WILL THE REAL DUST BUNNY PLEASE STAND UP?

Several people have asked me about the reason I no longer had my picture in my 'About Me' section.  The reason was simple, I wanted to feature my daughter's art work for a little bit.  She was trying to make me a mascot.  Unfortunately that triggered the 'dust bunny war of 2004', in which my two daughters bombarded me with dozens of pictures of dust bunnies in an effort to be judged creator of the best dust bunny.... Let me tell you, that was one contest I didn't want to have any part of... so I just let the subject quietly die down.  There have been no new dust bunnies sighted in the 2 weeks so I think the plague is over.  I have replaced the dust bunny with my own mugshot, perhaps they'll never notice and the competition will be forgotten for good.  Hey, I can hope can't I?

I've listed all the sites I get my grapics from, but I want to give special attention to Sunny's Blinkies, which are fabulous. 

Got a letter from Gabe yesterday.  I've been like a kid waiting for the mailman to come each day.  He's doing good.  He says it 'sucks' but not as bad as he thought it would.  I guess thats good.  The DI (drill instructor) is safe for now.  I've never gotten a mailed letter from my son before so it was really weird to see it.  He's writing his name backwards now.... rank, last name and then first name.  He has rank!  Okay, its just PV1, but its still rank!  My baby has rank!

My cold is really ruining my life right now.  I went to dinner last night after work, to the Outback Steak House (great place!) but I was sooooo congested that I could hardly breath, and eatting was near impossible because I couldn't chew and breath at the same time unless I chewed with my mouth open (how rude!).  I had a margarita and I just sucked that thing down... big mistake.  I was ready for bed right there at the table! 

So I was very happy when the others decided to call it a night.  My children greeted me at the house with open arms, hot coffee and drugs (Comtrex!).  And then, once I was all nice and relaxed.... the toilet overflowed!  I spent the next hour sopping up the bathroom floor (good thing it was clean water and not a back-up!).  Then came the task of unclogging the toilet.  How fun!  I had just sat down... again... when Steve came in from class.  Poor guy still had homework to finish by midnight but I was so tuckered that I couldn't even offer to help.  I think he finally got tired of hearing me snore on the couch and he sent me to bed.

Why I don't go to the doctors for a cold:  Because everytime I go to the clinic for a minor problem, I come home with 5 other strains of viruses.  If its not life threatening I do the home-remedy thing.  This cold is starting to move to my chest though, I'm starting to cough and I can feel some pressure right there at the base of my throat.  So.... my favorite home remedy.... a shot!  A shot of tequila works best, but you can also substitute with brandy or bourbon.

STILL SICK>>>>>>>

I read somewhere the directions for making an instant human:  just add coffee and stir.  That is so ME today.  I had a bad night.  Its hard to breath now that I'm so congested.  I'm surprised that my husband didn't stuff a pillow in my mouth because I know I had to have been snoring all night.  Well, a litte coffee, a little Comtrex and I just might survive the day.

RED SOX WIN! snot and the eclipse.

I'm not big baseball fan, heck I can't hit a ball to save my life, but when I caught the last inning of the World Series tonight I found myself glued to the TV.  A team that has worse luck than I had the opportunity to break an 86 year curse.  The Boston Red Sox won and I saw it!  The Great Bambino is probably crying tears of joy and pride right now in his Club Seat in the sky.  The Cardinals used to be my favored team, back in the day... but I was happy to see the Red Sox take the championship.  I think just about everyone was... except for maybe the Cardinals.

I've been fighting a head cold for the past two days, and I'm thinking that the head cold is winning.  This is twice in two weeks that I've been sick.  Tis the season!  I've blown so much snot out of my nose that I'm thinking I might actually have lost some weight from it all.  Well, maybe not because anyone who has children knows that snot floats in the bathtub and therefore is lighter than water. 

I saw a portion of the lunar eclipse.  This is what we called the 'cookie eclipse', because it looks like someone took a bite out of a cookie.  When I went out later the sky was so clouded over that the moon was no longer visable... or maybe the man on the moon finally finished eating it.  At any rate, the kids got to see it and were completely facinated by it.  Some of life's greatest wonders are right outside our back door, if we'd only step away from the TV (and computer) long enough to look.  I've had my years of experience, now I spend my time enjoying the expressions of wonder on my own childrens' faces as they see and do things for the first time.

