The Spare

A Valentine's Day Poem for Adam

2010-02-14T15:37:00.002-06:00

(Think "So I Married An Axe Murderer" Mike Meyers poem with the music in the background)

Adam
Ben-ig-no
Hard-handed handler of hybrids.
Magnetic, mirthful,
Mighty marked mechanic.

So know-ing.
So help-ing.
So love-ed.

"I'm madly in love with you!" she shouts out of the balcony like a dog running to a corner with two hydrants.

I love you.

I need you.

I'll be here--Forever.

Happy Valentine's day, my love!

Valentine's Day

2010-02-14T15:36:00.000-06:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-25T22:03:00.020-06:00

Christmas love from Dan :o)

WHOA! Yes, I dared to put my make-up-less face on here.

Christmas Lucy :o)

Bling, Bling!

I believe Sofia's throwing up a "West Side"...

Helping open gifts

Penney spreading the word, in every language.

I LOVE my Mexican Folk Art coloring book!

Me, Penney & Sofia completing a Dora "cuzzle."

Dixie got a Didj.

Some bracelets Santa left.

Dixie was VERY happy with her cupcake baking kit!

Oh, Christmas Tree

2009-12-05T16:30:00.001-06:00

Apparently, a re-run of "Merry Christmas, Drake & Josh" beat out decorating the Christmas Tree as a family...

Adam and I did a great job!

Blue is My New Favorite Color

2009-09-29T19:48:00.006-05:00

I compartmentalize everything; it's how I deal with life. Can't handle thinking about it right now? Put it in a drawer in your mind and shut the door. Deal with it later. This has worked so well for me. Later, if I choose to, I can open that drawer and then deal...when I'm ready.

Lately, drawers are popping open all by themselves. Drawers I never knew I had...and things inside I thought I had finished caring about. And as much as I try and lock it away, it just opens up.

I was ready to say, "I forgive you," or so I thought. I had thought about doing it, and seemed at peace with it...mostly. I've written countless letters, none of them ever sent, but just to get it all out of me. To say everything I've wanted to say without the fear of crying. I thought I was done with all of this.

Who knew someones choice so very long ago would still effect me today. Why can't I fucking get over it? That's all I want. Not to stew. Not to question. Not to hate so very much.

What was so fundamentally wrong with me that made it so easy? I have ALWAYS wondered this. I continue to wonder this. This comes up. Again and again and again. It spreads into drawers full of things that have absolutely NOTHING to do with it. And it meshes it all together into this overwhelming, uncontrollable mess.

With some people, I try so hard to be just so, to make sure it doesn't happen again. With others , it's the opposite..."Here I am. This is how I'm going to be. You don't like it? Fuck you."

I'm not sure how to end this post. I want it out. And maybe putting out will get it out.

Maybe.

Sofia

2009-09-23T21:03:00.002-05:00

We babysat Sofia a couple of weekends ago. Here she is playing in all of Dixie's girly glory:

We had lots of fun with pee pee doll. Especially once she found out it peed. And she digs the beads and tiara too!

She REALLY liked the Fourth of July light up spinny toy we bought Dixie. She carried it with her all around the house. After bath and p.j.'s we watched "Yo-Gabba-Gabba." Sofia showed me she could break it down and freestyle beat box. It was great!

Trick Dog

2009-09-23T18:37:00.005-05:00

Hank's ears are starting to stand up. Well...at least one is.

He has found various sleeping hideaways around the house, including under the night stand...

and, Dan's favorite, under the bed.

We've become spoiled by having Dan, an older TRAINED dog. We aren't used to having to take the dog outside TWICE WITHIN THE HOUR! Dan doesn't go after makeup brushes or hot roller clips or the heating pad! (Sigh)...we've forgotten how hard and hellish having a "baby" is. This dog needs to catch on quickly.

2009-09-18T17:56:00.003-05:00

This is harder for me to deal with than I thought.

Hank Overnight

2009-08-30T19:08:00.008-05:00

This is Tom Hanks "The Tank" Contreras. We'll call him Hank. He came for an overnight last night. Meeting Dan went GREAT! I gave Dan absolutely no credit. We let him sniff Hank first; all ends :O) Then we put him on the ground, and Dan was so excited, but seemed to know he was a baby and had to be gentle because he kept stretching his back legs to get some energy out.

Hank is 6 weeks old. He just got his shots, so he was able to come over. He played with all sorts of new toys, including a bone, a squeeky* toy, and this tennis ball.

Crystal- he likes "the funk" toy you bought Dan. Dan still won't touch it, but Hank liked chewing it :o) Thanks!

He even played with Dan! Dan let him climb on him and stand on him and even bite the side of his face :o) He chased him around the house and playfully mouthed him. It was pretty cute to watch them play.

After a schedule of eat, play, outside, Hank slept in his crate. In this picture, he actually put himself to bed in his crate :o) He liked snuggling up to his "baby", a toy we bought him and kept at his other house to smell like mom and puppies. He found it quite comforting throughout the night and only cried once to go outside (at 4:39 am!). Then he woke up for the day at 7:30. He's getting the idea of going potty outside, but he's too young to teach to ask for it; we just have to be scheduled and pay attention...so far so good. We sent him back home this afternoon and we'll get to keep him next weekend at 7 weeks. I am SO excited! And so glad to know that Dan will be good with him and didn't get jealous :o)

Hmm...

2009-08-01T21:39:00.001-05:00

My mom has a facebook, and none of her kids are friends...what are you hiding in there, MOTHER?!

Restless Butt Syndrome?

2009-07-28T17:48:00.000-05:00

San Antonio

2009-07-15T18:23:00.023-05:00

Our first family vacation was successful :o) Hard, but successful nonetheless. Friday we arrived at the hotel and then went downtown. We took a Riverwalk cruise and looked around at shops, then let Dixie choose the restaurant for dinner...she chose McDonalds.

The Riverwalk was beautiful; I wish Dallas had a similar setup. I'd probably spend more time there. We saw San Antonio's oldest tree (a cypress), the first restaurant to set up shop on the Riverwalk, Saint Antonio, and ducks. That night the hotel hosted a "Dive in Movie", so we swam and watched "Night At The Museum" under the stars.

Saturday we went to Natural Bridge Caverns. The tour we took included 180 steps! Dixie did great; no real complaints. We saw all sorts of rock formations, including soda straws and bacon ribbons :o) I wanted to touch EVERYTHING, but apparently it's a felony. The place was so vast and huge. We experienced lights out for 2 minutes...I've never seen such darkness!

The last picture is of the hole that the explorer guys went through to find this place. Another tour includes repelling down one of these holes and exploring the cave without the lights on...HELL NO!

After the caverns, we went to Natural Bridge Wildlife Safari- a drive through park where animals supposedly come to your car. The ostrich was the only one who came! We also got to pet baby goats (which Adam ate for dinner later that night at a CRAZY Mexican restaurant) and a pig :o)

Creepy

Sunday was all Sea World. I must admit, my eyes got teary when I saw Shamu. I've ALWAYS wanted to see a whale, and I was just so excited. We also saw a dolphin/beluga/acrobat show, spent lots of time at the waterpark, and fed dolphins :o)

After Sea World, we went to the Alamo and other different shops. Then we ate dinner at the Rainforest Cafe. This one was 3 stories tall and the absolute coolest! We ate on the third floor, which was like eating in the canopy of the jungle. They had robotic animals that "talked" every few minutes, and there was a thunderstorm (complete with lightning but no rain) every half hour.

