Let's party like its 2010...

Sorry that just doesn't have the same ring as 1999...but hey can't live in the 80's forever.... Today - ah today the last day of the year and somehow it ain't that much different that any of the other 364 days of the previous year, oh the weather is nicer, I'm not at work wondering what is in the water in Huntsville, and well Bubba - god love him is Bubba.

We slept in - sort of. I got up tended to pups as I am usual to do... putzed as I usually do, phone rang, Bubba's up, showered and shouting at the rest of us... so showered, connect my work computer to a home printer so that we can print documentation to get the better discount at the cell phone stores. Yes boys and girls believe it or not - we finally were getting our smart phones today... (did you hear the angel's singing?)

First we had to pick up the computer - it was done with the doctor's office all clean and ready to come home. I'll deal with THAT tomorrow.

Grabbed some lunch/breakfast actually we both ate breakfast - went to the cell phone store where time stops then speeds up so you're facing 2 hours to get your promised goodie done, the laundry done and yourself put together and over to the neighbors.... yeesh.

No we won't talk about taking time to stop and blog -I had to post on the last day of year...

Any who allow me to document the Bubba moment that was buying these phones. First was the plan we were on, super cheap, and majorly out of date to the point we couldn't really keep it and get the better discount. It was another $10 per year but then they discounted the second line for $9.99 so what was the diff? We had to have 2 sales people dealing with the numbers so my darling Accountant Husband understood that we weren't really spending more above and beyond the new data plans... in fact - it was getting cheaper with the discount from company... finally he relented and we began the pain staking process of switching accounts, new phones, new features, manager approvals and all the rest... 3 hours later -- OK 2.5 hours later 12:30 until 3:00 freaking pm. Bubba stays for a class - I head to the grocery store =- more on that later, and here we are.

and now he's just called to come and get his happy fanny.... so signing off hoping to get back on later... probably not but I'll try.

Have a safe, happy New Year's Eve and a great New Year's Day. Call a friend, hug a loved one and enjoy.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

And today is?

Checking calendar - oh yes Thursday. Can't give Aunt Ing too many days off - it confuses her. Ok Today is Thursday yesterday was Wednesday. Wednesday was a good day except for how it started.... Again up early with Bubba - that boy is just entirely WAY to freaking happy in the morning and chatty - cripes shut the pie hole already.

Anyway... off he goes to take his car to the mechanic (no not kidding) his new breaks were squeaking... I'm up dressed, glasses and hair is up. I get 3/4 of the way there... and the phone rings and I hear-- "Boo-Boo - listen my breaks aren't squeaking so I decided to bag it where are you - oh there you are."

I was facing him and I knew in the logical part of my brain that if I did indeed hit the gas and smashed his car I would also be crinkling mine - and well I am older and I do have more insurance - hitting your husband's baby is not a good way to make friends and influence your husband for his stupidity. Instead I smiled or something close to it turned right and headed back home... I didn't even stop at the doughnut shop - it was a mood thing and I wasn't in the mood. I know! did you feel the same disturbance in the force that I did Wednesday morning? Aunt Ing turning down sugar!

Got home, thought long and hard about going back to sleep - didn't do it, got showered dressed, slapped some peanut butter on some toast and logged on from home. Oh sure I could have driven into work but at that point I wasn't up for the effort. I did enjoy a very productive day... I filled out 4 - count them 4 matrices for new jobs - oh I got smart about it and started to copy/paste and edit more and more so heaven help me if anyone reads more than one of these at the time - outside the HR folks.

I stupidly went to the store late, got stuff for Mexican food night at the Italian/German house welcome to America! I say stupidly because me and the after work crowd was there and well who wants to deal with all that? i get home tend to issues, the neighbor comes over with the mail I forgot to pick up, we chat we make plans for New Years Eve it's all good.... until (you KNEW this was coming) Bubba calls.

I discuss dinner plans - of course he is not pleased with selections made so I tell him to go to the store. HE grumps I said I would go - not he would go. He did. Now I waited until he got home to start cooking - unusual for me but I did. And what did Captain Cranky Pants say to me? "I thought you'd be further along with the cooking by now." Kiss my southern grits - it wasn't ready when your royal fanny walked in the door?!? Oh you poor thing - what's next peeled grapes fed to you??? You better know how to dislodge that grape when I cram it down... ahem. Dark and Twisty place again ... not good. cleansing breathe... and it's all good.

Dinner was enjoyed, hockey game was not. A great deal of the discussion of the weather in Pittsburgh PA 1/1/11. Who in their right mind could have predicted 50 degrees and rain? Should make some interesting hockey...

Speaking of hockey... let's enjoy this story shall we? Got a call from Dear-old-Dad last night. Watching the news as they are want to do and hear a story of counterfeit winter classic hockey jerseys being held and confiscated by the US Postal Service and the buying and selling thereof is considered a felony. The funny part of this story... go back to Christmas Eve and the cornucopia of gift giving... Bubba gets a piece of paper from my sister and her husband. HIS Winter Classic Sidney Crosby "authentic" jersey is being held in customs... read that again let it sink in....

Now Dad wanted to call the post office and turn in his son-in-law I had more devious plans in mind. Call my sister tell her and laugh like hell - and when dear Sister put 2 plus 2 together my brother-in-law would probably wish he WAS in jail - more peace and quiet there.

Now I was a bit disappointed as Sister-Dear did not find the story nearly as funny as I did... she didn't get the reference either about if you're going to buy mechanise off a back of a truck make sure to use OUR family connections and not to rely on outside contractors! Did the Sopranos teach you nothing? But then Sister remembers that her darling husband paid some buddy of his who ordered these shirts... so again outside contractors... keep it in the family pumpkin then you have methods to deal with folks who don't deliver the merchandise as promised. ;-)

Oh I can just imagine what the conversation was when I hung up the phone ... really need to get those bugs in the house. hee hee hee.

Oh and in a fit of I don't know what went out to NHL.com to order Bubba another shirt... if you ain't a small you ain't getting one... might wanna let those counterfeit ones through boys... Now I have to come up with another birthday present. Dandy just freaking dandy...

Back to listening to the sounds of silence in the office... there are 2 other people here from my project-- snore.

Vacation is over... let's recap!

I'm sure you all expected news of the holiday joy and stress yesterday but alas once again Bubba has managed to give the home computer the cyber-clap. Its like people clap - red, itchy and gross but in electron form. With all that scratching it slows down the computer to something akin to dial up with a Commodore 64*.

So let's start with the trip home - as those are always fun... now as documented here i was a busy girl Wednesday and still managed to get a lot of things done, done well and still I got no help. Bubba calls and says he's on his way... then the negotiations begin, do you want to go tonight or in the morning, its up to you, no I didn't work all day - do you want me to drive - bla bla bla.... end of discussion I make the decision. As I made the decision apparently that also includes packing the car - alone - while someone watches hockey... Let that sink in boys and what would you give? This prize pack can be yours if you are a self-centered pain in the backside!!-- your wife in a desperate move to get things done will pack up HER family truckster with all gifts, suitcases and doggie extras and stand around for another 15 minutes while you enjoy that first period of hockey game... which started an hour ago because well you have to work and just can't get home before 8 PM - any night of the week.

Ahem. So, truck is packed, dogs are ready, Bubba does manage to get the cover on my back seats as we have so much stuff that I had to take the doggy space, and put the dogs in the backseat. Of course that came with a bit of 'fun' as trips with Bubba are wont to do. With doggy in backseats we must harness our pup Shelby otherwise she will want to come up front and help you drive. And she's not that helpful - in fact it's hard to see the road with a big black dog head in your face and a wet tongue trying to distract you to pay attention to her. Why yes I have been there why do you ask?

Any-who... Shelby jumps into the truck no worries, I have to lift Violet into the car, and in an attempt to lighten the last load to the car, I toss the dog blankets on the backseat and somehow that becomes the focus of the issue that Bubba can't get the seat belt locked. Now I don't know where the connection is as the blankets were not on his "side" of the seat but that was the focus so once again yours truly is the bad guy. Like I cared, I got settled and off we went... and as we pulled out of the driveway he looks and me says, "Those candle things in the window - when do they go out? In the morning? Is that automatic?"

Let me 'splain why this statement makes my head hurt - we've had those candles up since the second week of December this year - and I've put those candles up in the windows almost every year we have been in the house - 12 years...and he looks at me with all sincerity and asks when they go out? And are they automatic? No dear when I get up in the middle of the night to pee, I go around and turn off all the candles so they aren't working when you get up. Dorkus.

Drive home, uneventful which is nice. I tried to read but my light was on the dying end so... had to watch Bubba drive. And I wondered why I was awake when we arrived at Nana's. Who was up and waiting for us... we went to bed and died.

THURSDAY -
Awakened by "The Paw" - also known as Shelby won't take NO for an answer. So crawl out of bed grope for glasses, clothing and fighting the urge to pinch the living devil out of Bubba on my way out of the bedroom... making Shelby bark as we left - that was a side benefit and completely accidental - really.

Helped Nana get things ready for the invasion of Friday, chatted with the uncle up from Florida and realized his days aren't filled with much as we heard the same story twice on Thursday and more than that on Friday. Hey limited topics, short stories told again and again. He did love my pups - so they were rubbed and loved and sneaked goodies every time I looked but they were happy so it's all good. Although I did issue the standard warning, you feed something to Shelby that gives her the SBD's (silent but deadly) she sleeps with you. We've come close a few times but never had to enforce that rule.

Bubba went running for the one thing I forgot to do Wednesday - movie for his father - and (unknown to me until Christmas) something for me! One day a year the dorkus manages to do something nice... then there was the rest of the weekend.

The big event on Thursday was ordering pizza - I think D-Day took less negotiations. And yeah we got - you don't like those little fishes - no one else does, throttle back Uncle R.