Hmmmm, I wonder what Gabe's face looked like when his drill sgt. yelled in his face for the first time.... Good thing I wasn't there cos I would have been all over that guy like white on rice!  Thats probably why they send the new soldiers so far away for basic... so the mommies won't beat up the drill sargeants when they try to toughen up the recruits.  We haven't heard from Gabe since Saturday, atwhich time he promised to write on Monday... gracious, now I know why they call it 'snail mail'.  I've got a book of stamps ready and waiting, all I need is an address and I'll start speed-writing.  I hope he won't get into trouble for getting too much mail.  Did you know my husband's mother used to send him self-addressed, stamped envelopes to him just so he would send her a letter?  I thought it was funny when he showed them to me.... but now I see the wisdom in it.

58 days until Christmas!

IN MOURNING....and a Halloween story

The Broncos lost.  How could they lose? I'll tell you how they could lose.... they couldn't catch the stupid ball!  Oh my gosh, I couldn't believe the butterfingers... the 'oopsies'... all throughout the game!  To their credit though... the Bengals had an awesome defensive line.  Those guys were like an orange and black striped wall every time the Broncos tried to get through.  It just didn't happen.  And I got to watch it all!  The first game that I got to watch in a few weeks... and Denver got creamed by Cinncinati...  I guess it could have been worse... NO, not really, 23-10, it couldn't have gotten too much worse than that.  Its probably all my fault, I didn't wear my lucky Broncos tee-shirt.Oh well, 5-2 is still good and there is always next week.  And I'll pick-up some lucky Bronco boxers to wear just for added support.  I just hope I don't scare the trick-or-treaters away with my total-Bronco outfit.  Oh, and just a funny little story.... Becca was doing her homework and setting up my zombies for the 13 days of Halloween... and she needed some help with a word-find puzzle.  She made some age-specific insult towards me and I challenged that this old lady could find the word in less than a minute.  I found it in 20 seconds.  Becca's payment... she had to root for the Broncos for the rest of the game.  She is NOT a loyal Bronco's fan, so it almost killed her to say 'Bronco's Rule', and perhaps her insincerity is what cost us the game... who knows... but it was still funny to see her squirm!

Now.... for a funny Halloween story.  At least I think its funny.... It was our first Halloween here at this house.  Steve had been successful while elk hunting earlier in the day and we were in a great mood.  We hung the elk in the garage and got ready for the trick-or-treaters.  It was about 7 o'clock when this boy came up to the house, then stopped dead in his tracks.  I greeted him but he wouldn't move.  He was staring at the garage.  I called him over to get some cider and candy, but he wouldn't budge.  Finally he looked at me with this terrified look onhis face and he backed away, then ran as fast as he could from the house.  I was puzzled so I went to see what he was staring at. Because it was so cold outside we were able to skin and hang the elk carcass in the garage rather than pay for it to be hung at the butchers.  The temperature dipped real low and it was warmer in the garage than it was outside so Steve opened the garage door to let the cold air in to circulate around the hanging meat and he had forgotten to shut the garage door before leaving to take our kids around the neighborhood.  That poor boy had seen the skinned elk carcass hanging from our garage rafters and I just know he thought we were right out of the movie Texas Chainsaw Massacre!  Oh the look on that poor kid's face!  I've never seen him around since.  I hope we didn't scare him vegetarian!  And yes, we are always very careful not to leave the garage door open when we have our dinner hanging in there from then on.

RACKEN FRACKEN FRANKENPUTER, and the trick, (no treat)!

Spent most of the day fussing with the Frankenputer... something happened to it and suddenly the kids couldn't get online any more.  Finally fed up, I restored the entire hard-drive.... except for the iKernel... what ever that is.  And apparently its pretty important if you want to install all the drivers.  The wonderful self-help trouble-shooter prompt from XP suggests that I download the drivers from the online helpsite... but I can't load the network adapter to get online without the driver.... Aghhhhh!

I got an early 'trick-or-treat' from Sir Dickidoo.... he was offered Bronco tickets for the Atlanta game on Halloween.  He turned them down because he knew I would want to be here to pass out cider to the neighborhood kids.  Hello!  Are you crazy?  Call them back!  I want those tickets! 

I understand that several religious organizations are upset because Halloween falls on their Sabbath this year.  Well folks, I'm not too happy about it falling on Football Sunday either, but deal with it!  I have, or at least I will.... I'm moving my TV set up on the foyer by the front door so I can pass out candy AND watch the game.

