Feelin' Better - NOT THE FLU
Mood:  a-ok
Topic: family
So I'm doing better.  And it was a stomach virus.  However Senior Daughter spent all night Friday throwing up.  My hubby has the head congestion thing going.  And the person who probably unintentionally started it all - First Grader - is wonderful!  No, it's not his fault.  He had a sinus infection so I think by sitting in the dr's office with all the sick kids, I ended up with the bug.  I've been lysol-ing (is that even a word?) everything in this house.  Husband realized that Zicam works if you use it as directed!  Hopefully he'll start to feel better today.  Most of us are getting our appetites back.  Just want to reiterate once again - we do NOT have the flu!  No one has had a high fever - just the real low grade - everything hurts, can't get comfortable, too hot but chilled - fever.  I bet stock in Proctor & Gamble (Puffs tissues) & Pepto Bismal has rised in just a few days!

Superbowl
Mood:  happy
Topic: Television

So who did NOT watch the Superbowl last nght?  Or do you just have it on to see the new commercials?  Or is it just an excuse to throw/go to a party for the fun food?  Since I wasn't invested in either team (i.e. - not the Cowboys or the Chiefs), I was for either team.  Yes, I would have liked to see Belichek & Brady & the Pats have a perfect season!  But I also wanted to see Eli break free of big brother, Peyton's, shadow.  And, um, in case you didn't hear - that's what happened!  By the fourth quarter, I was yelling at either team to GO! And even got excited at a couple fumbles!  I just wanted to see some action! 

Think I should own stock in WingStop!  I ordered our wings at 4 - they said they'd be ready by 5 - 18 minutes before kick-off.  When I got there about 4:40 to pay & wait, there were at least 10 people waiting & three people in line.  By the time I left, the line was out the door!  But I think we've decided what our ultimate favorites are - Lemon Pepper & Garlic/Parmesan.  So we muched on wings through the first quarter.  Had a piece of Chocolate cake during the 4th quarter.  And how was Tom Petty?  Thought they did ok - kept it simple.  Would have liked to have heard the complete version of "Free Fallin'" - but that's ok.

And the ads - my favorite was the Bridgestone: Headlights - and that's only because Alice Cooper appears for like 3 seconds!  Enjoyed the Stewy/Underdog/Coke commercial where Charlie Brown ends up with the prized soda!  Too cute!  The baby E*Trade ads - the first one baby spits up at end - the 2nd with the "creepiness" factor of the clown!  I was a little slow about the Audi commercial doing a take-off of Godfather until Senior Daughter said "Is that supposed to be like the Horse Head scene?"  The JT magnetic pull ad was also pretty decent.  Loved the dalmation & the Budweiser horse commercial - I call it "Rocky" Horse!  Too cute.  Those I could have done without: Will Farrell, the guy who hooks himself up to charge the car battery, the Shaq commercial - poor horse! and I missed the Godaddy ad this year - and no, I'm not going to go watch it on youtube.

So did you watch the game? And what were your favorite ads?

Feelin' Crappy!
Mood:  lazy
Topic: home
Woke up & my stomach decided to do tap dancing most of the morning.  Was growling & nauseous at the same time - ugh!  Ate a few bites of jello then took a dose of Pepto Bismol.  If it was just the stomach - that's one thing but then I started getting chilled, everything aches & I feel like I have motion sickness.  And it was not only a work day but had to dash out early from work to take a kid to a dr. appt & then back to work.  Didn't quite make my regular 3 hours today - but got in 2 hours & 15 min. by the time it was all said & done.  Thought I'd come home & sleep.  First I took my temp - basically normal.  But still chilling & achy.  Set the alarm so I could wake up to get 1st grader off bus but couldn't sleep.  Just sort of laid on the couch like a zombie!  As long as I was laying down, it wasn't too bad.  Just when I had to get up & move around.  Oldest daughter called & I need to call her back (well, I did try - phone was busy!).  Dog ended up outside most of afternoon. She had wanted in before I finally got comfy on the sofa but she had dirt & dried grass all over her so she had to stay out - at least it's sunny & I think not too bad of a temp. & the wind isn't blowing a gazillion miles an hour.  Dinner is going to be whatever anyone fixes, buys or scrounges in the fridge.  I don't even want to look at food let alone stand there & cook it!  Wish me better health tomorrow!