The hard part of this trip was not seeing my husband. Adam was there, but he was a parent. We were both parents. Parents on vacation is TOTALLY different than a married couple on vacation...took some getting used to. I was also raised to thank people for anything and everything I got, which was nothing like this. It took me being an adult to save up and go on a vacation like this, same with Adam. He even thanked me. He was the only one who did. All of the souvenir purchases and fun activities, not one thank you. This upset me, and I didn't know if I was expecting too much by needing to hear it or what. That was the hard part.

Meet My Boy:

2009-07-06T20:25:00.003-05:00

If this is ANY indication of how he'll really look...HEH! I'll stick with dogs!

Sofia's Second Birthday Party

2009-06-27T16:07:00.008-05:00

What are you doing?

2009-06-01T17:46:00.001-05:00

And they ask this when they're right in front of you--LOOKING at you. WTF? Can you not see?

Chicken Tetrazzini

2009-05-24T19:26:00.000-05:00

Catch Up

2009-05-24T18:54:00.011-05:00

Today Adam and I went on a picnic to Erwin Park in McKinney, TX. The weather was beautiful; we ate next to a pond under a big tree. Afterwards, we tried to hike bike trails, but they were too muddy. We drove around and looked at the campsites though. It was so green and beautiful

For Stepmother's Day (this is what we call the Sunday after Mother's Day), I woke up to homemade french toast, scrambled eggs and bacon in bed. Dixie and I ate in bed while Adam wrapped gifts-- a photo printer and scrapbook set (he's trying to find me a hobby so I won't bitch about his biking). We went to the Wildflower Festival in Richardson. The weather was great there too! Dixie enjoyed painting a rock, digging for worms, petting goats, looking at butterflies, playing in the fountains and watching a "Human Slinky" show. Adam enjoyed the goats too :o) And we both enjoyed the "Human Slinky" and sweet roasted almonds, mmm!

The BEST Dresses

2009-05-04T21:26:00.003-05:00

A friend turned me to this site; GREAT classic dresses!!! Check it out ;o)

http://www.modcloth.com/store/lookup.php?cPath=80_18_33&page=1&products=9999

No!

2009-05-04T21:26:00.001-05:00

I am NOT pregnant!!

Unique Baby Shower Gifts

2009-04-14T18:57:00.002-05:00

You all know someone who's pregnant, so I figured this could give everyone ideas. Some are really more for stay-at-home-moms who have time to spare, but you get the drift...

1. Baby First Aid Kit: teething ointment, baby Tylenol, baby Motrin, fingernail clippers, baby wash with lavender, Ipecac, diaper rash cream, baby powder, lotion, Neosporin, and Mylicon drops for gas. You could even include a sticky label with the phone number to poison control.

2. Keepsake Quilt: Ask the expectant couple's friends and family members to submit a square of fabric for a special quilt or small layette. Encourage individuality in choices. Arrange finished pieces into a rectangle and sew edges together. Choose a soft pastel material for the backing.

3. Fun Advice book: Have family members and friends submit the best parenting advice they've ever received. Write them on fun baby stationary and put it in an inexpensive photo album.

4. Organizational items

5. Local activity booklet:

6. Family Stationary Address Labels & Stamps

7. Sleepy Time Music

8. Baby's First Portrait: Gift certificates can range from inexpensive packages at a department store to upscale professional photographers.

9. Date Night for Parents: Gift Certificates to restaurants, movie and perhaps a free babysitter.

10. House Cleaning Service: chip in to a visit or two from a local cleaning service to help restore order to the happy home.

This was taken from Suburban Parent magazine April 2009.

Couldn't Resist

2009-04-08T22:00:00.003-05:00

Allen

2009-04-08T21:33:00.003-05:00

Allen job fair was terrible, for its second year in a row...

That Saturday was cold...like there were snow flurries outside cold. The job fair started at 8 am; I got there at 8 am. I stood in a line outside with about a thousand people for an hour. I finally entered, signed in, put on my badge, and made my way to the cafeteria to stand in yet another line. I stood in this line, for one school, for about 30-40 minutes. I ended up having a one-sided 2 minute conversation. Once the lady found out I was not already REALLY certified, and had no experience, she took my resume, "Ok, thank you. Have a good day."

I went home after that. I did NOT, like last year, cry on my way out.

McKinney canceled their job fair--probably just the same anyway.

Richardson is on the 18th. I am putting pretty much all my stock in Richardson, which I know is a mistake. I know SO many people and have so many connections though. PTA president of a great magnet school, countless teachers with friends and connections, a principal, a vice principal (secondary, of course), and a dad who I guess is pretty high up with connections. Apparently, if I don't receive a phone call from someone before the job fair, he will personally introduce me to those I need to meet. I taught one of his kids; he's commented that I should be teaching his second. This is not someone I have a close relationship with, or who gushes people with complements. So, for him to think so highly of me and really push for me means a lot to me. My self esteem is boosted and I feel great about Richardson this year.

I'll keep everyone posted...even if it's not right away on my blog :o)

The Whoring Begins

2009-03-26T21:58:00.002-05:00

Saturday I have Allen and McKinney job fairs to attend. I need to pick my loveliest outfit, put on my smile, and offer a $20 service to whoever I need to to get hired!

Mesquite job fair on the 4th, Garland and Richardson on the 18th.

WISH ME LUCK!!! I'll let you know how it goes....

Cool Eye Tricks

2009-03-08T20:33:00.008-05:00

If you take a look at the following picture, let me tell you ..... it is not animated. Your eyes are making it move. To test this, stare at one spot for a couple seconds and everything will stop moving. Or look at the black center of each circle and it will stop moving. But move your eyes to the next black center and the previous will move after you take your eyes away from it. Weird?!

You should see a man's face and also a word...
Hint: Try tilting your head to the right, the world begins with 'L'

Do you see gray areas in between the squares?

Are the purple lines straight or bent?

The Day Will Come

2009-03-03T19:12:00.002-06:00

My gramma wanted to go looking at crematoriums with my mom last weekend, but they were closed....

That's weird...and sad. Someday I'll be shopping for crematoriums for my mom, as a weekend get-together.

Pio Pio

2009-03-03T19:05:00.002-06:00

We were given a dozen eggs to try and hatch at my preschool. We've been watching them, turning them, making sure the heat is set right on the incubator and watering it for humidity for about 2 week. Yesterday, they started to hatch. I didn't get to see the excitement though, I was at home sick with strep :o(

This morning I walked in to find one hatched chick in the incubator--Bart (or so was the name we wrote on the egg). He was the second hatched chick; the first, Agnes, went home with my boss overnight. I fell in love with Bart right away. He's such a cute yellow chickie!! Agnes came back to school later; she's multicolor brownish. Also very pretty.

The other chicks, I was told, were pecking through their eggs and chirping and moving all about yesterday. Today, only dead beaks poked out of their unhatched eggs :o( One was still alive and breathing, so I hatched him. I don't think he, Billy, will make it. I figured, if he was going to die anyway in his shell, it wouldn't hurt so much to go ahead and crack him open. Someone took him home for tonight to see if he'd make it.

The kids (and parents and teachers too) LOVED looking over the eggs and the excitement of them hatching. Really cool learning experience for all :o)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, WEESA!!

2009-02-27T21:36:00.001-06:00

Stupid Girls

2009-02-23T21:27:00.002-06:00

I work with a stupid girl. I, for privacy purposes, can't explain why she's so stupid, but I'm willing to in person. It actually makes me angry at just how stupid this girl is, and how shitty she must think she is to do the things she does. She's such a nice person. She does a great job at what she does. Great personality, attractive, funny, kind-hearted...Why does she treat herself this way? Why does she need to keep the company of men who repeatedly treat her like shit?! The things she's willing to do just to not be alone...

