Happy Haloweeeeeenie!!

Look at us last year!! I can’t wait to post this evening’s photos. Eddie is loving life as Jeff Gordon and Caitlyn is a very good witch. We even dropped Eddie off with no tears this morning. I hope your day is filled with doughnuts, cider, and SPOOKTACULAR fun! Mwaaaaah haaaah haaa haaah!!

Random List Post (on weight, diet, baby names, child spacing, you name it!) I'm everywhere today!!

It so feels like Wednesday to me today. I don’t know why. I feel out of sorts. Maybe because I went to the gym this morning and I usually (by usually I mean last week) go MWF? I don’t know. In any case this will be a list post, because I really like lists, but also because I’m feeling a bit lazy.

1. Speaking of the gym, I’ve been going for a week and at least paying attention to what I eat, and I have lost one tiny pound. One. I wish there was some way to see immediate results. I wish I was the type of person who could do one of those crazy liquid diets. I wish that I could somehow get the lbs. to melt away. It doesn’t work that way though, huh.
2. Speaking of weight loss, I causally mentioned to Ed that I was going back on the pill because I don’t want an unplanned pregnancy to get in the way of my weight loss goals. (I have an appointment 11/9) He was actually kind of upset with me about it. He kind of thought we’d have another baby sooner than later. Well ok then. We disagree. I’m not canceling the appointment, but I will have a serious discussion with him before I start the pill. Who knew??
3. Eddie and Caitlyn were spitting last night. Their dinner, their beverages, just plain spit, you name it. They were out of control. At one point, I said to Eddie sternly “We do not spit in this house” and he said “Well can we spit in other peoples houses?” I had to walk away so he wouldn’t see me laughing.
4. I’m tired of my job and the shenanigans that go on. That’s all I have to say about that.
5. Caitlyn is on day 5 of being dry. She ran back and forth from the bathroom all last night saying that she needed to poop, but couldn’t get it out. She went in her pull-up right before bed and was actually upset about it. Today is a new day!!
6. Our local park is having an enchanted forest tonight and my FIL and I are taking the kids to walk through. I think they’ll enjoy it. Plus they get to try out their costumes before wearing them to school tomorrow.
7. Eddie still hates school in case you were wondering. He keeps asking for Ed to go with to drop him off, and I know it’s because Ed will stay and I will not. Ed can’t say no though, and usually follows us over. I kiss both kids goodbye and go. Ed has usually just left Eddie by the time my 20 minute commute to work ends. Now even at home, he wants to know where I am all the time—and says things like “Mommy, don’t leave me!!” when I put him to bed or am in the kitchen or something. I wish I knew what to do. I’m sure it’s not stay by his side for life, which is totally my inclination right now. I just feel like “my poor poor baby….” All of the time.
8. It’s supposed to be 70 degrees tomorrow for trick or teat---how awesome is that? I have to pick up crap for the kids to take to school tomorrow for their party and parade and now apparently for an impromptu Halloween party at work. I should have saved the pumpkin cookies (which are FRICKEN AWESOME!!) for tomorrow.
9. Did I happen to mention that we took all of the chocolate candy the kids got last Halloween and put it in the freezer? We have every intention of passing it out tomorrow night. Is that wrong in some way? It was all standard sealed chocolate; we didn’t save gummies or anything, so I think it should be fine. They weren’t going to eat it all.
10. I’d love to know what everyone is dressing their kids as for Halloween, or better yet, I’d like to see photos.
11. FINALLY!! I happened to hear a girls name on the radio this morning and immediately decided it was my new 2nd or 3rd favorite name for a girl. Do you want to hear it? No really, do you? It’s a name Ed would never go for, but I love it. Are you ready? It’s Sabina. I think it’s so pretty! Sabina. It makes me smile.

TTFN!!!

Blah

I don’t know what is going on today, you know, being expected to work rather than peruse blogs all day long, but here it is 4:00 and I’m finally writing when there is very little time left in my day.

