Life On The Road

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Image via Wikipedia"][/caption]

I won the alphabet game!! Woo hoo! It's the small things in life that matter...especially when stuck bonding with family on a 9 hour road trip. Usually, my husband wins the alphabet game on family trips. He said he was busy driving and couldn't fully concentrate. Excuses. Excuses. I take my wins however I can get them.

We played Crack The Code (a mystery card game), and Twenty Questions which my husband also almost always wins.  My husband and I listened to talk radio, and the kids played on their PSP's, and computer.  We listened to our oldest son recite poetry. All in all no one pulled their hair out it was a good trip. Family togetherness. Because between the luggage, Christmas presents, and junk we were crammed in like sardines

I am not a fan of toll roads. A family is pretty much stuck in the matter of where to eat dinner on the road. If one gets off the toll road, one pays. Or if one gets off accidentally, thinking it's a rest area, one pays. Not that, that happened to us. Arrgh.

We ended up eating at Tim Horton's. I love Tim Hortons for coffee and hot chocolate, but the food is highway robbery expensive. That's true of most eating establishments these days.

We survived had a good trip.  Enjoying today. Visiting family. Relaxing. Life is good.

 

 

 

Related Articles

• How Much will the New Toll Road system Cost You? (assist247.co.za)


• Tim Hortons gets title sponsorship for outdoor game as part of deal with NHL (thehockeynews.com)


• Road Trip Pic of the Week, 12/23: What is this? (news.cnet.com)


• Road Trip Song (realmendriveminivans.com)


• Tim Hortons to close 36 restaurants in New England (sfgate.com)


• Store clerk foils Tim Hortons robbery (cbc.ca)


• Deliver Me From the Holiday Road Trip to Hell (blogher.com)


• Winter 2010 Issue of American Road Magazine Gives a Nod to Noël (prweb.com)


• Road Trip Pic of the Week, 12/16: What is this? (news.cnet.com)


• Road Trip!! (fishofgold.wordpress.com)


• How to survive a road trip with your better half (travelinglinds.wordpress.com)


• Geek Toys : Back to the Future: The Card Game (thinkgeek.com)

Zip It!

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="205" caption="Image by demandaj via Flickr"][/caption]

Packing a suitcase.... Some people are good at it. Some, not so much.

1. How many underwear do I need to take? Just enough? A few extras? Three pair, thirty, or three hundred? Just sayin'.

2. Packing in the winter months is always more difficult. After all, I like sweaters and sweaters take up more space. A lot more space then T-shirts and capris.

3. Then my husband made a comment about how full my suitcase looked and I explained I have sweaters and he laughed at me. Yes, laughed.

4. For a man I know to be very intelligent, you'd think he'd get it. Don't mess with a woman and her suitcase.Duh.

5. What do I leave behind? My pants? My sweaters? My skivvies? Going to colder climates...I need my fluffy socks too!

6. Packing is such a dilemma. Do I take just my boots? Or do I take my cute shoes too?

7. I've whittled it down...to stuff I can shove in the suitcase.

8. And have the suitcase actually zip!

9. I prefer "flexible" luggage to the hard case. Um....expandable is good.

10. Don't even get me started on how we're going to get everything packed in the van.

Over the river and through the woods....

Related Articles

• My Daddy And The Suitcase (mommamiameaculpa.com)


• How-To: Suitcase drumset (makezine.com)


• Ask Gadling: What to do when you can't fit everything into your luggage (gadling.com)


• Man seen in NYC rolling suitcase stuffed with body (sfgate.com)


• Montreal police recover two suitcases stolen from Pat Burns' widow after funeral (thehockeynews.com)


• Men's Chunky Knit Sweaters (beso.com)


• From the thrift-store heap to holiday chic (theglobeandmail.com)


• Ugly Sweaters big hit during holidays ()


• Shoe Cravings: Sweater Boots (beso.com)


• Wardrobe Staple: Men's Sweater Vests (beso.com)


• Cheapskate: Cozy Fall Sweaters (thefrisky.com)


• Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest (timesunion.com)

You Know You Are Losing It When...

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Image via Wikipedia"][/caption]

Those of you that read my blog know I am a Christian, wife, mom, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. I'm a writer, ponderer (is that a real word?), romantic, nostalgic, and a teacher. I have my blond moments, melt downs, and flip outs. I prefer organization and can lean a little towards being compulsive....but, only about certain things. Believe me on that.

So, today has been crazy for me. I don't know if I'm coming or going. Or am I here or have I already left the building? You know what I mean? Haven't we all had those type of days?

You Know You Are Losing It When...

1. You find yourself standing at the kitchen sink, holding the sink strainer, and  are actually wondering what that gunk IS in there? And worse yet, how did it get in there?

2. Your elderly dog takes glucosamine. The meds are orange flavored. You contemplate tasting it to see if it really DOES taste like orange. Like the dog cares. He thinks it's a treat.

3. You start to watch the news while making dinner. Instead of truly listening to what is going on in the world, you find yourself staring at the news reporter, thinking that he has a huge forehead and he'd look a lot better if he styled his hair differently.

4. While driving into town today, your child mentions that something stinks in the mini-van. You sigh....and then turn up the talk radio station even louder. It helps to drown out the thoughts about what could be rotting in the back cup holders, or under the seat.

5. You "skate" across the kitchen floor in your socks, while holding a spatula, singing Christmas tunes...and your family members don't even consider that strange.

6. You sprayed way to much Yankee Candle, mistletoe scented spray on the fake Christmas trees. For the love of Pete would someone throw open a window...I think I'm getting a mistletoe buzz.

7. The collie (not the older dog) keeps dumping the entire bowl of dog food in the snow. Then hides the bowl.

8. You start to believe that you actually look pretty sexy in your "Clifford the Big Red Dog" apron, as you fix dinner.

9. You try not to think about the fact that the ground beef you are browning for dinner used to be a cow at some point. Sniff. Sniff.