Friday aka the invasion and the trip....
Up moving, showered, dressed, Nana cooked, first Niece M and both her parents arrive, then Niece E and Niece Z arrive with Puppy Windex and it was bedlam. The good kind. We ate too much, enjoyed the presents and the excited squeals of small girls and gifts, and some times I think I missed half of it. Shelby and Violet were surprisingly good dogs, and well hidden in the may-lay of wrapping paper, boxes and small feet running hither tither and yon. That is when I discovered my Bubba had done something nice - and made me feel uncaring - then my father reminded me of the other 364 days of the year and I called it even. You see we are getting smart phones and as previously documented it bothers him that our bill will double and the phones are pricey - as such we don't have them yet. I thought we agreed that there was no worries about not having something to open under the tree - we don't need it - but he decided we did. And I have a nice new Steeler sweatshirt to wear... and I didn't get him anything. Butthead - but like I said we're even and I'm SO over that... it took about 8 hours and a trip to his mothers.

Late Friday....
We leave the winding down of bedlam and head to (insert organ music here) the In-laws... Now both Bubba and I were worried that we were late and surprising to us - no phone calls asking where we were... we discovered we were the first ones there. We beat the nieces and (family) to my sister in-law's home. We were warmly greeted all was well I accepted a glass of homemade wine - laced with Sprite "to give it some sweetness it needs it." I drank it - I didn't like it - but I drank it! Oh and stating one doesn't like wine with Sprite is considered "bitching about one's family" When I finally get that Bubba to logic dictionary/encyclopedia/google machine I let you know what the sam hell that means... ANY way. Food was offered and politely declined (ate like a pig at mama's)

Here is the story of the day... now I am no longer really comfortable with my in-laws as EVERYTHING I say is taken wrong, misinterpreted or whatever by my husband and/or every member of his family so I say little these days. It saves the argument (there still was one - more on that later) Niece A walks in with her family in tow, J, Ad, and Baby Daddy #2. Baby Ad sees cookies I tell Niece A that a cookie I made doesn't have much sugar and is hard, she shouldn't have much trouble with it. I forgot baby drool has the chemical compound of battery acid and as this kid munched, drooled and worked this cookie became a crumbly mess - which as babies are wont to do began to smear it all over the table and her. Little did I know that this was a MAJOR issue that baby has goo in her hair and the table had crumbs on it. Oh I know messy is an issue with this bunch but babies are nothing new around here. Apparently they missed the memo - babies are messy.

so after a few minutes and half the cookie gone Niece A takes the cookie away causing tears, and her and my sister in law are literally on the floor scrubbing up cookie mess from a 9 month old baby. Seriously. I felt awful as if I had done something, really people, a wet paper towel and move on with your lives, breaking out Clorox clean up and dish rash in the middle of Christmas Eve was really overdoing it!!!

After that gifts were opened - couldn't get a picture of either kid as 4 people stood there taking pictures so I got two butt shots and quit trying. Screw it. Bubba and I opened our gifts thanked our giftees, it was noted later "oh what cute outfits who gave the kids clothes? Thanks grandma" I chimed in "you're welcome but it's still Aunt Ing and Uncle Bubba" Humor was lost on all... I don't know why I tried - another reason I say as little as possible.

I still managed to stick my foot in it - Niece A leaves her crying daughter in a strange crib and goes outside to smoke. I stood in another room for 10 minutes listening to that kid cry - I looked at my mother-in=law said screw it she's outside and went and picked up that baby. I walked with her she calmed down a bit but when her mother walked in it was tears all over again. She was taken, given to her grandmother then a bottle was made and all was right in her world. So again I managed to screw things up without really trying. It was a short night, my sister in law went to bed at 10 as she had to work the next day, Bubba's parents left soon after, and Niece A before them. Bubba and I stuck around talking to his brother-in-law but in true bubba fashion he had so much to say I jumped in - then I get the kick under the table.

Let me go off on a tangent here - I can't tell you how much I HATE that kick under the table when his royal highness decides that something isn't to his liking that I have said. I have taken up to stopping mid-sentence and asking if he has an issue. He does not and will not discuss that in front of any one including the woman he's kicking. So then I keep going - kiss my grits. tightass.

With Niece D having to also go to work in the morning, we went home and were home by midnight - a WHOLE lot earlier than I expected.

CHRISTMAS DAY

Shelby let us sleep in - scratch that Shelby let ME sleep in. And Nana didn't wake us for church - so another ticket punched... can't make church on Christmas even... Nana said she prayed for me so I got that going for me - which is nice (say it like Bill Murry in Caddy shack works better).

Very mellow Christmas was the theme except for me... I in a fit of I don't know what decided I was cooking Christmas dinner with recipes and all. I did all the shopping, and then got to work, post lunch and putz and the rest... Roast beef, smashed potatoes with cheese and a crumb topping and asparagus with Dijon dressing. Much to my amazement - it was GOOD! Not that any other member of my family except Nana had anything nice to say about the meal. Potatoes needed seasoning, and they were lumpy, asparagus was cold, those veggies under the meat was good. Beef was fine. Yeah well next year eat baloney sandwiches and leave me alone. Cold, and lumpy - I was not happy after all that. But I liked it and that is what matters! (see tongue sticking out here)

My uncle sauntered to the table after we all began to eat - it might have smelled good even though he said he wasn't hungry - he had 3 helpings of veggies. (not the cold ones)

Dinner done, bellies full - in between I tell Mr. Cranky Pants he's got to get the car packed up if he wants to leave at o-dark 30 - again. But I have interrupted his zen or chi or I have simply disturbed his force with an actual get off your lazy ass and do something request. But he does, but as I'm trying to prepare dinner he says come in here and organize this so I can take it out to the car. and he gets cranky when I tell him to wait as I've got my hands rubbing spices on a hunk of beef... what I should have done is walked in as I was and began doing the job so he could carry boxes smeared with olive oil and garlic out to my car. As I didn't want my new clothes or my car to smell like Vinnie's Italian Restaurant - he had to wait. And we all know how much he loves to wait.

He got the car loaded, we went to bed and arose before, god, country, Al Roker and most drill Sargent's to "beat the traffic" at this unholy hour we were going to be competing with the drunks just getting home. I cannot beat it into his head that if you leave later in the day you miss the traffic too... but he doesn't believe me and since he can attempt to do 85 on the Turnpike going home... he loves it plus he gets the day at home - where I would rather be with people who like me longer. Plus I am tired all day when we do that and I don't want bothered but bothered was certainly in Bubba's game plan Sunday... let's do this, clean this up, roll coins, bla bla bla.... LEAVE ME ALONE BEFORE I BEAT YOU SENSELESS...or more senseless than you already are. Yeesh.

Oh and the snow we were supposed to be buried in - was 4 freaking snow flakes and a lot of cold wind. but I'm not complaining about that one.

MONDAY...

Now Monday boys and girls was Aunt Ing's day... Bubba went to work, I slept in, putzed about, took the computer to the doctor, went to the bank and deposited all those freaking coin rolls then went and go a massage - oh it was wonderful. I'm ready to go back... made another appointment in January - post testing. I enjoyed a quiet afternoon, made dinner got a "sauce is good" and considered it a win. Oh if everyday was a mental health day like that one... but alas

We are now into Tuesday at work too early, working past time to go home and basically haven't accomplished much. No one else is here so it's really not that big of a deal...

To sum all this up, I did have a good time - Bubba is Bubba... oh one final tale....
THE WRAP UP "discussion" on the way home.

1) Stating that home made wine with Sprite tasted awful is the same as bitching about your in-laws. I do not get where this comes from - but he had to grump about something.

2) making a joke between you and your mother where sort-of-quoting the movie line "the only reason they are nice to me is because I have more money than god" is stating how much money we make in front of my uncle and my family... (which at that point was mom, dad, and uncle) IT WAS A JOKE and an inside one at that...

3) When arguing those points above - you have an attitude problem and all you say is negative... you stop talking start reading and wonder why you didn't spike that morning cup of joe.

Stay tuned for the rest of the week, and home alone with Bubba for New Years Day. Let's be grateful for Hockey.

Amen.

*Commodore 64 for those under the age of 20 was a computer that added two numbers together in the time it takes you to order a grande latte at Starbucks... yes it was that slow.

Hurry - Hurry - ahhhhh

I am running about 90- 120 minutes behind - it's my own fault - I had to have my nails done and I let her talk me into something new... they are OK but I'm not entirely thrilled - let's see if they grow on me.

So... this day started entirely too early. And with dumb question #1 - as I lay in bed my darling Bubba comes out of the shower and looks at me and says - "are you ready to go?" Now it doesn't matter that he is standing there in his tighty-whiteys and asking ME if I am ready - He's not!! But I get up get moving and off we go to get my family truckster that was finished with Mr. Mechanic at 6:30 last night - after his cashier goes home - go figure. So up and moving, came back home, showered and put myself together made a list of all I had to get done today - tacked on a few extra things... it went something like this...

Left house, got on highway and off I went to the magic shop for Dad, got there and discovered... crap they don't open for another hour. So, off to get Shelby food, she was running low and I was in that neck of the woods, dropped by the post office to mail some cards, notes and other stuff, swung back to the magic store had a great deal of fun for about 30 minutes, overspent - moved on. Up the highway to the store for my uncle, found what I wanted, got it and got moving. Got gas, got my car washed it wasn't great but hey 9/10's of the salt and crap is off my truck. Then went to Michaels as I was out of Merangine powder to make Royal icing for gingerbread houses, got that and cake boards, the decided I had enough time for a manicure and then to the grocery store. She talked me into this gel type stuff that took for freaking ever to do... but when I left I was dried, hardened and had no worries about shopping. I shopped only had to make one substitution but hey they said it was Ok to use it... got that done and came home.

Unloaded said now mostly clean family truckster - put groceries away, rearranged thing and got thing organized by family. Washed 3 loads of clothes, cleaned kitchen, made icing cleaned up that mess, ate a late lunch, wrapped the gifts I bought today, did the bills - on my lap top as Bubba has given our computer the Clap again - and now a quit hit on the stress relieving blog - oh yeah And I owe mama a recipe. Next I will fold clothes, pack and and the dogs, begin packing the car, and look for batteries for the reading light so I don't have to watch Bubba driving my truck like the last man out of chickville.

And I wonder why I'm tired. All righty then, off to email reciepe and get the rest of this done so once again all Bubba has to do is come home, change clothes, pack his own, and drive home - and I will offer to do that too...

I swear in my next life I'm coming back as him.

Peaceful...