I’m actually kind of sick. My throat started feeling a little bit scratchy and I felt a bit off (well more so that usual) yesterday so on my way home from the baby shower I was at, I picked up some NyQuil. I bought the capsules rather than the liquid, and somehow convinced myself that they were not working--like unless I physically tasted the green syrupy black licorice magic, the medicine just wouldn’t work--and was up all night. It could just be that I only took half of a dose, but I think I’ll pawn the capsules off on Ed and pick up a jug of NyQuil to drown away my sorrows sickness.

Our weekend was productive in an odd sort of way. We spent Saturday driving around to furniture stores for no actual reason. We are considering a breakfast nook for our kitchen and bunk beds (bump beds if you are Eddie) for the kids’ room. We went to the far away pumpkin farm as well, in search of my cookies and they did not have them. I will be making cookies tonight a la Mommy Daisy because I just can’t wait any longer. I can pawn them off at work as Halloween Treats and not buy any candy for my associates either.

After the baby shower yesterday, we carved pumpkins and I did oven fried chicken for dinner, (The recipe is on the back of the bisquick box, and is a favorite in our house) and bathed the kids. It was a pretty laid back kind of night. For what it was worth ( = not much) I was in bed by 10.

I saved the best for last though……Cait has been peeing AND pooping on the potty exclusively since Friday. She even woke us me up at 5:00 AM Saturday screaming “MOMMY!!! I NEED TO GO PEE!!!!!” Her pull up was dry, and she peed and went back to bed. It was like the flick of a switch, and she was done peeing in diapers. I’m so proud of my baby girl. Now if we could only get her brother to stay dry through the night. That’s a story for a different day though.

I’m looking forward to seeing photos of all the mini ghouls and goblins out here in bloggy land, and I’ll be posting a few of my own as well.

Hooray for Halloween!!

R A I N B O W

Like I mentioned yesterday, today was picture day at daycare. I’ve been apprehensive all day because 2 years ago, Eddie wouldn’t even go in to the room to have his picture taken (I was still on maternity leave with Cait, so she didn’t go at all) and last year both kids gave the people a really hard time—though Eddie eventually sat and smiled when they gave him one of their props to hold. Caitlyn though, was hysterical, and when they did get her to sit, she stared blankly at the camera, teas in her eyes, and snot dripping out of her nose. I have these photos displayed proudly on my desk though, because they do capture the kid’s true personalities. In any case, I hope it goes better today. They have a nice autumn background and I dressed the kids in jeans (Cait in a denim jumper) and Eddie in an orange striped shirt and Cait in a pinky/orangey and brown striped shirt. If it goes well, they will be adorable photos.

We’ve been having a really hard time with Eddie at drop off. He screams, and cries and carries on uncontrollably, saying “I want my Mommy…” or “I don’t like school!!” He’s been telling me that he misses the old school and wants to go back. I’ve asked him if the teacher is mean, or if someone is hurting him and he says no. I asked him if he gets in trouble, and he says no. Teacher says he is usually fine soon after we leave, but his anxiety really concerns me. He was doing a whole lot better until we went on vacation, and then he was sick for 4 days, so there was a good chunk of time where he was home. I don’t know if he feels like if he carries on enough, we’ll figure something out and take him home? Or if he really just hates it there? Or if he’s going through something that he can’t express? He hasn’t had any sort of separation anxiety since he was 18 months old, so I am at a complete loss as to what to do with him. I tend to make goodbyes quick, leaving him there crying. It kills me to do it, but I don’t feel like lingering will help anything. (not to mention having to be at work) Ed disagrees---wants to have him somewhat calmed down before we go and is actually horrified that I would just leave him there. In general, the whole situation sucks.

Caitlyn is easy though, like she always has been. She smiles, and goes off to play, or sits down to breakfast waving goodbye. Calling after us “BYE Mommy and Daddy!!!” She can’t get us out the door soon enough and generally doesn’t want to leave at the end of the day either.

Complete opposite ends of the spectrum.

Retail Therapy and Crappy Diet Crap (stooopid DIET!!)

Somehow the PMS comes on right about the time that I start to diet. It is inevitable and sometimes just seems like a cruel trick—you know like there’s good old Mother Nature clasping her hands together and cackling like a crazy person. “You will be large and in charge for ETERNITY!!! AAAHH HA HAHAHAHAHA!!!”