10. Okay, so maybe I'm not certifiable.....unless you look under the word MOM. Then you realize that  losing one's mind comes with the territory.

By the way, the cat is staring at me as I type. HE KNOWS.

Related Articles

• Jesse Kornbluth: Christmas Carol: Part Two (huffingtonpost.com)


• Warning over mistletoe habitat (bbc.co.uk)


• Celebrate the Season, But Keep the Focus on Your Wedding (bayareabrideguide.com)


• Yankee Candle - >30% off Entire Purchase Coupon (stlavonlady.wordpress.com)


• Clifford the Big Red Dog:Thinking Activities (brighthub.com)


• FarmVille: Mistletoe Tree and Ornament Tree now available (games.com)


• The Word "Mistletoe" Literally Means "Dung Twig" (todayifoundout.com)


• Mistletoe warning puts Christmas kisses at risk (bbc.co.uk)


• Mistletoe could vanish with 20 years, says National Trust (guardian.co.uk)


• Mistletoe and... (bbc.co.uk)


• Nostalgia mixes with joy as Iraqi Christians celebrate Christmas in Canada (theglobeandmail.com)


• War on Christmas: The Red Cross bans Christmas so as not to offend Muslims (theblogprof.blogspot.com)


• Humbled By The TRUE Miracles Of Christmas; Angels In Social Media (theplussizemommy.com)

The Gifts That Keep On Giving

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Image via Wikipedia"][/caption]

With the wonder of the internet, infomercials, and open 24 hour stuff marts.....we can all buy the niftiest gifts for those we love.

1. The Shake Weight......For all those loved ones that have under arm jiggle.

2. Pajama Jeans....because they are soft and cuddly and tons of people are already wearing their actual pj's to Wal-mart. So, if you can't beat 'em, join 'em.

3. Snuggie-- Why shouldn't we all look like monks? And while I'm on the subject, aren't Snuggie's really just robes turned around backward?

4. Slanket--- Which is really just another Snuggie, which is really just a bath robe.....so why not just buy a bathrobe?

5. The Potty Patch-- For all those pet lovers in your life. Who doesn't need to get an artificial turf square for their pet to "use" when inside? The great part is, one can wash it with just soap and water!!!

Who really comes up with these things? I mean, really.

Related Articles

• Jen Pollack Bianco: Snuggie World Tour (PHOTOS) (huffingtonpost.com)


• 'We wish you a Snuggie Christmas, and a hands-free New Year' (popwatch.ew.com)


• "Forever Lazy" adult onesie hopes to take on Snuggie (thenewstribune.com)


• Snuggie Slippers $6.99 on Amazon.com (shoppingblog.com)


• All Hail the Electric Snuggie [Snuggie] (gizmodo.com)


• It's The Slanket Armchair, AKA The Slarmchair (thefrisky.com)


• Custom Snuggie Inc. Names Zamolution Agency of Record (prweb.com)


• "Forever Lazy" onesie hopes to take on Snuggie (seattletimes.nwsource.com)


• Christmas Gift Guide 2010: 20 Healthy Presents To Put Under Your Tree (PHOTOS) (huffingtonpost.com)


• Christmas Shopping for Clothing (socyberty.com)


• The Pajama Company Launches its Christmas Gifts for Geeks Top 10 List (prweb.com)


• Wine Country Gift Baskets Announces Guaranteed Christmas Delivery (prnewswire.com)


• The Simple Gifts of Christmas: Presence (everydaygyaan.com)


• Christmas Gift Ideas for Every Entrepreneur (prweb.com)

Are These Gifts For Real?

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="288" caption="Image via Wikipedia"][/caption]

First of all I want to say a BIG, HUGE, GIGANTIC thank you to all the people that stopped by my blog yesterday. I love being "freshly pressed". Of course, if someone is not in the blogging world and I tell them that I'm excited about being freshly pressed, they get this look in their eyes that says, "God love her heart, but she's as nutty as her Christmas fruitcake." That's okay. I'm used to that, after all variety is the spice of life, right? I have several new readers, and people from all over the world told me that they like my blog. It makes me smile....so yeah, thanks again. My readers are the best.

 

ARE THESE GIFTS FOR REAL?

Have you found yourself at the department store or the mall, staring at gifts that are just down right weird? You wonder to yourself, do people really buy these for their LOVED ones? I will admit I probably stay more on the traditional side when it comes to Christmas presents. I'm all about sticking with a theme for people. I try to tailor the gifts to the person's taste. With that said, there are some gifts that are just over the top. What do you think of these? Would you put these things under your tree?

1. Sudoku Toilet Paper-- I don't know about you but, I don't spend THAT much time in the bathroom. Sudoku problems take me awhile...even then I don't have the patience to finish them. I would be in the bathroom all day. My family would have to send in a search party. On second thought that might not be such a bad idea.

2. Christmas at Ground Zero-- This is a CD by Wierd Al Yankovic .  Really? Um.....I don't think so. A weird Christmas album with the setting of Ground Zero. That is not the site that would put me in a festive spirit. How did he come up with this? I suppose he is weird for a reason. Definitely not a White Christmas moment. Cover your ears, Bing.



3.Tattoo Parlor Kids Playset -- This is for all the kids that are planning a career in the graphic arts field. One can't ever start to soon to learn the art of tattooing. You could be known in the 'hood as the kiddie tattoo parlor. Have friends over so your kids can ply their new trade. Just sayin' this could be big if you work it right.....of course, I think it might be illegal for minors. If anyone asks, deny knowing what in the world is going on.