Poor Art wasn't feeling well all day yesterday.  His stomach hurt, much the same as mine did the other day.  I asked him what he ate, thinking that might be the problem.  Just some chimichangas for brunch.  How many?  3.  And didn't you eat some for supper the night before?  Yes, but only 2.  Holy mackerel... thats 5 chimichanga's in his 'short for his age' body.  Zero visability folks, zero breathability as well.

That got me to thinking, do they fart in the White House?  My family could never be the First Family because they'd be constantly clearing the White House for possible chemical warfair after our weekly chimichanga night.

Gabe called yesterday.  He started his training on Friday.  He says its not as bad as he had been thinking it would be.  Thats good, but I don't expect that will last.  Steve tried to put the call on speaker-phone and hung up.  Gabe wasted another precious minute calling us back, you know how long it takes to punch in all of those calling card numbers.... After that he only had enough time to say good-bye.  But he sounds like he's having a good time and is happy.  I slept well last night.

DISFUNCTIONAL DOMESTIC DIVA?

Fox News is looking for Domestic Divas.  No doubt they are searching for Suzy Homemaker and Martha Stewart protogees.  Why, because they have Better Homes and Gardens houses?  Because they can bake using metric measurements and can tell you the exact fat, calorie and carb count in every recipe they prepare in their Jenn Aire kitchen?  Because they have a nifty craft project for every season, holiday or hour of the day?  Because they have a garden is listed on the Rand McNally's Scenic Sites and Nature Parks map?  Okay, yeah, the answer is probably yes to all of those.

But here are a few reasons why I feel I am a Domestic Diva... in my own disfunctional way. 

* I am constantly cleaning, that is however not to say that I have a clean house as a result of this.  I have a messy family, and that is why I am constantly cleaning.

* I am a creative cook.  I could write a whole new volume on the wonders of Bisquick.  Did you know that if you toss a can of diced tomatoes and a can of mushroom stems and pieces into a jar of spaghetti sauce you can claim it as 'homemade'? I am constantly changing the ingredients to recipes to accomodate what I have in the cupboards.  Am I too lazy to go to the store... or am I gifted with creative adaptability?

* I don't have a tool for every job, there isn't enough storage space in my house for all of that.  I have a tool box in the garage.  A butter knife with double as a flat head screwdriver in a pinch, a fork is a handy make-shift whisk, and measuring spoons... why do they even make those, does anyone ever really use them?

* My garden is fortified by love and prayer.  I pray constantly for rain to keep the plants left over from the former tenant alive.  Birds had 'planted' a small patch of cosmos in my yard.  I watch them bloom with pride.  My dandilion patch didn't do too well this year, the neighbors must have picked theirs before they could bloom and scatter their seeds.  The grass in the lawn has thinned out sothere won't be any problem with over-crowding of the roots come spring.

* None of my appliances match.  My refrigerator and stove are stainless, my dishwasher is almond, my washer and dryer are white.  I have a hodge podge of brand names, Whirlpool, Hotpoint, GE.  I buy the best I can for the money I have. 

* I have a busy schedule, working full-time as a supervisor at a retail store, being a wife of 20 years, and a mother of 5, I am a hunter, an artist, a musician, a photographer, an amateur internet journalist and a professional procratinator. 

What else could you want from a Domestic Diva?

IN-DIE-GESTION, and the Anti-Domestic Diva

My tummy hurts.... bad!  I had some chicken fajita chowder for supper last night.  I loved it then.  But not now.  So this morning I'm sitting where I sit every time my stomach doesn't approve of my choice of sustainence from the night before and I'm looking for things to do because I know I'm not going anywhere for a while.  Not to worry, I have a little drawer of fun in the vanity next to the toilet.  I pull the drawer open, YES!  The kids haven't snatched my pocket Yahtzee!  I have enough time to play 2 games with a high score of 383.