I asked a friend, "How do I prevent my own daughter from becoming stupid?" She told me to keep her father in the picture. Yet, I grew up without a father in the picture, as did my own sister. We are NOT stupid girls! We believe we deserve more than some bullshit that's out there. We don't believe that being mistreated is alright, as long as we're not alone. We have strength and self-worth.

So I guess all I can say is, thanks, Mom!

The Phone Call

2009-02-23T21:20:00.004-06:00

I was watching my stepdaughter last Saturday. She talked on the phone with her mother, came in the room and said, "My mom wants to talk to you." My first thought...Why?! What did I do? Got on the phone, and she was....civil! She offered to pick her up for a birthday party which she was going to anyway. I told her I didn't mind but needed to confirm with my husband. She told me to call her back. Call her back and everything's alright. I get spoken to when she picks up, and she says she'll let me know if she'll drop her off or if we need to pick her up (I offered to pick her up afterwards). Then, she calls me. ME...not my husband. And she, again, was civil. I existed. I was visible. It made things SO easy!!!

Yet, the night before, I awoke from a terrible dream where my husband was leaving me for her because they wanted to make another baby, and as much as I begged and pleated, he still left. I was heartbroken. I cried myself awake. Then I couldn't talk to my husband more than just one word responses. I told him the dream, and he very nicely and understandingly apologized for his dream self...several times :o)

So after the shock of her being so nice and acknowledging my existence, I thought to myself, for a brief moment, Is she buttering me up to take my husband's sperm and make another baby?!

I'M ALIVE!

2009-02-15T17:33:00.003-06:00

Alright, alright...so I haven't posted anything in a while...I get it!

Ok, so this past week husband and I took vacation together. We didn't go anywhere; we just chilled at home. It was GREAT!! We've been spending time at Arbor Hills Nature Preserve in Plano, biking and hiking.

He's been biking more than I have. He likes the unpaved trails for the more "experienced" biker. I, on the other hand, bike on the paved paths, or walk with Dan. We also took Dan and explored the unpaved pedestrian-only paths. It's beautiful and peaceful and WONDERFUL time together.
We finally were "responsible" pet owners and got Dan fixed. That was an exciting trip through the heart of Oak Cliff to the SPCA. He is now testicle free, updated on shots, and now back on a heart worm preventative. According to the paper work, Dan should calm down, live longer, and want to roam less. Hopefully the calming down will kick in soon :o)

Our Valentine's Day was probably the best one ever. We woke up and exchanged gifts. I got a KILLER black pencil skirt, which fits like a glove, and a heart bracelet. He got a new knife, an MP3 and speaker phone for the car (it hooks up to his phone and he can play music and talk through the car speakers). Then we went to Paint Yer Pottery and painted cereal bowls. We'll pick them up in a week and I'll post picture. It was such a nice date! It was fun being creative and making something "useful." We then took both moms flowers and went home for dinner. We made and ate lobster tails, snow crab claws, shrimp cocktail, bread with olive oil and balsamic vinegar and herbs, and garlicky broccoli. We lit candles everywhere and enjoyed a DELICIOUS dinner, while wearing napkin bibs and eating with our hands :o) It was fantastic! We finished the night with a round of "24."

Ok, so we are now addicted to the show "24." Our Blockbuster buddy recommended it. I didn't want to watch it, now quite sure why, but just didn't. One episode and I was hooked. I just don't see how people can get through only one day in an entire season! We've been watching show after show- marathon style! One of my new favs for sure.

Blockbuster buddy also recommended "Towelhead," a controversial film by the makers of "American Beauty." Controversial for sure! He said it was like a train wreck- you couldn't turn away. And, as disturbing as it was, we couldn't turn away. Good movie. You feel a bit creepy watching it, but worth seeing. It's about a 13 year old girl who moves from living with her white mother to living with her Lebanese father. She gets "into it" with the guy next door (Aaron Eckhart) which is the train wreck that you can't turn away from. This is all in the process of trying to figure out who she is supposed to be. If you're offended easily, don't watch it.

So, that's been my week. If only we all got paid to just live.

Halloween Parties

2008-10-29T17:57:00.005-05:00

My preschool's "Octofest" was last Friday night. It's a really nice tradition that my school does. It's our annual carnival, which runs solely on volunteer help and donations. It comes complete with a hayride (which was really fun!) costume portraits, a "Batty Boo-tique" for face paint, nail polish and jewelry, a fortune-telling gypsy and lots of carnival-type games. Magically, every year, everything works out. Alumni kids come back every year; older kids are now signing up to man games :o) All the games are free of charge and the kids win candy and toys. I dressed up as Minnie Mouse for the event.

That Saturday I also went to a friend's Halloween party. Adam wanted so badly to dress up like Old Gregg, but we couldn't piece the outfit together in time. So, he just went in a Frankenstein shirt.

Pumpkin Patch

2008-10-19T14:09:00.004-05:00

So, we took our second annual trip to Owen's Farm to pick out pumpkins. This year, Dave, Penney and Sofia came with us. It was nice. Dixie enjoyed having Sofia there...and we may have gotten our Christmas card photo :o)

New Moon- Book 2

2008-09-14T17:26:00.002-05:00

I just finished book 2....just as wonderfully magnetic as book 1. 563 pages in a matter of a couple of days...I NEVER would have thought. And Edward, sweet, sparkly, magical Edward.... (sigh)...

My husband is now reading Twilight :o) He loves it too! He described it as watching a WB show- for some of you, this is all I had to say to deter you from reading it, but for those of us who were so deeply in love with Dawson's Creek....you'll understand and appreciate how the saga sucks you in!

Weesa- READ IT!!!

I FOUND A BOOK!

2008-09-11T18:45:00.002-05:00

That I absolutely could not put down! This book, which is 498 pages long, had me so incredibly engaged that I read it in 2 days!!!!! I got the book Tuesday and just finished it today. I have finally found my genre...teenage vampire love! :o) I have fallen into the Twilight bandwagon hard! It was so good...it was SO GOOD!!! It was a serious page-turner; the last book with that many pages took me a year to read. Twilight is by Stephanie Meyer. She's written 4 books in this series so far (I'm getting the second one tomorrow). A huge majority of my staff is/has read them, and parents who have seen me reading it have commented that they did, or their husband is reading it. There's supposed to be a movie coming out in November, but it won't be nearly as good as the book...although I hope :o)

The book is about a teenage girl who goes to live with her father up north in this cloudy, rainy town. Then she meets this guy, Edward, who's creepy at first, but she can't help but become completely obsessed with him. Then he with her, but he's a vampire and she's a human...the drama, the turmoil, the inner battles!!

(Sigh)...it was just really really good!

And Don't Forget The Moon

2008-08-11T19:29:00.001-05:00

If You Liked Old Gregg...

2008-08-11T19:23:00.002-05:00

You'll LOVE the Crack Fox:

Post-Its

2008-08-06T21:38:00.002-05:00

I open my office door at 6:53 am today, before I even clock in for work. I look at my desk, and it's covered in post-its. Post-its full of random, stupid, micromanaging thoughts of my "boss." It's pretty bad when you're beat down before you even clock in for the day.

Crazy Brits!