Seriously though. I was running errands on my lunch break (more on that later) and on my way out of the bank, all of the smells from the Mexican place, Chinese place and pizza place were wafting out in to the already yummy crisp autumn air, and I could have died. All the fried, greasy wonderfulness I could ever want….all in one plaza. There’s actually a donut shop there too. And a deli.

I sucked it up though, and headed back to work where I thoroughly enjoyed my homemade salad and Lean Gourmet Spaghetti and Mushrooms along with my XXX Vitamin Water. Not fully satisfied, I chased it with a peanut butter Twix. Ok, 2 peanut butter Twix.

What the hell, right?

Anyhoo, I had to go to Babies R Us on my lunch break to get a gift for my cousin’s baby momma’s shower this weekend. I swear, just driving by that store, my checking account becomes depleted. I bought the gift my SIL and I decided on and then just had to look at the clothes. They had full outfits for $9.99. I got 2 for Cait (one that is jeans embellished with blue cloth and a blue hoodie and the other is pink leopard print leggings with matching pink that has a leopard print kitty on it---in case you were wondering). I also grabbed pull-ups and wipes while I was there, making my grand total around $100.

In other shopping news, I scored 35% off of the clearance prices on line for the rest of the furniture we got for our living room. The bad news is that it costs $60 to ship, but the discount was about $73 so it kind of evens out. I’m so excited to have matching furniture that I can’t even believe it. We’re in negotiations about paint in the living room right now though—I want like a grayish green or sunflower yellow, and Ed wants tan. He also wants to paint my woodwork black. I don’t think I’m a fan of that idea. I’ll definitely post photos of the finished product.

Finally, tomorrow is picture day at daycare, and I think that Caitlyn might actually sit this year. Last year she was miserable and crying, and you can see the tears and runny nose in her photo. I have to make a mental note to remember the forms telling them what I want. The folks that come in to do them do a really good job, and they have a really nice set-up. Hopefully, it will all go well.

This means though that there are baths to be had and hair needs to be dried before they lay down tonight, which makes me one busy woman. I’d better finish up work and get out of here!!

6 Habits Meme

Mommy Daisy tagged me for a meme in which I list 6 habits or facts about myself. I’ve done my 100 facts list as well as an 8 facts list from TFM, so I’m going to focus on my habits, if you will.

1. I set and reset my alarm clock with an OCD-like fierceness. I set it, check to make sure it’s set for the right time, verify am/pm, and then reset it just in case. I do it like 10 times in a row.
2. I am insanely particular about the way my silverware drawer is organized. It must go from left to right, forks, spoons, knives. They must be organized in the dishwasher basket the exact same way.
3. I pop my ears voluntarily all day long.
4. I can never be bothered to remember my wedding ring. I always have really good intentions of putting it on, but it never happens. Until I was pregnant, I never took it off. Now, even if I wear it out, I don’t wear it at home. I’m super clumsy and bang it on things, or I scratch the kids with it.
5. I’m obsessed with getting boogers out of the kid’s noses. Even if they’re not bothering them at all. Even if they are completely non-intrusive. I need to get them out of there.
6. I can’t handle any sort of repetitive sound (idiot bell on the car door) or flashing light (the answering machine). If I hear something I track it down til I find it and make it stop. My employees are required to turn of the volume on their pc’s because any sort of pc noise sends me over the edge.

I'm not tagging anyone specifically, but do it if you are so inclined!