Someone online accused me (in fun) of being the Anti-Domestic-Diva, breezing through life with dust in my hair and grease smeared on my rose-colored glasses.  Its funny because the more this kid went on, the more I was starting to think... Yeah, I'm a Slob and I'm proud of it, because I wear my mess with pride!  I don't nit-pick over a spotless house, I let someone else do the work and give them the credit for I am considerate and modest.  I don't do today what really doesn't need to be done without a court order.  Save for a rainy day?  Never!  With my luck it would rain, then flood and I'd be stuck in the house with nothing so spend now while the weather's good!  And why cook a made-from-scratch, 6 course meal for the family when we can have Take-out, or TV dinners and support the food-service industry employees who work so hard to manufacture and supply us with these ready to serve products.  Their families need to eat as well, so I buy their products to insure they have a decent paycheck.  I am compassionate and I support my local economy.  With Martha behind bars, someone must lead the world of Domesticity.  Who better than ME!

I am Dornbrau, and I approve this message.

Just thought I'd mention that I'm deleting the previous days entries for the 13 Days of Halloween as I go along so nobody's computer gets bogged down with all the graphics.

VOICE MESSAGES, the principal and mowing my legs.

I paid my cell phone bill.  I was wrong, I am no longer rich.  Oh well, thats okay.  I screened the messages on Gabe's phone.  They made me cry.  So many people love and miss my boy and its only been a week.  I don't think anyone misses him more than me.  I haven't spoken to him for a couple of days.  Its killing me.  We went days without speaking when he had his own apartment, but that was different.  I knew I could go to him if he needed me, all he had to do was call.  Now he can't call.  I swear to goodness I'll knock the socks off of those guys at Fort Knox if anything bad happens to him!  Okay... okay, I'm alright.  Just a little nervous.  I'll be okay, he'll be okay.  Phew.... I just needed to get that out of my system.

I went to Rocky's conference.  Steve gave me a message for the principal 'Tell him I got his message but that you'll take care of it'.  What a chicken!  So anyhow, I tip-toed past the principal's office.  I just waved at the secretary, who greeted me by name... I wanted to gag her!  We made it to the class and waited in the hall for our appointment... and guess who comes walking over... yep, the Principal!  And he has my letter, with a little yellow post-it note on it.  I felt like a little girl in grade school again and I swung my feet back and forth nervously.  And then he thanked me!  He explained why the school couldn't accept the donations for the cafeteria because of legalities... but suggested that maybe we could donate the quality condiments to the PTO for their pot-luck dinners.  And he praised Rocky and her friends for the mature manner in which they dealt with the whole matter.  And I just wanted to bawl with pride.  Yep, thats my girl!

I broke out the weed-whacker and mowed my legs again.  I used that Rich Cocoa gel since I was out of shaving gel.  I'm going to turn into a pervert, that stuff smells so good I'm tempted to eat myself!  I'm telling you folks, try it.  Or better yet, have your significant other try it!

CHRISTMAS CAROLS and the Principal's office.

The girls and I spent the night singing Christmas songs.  Both girls are in their school's choirs and have such beautiful voices.  We started off with the fun songs that they sing in school, but ended up with the beautiful traditional songs.  We found a site online that had songs I hadn't sung since grade school.  I can't believe I could remember some of them. 

Tomorrow is Rocky's Parent/Teachers conference.  And get this.... I have to see the principal as well!  I can't believe it... I'm not even in school... he's not MY principal, why is he bugging me?  Its about the ketchup, I know it is.  Oh my gosh, if he makes an issue of it I swear I will dump it all over his head, along with the mustard and the Tobasco sauce!  Okay, okay, relax, breath in.... breath out.... he just wants to talk... you're not in trouble... you're a parent for goodness sakes, you didn't do anything wrong, just sent in some quality condiments because the school's selection wasn't meeting the kids' culinary demands.  (Maybe I'll be 'sick' and I won't be able to go to the conference, yeah, thats what I'll do!).

I'M IN THE MONEY! and winter sucks!

I just checked my bank account.  I still have money in my checking account.  I'm still in the green.  I still have money in my savings account too.  And guess what?  My new account... has a balance as well!  Tomorrow is payday, and there is still money in all of my accounts!  I even gave my husband some money, and filled up the truck and car tanks!  How the heck did that happen?  That never happens!  Oh yeah, thats right... I didn't pay the cell phone bill.  Well, tomorrow is payday... and after the cell phone bill, I'll be RICH!  Not really, but I will still be 'richer' than I'm used to, especially since I just filled up the vehicles and won't have to worry about that for a while.  Time to start Christmas shopping.  You'd think with as many people as I have in my family I'd start my X-mas shopping on December 26th.... Maybe one year I will get it together.  But its too late for this year.  But thats okay, because I'm RICH! (er).