4. LED Flashing Shoe Laces-- Who wouldn't want to glow in the dark? One could turn all the lights off in the house and amaze their family and friends with their flashy, glowing shoe laces. Plus it would totally freak out the family cat, and the kittie would attack the laces. There would be a lot of rolling around on the floor, fur flying, lace gnawing, and a few screams going on.....but, try to keep the Christmas spirit.Have your story straight for the ER doctor.

5. Napoleon Dynamite Lip Balm-- I loved the Napoleon Dynamite movie. I truly am weird that way. At least I admit it. As long as the lip balm doesn't smell like Tina the llama, from the movie, I could probably deal with it. I wonder if the lip balm would have you talking in a monotone voice with an uncontrollable urge to shoot wolves with your cross bow? Just a thought.

.....A little holiday humor to make you smile today........You may now go back to your regularly scheduled life......

Related Articles

• Cult Movie Cartoons - Fox Gives the Napoleon Dynamite Show the Green Light (trendhunter.com)


• Napoleon Dynamite: Animated Series on FOX! (justjared.buzznet.com)


• Fox Picks Up NAPOLEON DYNAMITE Animated Series (geektyrant.com)


• "Napoleon Dynamite" to be an animated TV show (salon.com)


• Gosh! Napoleon Dynamite Gets Animated (eonline.com)


• The Best Christmas Gift (socyberty.com)


• Christmas Gift Ideas for Your Beloved One (socyberty.com)


• The Simple Gifts of Christmas: Music (everydaygyaan.com)


• Gift guide! It's Christmas Time! from The Hopeless Gamer (thehopelessgamer.blogspot.com)


• Find unique collection of christmas presents for boyfriend ... (anymortgagesloans.com)


• Gifts for Pranksters (neatorama.com)


• How to Avoid the Gift Buying Ghosts of Christmas's Past (prweb.com)


• UNDER THE TREE: FLOTUS talks Christmas gifts (politico.com)


• Presenting: A guide to Christmas gift giving (thepunch.com.au)


• Besparkled Christmas Unicorns (tastelikecrazy.com)


• The *worst* holiday gift ideas (timesunion.com)


• 5 amazing tech gifts that will make your friends and family love you (even more) - and you can get them all for free (techvibes.com)


• 'The Goods': Give A Gift That Gives Back This Holiday Season (huffingtonpost.com)

Sleep Deprivation

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="240" caption="Image by Secret Tenerife via Flickr"][/caption]

The past couple of nights I haven't slept very well. Last night was the worst. Wide awake at 3:30 a.m. Man, that stinks. I rolled over trying a different sleep position. No success. I fluffed my pillows. Nothing. I rolled back over and readjusted my blankets. Zilch. I was getting a bit miffed. If I can't sleep, I desperately try not to wake my husband. He has trouble sleeping anyway, and once he is awake the TV comes on. I hate the TV on when I'm trying to sleep.

He woke up.

Sleep....sleep......why can't I sleep? Now, the TV is on, and I had to get up to use the bathroom. Why couldn't I have a bigger bladder? I had to turn the light on in the bathroom. Which doesn't help the go back to sleep thing. I feel compelled to turn on the light at night ever since I had the rodent visitor scurry past my feet while I was sitting on the toilet a few months ago. I'm still scarred.

So, I woke up this morning and was not in a good mood. I looked like something the cat dragged home....and felt like it too. To add to my torture, my husband woke up happy and told me he loved me and told me good morning with a big smile on his face. I'm surprised I didn't scare him. He is a brave man. He is still in a good mood. WHAT'S WRONG WITH HIM???? To add to my already festive spirit...the Christmas tree lights aren't lighting, and my computer was "not responding". It froze up in the middle of my blogging. NOT GOOD.

Maybe I'll go outside on the front porch and scream. The only ones that will hear me are the llamas across the road...and they already know I'm crazy.

Related Articles

• Top 10 Ways to Sleep Smarter and Better (lifehacker.com)


• Menopause and Sleep (everydayhealth.com)


• Skip the Milk: There's a Better Way to Beat Insomnia (aolhealth.com)


• Hibernating (ladybirdinfrance.blogspot.com)


• German night milk may aid insomniacs (guardian.co.uk)


• Search bonanza (bbc.co.uk)


• Insomnia (mobigasmic.blogspot.com)


• White House press corps sleepwalks through Asia (cnn.com)


• Snazzy Napper Sleep Shield - Dream Come True or Total Nightmare? (stylelist.com)


• Make Bedtime Fun with Flexa loft beds (flexa.co.uk)


• Beauty and Sleep: The Science Behind Beauty Rest (abcnews.go.com)


• Beauty sleep concept 'not a myth' (bbc.co.uk)


• Sleep Deprivation Makes You Ugly, Say Swedish Scientists (cbsnews.com)


• "Beauty sleep is not a myth, according to new scientific study" and related posts (personalmoneystore.com)


• 10 Tips to Get Kids on a Sleep Schedule (everydayhealth.com)


• Lack of Sleep Hurts Your Looks (webmd.com)


• Study: People Need Beauty Sleep (patspapers.com)


• Sleep deprived? Your looks may suffer (cnn.com)

Breathe In...Breathe Out

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Image via Wikipedia"][/caption]

Normally, I am an organized person. I love my calendars, daytimer, and to do list. This Christmas season has seen me running in circles, and having the feeling of not getting much accomplished. I told my daughter this morning that I have yet to watch more than ONE of my all time favorite Christmas movies. The only reason I was able to watch The Bishop's Wife (with Cary Grant) is that I squeezed it in WHILE I was balancing my checkbook. How sad is that?

I had such high hopes of eating warm cookies, and drinking hot chocolate while watching Christmas movies. I would have plenty of time to shop and wrap gifts. Yes, in my mind it was going to be like a Norman Rockwell picture or a print from Currier and Ives. Sigh. Instead it looked more like this....

1. WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU CAN'T SHIP BY CHRISTMAS???!!! You have to ship by Christmas. There are lives at stake! Namely mine.

2. I think the tree is leaning forward. Can we prop something under the stand? What would fit up under there without knocking it over?

3. Why are the lights blinking? Stop the blinking. I'm about to have a seizure!

4. I'm too tired to make cookies tonight.That is pretty tired, people.

5. The materials for the gingerbread house are still in the box. Wow, the picture on the box looks really cute. Maybe we could just cut the picture out and prop it up. Will people even notice?

6. I asked my son if he'd be offended if I just chucked his and his brother and sister's gifts under the tree and forgot the  gift wrapping? He just stared at me. Really? Okay, fine. It was worth a try.

7. My company will be welcomed to our house through a pet cluttered deck, and into a laundry (alas, mud) room. The floor is covered in mud and snow.....and quite frankly, at this point I don't care. This is our life. Mud and all.

8. If I get cut off in the parking lot at Wal-mart one more time, I might have holiday road rage.  On the up side, my mug shot could be used for next year's Christmas card.

9. Speaking of Christmas cards, I had such good intentions. Really. I did.

10. I'm playing Mary (as in Jesus mother) this year. It's an Advent monologue that I am performing this Sunday. I love drama. I just hope I can remember my lines! Breathe in.....breathe out.......

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Related Articles

• Home By Christmas Movie Review - Misandry For Christmas (screenhead.com)


• 10 Holiday Date Ideas (artofmanliness.com)


• Come To Think Of It: 'Tis the Season for Green and Other Bits of Creativity (chicagonow.com)


• Green Holidays: Gift Wrap (wholefoodsmarket.com)


• Top Five Things on My Christmas Wish List! (socyberty.com)


• The Road To Christmas Movie Review - Shocking Ending, Not Much Else (screenhead.com)


• Eighteen Classic Christmas Movies From The 1940s (socyberty.com)


• 13 Favorite Christmas Movies (socyberty.com)


• Get organised for Christmas (takechargesolutions.org)


• Need Some Gift Wrap Ideas? (piecefuljoy.wordpress.com)


• Fave Christmas Movies of All time (missblue02.wordpress.com)


• refilling your eggnog. (marykathryntyson.wordpress.com)


• Alone at Christmas? (thbloom.wordpress.com)


• Christmas film seasons and special screenings (guardian.co.uk)


• Movie in the Park in December? A Christmas Story in the Loop (chicagoist.com)


• What is YOUR favorite Christmas movie? Vote in our poll! (popwatch.ew.com)


• Top 5 Christmas Movies (brighthub.com)


• How To Stay In Shape This Holiday Season (hellobeautiful.com)


• Guide to Christmas Movies (brighthub.com)


• The Christmas Season: Why I Love It Plus Awesome Gift Ideas For The Ones On Your List (radicalparenting.com)

Gift Wrapping Envy

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Image via Wikipedia"][/caption]

I have to wrap gifts today. At least START to wrap gifts today. At least TRY to wrap gifts today.

I love to buy gifts for people. I love to have "a theme" to my gift buying. Most of the time my family and friends enjoy my gifts. Really.That is because I put thought into what I'm giving people....and they know it.

It's the wrapping that I'm not the best at....I don't make perfect corners. The corners are almost always uneven. I probably use way too much tape. My seams are crooked. And I have been known to cut the gift wrap too short and have to "patch" the area that the gift wrap didn't cover. Don't judge me.

Hey, it's the thought that counts, people! Not my (lack of) gift wrapping skill!

The weather is  yucky and cold. I may as well make good use of my time, being stuck inside. I think I will barricade myself in my bedroom with wrap, scissors, tape, bows, and tags. I won't come out until the deed is done. AND if one person makes a crack about my wrapping resembling something a kindergartner would do, well let's just say "Santa" might not be visiting them this year. To be honest, my kids wouldn't say a word--they care nothing about the wrapping. Once given a gift, the wrap is only on the gift for .0002 seconds. In a flash it is a crumpled mass on the floor. In light of that, why should I worry about making neat corners?

 

Related Articles

• Reusable gift wrap: pillowcases! (momblognetwork.com)


• Creating a Gift Wrapping Station (1-2-3getorganized.blogspot.com)


• You: Personalize Your Gifts with Typographic Wrapping Paper [Gift Wrap] (lifehacker.com)


• A Gift Wrapping Guide for the Rest of Us (thegreenists.com)


• Wrapping Gifts & A Holiday Gift Guide (homedesign.marthastewart.com)


• Gift wrap that keeps giving (sfgate.com)


• Doctor Who-Inspired Gift Wrap Rolls (geeksaresexy.net)


• Green gift wrap (greenreview.blogspot.com)


• Wrap gifts with the planet in mind (seattletimes.nwsource.com)


• Wrap Green for the Holidays (matternetwork.com)


• Christmas Gift Tips (rock-kool-dadie.blogspot.com)


• Need Some Gift Wrap Ideas? (piecefuljoy.wordpress.com)

Old Man Winter

Image via Wikipedia

Old Man Winter

didn't knock at my door.

He pounded and slammed,

left mud and snow on my floor.

He was bitter and cold

dressed all in white,

icy blue eyes

and breath with a bite.

I asked him how long

he planned to stay?

March? April?

Not longer, I pray!

"I love freezing rain,

sleet and snow.

I spread ice

wherever I go!"

I grabbed my mittens

got ready to play

If you can't beat him, join him

and have a SNOW DAY!