Random Stuff
Mood:  spacey
Topic: family

• First grader came home feeling bad on Tuesday, had a low grade fever, dr. on Wed. a.m., no flu (thank goodness!), only a sinus infection (hey, it can be treated with antibiotics!), spent 98% of day on couch watching movies, sleeping or looking bored!  Back at school today.
• "Lost" was a recap last night, was too funny, someone apparently had the wit to insert text at the bottom of the screen throughout the recap - which recapped even better than what we were watching. "And since there's a break in the credits, let's talk about . . ." was just one of the funny lines.  Can't wait for this evening. DON'T CALL ME BETWEEN 7-9 P.M. central time!
• No homecooked meal for the masses yesterday - I had to meet with someone at work before 5:30 so we did a quick run through at the Arby's drive-thru.  Love those roast beef sandwiches (especially when they are on sale).
• I drank all the orange juice - should have warned Senior Daughter as she went to get some later & there wasn't any! Sorry!
• Senior Daughter will officially be out of school in March.  Hopefully (for her) she'll get more hours through the week at work.
• Got all the tax info - now I can prepare our tax return.  I'm hoping for anything back - hate to pay! But one thing - if I get it prepared early & we do see that we have to pay - still have a few months to get the cash together!
• Think hubby is coming down with a cold. I'm being optimistic tho & hoping it's allergies with the way the wind here in North Texas has been whipping crap everywhere.
• And speaking of the wind blowing crap - whose box blew into my yard?  It's empty, rather big, looks like any other cardboard box.  I'll let it go because it's really not your fault that it's here. I had to drive down the street on Tuesday looking for my trash can which a wonderful neighbor found lying in the street & at least moved to the sidewalk out of the way of people driving. Thank you, kind neighbor!
• "Days of Our Lives" is getting good - today Shirley Jones will make her debut as the "thought she was dead" Colleen Brady.  Love Shirley Jones!
• Did I mention "Lost" begins tonight?  Did I also mention that you should NOT CALL ME between 7-9 p.m.?  Ok, good, just want to make sure. 

See ya all later!

For My Daughter
Mood:  celebratory
Topic: family

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DEAR OLDEST DAUGHTER!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

Today is Oldest Daughter's 26th birthday!  So thought I'd share . . .

You came into this world after 19 hours of labor!  19 hours that I wondered just what sort of mother I would be.  But the worry turned to pure joy the moment you emerged into the world & they placed you in my arms. What a perfect baby!  Your head really didn't have that "cone" shape most babies have.  You really weren't all that "messy" from your trip to the real world.  You were pink & beautiful! Unfortunatly, because was dr. was such an a**, they wouldn't let me feed you immediately or hold you very long & they put you in this cold, metal incubator & said I had to wait 8 hours to feed you.  I have thought over these past 26 years how much I wanted to hunt that stupid dr. down & give her (yes, this is what turned me off of women drs) a piece of my mind (& maybe a bit more!).  How my arms ached to hold you during those 8 hours (at least 5 hours later they finally let me give you water & hold you for just a short period of time), to nourish you as a mother is intended, to bond with you in those first important hours of life, to place angel kisses on your perfect cheeks, and to warm you with love.  Even now, 26 years later, I want to reach back into time and have the opportunity to do it all ok.  Maybe so many things would have turned out differently. 

I watch your baby sister's birthday video and see you, a child on the verge of pre-teen-hood.  What I see is a little girl desperately wanting someone to put their arms around you all the time and tell you how special you are. I didn't do that often enough (though it wasn't just you - as there weren't enough hours in the day or enough arms to hold 4 wonderful children).  I cry for the missed chances to praise you, to tell you what a joyful miracle your birth was to me, to shower you with kisses and love. 

