sent their best Santa to our apartment to make up for the bad Santa at their State Street store. Read read all about it here.

14. Do you make a Christmas list for your spouse or significant other or do you rely on them to pick your gift(s) without a clue from you?
Anastasia asks me to make a list. In fact she prefers that I find a bunch of items online, find the best price and give her the links and then she picks from that email what to get me. She usually does add an item that isn't on the list, but she does prefer this way and I don't have a problem doing it.

15. When do you put up your tree?
We'll be putting it up Saturday, December 5th. Normally we do it the weekend after Thanksgiving, but our son was at his dad's and our son is the one who goes up in the attic and brings everything down.

16. Real or fake?
Fake. Last year I spent nearly all day on Black Friday shopping for the perfect pre-lit tree that met Anastasia's specifications.

17. When do you take your tree down?
The day after Epiphany. Sometimes New Year's Day.

18. Do you shop the day after Christmas sales? What do you shop for?
If I have the money, I shop for Christmas wrap for the next year, sometimes ornaments. I also may spend any gift cards I've gotten and sometimes shop other items on sale.

19. Is your work/office having a holiday party this year? Will you attend?
I'm not working, so there is none to attend.

20. Do you have your New Year's Eve Plans set yet?
No plans as yet. I haven't yet discussed it with Anastasia.

Feel free to steal (copy) this meme and complete with your own answers.

Don’t forget to visit the other participants! It’s a great way to make new bloggy friends!

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS MckLinky IS STRICTLY FOR 'HOLIDAY MEME' PARTICIPANTS ONLY. ANY OTHER LINKS WILL BE DELETED WITHOUT PREJUDICE!

Lola's Diner
©2008-2009

If I Could Blog Back Time Thursdays - Favorite Cartoons

2009-12-03T03:30:00.000-06:00

Come join me for this week's edition. Post yours Thursday and comeback and sign up with MckLinky.

This Thursday's topic is: Favorite Cartoon -

When you were a kid what was your favorite cartoon/animated show?

Why was it your favorite?
I will transfer 100 credits on Thursday as a thank you.

For details on how you can submit a topic, and if used, earn 100 Entrecard Credits, click here.

I think my favorite cartoon when I was a kid was "Wile E. Coyote and Roadrunner".

Best of Road Runner & Wile E Coyote N°4 - Funny bloopers R us

And no, it wasn't because enjoyed how the Roadrunner always outsmarted Wile E. Coyote. It was because I was rooting for Wile E. Coyote. As a kid I couldn't understand how Wile E. Coyote couldn't come up with a more fool-proof way to catch the Roadrunner. And Wile E. Coyote was certainly the epitome of resilience. When he failed, he got up and went right back to hatching another scheme to try to catch Wile E. Coyote.

Did we ever really know why Wile E. Coyote wanted to catch Roadrunner, had to catch him, made it his solitary goal in life to catch him? I mean, obviously a coyote would want to catch a Roadrunner for food. It is a bird after all. But why was he so single-minded? Weren't there any other animals in the desert for food? (See, even when I was a kid, I had a very analytical, logical mind.)

A few Wile E. Coyote and Roadrunner trivia questions:
1. What did the E. in Wile E. Coyote stand for?
2. How did Wile E. Coyote pay for all those Acme gadgets and devices?
3. When Wile E. Coyote was asked in a Cartoon Network commercial why he insisted on purchasing products from ACME Corporation when all the previous contraptions backfired on him, how did he respond?
4. Why is it ironic that the name of the company Wile E. Coyote got most of his gadgets, devices and contraptions from a company named "ACME"?

So, now it's your turn. What's your favorite cartoon from your childhood?

Please post your "Favorite Cartoon." post on your blog. Then come back to Lola's Diner and leave the actual post link here. Please grab the html code for If I Could Blog Back Time Thursdays! Badge HERE.

Don’t forget to visit the other participants! It’s a great way to make new bloggy friends!

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS MckLinky IS STRICTLY FOR 'IF I COULD BLOG BACK TIME THURSDAYS' PARTICIPANTS ONLY.

ANY OTHER LINKS WILL BE DELETED WITHOUT PREJUDICE!