Tuesday Randomness

1. We bought 2 snails for our fish tank. We now have a baby snail. From what I hear, they multiply more than rabbits. Maybe I’ll start a snail farm. You would think that the pet store would warn us about their spawning. They didn’t.
2. I went to Old Navy on my lunch break to spend the gift certificate I got from my mom and get some clothes for Cait. For some reason Eddie has tons of fall/winter clothes and she has none. Anyway, the store was super picked over so I ended up coming back and ordering some things online. You’re bored with me, right? This is what I got for Cait, and with the exception of the dress which I paid FULL PRICE for (because it is more than adorable), everything was less than $4. I can’t wait for the dress. (I got the black shirt in 3 colors and the pants in 3 colors too)






3. I started using Neutrogena’s complete skin care system and it is finally making a difference. I wrote a while back about how insanely horrible my skin was. I feel a whole lot better now.
4. I joined NaBloPoMo and have committed to posting every day in November. I decided that I am going to do a “Thought of the day” entry every day in addition to whatever regular entries I might write.
5. I saw my sweet niece Samantha for the fist time since July on Sunday. She is so fat and cute in her 6-month-oldness that I can’t stand it. I told my BIL to bring her over any time. What’s one more kid to watch? Eddie and Caitlyn loved her. When I told Caitlyn she was her baby cousin she looked at me with a huge grin and said “Mine Mommy? My baby??” It was adorable.
6. The kids also both had their hair cut on Sunday. Caitlyn now has a cute bob. Very cute.

Finally I just wanted to thank all of you wonderful ladies for your words yesterday. How amazing is it to have this cross country support network of people who know just how I feel? You all make me smile.

P.S. I did not go to the gym today on account of being super sore from yesterday. I always forget how hard the fist week or so is. I will be back tomorrow though. And I ate half a brownie last night. There, I’m being honest.

On Dieting and Weight Loss (and being a lazy slob)

So I’m dieting again. This comes after realizing that not only have I gained back the weight I lost last winter, I added about 8lbs to that, not to mention the fact that I lost all of the muscle tone that I had built. Almost none of my pants fit and the ones that do are uncomfortable. I am ashamed and disappointed.

I went to the gym at 5:30 this morning, like I did all last winter. I like going in the AM when all of the old people are there, instead of the intimidating body builder types. At least the girl at the front desk remembered me; I have only been there a handful of times since the middle of May.

What is it about the summertime that makes you discard your healthy eating and lifestyle habits? I was really doing well back then and proud of myself because I was sticking with it, and seeing results despite my Thyroid Condition . I felt great, and it was an all around amazing experience. Why then was it so easy to get lazy?

I always hesitate to discuss anything about my weight, dieting or working out because it’s easy to see when I’ve failed. I can’t just arbitrarily say “YES! I’ve lost this much weight!” because you can see the truth. If I commit, and don’t follow through (because let’s face it I’m lazy and extremely fickle) you will know. And you’ll think I’m a failure.

Today feels different though, although my body is alarmed and all like, “What do you mean an apple and sugar free yogurt for breakfast? Where the EFF is my buttered bagel????!!!?!?!!”, I feel good and inspired. At least I have vitamin water to get me through the day.

The non-commitist in me says “I might even go back tomorrow, you know, if I feel like it.”, but I think I probably will. Just don’t judge me if I don’t.

What? You want to know what I bought at Old Navy? Well OK!

I spent $138 including shipping, but $100 was in the form of a giftcard from my employees for my birthday.

Won't I be the picture of fashion!










I hope everyone out there has a lovely weekend!

You Know You Need To Have It!

Lazy Perogie Recipe (you know you need to have it)

Per Sarah’s request, here is my affectionately dubbed Lazy-P recipe, which is actually my mother’s recipe in some shape or form because I lost her printed version long ago.

You will need:

1lb box of rotini noodles, cooked al dente
2 2lb bags of sour kraut, drained (I do not rinse my kraut because I enjoy the krauty goodness, but you can rinse it if you want to)
1 very large sweet Vidalia onion (or about 3 small onions but I really like the sweetness the Vidalia provides), diced
3 sticks of butter (you could probably tone down the butter if you needed to, but it makes it SO DELICIOUS!!)
Salt and pepper

Directions:

Pre-heat your oven to 350
Melt one stick of butter in your largest frying pan. Add onion and cook on low until its soft and starting to caramelize.
Once the onions are done, melt another stick of butter in to them and add your sour kraut. Mix onions and kraut. Liberally salt and pepper the mix.
Cook on low for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to brown. (I usually cook my noodles while the kraut is cooking)
Mix sour kraut and noodles in a large glass baking dish (I like to use my corning ware) salt and pepper to taste and dot the top with remaining butter.
Cover and bake for 30-45 minutes.