It took me awhile to figure this whole strange thing called motherhood.  Some things, too me longer!  But the love - oh, the love - was there from the moment you were conceived.  For so long all I ever wanted was to be a mom.  And YOU were the one who made that happen.  For those who came after you, didn't get to do that for me. ONLY YOU! 

Each of you kids have special, unique, and really neat qualities.  And I know sometimes each of you thought there was favoritism toward one of the other.  Every child on earth (who is not an only) thinks their parents do more for the others.  That's just a part of growing up.  You are my firstborn and yes, as it so happens, a part of parenthood is the ideals that flash through your mind when you discover a child is on the way.  What they will become.  What they will be like.  And on & on.  And it takes awhile - but parents have to accept the fact that their child will never be what they want them to be.  Because they are their own person.  You are who you are.  A beautiful woman with your own goals, hopes, joys and sorrows.  A mother wants to take away any pain and sorrow - but we can't - no matter how hard we try.  The ups & downs of life make us into the people we become - gives us the character we need and the strength to forge through life when rocks are being thrown. 

I miss you because you are so far away.  But I rejoice with you that you have found your niche in life.  That you are making your life - your own.  Not one that I "got" for you or one that other's got for you. But through your own choices & decisions.  You seem truly at peace and happy at this time in your life. 

Just know, my daughter, I love you - through all the ups and downs.  You are my firstborn.  You brought to me a perfect joy on this day 26 years ago.  Thank you.

I love you,

Your Mom

Amazing Chicken!
Mood:  happy
Topic: family

So yesterday a.m. I grabbed the package of boneless, skinless chicken thighs out of the freezer to thaw for supper.  All day long I kept wondering how I was going to fix it.  One family can eat only so much chicken before we're all clucking & acting like we're going to lay an egg.  Grabbed my cooking magazines.  Out of cooking for 2 (no, I do NOT EVER cook for two - but I digress) - I found a recipe called "Oregano Chicken".  Looked easy enough - & pretty fast.  Let me tell you - there was absolutely NOTHING left!  I sort of went with the recipe - but this is how I fixed it:

6 thighs (boneless, skinless)
several dobs of minced garlic (I used the refrigerated, in a jar kind)
Lemon Pepper
Oregano
Olive Oil

Coat (or rub) garlic over chicken, then sprinkle (according to how much you like) with lemon pepper & oregano on both sides.  Heat olive oil in skillet & brown chicken both sides for about 5 minutes.  Put chicken in shallow pan or baking dish & put in 400 degree oven for 30 minutes - uncovered.  I turned the chicken once about 10 minutes before it was done.  Chicken is done when juices run clear.

Let me tell you - this chicken was amazing!  So tender & full of flavor!  Of course if you don't like either garlic, lemon pepper or oregano - you're just out of luck!

If you make this, let me know if you altered the recipe and/or how your family liked it!

Monday, monday . . .
Mood:  cheeky
Topic: home

"Monday Monday, so good to me,
Monday Monday, it was all I hoped it would be
Oh Monday morning, Monday morning couldn't guarantee
That Monday evening you would still be here with me."
The Mamas & The Papas

Remember that song?  Yeah, but do you recall the next verse?

"Monday Monday, can't trust that day,
Monday Monday, sometimes it just turns out that way
Oh Monday morning, you gave me no warning of what was to be
Oh Monday Monday, how yould cou leave and not take me."

Not exactly correct now - but Monday's are sort of changeable.  Sometimes the day starts out just perfect & gets weirder or just plain goes wrong somewhere in the middle - or - they start off bad/rushed/lousy and get better halfway through.  Then there's time the day is just "there".

I usually find that I try to cram too much into a Monday. Beginning of the week & try to get things done that hadn't been done all weekend.  Today I already have my list (sometimes I make one, most times not!). Need to get some printer ink as well as food for breakfast.  Think there are 2 or 3 "mini" boxes of cereal left & some frozen pancakes. That about sums it up.  At least I did remember to buy milk yesterday!

Plus it's newsletter week at work so today will be spent getting that all composed & ready for copying tomorrow as well as the normal Monday stuff I need to do there.

This week "Lost" returns (finally!).  I'm glad now that the producers or whoever it is waited.  With the writer's strike going into its third decade eighth week (?), we're running low on new shows.  At least this time they won't be competing with American Idol (except for this week when they air the recap of "Lost" on Wednesday.  In a couple weeks "Jericho" returns (YAY!).  Unfortunately I think putting it on Tuesdays is really going to kill it (as they tried to do by yanking it off the air after the first season).  Idol is going to wipe the floor with "Jericho".  Just saying.

No, my life is not all about what's on television.  I do however, enjoy a little entertainment that takes me out of the joys/stresses/work of everyday life.  And I enjoy it more when its not just endless reruns or dumbing down reality shows.

Tune in tomorrow for more!

Me, Myself & I (forwarded quiz)
Mood:  happy
Topic: home

Got the following quiz forwarded to me from a friend who lives out of state.  Instead of forwarding my responses to folks, figured I'd post here so people can choose to either read or not!

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
Not that I know of.  My sister actually named me.

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
At a friend's memorial service a couple weeks ago.

3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING
Yes, I do.

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
processed - olive loaf & bologna
deli - shaved cajun turkey

5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS?
yes - 4.  Three adult children & one that is 2 months away from being 18.

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
Sure!

7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT?
More than I should!

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?
No - had surgery at age 3 to remove them.

9.    WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
NO!  I hate to dream about falling let alone do it in real life!

10.  WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?
Honey Nut Cheerios followed by a close 2nd of Cocoa Krispies
But normally if it's not cheerios I eat now, it's hot flavored oatmeal.

11.  DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
If I'm wearing my normal tennis/athletic shoes - no. But when I have my Vans on, yes.

12.  DO YOU THINK YOU’RE STRONG?
Probably more so emotionally & mentally than physically.

13.  WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?
Blue Bell Dutch Chocolate

14.  WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
Their eyes.

15.    RED OR PINK?
as a favorite color neither - but if I had to choose it would be red.  If it's wine - definitely pink.  My favorite color is purple.

16.  WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
I'm a little too bossy & I probably interrupt people way more than I should (shouldn't do it anyway I guess!)  And I lack patience.

17.  WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?
My grandparents & brother.  Those who live too far for me to see often would be my parents, in-laws & kids.

18.  DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU?
Since I'm not emailing it to anyone - no.  PLEASE DO NOT email it back to me - just post it on your blog & let me know where to find it!

19.  WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
Green sweats & my white athletic shoes!

20.  WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE?
Spaghetti for supper last night.

21.  WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
my clack-clacking on the keyboard & the dog's "jingle jingle" from stuff on her colloar as she walks around.

22.  IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
Is this like Barbara Walter's "what kind of tree" question she asked of Katherine Hepburn?  Why in the world would I want to be a crayon? (remember question #7?)

23.  FAVORITE SMELLS?
People grilling steak!  Fresh cut grass on a spring day.  Garlic when it's being cooked in sauces or on meat.  Fresh flowers.  The way a baby smells just after being bathed. 

24.  WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
John - one of our friends.

25.  DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU?
yes - wish I could see her more often!

26.  FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
Football - NFL not college unless it's Ohio vs Michigan or Ohio playing in a bowl game.

27.  HAIR COLOR?
Naturally dark brown with some gray - but since I don't like the gray or the dark, today it's a light golden brown which gives my hair a little more bronze/golden red color.

27.  HAIR EYE COLOR? Ok, all you people - did you NOT read this right the first time or did you not want to tell me that I screwed up - should be EYE color not Hair color. And if you know me - you do know my hair color is DEFINITELY NOT blue!
Blue!

29.  DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
yes

30. FAVORITE FOOD?
Pizza followed by Italian

31.  SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
Generally if it has a real ending I'm happy!  Pretty much an uplifting or happy ending.  I'd rather watch psychological suspense/thriller mysteries that I can't figure out until the end!