Answers:
1. Elenberry.
2. Wile E. Coyote worked for Acme Corporation.
3. Wile Coyote responds with a wooden sign (right after another item blows up in his face): "Good line of Credit."
4. Because ACME means the 'highest point, as of achievement or development'.

Google Page Rank Happy Dance...Again!

2009-12-03T01:16:00.004-06:00

I happened to be scrolling down my blog to see if I had any outdated widgets and I noticed that Lola's Diner's Google Page Rank went from 3 to 4! Woo Hoo! I wish that it meant that I was actually earning money with Google Adsense (I have yet to earn enough for a payout on any of the advertising stuff on my blog), but it doesn't.

Lola's Diner

Fire Crotch Rocket remains at Google Page Rank 2.

Lola's Victory Garden has yet to be recognized by Google Page Rank. :(

Thank you to my new followers 4 new follower! (since 11/17/09.)

Lola's Diner
©2008-2009

Drummer Boy Aka Metallica-head Strikes Again

2009-12-02T11:56:00.006-06:00

Well not really again...it's almost continuous. He was playing the drums for about an hour this morning, so loud that we could hear it clearly with all the doors and windows closed and I could hear it above the sound of my television in the living room. And let me tell you...that's really loud because this guy is across the street and we both have large front lawns in between the 2 lane street. Anastasia was sleeping (or trying to, because she is at her Moms until 1am or later taking care of her brother). I knew it wouldn't be long before she blew a gasket and let's face it, the sound was annoying the hell out of me too.

So...I called the County Sheriff. Yup! They actually showed up 10 minutes after I called. By that time Drummer Boy Aka Metallica-head had stopped drumming and had turned on his stereo really loud. I spoke with the Sheriff's Department officer who showed up and told him what we go through on a daily basis and he said he would go talk to him, which he did.

We'll see if this has any affect on his behavior. I wouldn't be surprised if this is like the loose dog problem and it will take numerous calls and Sheriff's visits before he learns a lesson.

In any event, it is blissful quiet in the hood right now...ok, except for the douchebag with the leaf blower.

12:45pm, an hour later...the music is blaring...then the drums again. I called the County Sheriff again, they are on their way and I will be filing a complaint. What gives this douchebag the right to play his music so so loud that it disrupts other people?

Same Sheriff's Officer came back to my house, as we were chatting a supervisor pulls up. Now there are 2 Sheriff's cars in front of Drummer Boy Aka Metallica-head's house. Both Officers again talked to him and the first Officer went to talk to my neighbor (not Mr. Friendly, the neighbor on the other side). The first Officer told me that Drummer Boy Aka Metallica-head said he was on disability. I told the Officer 'so what? I'm on disability too, but I don't disrupt my neighbors at all hours of the day with loud music playing and loud drums and guitars on amplifiers.' Yes. I actually said that to the officer.

I was given phone numbers to call for the State's Attorney's Office and Zoning. I'm waiting for the State's Attorney's Office to call back. Basically there is no noise ordinance in the unincorporated city where we live so we have few options. We can continue to call the Sheriff and if they can send a car they will chat him up and tell him to knock it off. We can try to get the State's Attorney's Office to file a complaint, or we can file a claim in Small Claim's Court. In any case, I will have my Flip Camera at the ready so that I have video tape proof of the magnitude of the noise.

Lola's Diner
©2008-2009

Wordless Wednesday

2009-12-02T02:14:00.001-06:00

Yes, we laugh a lot! Anastasia barely got these photos. But of course it was mostly her fault that we couldn't keep a straight face. This is my sister and her husband from Thanksgiving 2008.

(Don't forget...If I Could Blog Back Time Thursdays returns tomorrow with "Favorite Cartoon".)

Lola's Diner
©2008-2009

Random Tuesday Thoughts

2009-12-01T01:27:00.000-06:00

I found out the wedding is 2010, not 2011 as the kids had told me. Still too much time for our daughter to ruminate about this. And his evil fiance refused to acknowledge me again when I went to pick up our daughter from the meeting place in Tinley Park. She won't even look at me. So rude! It's not like I want to be her bff (not a chance!), but she could at least be cordial.