Some people like to add cream of mushroom soup or even some polish sausage, but I think it’s much better without it. Call me a Lazy-P purist if you must. I do like it with some smoked polish sausage on the side though.

Ho Hum Wednesday

Things have been quiet here on the blog front, I know. It seems like everyone has enjoyed the video of Eddie and Caitlyn at the dinner table though. (Bah Bah BAAAAH!) It’s fun that I can put stuff like that in here and give people a feel for what typical life in our house is like………you know, 100% insane.

So what’s been going on?

• We spent the weekend rearranging the living room and bringing in the new furniture we bought. It looks amazing and I can’t even believe how much room we have in our living room now. I also spent some time at the mall on Saturday which was completely over-crowded because the Canadian dollar is matching ours now. Apparently shopping is a lot cheaper in the states. (There was an article in our newspaper comparing prices even though the $$ are worth the same. A trip to Starbucks in Canada runs about $10 where the average is about $6 here.) But anyway, based on the crowds, I’ll probably stay away from the mall on the weekends.
• Vitamin Water has been 10 for $10 at our supermarket this week. YUMM-O
• My team got me an amazing boss’s day gift—a basket with Tim Horton’s coffee, travel mug, gift certificates for Tim Horton’s, wine, chocolates and nuts. They didn’t want to give me 2 gifts in one day so we are celebrating my birthday tomorrow. Lucky me!
• My boss got me a gift card to NY & CO, socks and a necklace for my birthday. Again, lucky me!
• My husband bought me an iPod. I’m returning it. It’s trendy and pink, but I wanted one with a display screen. I can’t even say it was a nice thought because he asked me on Saturday what I even wanted (you know, the day before my birthday). First off, I sent him this on the same day I posted it. Secondly I’ve been dropping the iPod hints for AGES. He gets bonus points for getting up with the kids and taking them out so that I could sleep in—that was great. I don’t even want extravagant gifts or anything like that, but I want what I get to mean something. I plan his gifts out months in advance……I’m beating a dead horse here.
• We did have a nice time at the pumpkin farm on my birthday though. We ended up buying our pumpkins at a roadside stand though because they were picked over and crappy at the farm. The kids really enjoyed the corn maze and hay ride. Last year they had a pumpkin cookie with chocolate chips in it, and they did not this year. It was to die for and I was :SO: disappointed.
• I have way to much work to do to be writing this right now. My head is killing me though and I think it will EXPLODE if I look at another report.
• We’re having a potluck at work tomorrow and I have to make lazy pirogue tonight---which means a trip to the grocery store with the kids since Ed will be in Albany. Maybe we’ll go to Super Target where I can occupy them with pop and popcorn. Probably not though because I don’t think I can get an onion there.

Ok, well 2 hours of work to go. I should probably do some actual work.

If nothing else, they'll drive you crazy

Dinner time at our house....





My birthday was boring and uneventful. Hooray for being 29.

Autumn through The Years

2005






2006






2007

Happy 100th Entry To Me--- Your Questions Answered

For my Hundredth entry, I asked for my readers (all 5 of them) to ask me anything they wanted to know. Thanks to everyone who asked me questions, this was really fun!!


LoriD asked

Have you always lived in Buffalo or are you just drawn to the lake effect snow?

Yes, I have always lived in and around Buffalo. First of course, because this is where my parents chose to live, but as an adult, because we actually like it here. I don’t mind the cold or the snow (much) at all. We have great weather most of the year—it’s been in the 80’s up until today. The only thing that really bothers me is not being able to park on the street from November ‘til March. I’m a FREAK, (I know!!!) but I love to drive in the snow. And secretly, during our EPIC October storm last year, you know, the one where we lost power for 4 days….I had a blast. We pulled our mattress in to the living room and all slept there huddled around each other, lit the stove with matches, ate dinner, slept and even showered by candlelight….and when I needed sanity, we just drove down to Butler, PA to see my brother and SIL. I guess what I’m saying is even when it is really bad, I don’t really mind.

Tessie said “I want to know what you were like as a kid.”

I was extremely talkative (can you believe it?) and from what I understand talked at a very early age. I was also overly sensitive, to an extreme that I have never seen on any other child. You couldn’t even look at me the wrong way or I would burst in to tears. And forget trying to joke with me about anything. This, of course got better as I got older. I’ve loved to sing for as long as I can remember, and have vivid memories of sitting in my bedroom, singing at the top of my lungs.

Mommy Daisy asked:

What kind of work do you do?

I work for one of the largest banks in the world, in the mortgage department. I manage 17 associates who handle escalated issues that regular customer service associates can not handle. In addition, my group is responsible for paying, or not paying as it may be, claims for a high profile mortgage campaign we are running. This gets sticky, because once they say no, I’m the next step. I’ve had call for action news reporters from all over the country call me to try and make things right for concerned citizens. I run several projects and initiatives and represent our area in planning of associate activities---you know to make them feel valued (barf) On top of all of this, I also record my company’s automated system. (Welcome to Big Bank! To continue in English, press 1) You wouldn’t think this was a daily job, but things come up every day where we need to make changes or fixes. One of my favorites is “Due to inclement weather in the Buffalo area, our center is closed today.” The worst part was recording every number through 99 along with hundred, thousand, million, billion, and all of the letters. The recording though, is my favorite thing about my job.

Is that what you'd really like to do?

In a nutshell, no. I’m very good at what I do and that does make my work enjoyable- This is what allows me to spend countless daily hours out here in the bloggosphere. Office politics, however, are not my cup of tea. I’m not the type of person to kiss your ass in order to get what I want. I’m more about earning it….sometimes this doesn’t pan out, and its garbage. I talked with Ed recently about how maybe I’m not happy here and it came down to “what would I like to do instead” and the truth is, I really don’t know. So for now, here I am.


Did you go to college? If so, for what?

I did go to college. Initially, I was going to be a music teacher. Music was what I’d always done, I was really good at it and it made sense. Then like I do with most things, I got bored. I added the boredom to being really horrible at playing the piano and the fact that I would have to transfer far away to complete my degree, I dropped out of the program. I changed my major to elementary education and went with that for a while—again, got bored. Ed and I were living together by then and I decided that it would be more beneficial to work 3 jobs so I dropped out for a semester. I went back, but I could just never get in to the whole “school thing”. After waiting about 2 years, I went back again, this time to a different school and started majoring in business. I worked full time during the day and then took classes for about 3 hours a night and it was excruciating. I stuck with it though, and went for 2 semesters before I got pregnant with Eddie. I didn’t feel like I could balance work, school and being a mom, so I finished the classes I was taking and that was it. In all, I have about 5 years of college, and a ton of credits, about a 3.0 GPA, but no degree to show for it.

The Flying Mum asked

I know your secret desire is to be a rock star, any other wishes as yet unfulfilled?

Hmm, this is a tough one, because being a rock star, or even just being in a band, would be the greatest for me. I love to sing and harmonize and all around perform. There are 2 other things that I would love to do though. One is being an interior decorator. I took a home interiors class in high school and I LOVED it! The thing with that career line though is that you have to be creative, which I am not. I’m all about copying other people’s designs but I couldn’t come up with anything myself. This coupled with the laziness I’ve mentioned is why my own walls are all but bare, and I why I don’t even have curtains, just blinds. The other would be to own a bakery or candy shop. The thing about the bakery is that I suck at cookies. I can do cakes and pies, but my cookies always come out like crapola. I would absolutely love to learn how to make candy though and have some sort of custom candy shoppe.

Misty asked:


1. You said you liked to sing. What do you like to sing? What kinds of musical things have you done in the past? Do you play an instrument as well?

I love to sing EVERYTHING! Songs from the radio, TV jingles, made up songs to the kids…..you name it—my best friend used to joke that I even sing in my sleep. One of my all time favorites is Handel’s Messiah which is an amazing classical chorale piece. Broadway show tunes are also a must. I have them on in the car almost constantly. On the opposite end of the spectrum though, I love singing any of Alanis Morisette’s songs, Meatloaf’s power ballads and the harmony parts to Simon and Garfunkle tunes.