2008-08-06T17:59:00.000-05:00

To One of My Very Best Friends:

2008-07-31T18:13:00.002-05:00

I'm going to miss seeing you ever day so much!! Working with you the past 8 years has been just so awesome. You've been there for so much, and have always supported me and been there for me. Not talking to you every single day, and telling you all sorts of things that I probably shouldn't, will be so foreign to me. You are truly one of the strongest, coolest and very best people I know. You've overcome every obstacle that you've come across, and always with a smile on your face in the end. You are truly an inspiration to me, and I will miss our close friendship so much! I wish you the absolute best of luck in finishing school, and I am so incredibly proud of you for doing so! This isn't a goodbye, by any means... just a talk to you later! I love you so much, my dearest Merduf! You truly are one of my very bestest friends!!

Dude,

2008-07-31T18:12:00.001-05:00

Sorry.

17 Days...

2008-07-31T18:10:00.001-05:00

Until the first day of school...I'm thinking I'm probably going to have to wait until next year. The only good thing about that is that when I go to job fairs in the spring, I'll be COMPLETELY hireable, perhaps on the spot! (Sigh)...oh well...

Happy Birthday (yesterday) Penners!!

2008-07-28T18:47:00.005-05:00

Oh, Georgie!!!

2008-07-17T19:24:00.001-05:00

So sorry I missed those ripped jeans and that nice d*&k-loving ass!!! I'm SO going to the concert next time!!!!

Certificiation Test

2008-07-17T19:21:00.001-05:00

So, the test went alright, I suppose. It only took me 2 1/2 hours to complete it, which kind of made me nervous since we were given 5 entire hours! The test seemed easier than the practice test, but now I'm scared that I'll still fail, and then look really stupid since it seemed easier. I'm supposed to get my scores in about a week, so hopefully early next week I'll hear something.

Happy 4th of July!

2008-07-05T11:33:00.010-05:00

We went to the Richardson Family 4th Celebration at Breckinridge Park. We took a blanket and played some Go Fish while listening to the Richardson Community Band play. Then we watched some really great fireworks. The finale was SUPER!!!

Licking the yummy sugary goodness off a funnel cake

Adam was REALLY excited! Dixie wanted to take a picture of both of us with jazz hands.

FIREWORKS!!!

There were some good pictures with Dixie in them too, including a family monkey face portrait, but I'm not allowed to show that she's part of my family. Just know she was there and had a really good time too :o)

Certification Test

2008-07-03T17:58:00.002-05:00

I've scheduled my teacher's certification test for Monday, July 14th at 1:00 pm. Wish me luck!!!!

Our Trip to Port Aransas, TX

2008-07-03T17:24:00.026-05:00

As a Christmas present for me and Adam, my boss let us stay in her mother-in-law's condo on Mustang Island/Port Aransas. When we arrived, we ate at a very piratey restaurant and looked at the gift shops. Quite a few had shark-mouth entrances.

BEAUTIFUL flowers and palm trees everywhere!

Then we went to the beach. It was apparently seaweed season, and it had all washed up on shore. It was creepy in the water when it grazed our legs...a couple days later it wasn't so bad.

Adam and I played in the sand. He built a house, and found this little guy living in it.

I played in the sand and built an alien that turned out to look more like the devil...hmm...

Adam tried twice to build a fire on the beach. The second time was successful, despite the incredible wind coming off the coast. It turned out very well, and the warmth felt good :o) We built a wall in front of it to help keep the wind away.

Me looking oh-so-sexy on the beach!

We took a helicoptor tour of the beach. I feel so much better in a helicoptor than I do an airplane. It was so smooth!

We also took a dolphin watch boat tour and got to see real wild dolphins! Everytime we took a picture, they would go back underwater.

We drove into Corpus Christi and went to the Texas State Aquarium. They had a dolphin training show, which I loved, and lots of other things. They had a whole room full of different jelly fish, some were HUGE, and some were very small but created their own rainbow light. We also got to touch sting rays. They're kind of jelly-like.

Next to the aquarium was the U.S.S. Lexington. I couldn't get over just how big it was!

It was a super-wonderful, much needed vacation for us. We definately need to have a couple's vacation every year!!

Enjoy some pictures:

2008-06-01T19:16:00.000-05:00

Step-Mother's Day

2008-05-17T19:31:00.011-05:00

Our first annual Step-Mother's Day! We have decided that the weekend after Mother's Day is Step-Mother's Day. I was surprised with coffee, blueberry pancakes and bacon, along with card and flowers that Dixie picked out. I ended up crying with the card :o)

I also got this dress! Then we met up with my brother-in-law, Domenic, and my nephew, Zachary, at White Rock Lake. We fed the ducks and got some ice cream from the ice cream man.

Here are some shots that my step-daughter took. Isn't Dan the cutest?!

When we came back home, I surprised my step-daughter with some girl time and took her to the splash park. It was such a great day...they both did a great job making me feel special :o)

Dan's Bone

2008-05-04T17:53:00.002-05:00

Adam and I made BBQ ribs last week. They looked and smelled wonderful, but much to our dismay, they were tough and didn't give us much meat. The bones were really big and sturdy though, so we decided to share with Dan:

Needless to say, the bone has been picked clean!

A Sunday Afternoon

2008-05-04T17:43:00.007-05:00

We spent a very enjoyable Sunday afternoon painting flower pots and planting flowers (our family activity for the weekend).

Adam planted a hibiscus in the large stripped pot, Dixie planted red vincas (it has a more common name, but I can't remember and it's not on the tag) in the medium sized pot with the red stripe (she's a minimalist), and forget-me-nots in the smallest pot. I planted zinnias in the yellow and green stripped pot with polka dots. We all really enjoyed it, and the weather was perfect for sitting outside :o) We put our flowers on a table by the front door so they can greet everyone.

Why oh Why...

2008-05-01T17:09:00.002-05:00

Did I have to quit when I did. I can't take this stupid bullshit stress anymore. It's become my whole life lately. It consumes every conversation.

STUPID, LYING, FAT, OLD, USELESS, HATEFUL, SPITEFUL, DISRESPECTFUL, TWO-FACED, MOTHER FUCKING BITCH CUNT WHORE!

(Sigh)...That's better :o)

Job Update

2008-04-18T20:16:00.002-05:00

So, Region 10 called today. They are who I applied to receive my teacher certification with. And....I'VE BEEN ACCEPTED!!!!!! I must now pay and register for an orientation. Then take their classes over the summer, take the teacher certification exam, and find a job.

I went to the Richardson ISD job fair last weekend. It went so well!!! I know a lot of moms from the preschool who work in Richardson, and ran into 2 of them. I also worked with a girl who works for the district and she talked me up to her principal. So, I was quite confident. It must have showed; I was recommended for an interview with HR, which is the only way you can be hired. 3 schools wanted to recommend me, but after the first, it didn't much matter who did. So I interviewed with HR, which was kind of strange. I felt like I said the same thing over and over. I name-dropped like crazy, which worked out. One teacher mom spread the word about me at her school, and they were one of the schools who were interested in recommending me for an interview. Then after the job fair, back at work, the mom told me that her school "really liked me"!!!!! So, hopefully I won't have TOO hard a time finding a job. They have a 6th grade math and science opening, and at the job fair I spoke with the other 6th grade teacher. We seemed to hit it off :o) It's a small school with a good reputation (exemplary), and laid back, as the mom says.

Scary, but exciting!!!

This weekend

2008-03-24T12:14:00.010-05:00

Here are some pictures from this past weekend. There were a lot more, but they all had my step-daughter on them, and since all of you are potential child predators, I can't post them...so enjoy the ones I can :o)

This is my poor, poor Dan. Adam and Dixie have been "snipe hunting" during the evenings, and this is what happens when they "catch a snipe."

