Ready for Monday
Mood:  lazy
Topic: home

SCHOOL STARTS MONDAY!!!!!

Oh, wait a minute - was a yelling - in upper case bold print?  Guess I was!  For the first time in many years I haven't been mumbling "can't wait for school to start" while nervously biting my nails in the corner!  This has been a pretty decent summer.

All the school supplies for Soon to Be First Grader are purchased with the exception of the required tissues & baby wipes.  All the clothes, shoes, etc. have been purchased.  They're just all waiting to be used.

My plans for next week include: general cleaning, laundry, the changing of the bed linens, organizing Soon to Be First Grader's room (will be changing his name to Just First Grader soon!), updating my genealogy files - actually getting them organized for the first time ever - doing general filing.  Egads - that will take me until Christmas.  Maybe I should re-think my "have to do list" into smaller portions so I don't feel so overwhelmed.  Also on the list: finish DVD that was supposed to be ready for Baby Grandson's first birthday, work on some digital scrapbook kits and get started on my high school class scrapbook - have 2 years to complete that!

We'll see how all that goes.  Have a bunch of shoes I need to pitch. Would give them to the local charity but they have holes, rips, etc. and can't be re-sold.  Time to weed out Soon to Be First Grader's clothes and remove all those that are too small for him.  That'll give him some room in his chest of drawers.

Okay - off to finish supper.  Who's hungry?

Until later, Dear Reader.

So that's what After Thanksgiving Shopping looks like . . .
Mood:  don't ask
Topic: home

Somehow I ended up smack dab in the middle of the mall doing after thanksgiving shopping tax-free weekend shopping.  And yes, it looked amazingly the same as the Friday after Thanksgiving.  If you don't live in Texas or a state that offers this spectacular event, you haven't really gone shopping!  Imagine a family with two, three, four or more school/college aged kids on a quest for the right school clothes and any other item that qualifies for tax exemption!  Now granted, the most you can save is $8.25 (in my city) out of every $100 of merchandise.  But that $8.25 is like manna to some people.  Not only that but most of the stores had these great sales going on.  Luckily, instead of dragging this shopping experience out of the entire three days, we managed to get it done in less than 5 hours - spread over two days (mostly afternoons).  We shopped in so many stores not normally frequented by "my age" types, that the bank called to make sure our card hadn't been appropriated by a Lindsay/Britney/Nicole/Paris wannabe who was trying to update their wardrobes.  Alas, no - it was just us.

Holding up this cute little shirt I found in the Jr. section of the JC Penney outlet, my almost a senior daughter cringed and said, "NO!"  Then I informed her it wasn't for her, but me.  She just kept saying "no, mom". I asked her if it was because she really didn't like the shirt or because her mom could wear jr. style clothes. "Both" she told me.  Aah! 

It's also great when you have a child who works in retail - you can get their store discount.  Not the puny 15% but a whopping 30% & on top of that get 50% more stuff due to the sale! 

And there you go - both kids (almost senior daughter and soon to be a first grader grandson) are set - at least for a few weeks!  I found some cute new clothes and shoes.

The weekend was going along just great . . . I was almost bored with how wonderfully easy it was . . . and then . . . out of nowhere came a verbal slap up side the head that I didn't see coming.  But that's another story - one of which I won't post here. 

So, Dear Reader, regale us with your back to school shopping story!

 

Twelve Days & Counting . . .
Mood:  caffeinated
Topic: home

SCHOOL STARTS IN 12 DAYS!!!

And this is probably the first year in a long time that I really am NOT counting down the days.  Had such big plans for the summer - go to the museums, the zoo, get 1st grader to start reading, planting lots of flowers, so on & so forth.  So what have I accomplished?  Well I did plant some flowers - not as many as I wanted.  Took kids to a local art museum - unfortunately just not when the exhibit the Senior wanted to see was there.  Visited family.  That's it.  Senior girl has a job now and without a 3rd vehicle, that means I'm her ride.  Spent almost 2 weeks planning for a birthday party - actually working on a picture dvd.  Glitch there was that my computer didn't like to finish recording it the right way so when we played it at the party - no music. 

This weekend is Texas Tax-Free (sales tax) weekend so will go clothes shopping.  First grader still as many uniform pieces that still fit so all he'll need are more shorts and new shoes.  Senior will be all over the mall looking for clothes.  This year backpacks are on the list so First grader will get a new one of those.

I have a list a mile long of things I want to accomplish after school starts and I have the days to myself (quiet - no interruptions) to get done.  Unfortunately, I'm still working on last year's list!

So, Dear Readers, what are your plans for when your children go back to school?  Have you done what you wanted to do this summer?  Stay tuned. . .

Things I still haven't Learned
Mood:  silly
Topic: home

THINGS I STILL HAVE NOT LEARNED . . .

1. I wouldn't be ON a deadline if I started earlier!
2. If things were put where they belong after being used, there would be less stuff to put away when I'm facing the so called deadline!
3. People will always be stressed when faced with an event they are putting together.
4. I am not the only one who lives here
5. and the others in the house can (& usually do) their fair share
6. Even if it's not exactly the way I think it should be
7. It's ok!

20 Things
Mood:  celebratory
Topic: home

Twenty Things I've Learned In The Last Week

1. 24 people WILL fit into my Living Room
2. Kids will not stay outside to jump in a bounce house if the temperature is 100 degrees
3. Party City is way too busy to have balloons blown up on a moment's notice.
4. I do know how to find things at Home Depot
5. Even though panels and valances don't match doesn't mean my kitchen will look tacky.
6. New light panels make the kitchen brighter and look cleaner.
7. Teenagers who need money WILL clean the bathroom the right way.
8. And not complain about it.
9. After said teenager cleans the bathroom and makes sure it stays clean until a party, no one at the party will use it.
10. Even after I buy home decor items to make the bathroom look warm and inviting.
11. Don't buy kitchen accessories without first checking to make sure those are really roosters on the curtain panels.
12. Even tho the "roosters" turned out to be vines of flowers on the curtain panels, the deep red and green of the rooster decor still matches
13. Sort of
14. The kitchen counters can be spotless, less cluttered, and saturated in antibacterial cleanser yet sugar ants will still like them.
15. Moving vehicles out of the driveway to allow for guests to park there does not guarantee that they will.
16. It takes longer to decorate for a party then to take said decorations down.
17. When I'm on a deadline, I can get way more done than normal.
18. No matter how much or how little food is bought for a party, there will still be way too much left over.
19. Even when there's no "end" time on the invitations, people will still leave at a decent time.
20. The honored guest can have a complete meltdown an hour before their party but look like they 've been all sunshine and happiness when the actual event begins.

Next time . . . Things I still haven't learned!

Digital Scrapbooking
Mood:  rushed
Topic: Things to Do

Dear Readers - Just when I thought summer was winding down and I could start enjoying the rest of it before school starts - everything has hit at once!  You know that feeling, I'm sure.  Never have managed to get to the zoo or the art museum yet - 2 things that were on my "I really need to do this" list for the summer.  So what have I been doing with my time?  Spent a week "on vacation" so to speak.  Was nice & enjoyed the kids.  Getting in dr. visits (kids) and other projects.  Decided that I really need to get proficient with this digital scrapbooking stuff in order to get some kits ready for resale.  Just when I was diving full steam into that, I find out that I've been volunteered to be on a committee at church creating a new brochure to be mailed out in about 6 weeks.  So minus the week or so at the printer, the time it takes to stick mailing labels on all of them, and get them mailed - I don't have a whole lot of time.  And since out of the 3 of us, I'm more of the "graphic designer", I'm working on the mock-up for approval.  Now if that's not enough, I agreed to hold my youngest grandson's birthday party at my house - in 2 weeks!  I don't think I've cleaned thoroughly since school ended in May.  I mean with a 6 year old home every day, toys being dragged all through the house, mail stacked up here & there until DH finds a place for it, purchases I've made that don't have a home, no time to clean, etc. I can tell that the week of the party, I'm going to be sucking down the caffeine & running 200 mph just to get this house ready for guests.  On top of all that, my daughter has asked me to create a dvd of the baby's first year - I don't think I'm going to be sleeping much!  Then I decided it was easier for me to find something for my mom - who lives several states away - so she doesn't have to run all over her area looking for this particular thing.  So you may be asking - why am I blogging when I have SO MUCH to do?  I honestly do not know!  I'm such a procrastinator!  Better get to it - oh, yeah & on top of all that - I have a lunch today - my fun thing to do!  Tune in tomorrow (or next month!), dear Readers, to find out if the brochure got done on time, if the dvd will be ready for the party, if the party guests run like the wind because I've forgotten that one cobweb in the corner!

 

Pirates 3
Mood:  happy
Topic: Movies

Saw Pirates of the Caribbean - At World's End yesterday & I must say the Acronym (AWE) is the perfect adjective to describe - being in awe of this movie!  Yes, there were a lot of things going on - some of the critics have been pretty harsh about stating that multiple plot points messes with the movie.  To me - the action was never ending - wasn't sure what was around the next corner - or who was on what side at any one time.  I won't give away any of the details for those of you who haven't seen it - just make sure you sit through the credits (long enough for a potty break!) to see the final 30 second epilogue.

Will there be a Pirates 4?  Well, Depp has said he's done being a pirate and Bloom has basically said he's done with it as well.  And yes, instead of "all" the loose ends being tied up neatly with a bow, there's just enough at the end to justify another movie.  Would the public accept another installment?  Probably not in the next few years. 

I felt about this series like I did with another of Bloom's epics - Lord of the Rings trilogy.  More, more, more!  I'm anxious to see what the DVD will have on it - hopefully deleted scenes (there's speculation that a couple of lines of dialogue cut from the movie will give a little more info) plus I really enjoy those blooper scenes & "how they did it" type of things.

Keith Richards as Sparrow's dad - did ok.  I thought he'd be more like Capt. Jack - a little off (I mean we are talking about Keith Richards, right?!) - I think he was probably the sanest, less sinister pirate there was. 

The opening scenes kind of threw me a little - not real sure exactly what that was - probably will have to see it again to "get it".

This was the first Pirates movie I've been able to see at the theater first.  Let me tell you - there's a big difference between seeing Barbosa, Capt. Jack, et al - on a big screen versus a television screen. 

Humor - AWE had several moments of dry wit - some very dark humor - children probably wouldn't "get" some of it (which is just as well).  There's also a couple of "ick" moments that made me turn my head. 

To sum it up - am quite glad that I didn't read a whole lot about this movie.  I wouldn't listen to anyone who had seen it who wanted to talk about it - in fact my daughter saw it & said a couple things (that wouldn't give it away) & I promptly "forgot" what she said so I could enjoy the full effect.  Some twists and turns were not seen coming (by me) which is another reason I enjoyed it so much!

Go see it - if you haven't.  And if you have seen it - do share your thoughts!  So Dear Readers, will there be a Pirates 4?  Will you see it if they make it?  What movies are you looking forward to seeing in this summer of "must see" movies (Oceans 13, Bourne Ultimatum, Shrek 3, Surfs Up, Across the Universe, and more!) - oh, yeah, saw previews for "The Golden Compass" - looks good - will have to wait to see.

 

American Idol
Mood:  chatty
Topic: Television

I wish next year they’d NOT put the finales of “Lost” and “American Idol” opposite each other.  I’m so tired of recording & switching back & forth.

My take on the AI finale – loved that Jordin won – course I’ve already said my favorite would have been for Melinda to win – but oh, well.  Jordin’s rendition of “This Is My Now” was right on the mark – emotional and sung beautifully.  Wish Blake could have had a different song to sing.  Next year – do a competition where at least 2 songs – maybe 3 could be in the running for the finale – that way the finalists could have a choice to whichever one suits their styles better.  This was one of the first years I didn’t vote – only because I knew I’d be happy with whomever won.  Loved seeing Chris Daughtry on the Tuesday night show.  I also enjoyed seeing shots of the audience to see who was there.  Wished they could have had some sort of set up where Chris Sligh could have done something to make Hasselhoff cry – remember when he went to audition?  That’s what he said his goal was!  Would have been funny!  People on the boards wanted to know where Fantasia was – well, she’s on Broadway starring in “The Color Purple” – I doubt she could have been in 2 places at once, but it was sure nice to see the other Idol Winners.  Loved Kellie’s new song!  So, Dear Readers, what are your thoughts?

"Lost" Finale
Mood:  chatty
Topic: Television

So we’ve all had a few days to digest the season finale of “Lost” – any thoughts?  I’ve spent some time checking out the message boards on the official website to read other’s thoughts.  One theory is next season the island will be the Flashback.  I was completely in the dark throughout the finale that the flash “back” was actually the future!  Only when Kate stepped out of the car at the end, did I think “Holy Crap!”  No, I have no idea whose casket it was.  I’ve read some things that say the casket was too little to contain a full size person – but I’ve looked at it (I taped it!) at different angles, and actually it does look full size – maybe not for a very tall person.  Did Jack say “Either” or “Neither” when the funeral home director asked if it was friend or family?  My opinion is he said neither.  On the island, the person could have been a close friend, but by the time they are all back home, things could change.  Was that Jin & Sun sitting behind Jack on the plane in the flash “forward”?  Sure looks like it – again I’ve checked it out several times on my recorded version.

Hooray for Hurley saving the day in the Dharma van!  That was absolutely the coolest thing!  I just love Hurley – he’s so funny!  Yes, a lot of questions were answered but geez, not enough and what about the questions the episode created?  And we have to wait until February?! Ugh!

My favorite episode this season has to be when Hurley found the van – I found myself rolling with laughter during that eppie.  Especially Sawyer saying to Jin “Well, look who’s hooked on phonics!”

My favorite characters are Sawyer – yes, he’s supposed to be a bad boy but he has some of the funniest lines and Hurley – “dude” for everything.

Well, Dear Readers, until Season 3 comes out on DVD and until February when the new season starts, leave your thoughts here and we’ll discuss!

Summer Activities
Mood:  caffeinated
Topic: Things to Do
So the kids will be out for summer break soon & I've been trying to find things for us to do so we all won't be BORED!  TeenDaughter visited a modern art museum on a field trip a month or so ago & absolutely loved it. Not being much of an "artsy" person, I never gave an art museum much thought.  They have "free" days - so we'll pick a Wednesday & high tail it to Ft. Worth (which is a hike for us) to go & do a walk through.  I also want to go back to the zoo sometime this summer.  One week is taken by our church's musical program - instead of Vacation Bible School.  Another week will be vacation out of state - so that leaves how many weeks left to find things to do?!  Did I mention that school will be out SOON!  Today, tomorrow & half day of Thursday is all that's left.  Meanwhile, I'm witnessing the end of my "normal" schedule until late August!  So, Dear Reader, what are your plans to keep your young'uns (or teen ones) occupied for the summer?