Our daughter got a ball and bag from her coach. The ball is purple and smells like grape. She got to try it out today and said it worked out well. She wanted to pick it up on Sunday but the pro shop was closed. They had to etch out the "b word" that was painted on it and polish it. Who would have beyotch (other spelling) written on their bowling ball? Anyway, now our daughter is all set. The first match is tonight after school. Oh joy, Saturday mornings now I will be up at the crack of dawn to drive her to school to catch the bus for Saturday matches.

This weekend is designated as trim our tree weekend. We still have to figure out where it will go. This should be interesting...

Both kids are driving me up a tree as I type this arguing about who is supposed to do the dishes. (Yeah, the dishwasher's not working either.) Must they argue about it all night and ruin my evening? I mean...not that "Shrek The Halls" hasn't already ruined it.

Still waiting on that gift card. Wonder how long that takes?

"Shrek The Halls" sucks bad. Who makes these crappy Christmas shows? Where's "Frosty The Snowman" and "Rudolf The Red Nosed Reindeer"? Please tell me this new stuff isn't going to be considered 'classic' Christmas fare in 10 years. Ughh!

Lola's Diner
©2008-2009

November Top Commenter Winners!

2009-12-01T00:12:00.000-06:00

Very close this month. Harriet wasn't even close to being in the running. Was it something I said???

Here are the results:

1st Place - Lin @ Duck and Wheel With String 1000 Entrecard Credits.
2nd Place - Stacey @ All Stace, All The Time 750 Entrecard Credits.
3rd Place - Auntie E @ At Home With Auntie E 500 Entrecard Credits.

Congratulations to the winners! Entrecard Credits will be in your accounts shortly.

Just a reminder to everyone that my Top Commenter Contest will be running in October, so now is your chance to stake out your spot at the counter or grab a booth.

Traveling...

2009-11-30T01:43:00.002-06:00

I came across this old post from Lin Thank You, God - Duck and Wheel With String. It made me think of this crazy thing Anastasia's family was doing a few years ago. It went on for years. I guess you could call their thing the Traveling Bunny.

They had this white bunny that they would sneak and give it to someone else. One time Anastasia's sister Sybil stuffed the bunny under the blanket Anastasia was sleeping under. Another time, it was put on her car seat.

One Christmas Anastasia and I took a wardrobe box, stuffed it with shredded paper, put Traveling Bunny in a box somewhere in the middle, then wrapped the box.

The pièce de résistance was when I Fed-Ex'd Traveling Bunny to Sybil. For some reason that was bunny's last trip. I'm guessing because it couldn't be topped.

Lola's Diner
©2008-2009

Raising Cash

2009-11-29T01:50:00.000-06:00

Stacey @ All Stace, All The Time did awhile back about Craigslist. You can find her post here.

Many of us are in the same boat. Finances are tight and we're looking for creative ways to raise some cash or creative ways to find inexpensive gifts.

Here's a few ideas:

1. Sell unwanted or items you no longer use on Craigslist.org. It's free to list.

2. Garage Sale - whoa, it's too cold for that, but how about checking Bookoo.com to see if there is a group in your area. (Bookoo.com also lists local garage sales and anything you list, whether it's an item or a garage sale, it's all free to list.)

3. Check yahoo groups for groups that post items for sale in your locale? It's free to list.

4. Do you have a gas rewards card that earns you points and can purchase gift cards? Check your balance and see what you're eligible to redeem now. If they don't have any that interest you, how about getting a gas gift card then use it and set aside the cash you saved by using the gas gift card for Christmas purchases?

5. Do you have a credit card or debit card that has a rewards program that earns you points and can purchase gift cards? Check your balance and see what you're eligible to redeem now. At some level, most have Visa or MasterCard gift cards spendable just about anywhere.

Remember when using Craigslist.org, Bookoo.com, or any Yahoo group that your safety is an important factor to consider. If you are uncomfortable having strangers pick up at your home, you may want to pick a busy well lit parking lot to meet and make the sale.

As for finding inexpensive gifts, you can use some of the same sources, Craigslist.org, Bookoo.com, yahoo garage sale/rummage sale groups, Ebay, and for handcrafted items, Etsy.

Lola's Diner
©2008-2009