By: Dawn Gibson

Related Articles

• Blizzard blocks Giants from Minnesota (nypost.com)
• Old Man Winter (subheart.wordpress.com)
• Get Ready for Old Man Winter (lewrockwell.com)
• Seven Effective Products To Keep Old Man Winter's Wrath Away From Your Skin -- Help Your Skin Say Ahhh Instead Of Brrr! (prweb.com)
• Old Man Winter is early (fillingspaces.wordpress.com)
• Amazing Art Of Snow Sculpture (noupe.com)
• Influenza: Eric & Magill "Old Man Winter" (culturebully.com)
• Bracing for Old Man Winter (homeloans.org)
• Twin Cities: First Snowfall 2010 (biodork.wordpress.com)
• Flurries possible by Friday in Metro Vancouver (globaltvbc.com)

Lights! Camera! Freezing!

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Image via Wikipedia"][/caption]

The plan was to dazzle the night with our pretty icicle lights. This past Monday evening my husband said to me, "I've got some time...let's go out and start hanging the Christmas lights on the porch." (You know, before it's actually Christmas!)
1. In a snap I threw on my coat, scarf, ear flap hat with a tassel on top, and my gloves. Oh yeah, and my boots. Baby, I was ready for action.

2. Scott and I had untangled the lights as best we could.

3. Scott got on the ladder to hang the icicle lights around the bottom of the roof on our front porch. He is the man!

4. I was the "helper".

5. If he needed anything up there.

6. Um...he did most of the work and I was his moral support.

7. In this lighting endeavor.

8. It was freezing cold. Literally.

9. The wind was blowing.

10. And it was dark.

11. And we were outside in it.

12. The cold had numbed our brain cells.

13. Merry Christmas.

14. As I was losing feeling in my fingers, and Scott had no ears left.....

15. I stuck my head in the front door.

16. And yelled for my son to run and get my camera.

17. It's important to take pictures of these type of family events. For posterity's sake. Really.

18. I jumped off the porch, telling my hubby to just keep working, even as I took video footage.

19. I had to walk down the yard, to get the full effect.

20. The snow was blowing.

21. If I slipped, I might possibly not be found until the Spring thaw.

22. Found with a video camera frozen to my hand.

23. Footage of my man hanging lights.

24. How pretty they look!

25. Wow. That was hard work. I'm tired.

Related Articles

• Outdoor Christmas Lighting: Make Christmas Shine (rock-kool-dadie.blogspot.com)


• Have yourself a geeky Christmas with iGlo LED's (cultofmac.com)


• Christmas lights at your fingertips (search.japantimes.co.jp)


• How to Find Cheap Christmas Decorations to Light Up Your Holiday Season (allhome-improve.com)


• Christmas Light Survey (bigdansramblings.wordpress.com)


• Man dies after falling while hanging Christmas lights in Gloucester County (nj.com)

Weather Geek In Action

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="289" caption="Image via Wikipedia"][/caption]

I have told people on more than one occasion that I am a die hard weather geek. I have to check out the NOAA page several times a day. One never knows when the weather might change. I have to be prepared after all.

1. I checked the NOAA page this morning per my normal routine.

2. I saw, in bright red letters, HAZARDOUS STORM WARNING.

3. Oh, the excitement.

4. There could possibly, maybe, sorta, kinda be a storm that might push into Ohio this weekend.

5. It's always "possibly" because we all know weather is an exact science.

6. There is no doubt the temps will plummet to HIGHS in the teens.

7. With wind. That is the killer.

8. Just don't know how much snow is on the way......

9. Our first snow of the season was on December 1.

10. It has flurried and been freezing cold, every day since.

11. Omen for the rest of the winter?

12. A possible storm on the way.

13. You know what this means, don't you?

14. A trip to the grocery store.

15. I have to lay up provisions. In case we are stuck in the house until the Spring thaw.

16. We at least need hot chocolate and plenty of ingredients for cookie making.

17. With that, we could pull through until the Spring.

18. Or at least until a snow plow comes down our road.

19. After all my family has priorities.

20. If I was trapped in the house all winter with my family without hot chocolate and cookies, it would be bad.

***I would end up like the Jack Nicholson character in The Shining. We all know THAT didn't end well.***

Related Articles

• AccuWeather Says Cold Temps To Last Until Christmas! (roysrants.wordpress.com)


• Northeast Ohio braces for still more lake snow (dispatch.com)


• "Breezy" we can handle . . . (seattletimes.nwsource.com)


• What those Weather Service terms mean . . . (seattletimes.nwsource.com)


• National Weather Service Releases 'Winter Weather Advisory': Snow Possible (b-townblog.com)


• What's the Best Weather App for iPhone? (brighthub.com)


• NOAA: Warming Arctic Unlikely to Return to How it Was (via Chrisy58′s Weblog) (wilderside.wordpress.com)

Wanting To Go Postal At Walmart

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Image via Wikipedia"][/caption]

I am now calm enough to blog about my Walmart fiasco. I nearly had a melt down.

1. I went in last Monday to drop off my son's prescription. (La la la....a nice day:)

2. It is a common medicine.

3. I've done it a million times before.(at least it seems that way, because I'm the one who has to visit the pharmacy all the time)

4. I went in Tuesday morning to pick it up.( big smile. lovely day.)

5. Sorry, we're out of the meds is what the pharmacy tech told me.

6. Why didn't I get a call? This is a wasted trip. (still smiling. still calm.)

7. Sorry mam. Computers don't make phone calls.(says the young chick at the counter who flipped her hair around while she spoke AT me)

8. PEOPLE DO! IT'S CALLED COURTESY, IF YOU ARE OUT OF MEDS. LUCKY FOR YOU NO ONE IS DYING. (was my kind reply)

9. The medicine will be in by 5pm TOMORROW.(she snarks at me)

10. Fine!

11. I couldn't go on Wednesday evening.

12. So I went with my son Thursday morning. Before his class. (We left early)

13. I waited in the line at the pharmacy behind an elderly couple who had at least 10 meds between them.(bless their hearts)

14. I was trying to be patient, but I only had a few minutes until I had to have my son to his class.

15. Tick. Tock.

16. S-L-O-W

17. I am about to scream. (At least in my head)

18. I finally got to the cashier at the counter.

19. This was a different pharm. tech.

20. An older lady.

21. Sorry we are out of those meds.

22. WHAT???!!!!

23. After I um....show my irritation......the pharmacist overheard me.

24. Mam. I am so sorry. That first tech should not have told you that the meds would be in.

25. That does nothing for me now. We are totally out of meds. I've been here THREE times. Still nothing. I mean do I need to schedule an appointment to get the medication? I thought Walmart was all about customer service.