In high school I was in the symphonic chorale and show choir, and had chorus parts in Once upon a Mattress and Hello Dolly. I was also chosen for our All-County Chorus several times. In college I was in the Swing Choir and Chamber Choir. After college, I was in a local community chorus for a while, but the schedule became too demanding for something that was supposed to be recreational. So right now I am not doing anything musical and it kills me.

I do not play an instrument, though I’d like to buckle down and try the piano again, or maybe even the guitar.

2. Do you have names picked out for any future children? What kinds of names do you like?

Do I have names? DO I HAVE NAMES??!! (That’s a yes…) I don’t have any set in stone names. Ed and I both like Olivia and Cally. I like Grace (Gracie), Morgan, and Jenna for girls--Olivia Grace is my #1 girl’s name at the moment followed closely by Jenna Skye (which is the exact name that someone I used to work with named her baby girl, but I don’t really care!!). Boy’s names are really hard for me, but I really like Eric and Andrew….both solid manly names. My # 1 boy’s name used to be Sebastian, but we used it on the cat, so it’s gone now.

3. How much TV would you say you watch a week? What is your absolute favorite show?

I’m sad to say that the amount of time I spend in front of the TV is dwindling. There’s just so much to be done. Not including the Seinfeld reruns I watch religiously before bed each night (or Dora and Diego), I’d say it’s around 2 hours a day, depending on the day. I’m fickle about my ABSOLUTE favorite sow though---usually it’s How I Met Your Mother or The Office. Right now I’m totally in to Damages (does anyone else out there watch this show?) and I can’t wait until Jericho comes back on. My favorite show of all time, like EVA--- Dawson’s Creek. Hands down.

4. If you could do anything for a vocation, what would it be?

Based on my answer about my job and my unfulfilled dreams above, I’d have to say I’m not sure at all. Probably something musical, maybe something with kids. Maybe I’d teach kids music? That might be fun.

5. If you could live anywhere in the world, where do you think you might want to live?

Based on the places I’ve been, I’d have to say New Hampshire. I’d love to retire and just hole up in the mountains somewhere. I really like where we live now though, and I wouldn’t be opposed to living anywhere that was warm and delicious the whole year round.

6. Name 5 things you would do/buy if you won the lottery.

I should start by saying that to win, you actually have to play, and I never play. But lets pretend that I did play and won a huge amount of $$. First, I would quit my job and of course pay off all of my bills—that’s just common sense. I would have our house remodeled and then rent it out (to keep it “in the family”), because even remodeled, I think I would hate it. I would build a new house with a huge kitchen and state of the art appliances and plenty of space for the kids to play and grow up—that has separate in-law quarters. I would donate to a charity that helps abused and underprivileged children and then I’d do something completely frivolous, like send Ed to NASCAR driving school or spend a week with friends only, no husbands allowed, at a luxury resort somewhere in The Bahamas.

7. Why do you blog?

I Blog mostly because I like to write. Part of me is a bit voyeuristic though, I mean, how neat is it that people from all over the world can catch a small glimpse in to my life, and I in to their’s? I kept a blog for 7 years at another site, and actually made some very good friends that I still keep daily contact with. I’m kind of a social retard and don’t make new friends easily out in the real world—I tend to say the wrong thing and people think I’m super weird, or don’t say anything at all and people think I’m a bitch. (Life is so hard after high school.) It’s nice to have a connection with other moms and people both similar to me and different who I normally wouldn’t get to know.

#99 Video Entry

I am still accepting questions for my 100th entry....I'd love to know what you'd like to know.

Here is the video I tried to post of Caitlyn the other night. Ignore my grating voice.



(and yes, she's always like this) :)

100th Entry---COMING SOON

Updates on the sick kids? Cait is better and back at daycare. Eddie stopped throwing up at about 10:00 last night but hardly slept a wink, so he’s home with Grandpa. (Goodbye $40)

The real reason for this post is that my 100th entry is fast approaching and I want to do something fun. I’ve already done my 100 facts list, so I was thinking that it might be fun to have you people out there ask me some questions. Anything you want to know? I’ll answer it ! Ask me as many questions as you want!