Hopefully we'll be in Kentucky for Gabe's graduation from Basic in mid December.  And hopefully he'll be able to spend one more Christmas with us.  I've already cleared it with my boss and they are letting me take a few days off to go to the graduation, even though I can't give them an exact date just yet.  How cool is that!  That is also about the time the baby is due.  I've made up my mind, I'm going to start stashing baby stuff in a closet... just in case 'K' tries to contact us.  Oh I hope she does. 

There's snow on the mountains.  I can actually see white on Pikes Peak as I drive to work.  I love this time of year, I truly do.  The falling leaves, the nippy air, the smell of a toasty fire in the fireplace, the sweet taste of apple cider.... the frozen floor under my bare feet in the morning, the heater that either won't kick on or won't shut off, the frozen snot tickling my nostrils, scraping the 1/2 inch thick frost off the windshield in the morning when I'm already running late, the ice cold steering wheel and no gloves, not even mismatched ones, to keep your hands warm while driving, the 24-7 goose-bumps, the cold toilet seat.... wait a minute... I don't like where this is going.... Winter sucks!  Piling coats up against the door to keep the draft from blowing in under the cracks, the static in the house that zaps you when you least expect it... hey wait, that should be in the fun section.... when you slide your stocking feet just right and then tap someone just right... ZAP!... writing messages in the frost on the windows, picking icicles off the roof to lick like a lollipop,  week-end family cuddle-ups in the biggest, warmest bed with 'remember when' stories.  Oh yes, I LOVE the winter.

 

MORE SHOTS!

Gabe called yesterday afternoon.  Rocky got the call again.  He sent his love.  Apparently he hasn't started his drill cycle yet, which means he'll probably start next Monday.  He got more shots.  Oops... I suppose we should have sent his shot records so he wouldn't get any repeats.  The paper said 'personal shot records... optional'.  I'll bet they have a lot of fun with that one... 'What, no shot records?  No problem, we'll just assume you've never had a shot in your life, and play catch-up! '  Poor Gabe, he's so sore!  Maybe its a good thing his training is delayed, now he'll have a little time to recouperate.  That picture was taken this spring just before he moved out of his apartment.  His girlfriend had spent 5 hours braiding his hair.  I was amazed that she had gotten him to sit still long enough.  (And I threatened to break her fingers if she ever corn-rowed his hair like that again, two braids, one braid, a scalplock... yes, but not corn rows.)  Still no word from his girlfriend.  She should have had her 18th birthday by now.  She should be about 7 months pregnant by now.  I guess he finally gave up on her because he basically left a 'good-bye' message for her on his cell phone.  It broke my heart to hear it, he had been so optomistic that he would hear from her again.  I don't know if he's ready to be a daddy, but oh how he wanted to be!  I'm still hopeful, its my job... ( K, I was just kidding, I wouldn't really break your fingers!  Besides, he doesn't have any hair left to braid). 

BRONCO'S UPDATE

Okay, well, you all know its coming, so here I goooooo...... Woo hoo BRONCOS!  The Raiders are like our rival team, and when the two teams play its a real grudge match.  Oakland had the hometown advantage but lets face it, Denver is just a better team.  Final score:  Broncos 31 - Raiders 3.  And you've probably already guessed this as well... I was at work during the entire game!  I have accepted that it is too late for any chance of legislature changing the policies requiring loyal football fans to work on game days for this year, but perhaps I can get a bill on the ballot for next season.  I'm also working on getting Super Bowl Sunday to be declared a National Holiday. 

68days until Christmas! 

WHERE'S MY SPIDER? and Throat Floss

There's only one thing worse than hearing 'Hey look at my black widow' in your house, and that is hearing 'Hey where's my black widow!'.  The only thing worse than seeing a black widow is NOT seeing it when you know it should be there.  When Art discovered that his spider was not where it was supposed to be I went into instant panic.  But all was well, he found the jar, lid in place and spider inside'r.  Thank goodness tomorrow is Monday, I've already had more than enough of that spider.