32.  LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
Shrek 3 but that's only because 1st grader wanted to watch it.  The last movie in a theater I saw was Pirates of the Carribean 3 last summer.  Last movie I really wanted to watch on DVD that I sat through was the Bourne Ultimatum.

33.  WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?
Green

34.  SUMMER OR WINTER?
Actually spring!  But since it's 30 or below here (in Texas) now, I'd prefer summer.  But summer in Texas with over 100 degree temps & over 50% humidity is when I change my mind!

35.  HUGS OR KISSES?
Kisses from my husband.  Hugs from anyone else!
Candy - I prefer Hershey kisses to Hershey Hugs!

36.  FAVORITE DESSERT?
Devil's food cake with my mom's homemade chocolate icing!

37.  MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND?
No clue!

38.  LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND
Again - no clue!

39.  WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?
Just finished "Hollywood Tough" by Stephen Cannell.  I have a couple more that I haven't started yet & need to read.

40.  WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
The old ToughLove International logo & info.

41.  WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT?
American Idol, Criminal Minds & CSI:NY

42.  FAVORITE SOUND (S)
Train whistle, the sound of laughter, my husband's voice

43.  ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES?
The Beatles - as I can sing along (ok - I know I can not carry a tune but at least I get the words right!) with their songs.
The Stones if it's certain songs + they are still together!

44.  WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?
Victoria, British Columbia when I was just a little girl

45.  DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?
I think I'm creative when it comes to graphic design & scrapbooking

46.  WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
Wright Patterson Air Force Base hospital

47.  WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK?
I'm looking forward to everyone telling me where they've posted these so I can go read!

I'm tapping ALL OF YOU - yes those few people who read this blog - to post this on your blog & answer them (& please let me know!)

More later . . .

Mom Needs Sleep . . . or Something!
Mood:  spacey
Topic: home

Spent most of the night on the couch - sitting up - drinking hot tea waiting for the medicine to kick in & relieve me of this horrific toothache.  I hope I'm not having "sympathy" toothache as Photographer daughter has had one for a few weeks.  So even tho my regular dental appt is in a couple weeks, I've gotta call today to see if they can work me in before then to figure out what the deal is.  Right now I wouldn't care if they pulled every single one out of my mouth - no, I guess I would care.  For one, bridges & "old people" false teeth (ha ha!) are too expensive & I just don't think I could sit with that gunky stuff in my mouth for impressions.  All my energy is being sapped trying to be relaxed & not focus on this shooting pain.  Fortunately. I've birthed 4 children - 3 without any painkillers or epidurals or anything so I know a little about the whole breating thru the pain thing.  Unfortunately, it's been almost 18 years since I gave birth - and over 22 years since I gave birth with no meds.  Took yesterday off work to stay home with kids on the MLK holiday.  Rethinking that decision this morning.  Ugh! Stay tuned to find out if

1) the pain goes away

2) I'm able to see the dentist sometime real soon

3) whether I'm awake past 1 p.m.!

A Celebration!
Mood:  happy
Topic: work
So yesterday my church honored me with a cake, flowers & card for being the admin. assist. for 10 years!  It was very touching and sweet.  I felt a little like Sally Field when she won her Oscars - "You like me! You really like me!"  There were folks who told me that I was the first person they met when they walked in the church doors & that I was so welcoming & warm to them, they continued to come back.  My reply - "And you're still here! I didn't run you off!"  Since I live (for the most part) quite a distance from family (or have most of the time I've been a member at the church - almost 17 years) - these people are like family.  I find that I genuinely care about each one of them. I've hurt for them. I've grieved with them when they've lost someone close to them. I rejoice with them. I can honestly say that this has been the perfect job for me.  Actually it's hard for me to consider it "work".  It's a real joy going into the office. I feel more like I'm serving than working.  And I get paid for doing what I love!  After working in the corporate world many years ago, I do not miss the politics that go along with it or the constant back-biting, gossip or rumors.  My schedule can be pretty flexible if I need it to be.  I wish I could thank each person who has contributed to making my "job" so easy and so much fun.  Thank you all!