These are the eggs we dyed. Made some good deviled eggs later on :o)

This is Adam and me at his aunt and uncle's 50th wedding anniversary reception. They renewed their vows and then we partied. It was really fun!

Here's Adam's sister, Tiffany, and her family: husband Domenick and son Zachary.

Easter Bunny came to our house. I NEVER had an Easter basket like this when I was little! Easter baskets were merely to put the eggs in...this is a whole foreign concept to me. Here's Dan helping Dixie find eggs (you can't see her face at all!). We later had another egg hunt at Adam's aunt and uncle's house with some cousins. It was fun to see all the kids running around. And there were SO many eggs!

I love you

2008-03-19T17:59:00.001-05:00

Can you ever hear "I love you" too much? I never used to think so, but...

Vacation

2008-03-19T17:57:00.003-05:00

Today I start my 11 day vacation! I've never taken such time off work...so I'm excited. Work is closed Thursday and Friday for holidays, so I didn't have to use any vacation time for that to still get paid, and I have 12 days to use before the end of May. So, I'm taking a week off, and then every Monday starting April 21. NO MORE MONDAYS!!!! WOO HOO!!!

I'M ALIVE!!!

2008-03-17T18:59:00.005-05:00

Yes, I know it's been a long time, but I'm here. There's just been a lot of "family time" which has kept me busy. Because of the way arrangements fall on this month and year, we have had my step-daughter for coming up on 4 straight weekends, with the week of spring break as well. I must say, the more she's around, the easier it is, and then you just fall into this routine, completely different from my just-me-and-my-husband routine. Needless to say, I miss my husband very much, and we're both looking forward to having "adult time" together, more so than just an hour before bed :o) We have played miniature golf, race go-carts, went to the Dallas Zoo, played at the park and will see "Horton Hears a Who"...(sigh!).

Here are some pictures (sorry none include my step-daughter):

We also went to the Greenville Ave. St. Patrick's Day parade. It was my first time, my step-daughter goes annually, and Adam hasn't gone in a couple of years. It was alright...we all caught lots of beads. I caught an SMU shirt!

I recently went on a "girl's night" with my sister-in-law. It was fun! I didn't have to pretend I enjoyed going to some bar and holding a table while my friends danced. We got pedicures and then went to dinner. We talked the whole time...and I was home by 10:00 pm! We're hoping to do this as a once-a-month event :o)

Other than that...We're going to Adam's aunt and uncle's 50th wedding anniversary. They are renewing their wedding vows and having a reception at a hotel. It should hopefully be a nice evening where Adam and I can sneak in some "adult time".

Happy 8 Years Together!!!

2008-03-04T17:41:00.001-06:00

Get More at COMMENTYOU.com

Steak Genius

2008-02-23T15:35:00.001-06:00

I have discovered that I can cook a killer steak! My husband marinated it, which was delicious!!! And I tried my hand on the grill. It was perfect...superb! I'm quite proud :o)

Friday with the Catholics

2008-02-23T15:27:00.002-06:00

My husband and I attended a "Living Matrimony" meeting at the Catholic church he's been attending. This was a couple's group, and the topic of the month was studying the marriage vows: Love and Honor. No, I didn't burn when I entered the church :o) They were very welcoming, and we weren't the youngest couple, like I thought we might be. The praying was strange. They prayed before the "meeting" began, and they prayed at the end. I did not...I did bow my head just to be respectful, but didn't do the sign of the cross or anything. Except for the praying and God talk, it was nice. Don't know how they'll take the fact that he's been divorced. They asked questions and know that he has a 7 year old daughter, and that we've been married a little over a year and a half. Perhaps they think he had a child out of wedlock (gasp!). He told me his sister was "shun" from a Catholic group because they found out she was divorced. That's crap...so we'll see what they have to say. Hope they don't ask why they never see me at Sunday mass. I like the idea of a couple's group because it's a good way to make new couple friends, and they provide childcare if we ever needed it (the schedule works out to where we shouldn't), but the fact that it's a CATHOLIC group sucks. I could open my mind to the possibility of religion, but definitely NOT Catholic!

My Weekend

2008-02-18T18:38:00.002-06:00

So, my husband and I took my step-daughter, Dixie, to the planetarium on Saturday. It was her first time :o) I grew up loving the planetarium, and Adam loves anything to do with outer space. It was really neat! We took a trip all throughout outer space and different galaxies, then into our own galaxie. It was just nice to be able to be the first to do something with her...and have her like it.

Thanks!

2008-02-17T20:34:00.001-06:00

I just had a GREAT phone conversation with my sister! I needed it so much....I feel so much better. Thanks, sis! Love you!!!

A Great Weekend!

2008-02-10T20:20:00.000-06:00

What a nice weekend! The weather was great; not a cloud in the sky. I took my dog to this walking trail and we walked a mile around the place. He had so much fun! The next day, my husband and I woke up early enough, and actually got out of bed early enough to go out and spend the day together. We got donuts and took our bikes to the trail. We ate sweet, yummy goodness in the "wilderness" and rode around. Then we came home and cleaned the whole house, so that's done :o) We took naps, went to the store and watched tv together. And it was wonderful :O)

I HATE MY BOSS!

2008-02-05T18:20:00.000-06:00

I hate my boss. I hate my boss. I hate my boss. I hate my boss. I hate my boss. I hate my boss. I hate my boss. I hate my boss. I hate my boss. I hate my boss. I hate my boss. I hate my boss. I hate my boss. I hate my boss. I hate my boss. I hate my boss. I hate my boss. I hate my boss. I hate my boss. I hate my boss....

I like her as a person, but as a BOSS...!!!!!!!!!!!

How Will You Die Quiz

2008-02-03T13:36:00.001-06:00

How will I die? Your Result: You will die in a car accident. Please, continue to buckle up, and try not to speed. More likely than not, it will happen very randomly and quickly. Occasionally, this result stands for death in a plane crash. Do not fear transportation. Avoid becoming a hermit, you cannot escape fate.
You will die in a nuclear holocaust.
You will die while having sex.
You will die from a terminal illness.
You will be murdered.
You will die while saving someone's life.
You will die in your sleep.
You will die of boredom.
How will I die? Create a Quiz

Seven Deadly Sins Quiz

2008-02-03T13:25:00.000-06:00

Greed:	Medium
Gluttony:	Medium
Wrath:	Medium
Sloth:	High
Envy:	Medium
Lust:	Low
Pride:	Medium

Take the Seven Deadly Sins Quiz

I really would have guessed envy...hmm...who knew...

2008-01-31T21:25:00.001-06:00

How do you talk to someone who simply doesn't hear you?

Teaching Position

2008-01-28T20:49:00.000-06:00

So, I have been told of a teaching position in RISD for 4th grade reading/writing for the '08-'09 school year. I am ACTIVELY looking into what I need to do. I would have 2 teachers, already there, pulling for me as well :o) I'll let you know what happens.