26. THAT is a huge let down. Ugh.

27. The pharmacist called Krogers (grocery) next door. They had the meds.

28. My son and I drove over to the next shopping center.

29. I went in. I dropped off the prescription. (which Wmart had given back)

30. Can't have it ready until after 12.

31. AAAAGGGHHHHHHH!!!!!!!

32. We drove clear across town to his school.

33. Dropped him off. (with no meds)

34. I drove clear BACK across town to pick up the meds.

35. I get the stinkin' meds in my possession.

36. FOR THE LOVE OF PETE!

37. I haven't been this frustrated or frazzled  in a long time.

38. My own blood pressure was probably sky high at this point. It's a wonder I didn't stroke out.

39. I can understand why some people go postal.

40. I have a headache just reliving this ordeal.

Thank you for listening to my vent. You may now go back to your regularly scheduled life.

6.

Related Articles

• Where can I get 4 dollar generic prescriptions? (compassioninpolitics.wordpress.com)


• Walmart drug plan for seniors may not be best deal (sfgate.com)


• Walmart Drug Plan May Not Be Best for Seniors (aolhealth.com)


• Can Kroger Beat Wal-Mart? (blogs.forbes.com)


• 31 days without Walmart - Buying a new camera (notesfromthefunnyfarm.wordpress.com)


• Walmart joins Homeland Security terror fight (msnbc.msn.com)


• At U.S. Supreme Court, Christmas Comes Early for Wal-Mart (politicsdaily.com)


• Walmart My Holiday - Walmart (itunes.apple.com)

Flash Freeze

Today's high is supposed to be 22 degrees. Last night the wind chill temp. was at 0 to -8. That is a bit nippy. Unless one is used to living in Siberia...than maybe not so much. Still. Cold.

1. The snow looks pretty on the ground.

2. Snow doesn't feel so pretty when it gets in one's boots.

3. The wind is blowing.

4. Blowing hard.

5. There is no chance of having a hairstyle in this wind.

6. If I go anywhere I usually look like cousin It, by the time I get to where I'm going.

7. Cousin It was not known for his beauty.

8. I need to dig out my scarf collection.

9. Maybe I can start a new trend.

10. Wearing all the scarves I own AT ONCE.

11. I'm all about being toasty.

12. Maybe a little weird, but a warm weird.

13. I hear that this winter is to have extremely low temps.

14. So much to look forward too!

15. I actually like winter.

16. When I don't have to be outside.

17. It's all in one's perspective.

18. Right?

19. Time for some hot coffee.

20. How come in the movies ,or on commercials, the girls always look so cute in their hats, scarves and mittens?

22. They never look windblown or disheveled.

23. Or have a red nose, or chapped hands.

24. So not fair.

25. Now where did I stash my scarves?

Related Articles

• "People my age don't want to put hats and scarves on in their homes..." (althouse.blogspot.com)


• Snowman Digi Stamps Guide (brighthub.com)


• Ask Hadley: Scarves and woolly hats (guardian.co.uk)


• The Upside of Cold Weather: Cool Winter Accessories (shopbop.com)


• Hand knit gloves, perfect in July (crazyauntpurl.com)


• Blue Plaid Scarf | Accessories | Etsy (thebudgetfashionista.com)


• Quilted Pillow Scarves - The Patagonia Nano Puff Scarf Will Keep You Toasty and Warm (GALLERY) (trendhunter.com)


• Make it a wrap (thestar.com)


• Cashmink Me (theitlists.com)


• Scarves for Women: The Essential Accessory (blogs.smarter.com)


• Minus 8 in another overnight freeze - but warmer weather on the way (menmedia.co.uk)


• Big Freeze: Drivers Urged To Avoid Icy Roads (news.sky.com)


• Day Four of the Big Freeze (averygrandpressigny.blogspot.com)

Fighting With The Mailbox

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Image via Wikipedia"][/caption]

As I have mentioned on more than one occasion, I happen to love getting mail.

This afternoon I decided that I would brave the cold temperature and go out and get the mail. I could have sent one of the kids, I suppose...but, getting the mail is kind of my thing.  I live such an exciting, adventuresome life. At this point it was snowing and the wind was blowing and I was thinking I should have pulled on a coat instead of just wearing a sweatshirt. Oh well, I live. I learn. And I freeze to death. It's all in a days work.

After dutifully looking both ways before crossing the road at the end of our driveway, I made my way to the mailbox. Woo hoo! I got mail! After perusing my mail, I went to close the mailbox lid. It would not close. I slammed it. It fell back open. I jiggled the lid then slammed it. It fell back open. I gingerly closed it. Still not working. Now, I was becoming annoyed with my big, black, plenty of room for packages, mailbox. One more time I jiggled, slammed, pushed the door shut. It stuck. Finally, I was half way back up the driveway when I heard the mailbox door fall open. Again. I gave up...and just continued up the driveway.

The mailbox will no doubt be filled with snow or ice in the morning. Sigh.

I'll have you know that I totally and completely blame the snow plow guy for this whole mailbox fiasco. Earlier this year, he bent our lovely mailbox in one of his plowing ventures. This is part of my blog entry from February 8th of this year....

I just heard scraping out on the road. It’s the snow plow. Probably plowing our driveway shut. Again. Oh no. This time the snow avalanche hit our mailbox and popped the door of the mailbox open. Great. So now snow can get in and make our mail nice and wet. Lovely. At least our mailbox is still in one piece. Living out here in rural America one sees a lot of mailboxes that have seen the bad end of a snow plow. My friend, who grew up here, informed me that winter mailboxes are attached to the post with a myriad number of things. Duct tape, bungee cords, an old belt….whatever one can find to hold the mailbox together. After all, who wants to spend money on a new mailbox if the plow is just going to destroy it again? Makes sense to me. Our mailbox used to have a fancy piece on top, that had our family name on it. It lasted all of 2 seconds. We found it laying in the ditch last winter. A victim of the plow.

Related Articles

• The Latest in Commercial Snow Plowing; Businesses use Forklifts for Snow Removal (prweb.com)


• What's In Your Mailbox? (livingrichwithcoupons.com)


• City adopts new snow plowing technique (cbc.ca)


• What's In Your Mailbox? (forthemommas.com)

Mama Said There'd Be Days Like This...

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Image via Wikipedia"][/caption]

1. It must really be cold outside because I felt the chill as soon as I got out from under the covers this morning.I thought about not getting up...but, I'm needed so I threw back the covers and braved the day. Brrrr....

2. My feet are cold.

3. I suppose I should put on my fuzzy slippers.

4. I'm made hashbrown casserole this morning for breakfast.

5. It's now baking in the oven.

6. It smells really good..even though I had to cut onions and they made me cry. I look like I've been on a drinking binge.

7. The baking casserole is making me hungry.

8. The coffee is also smelling good this morning.

9. I'm still tired even though I just got up at 8.

10. Normally, I get up earlier...but, not today.

11. Snowy, wet weather makes a lot of mud. I said a lot. Did you hear me?

12. Mud that has found its way into my laundry room. A LOT of mud. Did you hear me again?

13. I guess they (whoever they are) call it a mudroom/laundry room for a reason.

14. I don't like a dirty, cruddy floor.

15. Especially on my bare feet. My cold bare feet.

16. How come it is most people wake up with their hair sticking up all over?

17. I hate people that wake up with good hair. It's a disgusting display of perfect.

18. I wish I was that disgusting person. Just sayin'.

19. Don't hate me because I'm beautiful.

20. That is hysterical. Really.

21. Sometimes I scare myself in the morning.

22. Not intentionally. It just happens.

23. I've got 20 minutes until "brunch" is done.

24. I should make good use of my time, and go get dressed.

25. That would be lazy of me to wear my pajamas all day um....yes, it would.

 

Related Articles

• Make An Upcycled Casserole Cozy For Holiday Meals To Go (thekitchn.com)


• Chocoholics Anonymous, Here I Come! (poetesswug-thewugsbackyardblogspot.blogspot.com)


• Primal Breakfast Casserole (marksdailyapple.com)


• I Can Has Casserole? (chefhermansfood.com)


• This Year I Am Thankful For...Breakfast With My Family (And For Bacon!)! (chicagonow.com)

Baby It's Cold Outside...

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Image via Wikipedia"][/caption]

Okay, well maybe it is not cold today...right at this moment...but, I've looked at the weather forecast for the rest of the week. (I am a weather geek--that is what I do) It's going to be cold. Like in the 30's cold. Like very windy, cold. Like wearing thick sweaters and cozy socks cold. My kind of cold!(She says as she dances around the house in her turquoise socks and red sweater humming the song "Baby It's Cold Outside".)

I want to decorate for Christmas tonight. I sort of started yesterday...just a little bit. Tonight I want the full, decorating blow out. I love to decorate for Christmas. Really. Love. It.

There is only one problem. I have to go up to the attic and drag down boxes. Lots and lots of boxes. I will enlist my family to help in this little adventure. I am hoping that none of our rodent visitors found their way into our Christmas decor. I also hope the trapped birdie we had in the attic did not leave any "presents" on our holiday finery. It would ruin my mood....cause there is nothing like cleaning bird poop off the decorations that says, "Merry Christmas!".

I would like to watch White Christmas or It's A Wonderful Life while decorating. I might be forced to give in and watch a newer movie. We could watch The Christmas Story. That was made in the 80's even though the movie itself was supposed to take place decades earlier. All my children were born in the 90's, so they'd still think an 80's movie is vintage.

 

Related Articles

• Baby, It's Cold Outside. (buppietheblog.com)


• Snow has stopped, but baby, it's cold (beaconhill.seattle.wa.us)


• Baby, it's Cold Outside... (mydestinationinfo.com)


• Listen to 'Glee: The Music, The Christmas Album' Now (jsyk.com)

Country Life?

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Image via Wikipedia"][/caption]

Song Lyrics & Words--Green Acres

Green acres is the place to be.
Farm livin' is the life for me.
Land spreadin' out so far and wide.
Keep Manhattan, just give me that countryside.

New York is where I'd rather stay.
I get allergic smelling hay.
I just adore a penthouse view.
Dah-ling I love you but give me Park Avenue.

...The chores.
...The stores.
...Fresh air.
...Times Square

You are my wife.
Good bye, city life.
Green Acres we are there.

Today I am having  "Green Acres" moments....

1. DREAM: My deck that I had high hopes for....in my mind I saw the relaxing hammock, a nice cushioned sitting area for my husband and me, to sip our morning coffee, flower baskets hanging off the deck railing. Sigh......

REALITY: The two dogs have taken over the deck. They have flung their dog food all over the place. I trip on dog bowls and boots. The cats lay on the lawn chairs and occasionally puke on the deck when they feel the need. There is mud and dirt tracked all over and forget the flowers, the poor things would never last.

2. DREAM: Acres in the country, wide open spaces.

REALITY: No trees, no windbreaks. Gale force winds that threaten to blow one to Kansas if not careful.

3. DREAM: No street lights so I can see the stars.

REALITY: NO STREET LIGHTS---pitch black darkness, almost tripping and breaking my neck on the way to the barn. I need a flashlight that WORKS.

4. DREAM: Getting back to nature.

REALITY: Lots of wild animals. With hooves, and claws, and teeth. Most of these animals are nocturnal. This means that while I am out wandering around in the dark (see #3) I might run into unknown animal.  Also, many, many deer.....that like to cross the road at night when one is driving 50 m.p.h.

5. DREAM: Picturesque farms dotting the countryside.

REALITY: The farms really are beautiful. Sometimes one has to overlook the smell of manure and fertilizer. That is just the way it is:)

 

Dreams and reality might be a little different....but, I'm still glad we chose to live here. Rural Ohio is beautiful.

 

Related Articles

• You: Suburban living, down on the farm (latimes.com)


• IT's Last Hope - a Job In the Boonies? (news.slashdot.org)


• Green acres (theage.com.au)

Survival Of The Fittest

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="240" caption="Image by markhillary via Flickr"][/caption]

I'm glad to be able to relate to all my blog readers that I am not dead. I did indeed survive Black Friday from 12 a.m to 7:45 a.m. It was quite a new experience for a newbie Black Friday (BF to those seasoned veterans) shopper like myself. I got good and caffeinated for the excursion ahead. I didn't get sleepy...not even once. It was exhilarating! Walmart, Big Lots, Goody's, and JcPenney. Me and the posse' got some serious door buster sale items. The free stuff was fun too. We got a free ornament at JcPenney. Very cute. Walmart was handing out doughnuts, and five hour energy drinks around 3 in the morning. Cool. All this caffeine never killed anybody. Maybe a twitch or the shakes, but that eventually calmed down, not that that happened to me, you understand.

1. At my Walmart people were in cluster groups. Some things went on sale at midnight. Others not until 5am. People were in packs waiting for the goods. If I were a psychologist I could have done some serious research. It was kind of like reality TV up close and personal.

2. I wasn't there to get anything in particular so I could stand back and watch without putting myself in harms way.

3. Most people I came in contact with were nice. Got into a nice conversation with a lady at bed linens.

4. Bought some nice Christmas gifts. For good deals I might add.

5. Nice Walmart ladies were roaming around the store at 3am, handing out the 5 hr. energy drinks that I mentioned earlier. Nothing like people being hyped up on caffeine AND in a shopping frenzy.

6. We were the first ones....sitting in the JCPenney parking lot at 3 in the morning. They opened at 4am. People began pulling into the parking lot and as it got closer to 4....we all huddled in the freezing cold wind, at the door. They don't call it "door buster" sales for nothing. Just sayin'.

7. Back to Walmart to pick up the stuff that didn't go on sale until 5. Snatched up a couple of deals. Good stuff.

8. Stopped by McDonald's at a little after 5 for some nourishment. And coffee. Woo hoo! Had my second wind. Me and 3 trillion other people.

9. Back out to Big Lots for some Christmas lights and wrapping paper. It was very crowded, but people were nice. Two ladies were snatching up all the child chairs. You know the kind that mirror adult chairs, but are child size. I don't know what one person wants with all those chairs....maybe she has a lot of little people at her house?

10. Finished up at Goody's. Seriously, love this store. And it smelled really good in there.....not that smell had anything to do with the good deals. But, it certainly didn't hurt. It made for pleasant shopping.

Had been awake for 27 hours straight. Came home, sat down in a chair, and promptly fell asleep.

Related Articles

• All-night shop-a-thon: Black Friday draws crowds (usatoday.com)


• Black Friday shopping: Good deals gone before stores open (thestar.com)


• Black Friday: 'It's my first time sleeping at Wal-Mart' (thestar.com)


• Wal-Mart's Black Friday starts off busy (cnn.com)


• The Nuts and Bolts of Black Friday (abcnews.go.com)


• Shoppers face crowds, cold for Black Friday bargains ()


• Tell Us Your Black Friday Horror Stories (Or, This One Time I Threw Up In A Macy's) [Black Friday] (jezebel.com)

I'm Goin' In!!!

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Image via Wikipedia"][/caption]

I have been talked in to participating in Black Friday. Me and my posse' are hitting the stores at midnight.We're roaming the streets until the early morning hours. 'Cause that's how we roll.

1. Why I allowed myself to be talked into this...just proves that my mind is going.

2. I'm wearing my running shoes in case of any stampeding going on.

3. I hope I don't get beaten down by some big mama hyped up on caffeine.

4. I'm a little nervous.

5. People get crazy over a good sale. If I'm in the way of someone getting a big flat screen TV...I could get shanked at the Wal-mart and left to meet my Maker laying on the floor at Wally World, forced to listen to canned Christmas music as my life ebbs away.

6. Why am I being so dark and morbid?

7. I'll tell you why.

8. I'll be out in the middle of the night...in the dark and cold....with 90 bazillion other people, strung out on over doses of turkey and mashed potatoes.

9. Hyped up on caffeine.

10. It's a deadly combination.

If for some reason I don't blog tomorrow...you'll know why. I'm either sound asleep after my night life of shopping 'til I drop....or well, I'm dead. Run over by a mob of crazy Christmas shopping mamas-on-a-mission.

Related Articles

• "Walmart Black Friday Ad!" and related posts (myfrugaladventures.com)


• The ultimate Black Friday survival guide. (slate.com)


• Black Friday Week: What Delightful Deals Will Apple Have In Store? (crunchgear.com)


• Stores prepare for Black Friday (charlotte.news14.com)


• Wal-Mart Expands Black Friday Hours (huffingtonpost.com)


• Americana: Black Friday (americanthings.wordpress.com)