That is how I would describe today -- peaceful. I am home, dropped off the family truckster last night so Bubba could get up and leave at his convenience. I was up and moving made my meeting, was constructive with the work stuff - tried like the devil to apply for a new job but my brain was not into creative writing today. My car was just a sensor - however I don't have it back yet - which is a bit of a problem but since I'm not working tomorrow - I will have all day to get done what I need to deal with. No worries. Plus I will get laundry done tonight -ran the dishwasher so there won't be much tonight and I won't have to futz with that.

There are weather reports that snow is coming to DC over the weekend - Sunday could be an issue and I just know that Bubba will get some wild hair up his butt about leaving Christmas day or something and I will have to kill him. Which then requires all sorts of issues as it's Christmas day - now Mama is a true friend and will help me bury the body but it could put a real crimp in the festivities. Not to mention totally screw with my dinner time table... yeesh. I will keep an eye on the weather and deal with details accordingly -if I know Bubba he's not got a clue and I will work on keeping it that way.

My uncle is visiting Mom, that should create some interesting moments - and how he deals with all that is our family Christmas... perhaps he'll share the good drugs. LOL Screw it I have wine - internal alcohol rubs are all good. Plus I love all that chaos and noise - oh sure the dogs are a bit nuts and Christmas Eve will be insane but the peace that will come Christmas day - and the panic of both my husband and father busting my chops over cooking Christmas dinner and well we might have more than one body to deal with. Again internal alcohol rubs... ahhh and Zen. ;-)

Peaceful apparently leads to quiet posts and short ones. I will update with car expense Wednesday plans and all that is right in my world. And I must remind myself there is still plenty of good... until we have to pack up and head north then Captain Cranky Pants will have full colors flying and it will take smiles and clenched teeth to get things moving.... it's all good.

Ho - Ho - ho.

Let's Start with this... then move on shall we?

FBI Job Opening:

The FBI had an opening for an assassin.
After all the background checks, interviews and testing were done, there were 3 finalists; two men and a woman.
For the final test, the FBI agents took one of the men to a large metal door and handed him a gun.
'We must know that you will follow your instructions no matter what the circumstances.
Inside the room you will find your wife sitting in a chair... Kill her!!'
The man said, 'You can't be serious. I could never shoot my wife.'
The agent said, 'Then you're not the right man for this job. Take your wife and go home.'
The second man was given the same instructions. He took the gun and went into the room. All was quiet for about 5 minutes.
The man came out with tears in his eyes, 'I tried, but I can't kill my wife.' The agent said, 'You don't have what it takes. Take your wife and go home.'

Finally, it was the woman's turn. She was given the same instructions, to kill her husband. She took the gun and went into the room. Shots were heard, one after another. They heard screaming, crashing, banging on the walls. After a few minutes, all was quiet. The door opened slowly and there stood the woman, wiping the sweat from her brow.

'This gun is loaded with blanks' she said. 'I had to beat him to death with the chair.'

MORAL: Women are crazy. Don't mess with them


And do want to know WHY we are crazy??? Let's replay the weekend shall we? As well documented here most of the things I did this weekend... let's recap for the record and to frankly prove a point.
1) Friday went shopping for necessary things to cook Christmas dinner and things we need to keep the house running.
2) Went to Dollar store for fun time things with nieces
3) got home put things away, organized things a bit
4) cleaned kitchen
5) cleaned up pile of ripped open mail, shredded and left.
6) Pulled out Christmas wrapping paper and all necessary accessories
7) Moved all presents from staging area upstairs to newly set up wrapping area downstairs
8) began wrapping gifts.
HE arrives home, late, we go to dinner, he sits on his fanny. (Friday - so you don't get your days confused)

Saturday
1) Get up change sheets on bed, remake bed, gather up towels
2) pick up bedroom, move dirty stuff down to laundry room,
3) call hairdresser, get miracle appointment
4) make list for husband
5) make myself some breakfast
6) put most of dishes in dishwasher
7) pull cards to mail, for hairdresser
8) rush to bank, fight with husband get hair done get home
9) bake lemon pound cake
10) clean up from Lemon pound cake
11) wash sheets and towels
12) Now must wash doggy beds
13) Work on Ladies Group deposit
14) Post on blog as to not murder one's husband.
15) Finish most of doggy bed wash/dry
16) wrap up Lemon cake for hostess gift for party tonight

Bubba came back from his massage and getting HIS car washed, and then to Loews for gift card and gift, and to another store for a gift card. He washes the dogs, administers drugs (i.e. pill in peanut butter so hard to do with our pups) THEN he laid on the bed and read his book.

I announced to his royal highness that I was leaving approximately 6:15 PM to travel next door to attend the party we'd been invited to by folks around the block. He was welcome to come with.

At 6:20 he manages to get himself downstairs - after I had changed clothes tended to the pups and announced I was leaving.

Party was nice, small and well fed.

SUNDAY
Boy did we sleep in. It was a nice change of pace.
THEN...
1) We enjoyed breakfast, Bubba got bagels.
2) I went to the store, so I could make cookies and gingerbread houses for the nieces.
3) Make first cookie, then discovered I didn't take a proper inventory and had to go back to the store.
4) Of course that is when Bubba calls - not so kind words were said, I was starting to feel very frustrated at myself and the world.
5) Finished the gingerbread and did not watch the football game, after Dear old Dad said how it started I figured there wasn't much of a point.
6) while rolling, cutting and baking gingerbread I made soup--- it was a mix but I did have to doctor it a bit. I added hot turkey sausage and thickened it up a bit - turned out well. AND by the time I stopped double checked I had enough pieces to do all I needed plus a bit extra in case of in transit breakage... I baked rolls to go with said soup.
7) I cleaned my entire kitchen washed everything and loaded the dishwasher BEFORE I served dinner.
8) Ate dinner, fed dogs,
9) finished wrapping the presents cleaned up that mess
10) organized a few gifts, moved some upstairs
11) went to bed and died.
Bubba got bagels, went shooting, watched football ate dinner and putzed on the computer the rest of the night, then went to bed.

This morning, I got up, did the usual get ready for work routine, went to the Ladies group bank and made my deposit, went to the grocery store returned the spices I bought in a fit of panic and don't need, picked up his dry cleaning, and drove into work. On my way - another gift.

"Check Engine Soon" light appeared on my dashboard.

That is why women are crazy!

And a note of caution to husbands - women, we, I drive my car, to and from work, and ALL around the extra places we have to go to get things done so YOUR life can run all nice and smooth. I don't futz with wires or dance around it with burning sage so something fun will happen like locked breaks or check engine lights - as a matter of fact - dear husband(s) - it is a ROYAL pain in our lives when this wrench is tossed into our path of progress and you asking "what are you doing to this truck" IS NOT HELPFUL.

So feeling on edge and in need of a valve release I call Mom - I know she's neck deep in her own stuff but after a few minutes all was well, she gave some good advice and I ran with it. Let the boss man know that I was working from home tomorrow as my car will be in the shop - I will take it in - get a ride home and hit up the kids next door for a ride when it's done. Bubba can go to work and not have his well ordered life interrupted - per usual.

And one more thing while I'm beating my keyboard into submission - and this is directed at the Bubba - who doesn't know this blog exists.... but I feel better when blow this off..... STUFF HAPPENS it's called life ya jagoff* No it's not fun when both cars and a dog require major tune ups all in the same month and sure MasterCard is dancing a jig at the charges coming across this month but we are VERY lucky that we are both working, and we can pay off the bills. And what would you do if we couldn't smarty pants? Not drive to work? Kinda self defeating isn't it? Get off my backside about this - I didn't do it! AND another thing - don't ask about the magic machines in the laundry room - you cannot wash all doggy blankets in one load - NO home machine can take that. It takes 3 loads and it has nothing to do with the number of blankets the dogs have. There are 2 dogs -who DON'T SHARE so one blanket in the family room for each, and one blanket each in the crates. DEAL WITH IT--- are you doing the laundry? Are you making sure the crate blankets are done so they are clean before the party? Do you even have a clue had to turn the darn things on? NO so go sit down clam up and leave it to me - its easier on all of us.

Now I'm going to get some lunch, apply for a new job, search the Internet for some voodoo Gris Gris to rid my truck of whatever bad ju-ju it thinks it has and head home and pray the entire way home. If you think about it - send one my way if you're inclined or at the truck either way.


I did watch the last 2 minutes of that football game. Don't ask me why. It's going to be a lonely January.

*jagoff - Pittsburgh-ese for idiot(among other endearments)

Welcome to the weekend - don't screw with the schedule!

I say that because... I screwed with the schedule - and I expected a certain level of cooperation which - good heavens what was I thinking? Let me set the mood for you shall I? (cue the dreaming music and the wavy lines)

Saturday morning began - with Bubba's alarm as he had a massage scheduled for that morning. I of course am awake because when Bubba is up - everyone is up and Shelby won't take no for an answer. So up, out, in, breakfast I wrap a gift, back upstairs, he leaves I take 30 minutes for ME and then I'm showered and ready to face the day.

I do some upstairs chores, come downstairs and call the hairdresser see if i can get in this week... "cancellation at 12 noon can you come then?" (Current time 10:55) You betcha!! SO!!! Rush rush rush, grab some caffeine some breakfast and make a list for Bubba - there was my first mistake.

Take of the girls, rush out the door, call Bubba (mistake #2) He is off getting his car washed instead of coming home from said massage. Groovy I tell him change in plans I can get my hair done and I'm going - I left a list at home if you could do a few errands. That jolt you felt about 11:45 EST that was Bubba. (mistake #3)

And off he went, I begin to describe dealing with something we had discussed and I don't know what you're talking about I expected we would do this together... on and on ... toss in a few not nice words about the level of my intelligence and we've got a party. So I tell Mr. Cranky Pants to simmer down I will deal with it all so he doesn't have to be inconvenienced or troubled or bothered -- like the rest of his freaking life.

I go the hairdresser all churned up and really ticked off.

Zen in the world of women and hair. We chat, we share, I am feeling more relaxed. I head home - on schedule - I LOVE that salon. And of course Bubba isn't there. Do I sit and wait? Of course not I have 600 and 12 things to get done before we leave for PA... I make a lemon pound cake for our party tonight (going not hosting yeesh please!) Get that in the oven fully expecting his royal happiness to show up just then and announce we're going out to find X. But he doesn't so I go on, clean up the kitchen, unload and reload the dishwasher, wash all the dishes that don't go in there.. then - decide to tackle my ladies group deposit which I've been carting around for a week. I get that started he comes home... little is said. He has the tool and gift card we 'discussed' earlier. There was a discussion of the price, he bought it anyway and we moved on.