You can leave your questions in a comment or email them to me at crazylittlethingcalledlife at gmail dot com

I will post questions and answers sometime next week.

Come on! Get started!!

Recipe Thursday

****edited to say this goes great with triscuits!

I’m too tired for a real entry today since I was up with Eddie and his fever all of last night and somehow still made it in to work today. (The kids are home with Ed today because it’s Thursday, and Eddie is throwing up now. The Joys.)

In any case, here is one of my all time favorite appetizer recipes (per Tessie's Request)and it’s bound to become one of yours:

Hot Banana Pepper Dip

8-10 FRESH (hot) BANANA PEPPERS, DICED (I use about 6 large ones)
3 8-OZ BRICKS OF CREAM CHEESE, SOFTENED
½ CUP CRUMBLY BLUE CHEESE
1 CUP SHREDDED MOZZARELLA
GARLIC POWDER TO TASTE
BREADCRUMBS

Mix all ingredients except for breadcrumbs and spread in baking pan. Top with breadcrumbs. Bake at 375 for 30-40 minutes until heated through and bubbly.

***It pays to wear gloved when you dice your peppers because the “spice” stays on your fingers and gets in your eyes for days. You can also use your gloved hands to mix the ingredients. In my experience it is really hard to stir cream cheese.


P.S. Does anyone know how I can post videos here--and actually have them work? I've tried using the option here on blogger and while they work in preview, they do not work once I've published. I have 2 cute ones of Cait from the zoo that I'd like to share!!

This week (so far) in review

-Monday--sent kids to daycare and overhauled my living room. BONUS.
-Tuesday-- spent entire day at Toronto Zoo and had a great time...until Caitlyn threw up all over herself, her car seat and the car while we were on the QEW and still more than an hour away from home.
-Tuesday night/Early Wednesday morning--up three times with puking toddler, wondering if I would be working today.
-6:30 Wednesday morning--Wake up to Eddie crying hysterically--he has a 101 temp.
-6:40 Caitlyn wakes up with 100 temp.
-6:45 I call in to work
-7:00 set up camp on the couch with both kids, we sleep until after 8
-8:15, 8:30, 8:45- Caitlyn throws up the little juice I could get her to drink and dry heaves quite a bit.
-8:50 I call daycare to say the kids won't be in (goodbye $80)
-9:00 Eddie eats half a pop tart and decides he is up to going to the store with Grandpa.
-9:00-11:00 Caitlyn and I sleep on the couch---or Caitlyn sleeps and I watch A Baby Story and Bringing Home Baby
-11:00- Caitlyn is sleeping deeply enough for me to lay her on the couch while I pee, make coffee, and toast. She wakes up to have a few bites and asks for her own. She eats half a piece with a tiny bit of juice. Lays on top of me for the next hour. 12:00- Eddie comes home pale and worn out....but Grandpa has bought him a belt and he's excited. I convince both kids to lie down for naps.
2:00 Caitlyn wakes up hysterical but decides she likes being in her crib and goes back to sleep.
2:05 Eddie gets up.....with a 103 temp I wait a few minutes to see if he cools off as he wakes up, but his temp actually goes up. I pump him full of Motrin. He lays on top of me lethargic and listless, falling asleep and waking up for 2 hours.
4:00 We send Grandpa to the store for Cheese, Bread, Milk and of course, cookies. 4:00 Caitlyn wakes up and feels a bit better but will not drink
4:15 I pull out the big guns and offer her a juice box....an ELMO juice box and she takes me up on it.
4:30 Eddie asks for crackers and peanut butter and Cait wants some too. The each eat 2.
4:45 I finally load the dishwasher and Eddie eats a plain piece of bread. Then a cheese sandwich.
5:00 I'm passing out from hunger and I make myself grilled cheese and tomato soup. Caitlyn eats my whole sandwich and 2 crackers.
6:00 Both kids go outside with Grandpa and have now been out there for 50 minutes. 6:50 crossing my fingers....this just might be over.