Astrological Love Test:

2008-01-21T17:50:00.000-06:00

So, I took an astrological love compatibility test. Here's my results...sounds promising :o)
http://love.astrology.com/lovematch.html

Libra and Scorpio

(me) (husband)

When Libra and Scorpio come together in a love match, they tend to make a very emotionally connected and mutually satisfying union. Though Scorpio is a brooder who can get lost in the confusing welter of their own emotions, Libra's proclivity for balance and harmony helps keep Scorpio even. Scorpio can return the favor to Libra with their characteristic powers of focus, a trait that Libra usually lacks. These two are very compatible due to their similar needs in a love relationship: Libra is the Sign of Partnership, and Libra is happiest when in a well-balanced and intimate relationship, while Scorpio thrives on emotional and sexual intimacy with their mate. These two Signs can make a very loyal, close and satisfying partnership.
These two would do well to undertake some sort of project together aside from their love relationship, as they have great potential to get great things done. They combine the power of emotion with the power of intellect, an extremely formidable duo. Scorpio tends to be more patient, but is also more controlling than Libra. Despite any differences, both partners love risk and taking chances; this is not a boring relationship! These two are real charmers; they know how to woo and seduce one another and take great pleasure in doing so. Their different styles -- Scorpio is intense and secretive while Libra is upfront and open -- sometimes make them have trouble understanding one another, so they may need to pay close attention to their communication at times.

Libra is ruled by the Planet Venus (Love) and Scorpio is dually ruled by the Planets Mars (Passion) and Pluto (Power). Libra's love of beauty and romance balances the strife that can arise in Scorpio's life due to their deep, often tangled emotions. Scorpio's Mars influence at least promises an active, exciting relationship. Also, neither Sign wants to argue. Scorpio avoids arguments in favor of secret revenge; Libra abhors conflict and will do anything possible to avoid it, including backing down and seeking a truce.

Libra is an Air Sign and Scorpio is a Water Sign. The best decisions are made combining the intellect and the emotions -- using both the head and the heart, this couple can meet almost any challenge, understand almost any puzzle. This is all contingent, of course, on the two Signs working together, not against one another. Scorpio is a master strategist and can help Libra focus their occasionally scattered or indecisive minds. At times, however, Scorpio's over-emotionalism can drag down and dishearten Libra, and Libra can occasionally make Scorpio feel flustered and uncomfortably stirred up. It is at these times when Libra's natural diplomacy comes in most handy.

Libra is a Cardinal Sign and Scorpio is a Fixed Sign. Libra is always thinking of something new to try: a new restaurant or art gallery to visit on a date or a new place to travel to -- but it's Scorpio who has the determination to follow through on these ideas. These two have the capability to be the most loyal and devoted of partners, as these are qualities that are quite important to each of them.

What's the best aspect of the Libra-Scorpio relationship? The power they find in unity. They can accomplish a lot, whether they come together for a cause in the business or romantic sphere. They are both winners and they won't give up, making theirs a relationship that takes care of business.

Why A Clean Kitchen Makes For Hot Foreplay:

2008-01-18T20:36:00.000-06:00

Researchers found the key to a woman’s orgasmic bliss is deep relaxation.

Forget romantic dinners and a room for two at your favorite weekend spot. It turns out that the key to great sex for women is a clean kitchen — and maybe some help making sure the kids’ homework is done. Sexy, huh?

Researchers in the Netherlands found that the key to getting a woman turned on and to the heights of orgasmic bliss is a deep sense of relaxation and a lack of anxiety. All in the name of science, researchers at the University of Groningen scanned the brains of 13 women and 11 men while they were manually stimulated to orgasm by their partners. The scans showed that, for women, the parts of the brain responsible for processing fear, anxiety and emotion slowed down the more aroused they became, producing a trancelike state at orgasm. Says Dr. Gert Holstege of women's sexual wiring, “What this means is that deactivation, letting go of all fear and anxiety, might be the most important thing, even necessary, to have an orgasm.” Men showed far less change in these areas of the brain.

So what can you do to keep the home fires burning? Here are some tips to help yourself, or help your partner, tune out of daily stress and tune in to the sexual moment:

Couples who clean together, stay togetherAs a sex therapist and relationship counselor, one of most common complaints I hear from women is that they bear the majority of the burden for household chores. Even if they work, most of them come home to a “second shift,” of cleaning, cooking and chaos, and sex is just one more to-do on that list. Men need to get this and help with chores more — without being asked. Women don’t want to feel like they have to ask or, worse, say “hooray” every time you do something around the house. After all, you live there too! Foreplay really is cleaning up the house when it’s a mess, taking out the garbage and making the kids’ lunches as part of your daily routine. Once guys start carrying their weight around the house, they’re apt to find that women have more energy inside the bedroom.

No one likes a martyr:
Of course, the household-help advice cuts both ways. Women need to take some responsibility and communicate how important helping out around the house is to them. Otherwise, dirty socks and a sink full of dishes can lead to anger, tension and resentment, and you won’t be able to unwind and enjoy sex. Ask your partner for the help you need. Do it in a way that’s nice and to the point. Chances are, he’ll be receptive and you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it ages ago.

Don’t be a perfectionist:
It’s also important to resist being the martyr because you’re the only one who can do it right. If you’re constantly telling him he doesn’t clean well enough or you do it over when you think he’s not looking, he’s going to lose the incentive to help. Communicate, and show him how you would like it done, then consider easing up on your standards. Don’t treat him like a child if you want him to be your partner.

Use cleaning time for some creative bonding:
In a time of multitasking, maybe we need to do more of these chores and the daily drudgery together. Maybe it’s not always about efficiency and the usual divide-and-conquer strategy, but finding a way to do it together. You’ll create some time for bonding, and if you think he won’t be up for it, that’s easy: Let your guy know these are the things you need done in order to enjoy sex. That’s a pretty quick way to get the house clean!

By Ian Kerner, Ph.D
Sex therapist and relationship counselor
TODAYShow.com contributor
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22715758/

Haiku Of The Day:

2008-01-16T17:54:00.001-06:00

Worker bees can leave

Even drones can fly away

The queen is their slave

Bad Day

2008-01-09T16:55:00.000-06:00

You know you've had a bad day at work when you get peed on.

Quote of the Day

2008-01-07T18:01:00.000-06:00

The problem with life is that it's daily.

FINALLY! Someone understands!!!

2008-01-06T12:12:00.000-06:00

So, I looked up step-parent websites, and it's just amazing!!! I'm not evil! These articles sum it all up so well:

"Being a childless stepmom entails so many things and it is even more complicated than the complicated issues of a stepmom who has children of her own! Stepmoms as a whole are largely misunderstood by the world that we live in. It is hard for someone who has not walked in our shoes to know how it feels to be treated badly by your husband's kids, his ex and your husband himself. We are pushed into corners, forced to fight for our basic rights such as privacy and sense of belonging. We get married thinking that we will be united with our partner and that he will back us up and expect his kids to treat us with respect. What we get is a load of mistreatment from his kids and his ex and he won't stand up to any of them for us. We are forced to disengage in order to save our sanity. Disengaging makes no logical sense until you have been so badly mistreated and taken advantage of by your "family" that you are backed into a corner and are forced to try disengaging before you kill someone or leave the marriage.

All of that is incredibly difficult and painful. It sends many women screaming from the man that they love. It's more than many of us can take. But when you throw into the mix wanting children so badly and being denied for whatever reason it makes everything so much more complicated and harder for the outsider to understand. Some women marry men who have already had the big "snip" done. Other women marry a man who has been so burned by the ex that they are scared to death to try *that* again (such as is my case). Other women have fertility issues. Other women come into it not wanting children but then decide that they want children with their husband. We all have our own story. Being a childless stepmom is a very painful thing if it was not part of our plan -- and let's be honest here, being a stepmom was in NOBODY'S life plan...much less being a childless stepmom.