Right now he's upstairs bathing dogs, I am washing sheets, towels and now dog beds and blogging and since he's almost done with doggie #2 I best get back to Lady's group accounting.

Hey at least I have nice hair for the party... now what to wear... ;-)

And why do I get out of bed?

Today is Friday - weekend, busy times 12 getting ready to head out the door to PA for our usual whirl wind visit. Now before I get into the list of ALL the stuff that has to get done before Wednesday and again - I will be sleeping on the drive to and from work.

Drove my newly repaired family truckster into work all is well, we are carefully and actively listening for ANY new squeak, bubble or half a grind. Pretty uneventful, kids got to sleep in and it's Friday in December traffic was going to be doable... unless you were stuck behind some yutz who thought it would be fun to 360 on the beltway doing 80 - and take a few poor saps with him.... (I wasn't - lucky me no?)

So I get to work, computer decided like me it really wasn't in the mood to work, so reboot and reboot then finally up and on line. then ... reminder! Meeting in 15 minutes with the customer --- which it turns out was painful on a number of levels. First the lead code jockey gets on and starts his crap - and it's his LAST DAY on the job so we wait and finally two other code jockeys get on... then the customer lady starts to speak... and it pretty much went down hill from there.

The rest of the day was so dead quiet I was beginning to wonder if I had missed some alert and we all had 3 minutes to leave the building and I was at :10 seconds and counting.

My boss left for the last time - how I wish he could take me with him - one to Florida and two out of this job. But alas ... had a late lunch, putzed about as NOTHING is due until after the first of the year then discovered at 2:45 pm there was me and one other person ON THE FLOOR. So at 3:00 we became ghosts too! Which worked out very well for me. I went to Trader Joe's on my way home, stocked up on more stuff than I went in there for, swung by the dollar store for some needed supplies then thinking Bubba would be home soon, I headed that direction. He wasn't so I pulled out the wrapping paper and mess, brought down the presents, and began wrapping - which wasn't easy as the pups were curious - nosey and generally standing on my tissue paper, wrapping paper and Shelby - heaven help her - likes to lick tape... which means it is then useless to me.

I got a few things wrapped Bubba finally manages to get home and we go out to dinner. We went to Applebee's not my favorite place but hey... problem was we got sat next to the office party that started at 4:00 and we still going at 8:30. Who knew geeks could be so loud? Yeesh. We ate and went home, I wrapped more gifts, labeled gift receipts and finally we went to bed... I read a page and a half and died.

Oh heavens now what...

Today was a good day - until my car decided not to go backwards... and I kinda need that - because to get out of the parking space, you have to back up.

Now it has been making a grinding noise for a few days so I called the car guys and was going to take it in Thursday - until my family truckster decided to pull a Bubba and not budge. I had the boss and guys at work helping, no luck. Called Bubba and a tow truck Bubba arrived first after being talked into where my office was - and he attempted all the same things we'd done with the office mates.

THANKFULLY - folks were in the office playing wii - so there was something to keep Bubba busy while we waited for said tow truck - it arrived 20 minutes late.

He futzed, he maneuvered, he tried to tow it with the back wheels lifted and the car still in park..... let that last part sink in - idiot didn't put the car in Neutral before he tried to move it... THEN he said all fours wheels are locked - we needed another kinda of tow truck and it would be about an hour. At this point I didn't who to kill - me or him - with Bubba still in the top 1.

With deep panic, concern and worry we leave the key with the car and head home. We stop off at the mechanic fill out the paperwork and say another prayer that car made it there in one piece and they would be able to repair it....

Home was a quiet ride - when I poked the Bear that is Bubba and asked him why he was so mad at me. BELIEVE me the next time that car squeaks - it's going in. Oh he will gripe and moan but this isn't happening again in my world.

Sooo - home, pups were tended to thanks to the kid next door, Bubba's hockey's game was taped so we did fast food, and after MANY phone calls to the towing company my family truckster was tucked in at the mechanics....

THURSDAY...
I was up EARLY as his royal highness decreed we would be on the road by 7AM. I was up and ready with dogs fed and all right with the world. We did OK until I didn't give very detailed specific directions on how to get from my office to his.... I assumed a basic knowledge base and some level of active listening. Stupid me. So when Angry Bubba called I had to pull up a map and get him to turn around head back in the other direction.

I should also mention that on our way into to work I called the Maryland mechanic to state that I would not be in per my appointment, I called the Virginia mechanic to double check that they indeed had all the information they needed. All was right there.

By 9AM Thursday - Bubba had found his way into work, (I pity the folks who have to work with him today) we had a car diagnosis and a cost estimate.

I also heard from the Vet, and Violet has no cancer - and he again said that he thinks we made the right decision to take out her spleen as that tumor would have been a big old mess in her inners and a bigger mess had it burst. So that 1300 bucks was money well spent.

Now to put a real bright red cherry on this sundae of poo-taskic flubs... it's snowing. And it's sticking, because - it can. It's been 12 degrees for nearly a freaking week. So it should only take me about 3 days to get home-- but I will be alone with my thoughts and not the crank-tasic Bubba

Apparently I have been transferred...

TO freaking Siberia!!! It is 20 degrees outside with a brisk wind chill of 2. AND to add insult to injury my office is about 50 degrees TOPS!! Now I have attempted to contact the people who have the magic touch to possibly get me some heat - but they have not yet deemed me worthy of a visit, call or any kind of acknowledgment that I'm freezing my fanny off in my office.

THEN the boss is here for his last hurray (he's done at the end of this week) and talked us into going to lunch - WALKING to lunch. Lunch was good through. Salad and noodles warmed me up - but getting there was brutal.

AHHH I have been visited and promise the heat will appear in my office - sometime today. yeah.

But I'm full of warm noodles, covered in layers to keep warm and wondering if I'd get caught if I napped. If I shut the door probably not - but I'd freeze to death so probably not worth it.

A very lovely member of my team brought me a portable heater so things are looking up - Not overly warm but heading that direction. Last night I had a ladies group meeting with our annual cookie exchange. I brought home some from the lady that for some unknown reason likes Bubba - and he LOVES her cooking. Bubba managed to get home and feed himself with minimal fuss - so all was quiet on the home front there. This morning he was up and moving and I wondered why he set an alarm it was Saturday... and yeah the brain - she was all off and in her happy place. sleeping and warm and NOT wanting to deal with a work day. But I got up and moving and put-putted my way into work.

Tonight Bubba will manage to be home before 8PM - why? To watch hockey of course. I'm making his favorite chowder tonight - so for him it's all a win-win. For me its dirtying my nice clean kitchen and less Zen quiet time for moi. ah well.

Since our deliveries have been moved work is very quiet. I am desperately trying to come up with good words to find another job but they aren't coming. I'll keep pushing. I have two high priority issues to deal with, first, my brother - clueless as to what to get him for Christmas and second need to contact Nana regarding Christmas Eve and the timing thereof... plus I need to make egg nog, gingerbread houses and wrap gifts. There are not enough hours in a day. Oh yeah and I need a trip to the dollar store to get coverings for the gingerbread houses... I need to think about who to schedule all this...

I will drag up the wrapping paper and extras upstairs tonight and get that started. I will swing by the dollar store on my way home tomorrow
I will make egg nog Saturday as I will take some to the party Saturday night
I will make gingerbread Sunday rolling out dough will ease the football stress.

I can call Nana tonight on my home, and shop for brother this weekend.

And that boys and girls is just how life works. Men - take note of all we do - ladies - I feel your pain. As I've said before - I will sleep when I am dead.

Oh and something to ponder - a lady from my group told us that her mother-in-law passed at the age of 105. She enjoyed general good health up until the end, and passed in her sleep without pain or suffering. That boys and girls was a life and an ending. Dear god - can I have one of those too? ;-)

Its cold, it's drizzling, but its Sunday!

And life ain't so bad, oh sure it started at 3AM with a large smelly puppy present - not sure which one left said deposit but I think it was the one who tried to wake me up at 2:30 AM and I wasn't having it. She showed me didn't she? Bubba of course slept through the entire thing - and yet I wonder why we were never blessed with children. Odd isn't it?

So at 8AM when my walnut sized bladder was screaming for mercy I noted another small deposit... and in the midst of cleaning up that one - Bubba arose. Which is never good that early and he defends his pup... whatever, that was cleaned up too, we got moving and had breakfast, went to the cell phone store where he could tease me more about new phones (Smart phones with features like web and text!!) But no not at that store (tease tease) we must go to the other store where they don't speak the language well and their computer system was down to they really weren't inclined to help much, plus their phones were more money but their plan was unlimited - unlike Store #1. So as I then noted it was 12:20 and football began at 1:00 did he really want to continue this trek. He did not - I was praising all angels on high. I want the cool geek phone so I can be like my geek friends - quit bitching about the price. Merry Christmas kid you'll shoot your eye out.

OH!! Did I skip a big chunk before Cell phone shopping hell... Bubba on our computer again. I don't know where he goes or what he does but once again he's got that suspicious file quarantined on his system and when I come down to figure out what the F he's done to the computer (again) he's screaming at me. Son - I can fix it so all you can do on this thing is play tiddly-winks and it will report that to me - so don't push it. Three failed scans, 4 reboots and a "We're going to breakfast - I will deal with this later" and off we went.

Fast forward to football, I got things started, he's watching me for some who-knows magic fairy to come down and fix this too... I tell him to go away again something farts I get mad and go watch football. He looks at me and says are your fixing it? No leave me alone (before I beat you with the keyboard-added inside my head) Finally I get things running on my side of the computer, we clean up the cyber-clap he's got again I dance about his side of the computer hoping that things work again, and with more tweeks and tucks and a silent prayer to the spam-virus-Trojan gods he's working... it's duct tape and bubble gum electron style but hey its working.

And answer me this - why does he get SO defensive when I poke at him to stay off porn sites? ITS A JOKE DORKUS But boy would I like to know where he goes all the time that our software can't handle. I don't have these issues! Cripes.

So amazingly Steelers managed to beat the Ciny-Bungles Troy looked good as the defense our offense well let's just say the Steeler's doctors are probably not being paid enough right now...

Bubba is out grocery shopping, he's only called a half a dozen times, because I didn't write the list for him - I wrote it for me. I'd be done and home by now - but that is just me.

All right off to enjoy a few minutes of peace and zen before Captain Cranky Pants returns with my groceries and I'm chained to the kitchen for several hours. Dinner, and a cookie swap with the ladies group. Dinner will be easy the cookies - we'll see.

Stay warm...

Take the gifts when you get them...

And I was handed one - and aren't I happy? Bubba gone for a bit while I tend to things that need to be done. And don't you know as I do things my way and he his - it works better when the two don't exist in the same time-space continuum.

What does all this mean? Bubba is out getting his car checked for smog, and probably will swing by and get his hair cut. I am then home alone to finish Christmas-ing up my house, and getting ready for the invasion of the Rainbow girls. Tonight.

And speaking of gifts the one Rainbow girl who I am temped to drug - will not be in attendance tonight. Bonus round! She's cute, she's excited and she's WAY to chatty, bouncy and has a problem with listening.

So as I bask in the glow of time alone I sit and blog about it... getting nothing else done. LOL But I just had to share the happiness of fates aligning so I can do my thing without Cranky pants all up in my business.

Speaking of business... I was on the phone, and of course Bubba is standing in the garage door shouting "boo boo!!!" Now one would think after the first 4 times you yell and I don't answer there is some reason why I am not.... but NO "we" yell again with cranky pants voice. At this point I keep talking and walking upstairs find out what is so freaking life and death to discover.... he needs grocery bags to clean up doggy mess. Dude - do you have a clue where they might be? WHY would you stand there for 10 minutes shouting for me when in 2 you could have walked across the floor, gotten what you needed from the closet and been on about your business?

AND - why do you have to turn it into some snit about "why don't you get someone who can do the job" rant while I'm trying to get greedy PNC Bank to cough back $6 they charged me for an addition mistake in my deposit - first time in 2 flipping year even. I frowned at him, handed him the bags and went back to what I was doing. I mean what other man on God's green earth is that so freaking helpless?? (besides his father - but that is so his mother won't have to clean up a 'mess'-- and I'm wandering again)

But I don't get the cranky! If it were me I'd yell once, get no response and move on to what I needed - IT IS EASIER THAN STANDING THERE SHOUTING AT NOTHING. But of course Bubba has yet to learn this lesson, as we demonstrate time and time again with him wanting to convey information while I stand in front of a running washing machine and dryer. Apparently he skipped the day they taught noise and sound waves in science class... or he thinks the magic fairies simply carry his oh-so-important words from his lips to dance upon my ears... think again Bubba. As the devil on my shoulder likes to play racket ball with your fairies.

And this started as such a happy little post didn't it?

Tend to you and yours...

Oh - Puppy update, Violet has her surgery yesterday, all went well except the doc put a real crimp in the time schedule. She's fine and he said that it was probably a good thing we did it now as the tumor on her spleen was the size of a handball and had it burst we would have had a real mess (on the inside). She's home, eating and all the other things dogs do regularly. I suspect she will sleep most of the day - as that is what she does usually - and she will bask in the glow of loving hands all night long.

Shelby is Shelby and she's happy-go-lucky as they come.

Off to deck the halls and not the husband.... fa la la la...

I'm a lazy worker....

But I am working - at home - again. :-)

Violet had a vet appointment this morning, but that isn't the entire story. My morning wake up was again 6:30 this morning as Bubba's car is still in the shop. Apparently the German car supplier wasn't in the right mood to deliver the parts so it took longer than expected to fix his car. So - up dressed, took Bubba to the metro - as I needed a car today - home, sat around for 15 minutes, showered, dressed, took Violet to the Vet. All tests good, she's having surgery tomorrow morning to remove the tumor on her spleen that was found during her troubles at the end of October.

Better to take care of things now than wait until something bursts then we are really in trouble. So pampered pup violet goes in early tomorrow morning, I again get to work from home as the company holiday party is Friday night and I'm not driving MD to VA to MD back to VA on one flipping day. yeesh.

Work has been entirely too quiet, but then again sometimes a body can use the quiet days without constant calls and emails to keep the nerves on edge.

I'm popping out in a bit to handle a few errands including shopping for Violet food, she's OUT of kibble (I'm such a bad mommy) and hopefully to find a dress to wear tomorrow night - that go with my fun new shoes. Oh sure I can wear them with my gowns for the Ladies or Kid's groups formal meeting but - I really want to show off my shoes to the gals at work. My feet are my last good feature - my hands are bad but I haven't made time for manicures in weeks! ick.

Tomorrow I am going to have my toes and nails done, then party it up like it's the Nerds-r-us holiday party on a Friday night when we have all worked all day and wha-hoo let's party. Sigh. The only reason I'm going is because my other work half insisted. Mostly it's the Friday night thing, its the nagging Bubba thing and its the "too big" thing. But since there are at least 4 of us going it should be a pretty decent evening. Plus I get to show off my shoes - I hope. :-)

All right off to get all those things ready and head out the door. I should do one week at home... nah - not enough people to talk to!

Its a Wednesday....

And life is good!!! Sing with me now - the commute is grand, the pups are happy, you don't have to dress (up) pervs... and within all this happiness and Rainbows? My morning wake up call... 6:30 AM thank you very much. Why may you ask with all that dancing and singing and no commuting? One word. Bubba.

Bubba and his car - that had to be in the shop today, and yes since I'm home he took my family truckster to work. He had to have it in the shop by 7AM. I don't know why but it was necessary. So up, fed pups, back to bed for 15 minutes as he was STILL in the shower, then up, dressed, off to garage, picked him up, took myself home and off went Bubba to work. Yes, I did give serious thought to going back to bed, but as I just laid there awake I decided to get moving.

This time we tossed in a shower for sniks and giggles, made breakfast - poured cereal into a bowl, made tea and logged on. Been busy most of the day. Boss sent email wanting to know if I was home or office...duh its Wednesday. He called home, we chatted for a few minutes and said he is working a bonus but since he won't be around he can't promise it will actually come through. Ah - thanks? Dude seriously. Why tell me this? If it comes - hey bonus excellent. If it doesn't I won't be ticked and take it out on the new guy.... ah! He wants me to take it out on the new guy. Plus I think he's trying to ease his guilty conscience. good luck with that one big boy - you signed your walking paper left us high and dry... enjoy. Like I said to a friend yesterday my resume is shiny enough to contact Mars.

Speaking of new jobs I've got to submit my forms... and get a few more done. There are 4 open positions calling my name I have 2 forms done and 2 more to go. So back at it-- documenting that I can do it all; be it all; and make it all happen for you - Mr. New Job guy! I am Super QA! Ta-ta-da da!!!!!

Yeah I know whatever...

OH!!! On quick story and which I am very happy there are no cameras in my house... when Bubba's office closed he got a fax/scanner/copier/printer. Now this was very nice as we had only one of those functions here at home. Today I decided to try and scan some documents that had to be uploaded to prove that Bubba is actually married to me so he can have health insurance next year. (more on that mess later)...

So I log on to the website figure out what I need and then boot up the home computer (working from home on the work laptop) I figure out how to scan the documents but I must get a folding chair, stand on it so I can see the menu of options on the front screen of the machine. Simply based on the look the dog shot me I had to look like an idiot... plus I had to do this three times to make sure that each document I had to scan - scanned to the same format. Everything after that was point click and done but really have to figure out how to move this piece of technology to a more user friendly location for the height challenged person aka ME. Yes, Bubba put it up there... he said and I quote "I can use it just fine" DOES HE? No of course not that apparently falls under the heading stuff I have a wife for I won't waste our time listing ALL the things Bubba has on that list... it would be shorter to list all that isn't on that list. Its probably not good I'm drawing a blank on what isn't on that list... need to stop thinking about that and get back to finding a new job - I mean working hard!

Need to find chocolate....

Welcome to the Deep Freeze...

Which by the way - sucks! However, there are other parts of the world with that white stuff one must move from point A to point B - we will not complain about cold. You can drive in cold, you don't have to shovel cold and you can go inside FROM the cold.

Work has been a regular Tuesday telecon after telecon until you don't want to hear another voice through the phone. The first 2 were done while sitting in traffic this morning - which apparently folks who don't want to get to work in a timely manner found it necessary to make the rest of us late as well... and how do you ask did they accomplish this task? Slowing down to look at the Nice State Police Man parked on the side of the road... no lights flashing, no smushed metal, no cool spun around cars or upside down stuff... just a guy sitting there... we all slowed then went. And they wander where road rage comes from...(clue there pumpkin)

I called the Vet today... we had an outstanding issue with Violet and her spleen, she's got a tumor of unknown origin... now we could dance about with this test and that test or we could have Dr. Brad just open her up and deal with it. Guess which way we're going... you betcha - open her up and move on. (I hope) Bubba for now - is mellow about all this but as we all know that can and WILL change so we will keep that knowledge tucked away and enjoy the moment of cooperation.

Working late tonight - making up for last Friday and Monday (meeting left early) but hey I'm home tomorrow and possibly for the rest of the week. Violet goes in Thursday morning and depending upon her, as to whether or not I go in, the Friday is the company holiday party so rather than go and come and go back again I will stay home and then go to the party. Bubba is going to meet me there... anyone want to place a bet as to when he shows up? Better be before 7 if he wants dinner.

Oh - and Bubba said he'll be home late tonight... whatever... ;-)

Still here - mostly

I started to post Friday then I died; then I went home, went to bed and didn't rise again until Saturday - upon which I then sat on the couch while our Hero Bubba- believe it or not ran the errands for that Saturday. Until his massage appointment - and then Penguins hockey - but hey he was helpful up until then.

I have a meeting - will post more on our weekend, the Friday that was, and the Monday evening I am about to enjoy. Stay tuned!


Ok - so Meeting over - need to seriously consider downers for one particular Rainbow girl but I am drinking so it will be all right. ;-) Yeah Ok so what if it's green tea I'm still drinking... it's soothing.

Where to begin? Let's start with Friday as Thursday is long ago and the brain she don't hold that much any more... so Friday. Woke, felt so-so but managed to get my lazy fanny into work, while dropping off dry cleaning and dealing with a Friday commute. (not bad) I worked 3/4 of the day before deciding sliding onto the floor (ick) and napping right there wasn't a good thing. Plus when I don't want to eat you know there has to be an issue. So got home, let the pups out, took out my contacts, took off my shoes and crawled into bed. After I jacked up the heat - can't wait to hear the whine about THIS electric bill... anyhow. I slept - from 3:30 PM until 7:00 PM when Bubba called. He calls to tell me that he is going to have a beer with co-workers as someone is leaving. Go. I mumble - he gathers from the tone and the monosyllabic answer that something is amiss... I tell him in not so graphic detail the journey that has been my last 4 hours.

I'm hot I'm cold, I sleeping, I'm in the bathroom wondering when I might see my shoes from the wrong end... (see bill Cosby for drinking reference there). And our hero smartly says, "You're sick?" Had I had a working brain cell there might have been some clever banter here - as not he got, "Yes".

I agreed to feed the dogs - especially since they were now awake and aware that is was indeed dinner time - and he would be home after said beer. "groovy"

Up, fed, back to bed. He calls 5 minutes later - "ugh" He nicely asks if he can get me juice or soda. I ask for OJ and 7up - and hang up. I rise from the dead when he so nicely comes into the room, to change clothes (meaning has flipped on every light we have, has dropped his bag, and has woken the dogs so sleeping through that would have been akin to sleeping through WWII) This is also how he leaves when he has a 6 AM flight and he must leave at 2AM. And you wonder why I "accidentally" hit the doorbell on MY way out ... but really it was an accident - both times - or was it three - I digress.

So I don't see the outside of my eyelids until Shelby won't take "no" for an answer at 9:30 Saturday morning. For her that's like 2 hours past BREAKFAST. So up, fed, couch, stayed. While the internal churning had indeed slowed - mostly because frankly there was nothing left to churn - I was still feeling like 6 miles of bad road - versus the 25 of the previous day. So I sucked down the orange juice, managed half a slice of toast and discovered that even with 600 billion TV channels TV sucks on Saturday afternoon - because frankly i don't want to watch Giatia De-Skinny-Italian-my-fanny and her perfect size 2 family in the wilds of the Rocky Mountains while she whips up the perfect dish to go with her surroundings. And movies - my tummy was unhappy enough didn't need more blood and gore - and chick flicks - a plot would be nice. Where is Steele Magnolias when you need it? Yes I was too lazy to put in my copy... I flipped channels sue me.

Bubba made a list - he conquered said list - he only called 3 or 4 times, but it was all good feature selections, colors and sizes, and the final check on a dinner preference. Again until said massage and hockey times arrived... We did freeze dried chicken with the rest of the thanksgiving leftovers. I was by-then hungry. Ate, rested and went back to bed.

Sunday - was the dawn of a new day. (Poetic no?) Bubba in full helpful mode got bagels and I was able to attend the Rainbow event. All went well - made a grocery store run then came home made dinner and watch football... late into the night in which I had not planned on doing - but a certain Pittsburgh football team apparently is trying to kill of most of the population of said city with it's almost-football-type play last night. Apparently the officials were in on the land deal as well.

You cannot pull the kind of football foolishness as appeared last night and expect people who live off of sausage and peppers, cabbage and noodles and mashed potatoes and corn not to have massive strokes with that kind of crap. You just can't. OF course UPMC might be having an off year and might have needed the cardiac patients... I'm wandering.

AND while I'm off the path let me tell you something MR. NBC guy EWWWW enough shots of Ben's nose - we ALL saw it the first 200 times you showed it and the doctors trying to figure out which way was bent BEFORE... you added tele-straighter to the darn thing does not help! Dinner was a wobbly for a while there... ick and double. No wonder he couldn't hit anyone throwing the ball he was seeing double and he nose had to be in the way!

AND another thing - WHO paid off those officials last night! I mean really they nail the Steelers for breathing wrong on a QB ours gets his nose busted and NOTHING! seriously? Really!!! Not that I'm upset about any of this - or had any trouble falling asleep last night - not like I watched up until that last 90 seconds of the darn game - because I just KNEW they were going to find a way to blow it... but amazingly - they held on - and Baltimore was left wondering what happened. Sorry boys - sometimes the dirty play just doesn't pan out....

And breathe... it's all Zen.

Haven't even mentioned the work news... the boss is leaving - in 2 weeks. Fun! He said it wasn't as if he was looking, it just happened. Right. He announced this Friday - of course I was running on 23% power so it was more "ugh" - today with full engagement I realize that life as I know it is going to get a tad more interesting in the new year... and yes working on that new job so much faster now - between everything else I have packed into my life....

I really need to figure out how not to sleep to get this all done. I will find a way. I will be up early tomorrow and Wednesday - but I have 2 work at home days this week, thanks to Bubba's car and the company party. That ain't bad. Now to find my Christmas cheer... something tells me it's with the egg nog recipe.

Chat at you Tuesday...

Oh the weather outside is frightful...

But I'm not out driving in it... so as long as you love me so...let it bluster let it bluster let it .... bluster! And no I ain't using the "s" word - saw enough of that stuff earlier in the year - we're done! (don't talk to me about seasons and weather patterns just -don't go there um' kay?)

Its raining and blowing and it was for some time raining in sheets so Aunt Ing is oh-so very happy she didn't have to get into her car and fight the 6-bazillion people in front of her to get to work. All I had to do was walk down 2 flights of stairs. I love Work-from-home-Wednesdays. Now if we could just get Monday - Friday work from home days life would be pretty cool. But I would miss the interaction of other people and since Bubba isn't such a great conversationalist yeah I would get a bit goofy. (yeah yeah no cracks about how goofy I am already! - kinda goes without saying doesn't it?)

For documentation purposes only - Bubba's arrival time home 9:00 PM, part was traffic (yes even at that hour) but again part was the time he left work. No comment to him or here just noting the time. On the total upside, I ate my dinner, made his, and got to watch my show without interruption so I don't have to watch it on the small computer screen. SO total bonus in my world!

I have several things on tap for today for just me, massage this afternoon, meeting the bug guy some shopping for Christmas and me, and perhaps a little something fun - we'll see. Since the office has lost power I am a bit adrift in terms of getting some thing done - but I do have 3 new positions to apply for so I think I will work on that for now and worry about work later when the power comes back on - in VA. hee hee hee...

I also need a dinner idea for tonight - something that reheats well. :-) We'll see what the freezer holds and go from there. I foresee chicken in Bubba's future. All-righty then, off to find another job where I don't bounce between complete murderous thoughts and total ambivalence... working more and more on the later - much less stressful. Hopefully doing something cool - that I won't be able to tell anyone about - like I chat so much about this job. :-) Hi my name is Aunt Ing and I'm a nerd - that about sums it up doesn't it?

No word on the cell phone front - we're are probably going to go look this weekend. With a MAJOR carrier - there will be no Jo-blow cheap-a$$ smart phone for Aunt Ing, you working, you getting paid, pony up Bubba or I'm calling Mama - and her appliances. (apparently I have issues with this -- or maybe I'm just having some fun there)

(and so much for those Saint Peter point eh? Thanks gigs - for saving the seat - after all it will be nice to be with so many friends no?)


UPDATE: Went to the evil empire as my sister is want to call it (The Wal-Mart) and spent over $100 - I'm not sure on what, new bras, cleaning supplies, plastic wrap, bags, books for Granny for Christmas, hat and gloves for Joe for Christmas - this that and the other and before you know it... done. there is nothing fun about new bras and socks... there just isn't. I need a life.

Monday Morning...

Wasn't apparently part of the day my body wished to see.. as I lazily slept in until... 9:00 AM! Bubba was up and gone, apparently the Case girls needed a bit more rest. All I can say is thank goodness there are no cameras in my house as a fat chick running through her house getting ready to go work couldn't have been pretty. Add in a barking dog and one with stair issues and what fun we've had.

I did make it into work, thus far reasonably quiet. We have big news in that the senior code jockey turned in his papers and will be leaving our happy abode on the 17th of December. Bummer as he was the one person you could work with - the Napoleon of Huntsville is still firmly in place and I'm sure what ever puppet he puts in there will probably cause more trouble than life is worth. Another wrinkle is the chick who isn't quality - but really is - (i.e. MY job) in Huntsville is again trying to end around to do whatever the heck she's doing down there... because all the folks know that she's really not what she SAYS she is - depending upon to whom you speak... the funny part was I was just the cc on the email - the boss almost - like - sort of made a decision. But we'll see what new bubble over this causes... should be fun!

Bubba has "warned" me that this week will be "a late long one" - my response - a shrug. I mean really - what you'll get home later than 8 or 8:30 PM. BFD. Kinda like your sister who prefers to work the evening shift when her husband is home from work himself... what is it with this family? His parents now live 6 hours apart, his sister works off shifts while her husband works days and my accountant husband thinks a short day is 9 hours. Again - insert shrug here. Groovy I will cook what suits me when it suits me and your dinner will be on a plate in the microwave. Nuke it up Numbers boy and enjoy your life... I'll be off having one.

Ok here is the other issue...Bubba and I decided to get smart phones for each other for Christmas - now I can do all sorts of cool stuff I've been wanting do - yeah Geek Envy - sue me I'm a nerd. But NOW - he's shopping - cheap phones crappy plans (SO NOT going on cricket - not happening!!) him whining about doubling of our cell phone bill. Listen - you work all the time - we are generally OK with the paycheck issues Ok - can you please just get one of the two options we discussed and shut up about it! I am not counting my minutes for this and that - buy the all inclusive plan and BE DONE WITH IT. Yeesh. Your mother has appliances more complicated than your computer and you are whining about cell minutes? What pod did you spring from? Because I don't get where the freak you are related to these people you call family!!!!

/end rant. thank you I feel better. Mostly, until he starts in again about the bill - I may have to bury him in cell phone bills. Shoot me please. Screw it I'm going to wal-mart - I need something - I'll find something-- Useless... :-)

Thinking about heading home - finding my Zen with thanksgiving leftovers. It's all good.

Weekend recap....

While yes I should and could have posted Thursday - I didn't. Hope your turkey day was all that and a bag of chips... or extra gravy, whatever.

First as I type this the Steelers are about to lose to the flipping Buffalo Bills - the Bills who have won -- what 2 games all season? Where is the team that beat the living crap out of the Raiders last weekend? Where is the fire? Yes I know it's cold in Buffalo - but you're a COLD WEATHER TEAM TOO MORONS! I stopped watching after the defense let them have 4th and 2 with the game on the line - and yes Nana football words were abundant... that is why we call them football words. Stupid Steelers.


So - the weekend... we had Wednesday's rant and apparently I should have spent as much time with my packing list - who besides the dork that is me - forgets her glasses AND her contact lens solution only to end up at the grocery store Thursday morning...

(more football words as they are about to really lose this game - stupid Steelers)

Also would have lost the bet on the arrival time home for Bubba - apparently they kicked him out at 3:30 on Wednesday after a lovely ride home - 5:00 Pm we were packed and out the door at 5:30. Traffic wasn't awful, we went up another route, we sat in a bit north of Frederick, then zippy home. We did hit chunky rain in the 'mountains' of PA but the roads remained wet. Home, wine, mellow - Bubba not happy it's just us for Thanksgiving (see Wednesday for that discussion) then bed...

Thursday was up, moving, blind, put in contacts with Bubba's solution, burning eyes run to grocery store, home, blind, shower, cook, contacts back in, dinner, stuffed, ahhhhhh

Friday up moving, on our way to the in-laws amazingly no major words said between husband and wife during the trip, we visit his grandfather's grave - and I'm beginning to wonder if we're the only ones who do... (another reminder WE don't live there... digressing) We meet up with the Parental Units D' Bubba - in the new place... with appliances my mother-in-law bought but will never be able to use... when you complain about grease splatters in your new fancy convection oven it isn't the probe (in the chicken you dirty minded...) it could be the shallow pan. And when said Daughter in law mentioned that - "Never thought of that one I figured I did something wrong in the oven it cooked it too fast." Makes your head hurt doesn't it?

She's got more bells and whistles in this kitchen than my last work project. And this from a woman who readily admits - "Email is too confusing". I wanted to slap my husband - and steal his mama's kitchen. Seriously.

So lunch out - home, relax, realize that AGAIN best laid plans for holidays have been tossed into the shredder and somehow it's my family's fault. And I want St. Pete to take note - I was the one who said "We'd work something out so everyone has a fair share." I talked to my siblings only one of whom might toss sugar in the engine that is THIS plan. We shall see.

I have discovered a few truths about my husband's side of the family, first and foremost I don't get them but I can make do. Second my husband is anti-social with them as he is with me. He did spend some time teaching Joe how to play chess on the computer - and lastly exactly what is my mother-in-law trying to do with all those angel's around the house? What bad ju-ju does she think is surrounding her that all those angel statues will make a difference? Just wondering - as I am the one giving her more every Christmas... but they are the stay inside a cabinet kind - with boxes and papers... the one Bubba commented on was a 3 foot statue that stood outside her front door - it was this huge cement colored angel, we walked up and Bubba's comment "Holy Shit" - punch his ticket straight to the pearly gates. We have a winner.

I mean she's got that one - two sitting on her front "yard" of 1 foot of mulched patch in front of her condo, on the kitchen window - behind her kitchen sink, then tucked away everywhere... but then again my father has Santa everywhere - all year long... so who is to say what about who.

We discover through conversation that the supposed plan for Christmas Eve has been put in the shredder Bubba, of course in his oh-so patient manner jumps all over his mother, and she in turn jumps all over my mother - haven't yet figured out how that came about but I said nothing in the moment, then said later I would work with said siblings of mine and make sure everyone got holiday time. I also invited her down to Christmas dinner since her family was working and it would be just us... then she admits to cooking dinner before everyone has to go to work (nurses in the family). Did she think to invite us? Of course not. Again I would like it noted that I have not pointed that out to in-law type relation - in case St. Peter would like to take notes - I racked up some major goodie points this weekend... then probably wiped out most of them with this post - but hey I try right?

Elder niece came over with children - yes plural - in tow, played with baby, had some fun, then passed her off to everyone else to fuss over and Joe and I played Legos and Monopoly for the better part of 90 minutes - just us two. I don't think this kid gets a lot of play time - but I could be wrong. I know that Baby Daddy 2 (M for short) drives a truck during the week and is generally gone alot - and I know like I know my name Niece A isn't having fun with her eldest - I wonder when the shine is going to wear off Baby Addison or A2 for short. And that is mean and snotty. Sorry gang if I can't be a royal B here where can I be... this is my space - this is my happy place.... Plus I KNOW this is my major league stick in my own personal person craw but dag nabbit its mine... and I hate it. I do nothing different with those two that I have done with any kid in my family - I play I talk, I cuddle I listen. I love spending time with them, Joe was even fun because I got a response - he wasn't doped to the hills. Of course I tossed the wrench into it - and asked if he was still on the drugs - "because he's much more engaged" and the answer I got -"its the end of the day he's coming off of them" I just smiled and said Oh OK. (Hey! Pete ... please note!!)

So back to my mom's late, Saturday with the family, had a great day, kids are loud and crazy and my brother needs to take his children in hand - they were great when he was home - perhaps you live a bit more cheaply and raise your kids. They are not ADD they are undisciplined - smack your eldest child's behind once and that ends the slamming of legos into one's Aunt and Uncle's thighs. I know I've got the bruises to prove it...

BUT - a good visit - we talked about Christmas Eve - could we work something out with his idiot family? Right now darling Brother is the fly in the oil but we'll see what we can work out... or not. We ate at the usual place - a fun thing with the kids on a new no chemicals diet - good luck with that one. Just ordered a book for them... Wendy will read up and hopefully that will help.. or make her think I'm a bigger pain in the backside. I got one for dear Sis too... but her daughter is just bossy not obnoxious. I did get an "I love you" from the younger of my brother's daughters...

Bubba and I did discuss the possibility that niece could be thinking about #3 - I said - NO way -- #2 is still fun and new... and heaven help me if she is...

In the midst of all this points raking I did have one "oh poop" moment. Adult niece two the one getting an education and working - said something to her grandmother - my mother in law about Niece one and having more children that she is going to have to support and once again the filter slipped... "No that is not Grandma's job it's A's responsibility to take care of the children she brings into the world."

And yes I got a dirty look - sue me. Maybe it's best we only have 3 days home. Keeps me out of trouble.

The cherry on the sundae of this trip home? Up Sunday morning at 5:30 AM read that again boys and girls - 5:30 AM to drive home like the house was on fire. There were 12 other people on the road and we whizzed by them so freaking fast I'm not sure I counted correctly. Plus I read - I couldn't sleep and it helps to keep the screaming fits at bay... I did comment on the speed when I heard my poor truck start to whimper. Someday I'd love to take his car home and abuse the crap out if it instead of my family truckster. So we're home at 10:30 in the flipping morning - yes we missed traffic - yes it was a smooth ride (when you don't touch pavement) whiz bang you got to rake leaves and you took me out to breakfast... you could have left at 10 AM and had similar results but no we wouldn't have seen the Steeler game... see top of post.

(BTW they shocking went on to win - color ME amazed)

Now he's off getting a massage from the busy weekend of driving up and back, sitting on his ass and eating. He didn't lift a dish, or glass except to refill it.

ARE YOU LISTENING ST. PETER - ANYTHING? ONE STINGY POINT I do dishes!

Never mind -- I like the heat and Mom said she'd save me seat.

Pizza for dinner because I just don't want bothered. Stay tuned should be a quiet week.

Nothing screws up a holiday like your family....

I would like to post an open letter to my siblings and to my in laws. Who I have come to believe have either spines of granite or jello... mostly I think the ones related to me by blood are the ones with the jello spinal columns.

Dear "family"

I would like you to note the return address on ANY piece of mail I have ever sent you - does it contain the abbreviation PA? No it does not. We don't live in Western PA anymore we must drive 4 hours or better to visit and spend time with you - our family. Now you may not believe this - but that road goes both ways!! Both to and FROM Western PA - not that any of you could be bothered to do so... in spite of countless invitations to this that or the other - including a do nothing weekend in mid-freaking July.

In the 20 years I have lived away from home I have worked really hard to ensure that both sides of the family get time with said relation so we could talk, bond, fight or whatever. But NEVER in 20 years have ANY of you bothered to so much as give 20 minutes of your oh-so important lives to adjust to my schedule. I must drive to you another 2 hours or so I must make do with the slivers of time you are willing to dish out of your busy lives.

Perhaps your feelings are "you moved you deal with it" and I do - however when you see your family on a pretty much daily basis why does it become such critical importance that you spend MORE time with them than the ones who must travel to see you? Can you offer an explanation? I doubt it.

So again another holiday where feelings are hurt, people are in tears and I get enough leftovers to feed a small army - and am darn grateful for it! You people decide when and where and how you can be bothered to spend time not only with me and Bubba but with the parents you DON'T vacation with every year - or the in-laws who do nothing but add to the stress in your life - or accept the shift on the day we are available for a visit - enjoy.

Next year - me and Nana are taking a cruise to a place with sunny beaches and hot and cold running cabana boys - and we'll think about taking our spouses. You people eat dried out turkey with in-laws forget all the traditions and enjoyment that WAS your family - and frankly my dear sister and brother - right now you can kiss my grits.

To my in-laws and my work-aholic husband - enjoy that 15 minutes with each other - I'll have another round.

Sorry this is so angry but like I said - nothing can screw up a holiday like your family - stay tuned I'm sure I can suck something funny out of THIS weekend. Including round one with Bubba... ponder this until I return... the office in which he is working is CLOSING at 3:00 PM today - is he coming home? No - he's not sure if he has to STAY AND WORK.

And do I need to remind anyone he's a TEMP in this job?

Oh - and if ANYONE on the planet can make sense of that bit of logic - call or write I'd love to hear it.

Ah the weekend...

We saw A&T off this morning with a good bagel and cup of Joe, then Bubba and Aunt Ing headed home to deal with the rest of the day. First, turkey in the oven as the lodge dinner is tonight and I stupidly said I'd make a turkey. AND I'm worried it isn't big enough. Screw it I've had a long week, I have a cold and frankly not in the mood. If 16 pounds and change ain't enough-- you people are eating too much.

Bubba is now off with Shelby she needed some blood work, just because she's on a daily med - making sure things are all good. We remembered this morning, so of course I called, I got the appointment then I goosed Bubba to go! The appointment was 11: ish... so it was 5 minutes until and he was going to BATHE her first - THEN go! No no no dorkus - Vet first then bath - that way you can keep her inside to dry off and not in my (yes it is) dirty car. And it's dirty because it hauls the dogs!

I just jumped on facebook and realized what A's husband has been doing all week on his phone - posting to Facebook! Yeesh. But it was interesting to see the week summed up in a serious of map postings and pithy comments. Whatever gets you through the week works for me.

Another short post as I've got some other things to tend to and I don't want to deal with Bubba when he gets back. Because we know what kind of mood he is going to return home in... and again if you picked happy you REALLY need to pay closer attention to what I write. Come on now people.

Of course I have to say he's been very cool this week, no whining about this that or the other - but he has been fed well so that tends to keep cranky at bay. But now it's just us and we're seeing cracks in the armor. First he was mad because there is a credit on his parking fee - which I prepaid for December already so it will carry through to January. Get over it - I won't pre-pay for January and you can get your happy little car towed out of the garage. Forgive me for not wanting to pay extra again because they sent the bill 2 days after it was due. Honesty it always comes back to bite you in the butt.

On the upside I have enough stuff leftover I am not cooking this week enjoy Bubba for Wednesday we travel - with or without you. I have no issue either way. :-)

All righty really signing off now... must look productive when his royal unhappiness arrives home. Heaven help me if he had to wait for any length of time.

Things to look forward to... holidays with family and in-laws, Christmas shopping with Bubba and a Lodge dinner. If you're lucky I'll post again tonight - I will need the private therapy time.

Everybody needs a day off now and then...

And today is my day... A&T are sticking around until tomorrow so we went and played today.

We were going to go to the French restaurant for dinner - but it closed. So we'll do something local... probably involving red meat. I know my yinzers. ;-)

A is fine, test results still pending in some cases but she is pleased with at least knowing that is NOT wrong and she is on her way to better health. So bonus round.

I frankly have enjoyed my day off and it probably did more for this cold I'm fighting than going to work would have. We will see what time darling Bubba manages to get home... and then we'll make dinner plans.

Everywhere we have gone, T has taken pictures, mostly fire houses, fire truck, and one accident. A wacker yinzer (for those of you not into Western PA lingo that is a fellow or gal from the said Pittsburgh Western PA area who is employed by or volunteers with their local fire/ems departments) T is the later - employed by Warren county - he is what he is. And god love him for it.

Another short post as I'd rather enjoy the time with friends - and I'm sure we'll have more to chat about later in the weekend - there is a lodge function and as we all know - that always brings out the best in Bubba.

Stay tuned.

Quickie...

A & T are at the house, she is out - well scanned poked and looked over.

We're planning dinner out tomorrow and screw work.

That is all... ain't life grand? And it's too short so a day off isn't the end of the world.

I hereby swear and promise...

(the good swear not football words) that I will never - ever again whine, complain or other wise grump about ANY medical issue in my life. I may this vow and promise after spending an entire day in a medical type facility and hearing my friend list all she has gone through this past year... yeesh and double. I simply cannot begin to imagine all she has gone through and still sought out a medical trial!!

My friend is at National Institute of Health being poked and prodded as we speak, she has a team - literally a team of doctors, nurses and host of other medical type people asking questions, looking at her left right and center. Yesterday we got her all checked in, arrived early because Aunt Ing is a ninny and couldn't predict the what, where and hows of where we needed to go and I wanted to try and make things as smooth as possible for her - considering... AND to that point I had NO clue all she'd been through had I an idea - I would have worked so much harder to make things better. I'll make it up to her at the end of the week. Providing work doesn't FUBAR the entire plan - be we'll see.

I put in a couple hours Sunday - should have put in more after that crappy-ass football game... what is it with New England and the Steelers - what is wrong boys? Brady's girl hair scare you? The O-line a little to manly for you? Oh and offense - again boys its called the flipping end zone - FIND IT ALREADY. It's how you actually win a game - get MORE point on the board that the other guys - exciting concept I know...

And enough football talk - well maybe except for my 2 friends who are redskins fans... ouch. Sorry girls. I'd like to say it could have been worse... outside of tornado or flood - not sure how.

Bubba has been remarkable quiet during all this visit and such, I figure he knows this is serious and to shut up about it or he'll wait until my friend and her hubby head out of town to start the bitching again. We'll see - I think the former Bubba is remarkable in that way... he will do what he can for those he can help - then nag his wife until she wants to crown him with her frying pan.

That boys and girls is what makes life worth living.... it's the spice and variety of life!

Have a good Tuesday - I will try and check in Wednesday and hopefully get some good news for A & T - they could use it.

Quick hit Saturday

This was a decent day... up dealt with Lodge stuff - cranky Bubba made his first appearance of the day then he went out with a friend, and I was afforded a peaceful day - alone. I did manage to putz a bit, get some things cleaned up, hung a few pictures, swapped things around, put a new bow on the moose and generally chilled out.

I was supposed to help out at a yard sale today but Violet get sick this morning and I wanted to be home - just in case. This I think was a case of Miss Violet not eating her dinner and up came the gift. Lucky me. But victim blanket is washed and dried and all is right with the world. She's fine, I've gone back to mixing a tablespoon of wet food with her kibble and shucks and golly it's all gone.

Of course while I am standing there mixing it so Miss Violet just doesn't eat the globs of smelly canned food and leave the kibble, Shelby voices her objection to the delay in her breakfast/ dinner. This morning was really funny because she stood there barking at me to move it lady I'm hungry - Bubba yelled at her from the shower upstairs... the floor of which is the ceiling of the laundry room. Shelby heard Bubba's voice - and kept looking up but wasn't real clear on where he was... very funny.

I am having a better day than yesterday - of course talked to Mom on the way home, always good to have someone to grump at. Feeling much better than yesterday.. yeesh I don't know what Debbie downer pill I got hold of but yeesh... won't deal with that again.

Sp my house is 'clean' meaning stuff is picked up the dust is to a minimum the sheets and towels are clean and Bubba has been warned to stay out of the big bathroom. I'm ready for A&T and frankly at this point I'm more nervous about getting her to the right place Monday morning than anything else. We shall see...

Enjoy your Saturday night I'm off to watch hockey now that Bubba is done flipped back to Bad movie #348 this was more violence than sex... ever wonder why I read so much??

A vent and something else...

Apparently my hormones were squished with my personal person and suddenly I am not in that usual Friday mood. Or it could be the reply to the semi-snarky email I got from my brother's wife. Yeah I shot the first cannon across the bow - but she sees mommy and daddy every flipping day - my brother has to make appointments to see his family. Just once I'd like some member of either freaking family to recognize WE drive 4 plus hours to spend time with family - you could people could bend a half a freaking inch. BUT nooooo Bubba and I must make due with traveling back and forth and back and forth because no one is willing to even reach across the darn table to say how are you?

I'm feeling pretty unhappy right now and I'm not real sure what started all this ... perhaps I'm just tired of trying to have a relationship with any member of my family - after all they have their own now - I'm sitting out here alone - with Bubba. The guy in the office who never wants to come home... what does that say about me? I sit here feeling sorry for myself and I have a friend coming to stay with me whose troubles are 12 times worse than mine and I should just suck it up and deal with the BS. 20 years from now I will be booking cruises and island get aways - our gifts will be delivered via the post office and Aunt Ing and Uncle Bob will be those people in pictures. Screw it.

After all Bubba's family can't make room for us, our dogs or anything else so you get the 2 freaking hours we can squeeze out of your schedules. I hate this feeling. OK realized it was way past lunch, went and fueled the brain and the mood has mellowed - a bit. Gone from weepy to just mad- I like mad better. But mad gets my lips flapping and the filter tends to shut off and well that's rarely a good thing. OH I feel better after wards - but it tends to leave a trail of pissed off I then must contend with later...so best to keep the filter firmly in place.

I honestly don't know what caused this mood today - I've got 500 pounds of things to deal with of course there will be crap from Bubba... you know .... let's find a way to blame him for this shall we?

Let me tell you a story - last weekend when cranky Bubba was making his usual daily appearance I was discussing our friends visit. And I may have already discussed this with you all - but he got more grumpy when I said I planned nothing with you in mind. Why oh why would I depend on him for anything? With my friend and her drop off pick up or whatever in mind? You are gone by 7:30 each g-d morning and home 8 pm or later - what good are you to me? NONE. I will get A & T where they need to be when, I will drive into work and do what I have to do - pick up, cook clean and make the dogs are tended while you come home sit on your waited upon fanny and expect to have it all handed to you on a freaking silver platter? I'm beginning to get why your mother is the mess she is...well no not really but I get why your father likes the living arrangements... I give it 6 months before he finds full time work digging holes just to get out of the house.

Boy this is one unhappy post. Hey Cheap Therapy read the title... it's this or I'll be the subject of the next Lifetime movie network "snapped" docu-drama. "She always was so happy then she beat her husband with a frying pan and was heard screaming - it was already cooked, just eat it --- you didn't have to do anything but eat it..." And I've wandered into that dark and twisty place again haven't I? LOL

OK, blood sugar rising, mood is shifting or it's the cream soda I indulged in.. oh yeah will pay for that sugar boost later. Off to deal with work type stuff - and maybe new job stuff too... we'll see.

It's Friday - toast to the weekend, the night, the next day, heck the fact you got out of bed and got dressed. Life is too short for shoveling someone else's manure - you got enough of your own... (I should write for Hallmark)

Sorry - funny thought popped into my head - a whole new line of Hallmark cards our "Tough Love" section - inspired by the drill Sargent therapist... "Lost your way? Feeling Blue? well suck it you pansy pull up your big girl panties and get moving"

So you're 40 - it ain't 60 yet and you can still drink without fear of prescription interaction - deal with it.

Yeah can't see that happening anytime soon. :-)

thanks for being here... feeling better - I may document more Hallmark Tough Love sayings...

Kids driving you crazy? Life a ball of stress? Give the kids a shot of NyQuil and yourself the night off.. order in. (yeah lawsuit there)

I'll think about it..