The girls came into the kitchen to help with supper last night.  We always have such a fun time cooking as a family.  Last night was spaghetti!  And of course, being Okinawan I had to use the ancient Italian Spaghetti Done-ness Test, flinging a noodle to the ceiling and if it sticks, its done.  After about 15 tries the noodles finally stuck and I drained the pot.  Rocky came up behind me and said 'Look Mom'.  Now I've lived with that child for 10 years now and should have known better than to look when she calls, but noooooo, I had to turn and look.  She had a little piece of spaghetti noodle sticking out of her mouth.  Then she smiled, opened her mouth and pulled the whole noodle out of her throat!  Aghhhhh! GROSS!  I thoroughly scolded her, which was wasted because she was laughing so hard, and Becca tried to apologize for teaching her the 'Throat Floss' trick, but the sincerity was lost because she too was laughing.  These are to be the mothers of my future grand children!  What have I done!  I have to admit though, that was good!  Throat floss.... hahahaha!

Black widow graphic: http://www.calpoison.org/public/spiders.html

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT, favorite shoes

Here's my Favorite Shoe entry for the Weekend Assignment.  I love these shoes because they are so darn comfortable and would wear them to work if my boss would let me (he won't!).   In fact I'm wearing them now being as the floor is freezing! This picture was taken during a camping trip during Memorial Day Weekend this year.  For those of you wondering, yes, my hands are just as hairy!

SPIDERS AND FARTS, and Gabe

I hate spiders, did I ever mention that?  Of course I did... because more than anything else in the whole wide world, I HATE spiders most.  Not just any spiders, but ALL spiders... and especially POISONOUS spiders.  My son Art is fascinated by them.  He hunts them in the yard all the time.  Why must he always bring them in to show me?  The day before yesterday he caught a black widow.  He decided that he was going to donate it to the high school science club.  I said 'fine, just keep it out of my house'.  He laughed and said 'okay'.  I should know better than to trust a kid when they laugh and say 'okay'.  Yesterday morning, still groggie from sleep and without my morning caffeine boost I peered into a jar sitting on the dining table.  I didn't see anything but a few twigs so I lifted the lid which was only partially covering the opening.  I peered closer and then almost screamed.  It was the black widow... there was a black fricken widow sitting on my dining table... with the lid partially off so it could have air I suppose.  Once again my husband came to my rescue, he screwed the lid on securely and punched holes in it.  I can handle frogs and toads, I can handle little birds with only pin feathers, I can handle snakes and lizards, but please PLEASE... no spiders, and especially no POISONOUS spiders!

My neighbor, the Chocolate-pusher (I only accept and eat the stuff because I don't want to hurt his feelings) sent over a huge pot of elk chili last night so I wouldn't have to cook supper when I got home.  I love that man almost as much as I love my husband.  So anyhow, we ate the completely awesome chili for supper while watching The Day After Tomorrow (interesting movie, improbable, but it gets you to thinking).  This morning I am glad that my suggestion that farts be visable was never implemented because there would be zero visablility in my house right now... and only Art and I are awake yet!

Gabe called this morning.  Steve took the call, but I got to tell Gabe that I loved him before he had to get back to business.  They've shaved his head bald and he says his head is covered with scars he never knew existed.  Oh, even after 20 years and 5 kids I could probably identify each and every scar, its a mommy thing I'm sure.  I've been kind of holding my breath til now, it was so nice to hear his voice again, even if it was just 'Hi Mom, how are you?  I love you, I have to go now... bye bye.'  (Ohhhh dang, my eyes are leaking again!)

I've got a couple of links here in the entry, click on them if you have time.  They'll take you to earlier stories I've written on the subject... one goes to my Mad Cashier journal. 

 

WORD FROM GABE, and chocolates (or not!)

I missed Gabe's call last night.  He spoke with Rocky.  He's fine and has already made a couple friends.  He's having fun... for now.  I suppose that will change once the training cycle starts in a few days.

I've been having some wild cravings for chocolate.  Not just any old chocolate but expensive gourmet chocolate.  My neighbor and chocolate supplier brought these chocolates over during the early part of the week.  I took a picture of it, then grabbed the coconut crunch.   There are two layers.  I was looking forward to scarfing down the second one at a later time.  Unfortunately while I was savoring the thoughts of future pleasures my kids were scarfing down the rest of the box.  Now all I have is the photograph.  I guess I should be happy that I did not consume the confections and have to deal with the excess calories.... but dang it, I had it all figured out... I was going to implement the Dornbrau Miracle Weightloss Program .  One day those little rodents will get a craving and no way to sate it, and I will LAUGH in their little faces. Mooo Haaa Haaa Haaa Haa ha! 

 

BYE BYE GABE.... and the debate, Part III

This is the bus that took my boy off to become a man and a soldier.  And yes, I cried.  Not in front of him, but as the bus was pulling away.  I felt kind of like I did on his first day of school 15 years ago, watching the school bus pulling away, and wanting to run after it...  I'm so dang proud of him, but I'm so scared too. 

Let me explain my fears to anyone who may not understand.  Its basic training, boot camp... not war, so I shouldn't be worried, and under normal circumstances I wouldn't be.  But in July of 2000 we bid a very dear family friend farewell as he headed off for boot camp.  He and Gabe were hunting buddies and were very close.   Before he could complete basic training  my husband was sent to escort him home... in a casket.  The military determined that he had an undiagnosed mental condition although he had complained several times over the phone to his family of a severe sunburn on his head that was untreated.  His life ended through an open window.

Gabe will be fine, he's a strong young man, as was our friend.  It was just a series of incidents that caused the tragedy, and yet the memories torment me now as my son embarks on the same path.  Its going to be a long 9 weeks.  I'm sure I'm bound to get some sleep sometime along the way.

I watched the debate with my husband.  The effects of my medication had begun to wear off and I got real grumpy and decided that despite the valiant efforts of his make-up artist, Kerry still looked scary.  I got a piece of paper and covered the top half of the tv screen so all I could see were his hands.... which were constantly moving... waving, pointing with the thumb, going up and down, sidewards.... AGH!  STOP IT!

And the President actually did pretty good, except when he would get surprised by a question and stammered like a shy school boy giving an oral presentation to a snickering classroom.  A couple of times I wanted to smack him on the back and yell 'Spit it out boy!'. 

All in all it was a very good debate, probably the best of them all.  And the best answer came from the President when asked what the most important thing was that he had learned from the strong women in his life (his wife and daughters).  "To listen to them?" he replied and it really came out more as a question than a statement.  I'm sure he was looking right at the First Lady when he said that, waiting for her to toss him a Scooby snack.   That will be the line I remember most when thinking about Bush.  For my Kerry Quote, it would have to be "I have a Plan!"  (actually he has two plans, one for now and one for later....)

RUN AROUND.......

Gabe didn't even make it to the bus station and they've already changed his orders.  So now he leaves tomorrow.  I lost all that sleep for nothing... and now I'm going to be sleepless again tonight!  But... I have my little boy home for one more day.  Unfortunately he is at this very minute stuck in traffic by the World Arena where President Bush is making an apprearance.  I just want to know... why wasn't I invited?  Oh... yeah, maybe it was my 'shock collar' comment.

Calvin and Hobbs: uselessgraphics

SENTIMENTAL MENTAL STUFF

Its after midnight and I'm still awake.  This is not good!  I have to get up at 5 am to make sure Zack gets his homework done.  My mind won't shut down though.  My husband went to bed long ago so I have nobody to talk to except for myself, and I won't stop talking so I'm keeping myself awake.

Gabe leaves this morning.  I know, I know... he's just going to boot camp, and he'll be fine.  I keep telling myself that.  Really, I do.... and thats why I can't sleep... because I keep telling myself that and won't shut up!  But... in the back of my over-active mind I keep thinking... Nolan was supposed to be okay too, but he never came home from boot camp!  Its thoughts like this that are making me a mess.  Can't wait to see what I look like in a few hours!  Ugh!  Now how the heck am I going to cope being the mother of a Calvary Scout when I'm whining about boot camp... and he hasn't even left yet!  I guess its different when its your son.... goodness knows I never worried about my husband when he was in the gulf.  Okay, maybe I worried a little bit... but not like this!

I bought the lotion to go with that Rich Cocoa body wash.  People, I'm telling you, if you like chocolate, and you haven't tried this stuff, you are missing out!  It smells sooooo darn good its almost edible.   But really, I don't recommend eatting it.  Well, maybe a little 'snacking' on someone else who is wearing it might be a little appetising... Yeah baby, smear it on and watch what happens when your significant other catches a whiff of you.  Unless of course your significant other is like mine who would be just as happy if I rolled around in beer before coming to bed.  Oh well, what ever works!

Agh!  Its after 1am!  I'm outta here!

Calvin and Hobbs (Gabe's favorite): uselessgraphics