It is so incredibly painful from such a deep place in the heart to watch your husband have a relationship with his children while you do not have children of your own and you want them so desparately. Each time they have a birthday it stings because you are reminded of the children that you cannot have birthday parties for. Every Mother's Day is a dreaded and emotional day. Every time that you hear about the ex you are reminded with a painful sting that she shares something very special with your husband that you may never share with him. You feel as though something very big has been stolen from you. Sometimes all that it takes is your stepchild coming for a visit to throw you into a depression. You do everything in your power not to start crying or to go ballistic when people ask when you are going to have children together. That question hurts very deeply.

There is nothing that can make the pain go away. Nobody can give you a magic pill and make everything better. Once we pass childbearing age we will struggle with the loss all over again and everything that we missed: buying baby clothes, first birthday, first steps, first word, getting them ready for their first day of school, being a parent volunteer on their field trips, hosting sleep-overs, helping them get over the first broken heart, helping them get ready for dances, cheering them on at their little leagues and karate classes, graduation, crying when they leave for college, another graduation, first real job, first real place to live on their own, engagement, marriage, and grandchildren. Sure we can share in many of these activities with our husbands children but it just isn't the same. Our stepchildren have a mother already and we know that we are not her. We are quite aware of that and she surely does not let us forget.

We can love our stepchildren, but nothing will ever replace our own biological children in our hearts. I love my stepdaughter and am happy to help her out in any way that I can. I am glad to be a part of her life and I want to be able to give her many great things. But, I am not her mother and I long so deeply for a child of my own. She is an enhancement in my life, but not a replacement for my own children.

There are many ways that being a childless stepmom is different than being a stepmom with children of her own than the pain of not having children. Although for some of us, that is undoubtedly the hardest part of being a childless stepmom. One problem is that it can be very difficult to find people in our lives who understand us and what we go through. Many people think that being a stepparent should fulfill our maternal desires. Anyone who is a childless stepmom knows that nobody can replace the biomom, nobody. Sometimes our stepchildren won't let us forget it, either.

We don't have experience with motherhood, so we aren't able to remember when our own little one went through a similar phase and have a better understanding for the phase. We are also used to our privacy and are not used to having curious little eyes and hands checking out our belongings. Along with this is that stepmoms who have their own biological children are used to what sacrifices are demanded of a parent. A childless stepmom isn't used to a child waking her up in the middle of the night asking for help going to the bathroom or cancelling a fun outing because a child is sick. It is a huge adjustment, especially given that we don't have the benefit of raising our stepkids from birth, everything is new and usually the stepkids have been raised far differently than she would have raised them.

Another thing that many of us don't expect is the criticism that we receive. All eyes are on us and how we react to our stepchildren. Their bioparents are patted on the back when they complain about how awful their children are being, people understand that parents get tired of their kids and that kids can be draining and testing. But we learn a valuable lesson the very first time that we open our mouths and complain about our stepchildren. We are frowned upon and are taken for the evil stepmother if we say anything at all negative about our stepchildren. Somehow we are supposed to be even better and stronger than our stepchildren's biological parents and never be frustrated with them. "

from http://www.geocities.com/childlessstepmoms/childless.html

Now, keep in mind the ENTIRE article does not apply to me. No mistreatment from my stepchild, and the word mistreatment doesn't work for how I'm treated by my husband...I don't feel mistreated by them...just not understood.

Sunday, Sunday, Sunday...

2008-01-04T17:18:00.000-06:00

Free at last! Free at last! Thank God almighty...

Temporarily anyway.

Happy New Year

2008-01-03T21:39:00.000-06:00

And here I thought we were done....

WE WON!!!!!

2007-12-14T15:47:00.000-06:00

Oh my gosh...the nerves. Our nerves were so bad. My heart was pounding so hard against my chest the entire time!!! So basically, evil ex was trying to either take away my husband's visitation rights, or have supervised visitation. The ruling...more visitation!!!! The lies she told on the stand were ridiculous, and luckily she's hot-tempered, so our lawyer was able to make her look like shit. I'm really glad our lawyer was ours, because he goes after things! He attacks :o) When he asked her for specific reasons as to why she wanted to take away his rights, the only reasons stated were that he was exhibiting "erratic behavior" like towards the end of their marriage, and she was concerned for the child's safety because sometimes she has tantrums about coming over. Our lawyer asked if the child ever had tantrums while in her possession, she said yes, so then he asked, "So, since she has tantrums with you, we should take away your rights, hu?". He made her look so bad!!! What's better, is that one of the claims was that my husband is bi-polar (which he isn't and has never been diagnosed so; he's epileptic and has had 1 seizure 3 years ago). Our lawyer was asking her, "so, where did you get your medical degree? none? oh, so when did you get your pharmaceutical degree? none? so you're basing these claims on what?" So then ex's father, who is a pharmacist, and a big fan of my husband, got on the stand, he said that the medication in question, which is also used as a bi-polar medication, is first and foremost most popularly prescribed as an anti-seizure medication! That was great!!!!

So the final verdict, we get her first, third and fifth weekends of the month from Thursday through Sunday at 6:00 pm. We will alternate a week for Thanksgiving and Christmas, depending on even and odd numbered years. We get her for 1 month during the summer, and every other spring break, depending on even and odd numbered years. We get her father's day weekend and from 6:00-8:00 pm on her birthday, if it is not already our weekend. No supervision required :o)!!!!!!! It's so nice to see my husband happy and smiling again :o) That's the best part! So now it's......

Here we go again

2007-12-13T17:15:00.000-06:00

Court on Friday at 9:30.

I'm going to go vomit now...

Reminds Me of Someone...

2007-12-10T21:54:00.000-06:00

Why Aren't These On Anymore?

2007-12-10T21:53:00.001-06:00

Greatness!!!

Eye Tricks

2007-12-10T17:52:00.000-06:00

I had to post this without looking at it much. It creeps me out!!

New Hair Cut

2007-12-10T17:35:00.000-06:00

Having limited funds, one can't just go to the local salon for a beauty treatment, so I did the next best thing...I had my husband cut my hair. Not too bad, actually. Took a good 3 inches off.

Phoeesceez

2007-12-10T17:33:00.000-06:00

My husband and I have crossed yet another comfort boundary. And yet, we're still attracted to each other. It's fun!

Memories

2007-12-08T14:22:00.000-06:00

To go back to those days, sitting on the floor with the blacklight on, drumming on the edge of the bed, closing your eyes while listening to music and describing the movie you see playing in your mind, all while listening to "M-m-m-m-m-m-m my arm gets tired. My arm gets tired. My arm gets tired." and "Throw a belt, over the shower curtain rod....and swing!"

Those were the days :o)

This speaks to me:

2007-12-06T17:20:00.000-06:00

I'm just a normal boy
That sank when I fell overboard
My ship would leave the country
But I'd rather swim ashore without
A lifevest I'd be stuck again
Wish I was much more masculine
Maybe then I could learn to swim
Like 14 miles away

Now floating up and down
I spin colliding into sound
Like whales beneith me diving down
I'm sinking to the bottom of my
Everything that freaks me out
The lighthouse beam has just run out
I'm cold as cold as cold can be
Be

(Chorus)
I want to swim away but don't know how
Sometimes it feels just like I'm falling in the ocean
Let the waves up take me down
Let the hurricane set in motion, yea
Let the rain of what I feel right now come down
Let the rain come down

Where is the coastguard I
Keep looking each direction
For a spotlight
Gimme something
I need something for protection
Maybe (couldn't understand) would do just fine
The (couldn't understand) left behind
I'm tredding for my life, believe me
How can I keep up this breathing

Not knowing how to think
I scream aloud, begin to sink
My legs and arms are broken down
Within before the solid ground
I'm reaching for the life within me
How can one man stop his ending
I thought of just your face
Relaxed and floated into space

Chorus

Now waking to the sun
I calculate what I had done
Like jumping from the bow, yea
Just to prove that I knew how, yea
It's midnight's late reminder of
The loss of her, the one I love
My will to quickly end it all
Set front row in my need to fall
Into the ocean, end it all

Chorus

"Into the Ocean"- Blue October

Poo Poo

2007-12-02T17:13:00.001-06:00

So, I've been free from a good friend for some time now. Now I feel like I'm this not-easy-to-please, grumpy-butt bitch. I have these thoughts which I just obsess about, and then I feel crappy and depressed and nothing can bring me out of it. I'm not used to that and I don't know how to handle that. I used to be able to just "get rid" of those feelings and thoughts, and then I didn't give a shit. That was great! NOW?! Now I have to deal with them. Granted, everything that's happening isn't helping, and that's where the obsessive thoughts come from. So, then I think that anyone in my situation would be down in the dumps too. But I don't even want to be around myself sometimes...and that's pretty bad.

My dear, sweet husband. He tries to make me happy. He cleaned all weekend long; laundry, bathrooms, dishes, he even mopped. And what did I think? Why don't you just stop cleaning and come sit with me? We haven't spent time together because you've just been cleaning and cleaning. Enough already! And then I wonder what the hell is wrong with me for complaining that my husband is cleaning. HE'S CLEANING! BE HAPPY!

See what I mean?

Christmas

2007-12-02T10:40:00.000-06:00

Due to financial circumstances WAY beyond our control....Christmas will be slim this year. When I say slim, I mean anorexic/bulimic slim. Our deepest apologies!

Katie Holmes' New Hair Cut

2007-12-02T10:32:00.000-06:00

Since hooking up with Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes has gone under a transformation to become more stylish. Instead of the dowdy duds she was frequently spotted wearing prior to their marriage, Katie learned to appreciate high-fashion and pricey designers.
She also cut her normally plain-jane long hair into a bob over the summer, and now, it looks she's gone even more in vogue on us. Katie has traded in her ho-hum bob for a more cutting-edge bob with bangs that you'd imagine seeing on the catwalks. She showed off her new style at a German awards show where hubby Tom Cruise was to be honored.
A little stying of daughter Suri's hair, and they could have mom and daughter twin hairdos!

Thanks

2007-11-29T15:03:00.000-06:00

I have taken advice and things are no longer up :o)

Dan's New Kennel

2007-11-26T18:09:00.000-06:00

So, I bought my dog a new kennel over the weekend. I was trying to be nice to him; his old kennel was a travel one, which he had chewed off the door lock so we had to face it up against the wall. He couldn't see out much. So, we bought him a big 30" wire kennel. He'd have plenty of room to move around and could see all over. The kennel came with a plastic liner on the bottom, which was removable for cleaning. We put his fluffy bed inside and leave for the day. Come home to find he has flipped his bed over, ripped out the bottom and viciously removed ALL of the fluff from the inside. OK, FINE! So no bed for him. He can just sit on a cold plastic liner. The next day, come home to find that he has made 2 large rips in the liner, chewed up the side and kicked it completely out of his kennel. DAMN DOG!!! You'll just have to lay on the bars and the carpet then! I thought. I move his kennel in front of the sliding glass window, because he enjoys looking out. Come home to find that he has shit on the carpet inside his kennel, peed on the sheets he now sleeps on, and is cowering in the corner.

Here, I try to be a nice dog owner. Buy him a nicer, bigger kennel, and this is how he thanks me! After watching "The Dog Whisperer" marathon, I got the strength and inspiration, and decided that Dan has a lot of pent up energy that we just aren't releasing. So, before being put in his kennel, he is walked around the entire complex. There are 2 little crock pots inside where his breakfast and some water is, so he can eat and drink during the day, and we made it smaller with the wire wall, so if he does decide to poop, he's suck right next to it. We also put back the liner and discovered we failed to lock it into place (he can't kick it out now). Come home after just a couple hours of being gone....all is well. OK! Finally!

Today was the big test. We were gone all day at work, and he was left in his kennel. Come home, and all is well. He's eaten and drank, he didn't make a mess, he didn't shred his sheet, he didn't even chew on the liner more. FINALLY!!!!! Apparently my dog doesn't like extra space, and it took all that for me to learn that.

The time has come...

2007-11-26T18:06:00.001-06:00

The future of my little family will be determined tomorrow at approximately 1:30 pm. It rests in the hands of a Dallas county judge. Pleasant thoughts please :o)

My Wedding

2007-11-19T20:16:00.000-06:00

So, I googled my name. With my maiden name, I was the only one out there. But now...well...just take a look at my wedding photos :o)

http://www.spiritone.com/~pazuu/photos-5.htm

And, incase I ever need an alias:

http://snowcaptraffic.com/records/cori

"It's Not Fair!"

2007-11-19T20:06:00.000-06:00

Stupid, STUPID co-workers!!! Now, don't get me wrong...I love them all. I consider most of them friends of mine. But COME ON!

We've had to put a "your cell phone use is in jeopardy" letter out, because writing it in our policy book and reviewing it in person is just not enough. Apparently, we're supposed to pay people to chat and flirt and text on the phone all freaking day long. And then they get all pissy when you tell them to get off. Use your phone on a break! Use your phone during nap time all you freaking want to! But when your job is to supervise children, then DO IT! I don't give a fuck that you're flirting with your new dreamy boyfriend. I don't care about the "I'm just checking the time" excuse, or the "I'm expecting a call from my doctor" excuse. I have never turned down a phone call for someone who calls on the business line.

Now, my real friends understand this. They will do the right thing because they know I'm not picking on them. Because they know I'm just trying to do my job. Because they are my friends and want to do a good job for me. For those of you...THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! Thank you for understanding what my job is. I'm pretty easy going...come on now!

Ok, one more...

2007-11-15T19:47:00.001-06:00

Tell me that while listening to this you did NOT tap your foot and bob your head! If you say you didn't, you LIE!

It's amazing what people do when they think no one is looking.

"HU?!"

2007-11-15T19:28:00.000-06:00

She is so messed up!

"My Humps" spoof by Alanis Morissette

2007-11-15T19:06:00.000-06:00

This was just too strange, and funny, not to share:

And I'm going to try and keep posting on a regular basis. What kind of woman would I be if I let some fat, bitter, almost-40-something old spinster bitch dictate what kind of mood I'm going to be in. FUCK HER!!! (I'm sure this moment of empowerment will change soon).

Here's A Secret:

2007-11-14T18:28:00.000-06:00

I take dirty pictures of myself on my phone and send them to my husband at random times of the day. Takes the monotony out of the workday.

A Warning:

2007-11-12T17:52:00.000-06:00

My life is at the absolute most stressful time at the moment, so I warn you, if you haven't seen me lately, I've lost a few more pounds. It's not for lack of eating; I eat 3 meals a day. I'm just stressing my weight away and don't quite know what to do about it. A friend approached me today and told me I didn't look good...nice. Just what I needed to hear. All I can say is that I'm hoping things will eventually pass, I won't be so freaking stressed out, and I'll get my girlish figure again. So, please, when you see me, no comments. I can't do anything about it.

Thanks.

P.S. I may not be posting for a little while, but it's only temporary.

The Fight Begins...

2007-11-04T18:53:00.000-06:00

end of sentence.

For My Best Friend

2007-11-04T18:49:00.000-06:00

Because he just got so cutely excited when he watched the "Bugaloo's" video, here's another great blast from his past: