Friday afternoon blues

Well, maybe not blues so much as boredom. I cannot stand the quiet of my office late on Friday afternoons. All summer and in November and December this place is a ghost town by 3. Those of us who don't have any power or 25 years under our belt to build up an obscene amount of vacation time are stuck wondering how to pass the time. It is too late to start a new project and your mind is jello by the end of the week anyway. But two hours of Internet surfing can seem like an eternity too.

The only saving grace is that it is Friday and I don't have to come back for two glorious days! Needless to say I am (again) hoping for a winning lottery ticket to break me out of my own personal hell. Yay, yay I know I should be "grateful that I have a job in this economy", but seriously it is hard to be grateful on days like this.

Jason and Dylan are taking a vacation day, which only makes it harder for me to be here. I want to stay home for a marathon of Super Mario Smash Brothers Brawl!! I want to go to the driving range!! I want pancakes for breakfast at 11 AM!! I know, what a whiner!

We have a great weekend planned. Family night tonight, watch the UT game (or at least the first half) and then go to our great friends, Mark and Melanie Spencer's going away party. (as a tear drop falls, they will be missed) Dylan is having a GiGi day and slumber party so we are free of child and ready to party! Or sleep, or clean, all of which are much easier without Dylan.

Heavy or Light

Thought of a funny Dylan story to share.

So a few weeks ago Jason was heading to Dallas for his annual OU/Texas trip. (Or as I like to refer to it, Get the Hell Out of My Sight trip.)

When Jason goes on trips I am required to run a few errands to help in his preparation. This used to annoy the crap outta me because it feels like parenting your spouse, but it is one of those choose your battles and move on situations.

Anyway, I picked Dylan up from school and headed to the nearest Spec's for some Maker's and Bloody Mary makin supplies. Weather was really nice that day so I asked Dylan if he wanted to go into the liquor store with me or wait in the car for a few (with the window cracked, simmer down everyone). He decided he would wait.

So, I ran in and grabbed the goods and headed to the car, opened the backseat opposite D and placed a large paper sack on the floorboard. I walk around the car and get in. Then Dylan asks, "Mommy, licorice is heavy?"

Licorice?? Oh, liquor.

So, my question is...What kind of kid decides to sit in the car while Mommy goes to a licorice emporium??

It's Alive

I'm back......................

Just spent some time catching up on all the blogs I have missed in the past month. Everyone is busy and adorable. We are all good, just got caught up in some over-worked-depression filled afternoons and lost sight of blogging.

Let's see, what has been happening lately. Just the norm, work, laundry, football, Wii, Halloween. Dylan was a Ninja and I'll post pics when our laptop is running smoothly. We went to an adult costume party dressed as "The White Stripes". Had a good time and one too many Jell-O shots. Took Dylan trick-o-treating and the Bednarz' and watched UT whip some Okey Pokey ass!! (or as I heard on the radio Oklahoma Lite - too funny) Hook EM!!!!!!!!!!

I am really hating the pressure of work and "other" these days. Just one of those week long phases we working moms go through every few months. I am sure most know what I mean. Trying to save money to buy a house in less than a year, dreading Dylan starting school, dieting, etc. Man--I need a drink.

We are planning a trip to New Braunfels for Wurstfest this Friday night. Should be fun and entertaining. Jason's bday is coming up next week and he and Dylan may be making a trip to the lake for fishing and campfires. It would be a good break for me and they always have a great time. Then we'll all be heading to OK for Thanksgiving fun.

Will think of more interesting topics to post soon. Late.

Seriously?

My son doesn't go to the doctor for almost two years except for his 4 year well check and now we are back again for our 3rd time this month. Seriously?
He has run a fever maybe 5 times his whole life and has only not run one 5 days out of this month. Seriously?
He usually sleeps in til we drag him out of bed at 8 and now he can't sleep past 5 AM because he isn't feeling well. Seriously?
Seriously.
I am frustrated, worried, anxious, tired. I hate researching on Google. I hate being on hold at my pediatricians office for 42 minutes! I wish I could take off work and stay with him until he was all better. I can't stand that I paid $725 for the daycare this month just so he could contract two illnesses and not be able to come in while all the other kids "are just fine". Seriously?
Yeah, I am so sure Dylan is the bacteria and virus culprit infecting his entire school.

Parents, KEEP YOUR CHILDREN HOME WHEN THEY ARE SICK so mine has the chance to get better.
SERIOUSLY.

I do not know what I would do if my mom were working right now or was not close enough to keep him whenever we need her to. We are seriously lucky in that regard.
That is all for now. Please wash your hands.
seriously

The Well Check

Went to the doc this am for Dylan's 5 year well-check visit. He did well as always. They did a strep test because his throat was red and swollen, but thank goodness it was negative. I don't think I could have taken another illness so quickly.
The best news was no SHOTS. Just the seasonal flu nasal mist, so we were able to get outta the doctor's office without a single tear.
He had his vision and hearing tested. Check.
Was weighed and measured. 25% weight (movin on out) and 50% height (movin on up).
He answered all the doc's important questions.
"What is your favorite thing to play with?" "My Wii."
"And what is your favorite game?" "Fishing."
"What is your favorite thing to play outside?"
"I like to play with my doggie."
"What is your favorite food to eat?"
"Ummm, cheese!"
All in all a good visit even though we had to drive in the rain. All ready to start kindergarten next year and hopefully stay healthy between now and then.

Spinach, for breakfast?

Yummy.

I just started the South Beach Diet Supercharged, Phase 1 today. The first two weeks of South Beach can be hell. Depriving your body of all (well almost) carbs and eating triple servings of green veggies can prove to be torture. I am lucky because I love veggies, but spinach quiche cups and V8 for breakfast was even hard to stomach for me.
Tomorrow I will be having some turkey bacon and a hard boiled egg for a switch. I cooked some chicken and veggie chili last night and is smelled and looked tasty, so lunch should be good. Feta, tomato and cucumber salad for dinner. Almonds, pickles, string cheese and sugar-free Jello for snacks. All this I can handle, but spinach for breakfast may be a little too much.
I don't even really eat breakfast much anyway (I know one of the many reasons I am fat!). Usually a Nutri Grain or granola bar along with my three cups of coffee. We'll have to see if I can make it through two weeks of this. I like the food but it gets old, even for a veggie lover like myself.
I'll be dreaming of fruit and toast in just a few days I imagine. The "supercharged" part of this version adds in some exercise too. Think I'll wait a few days to add that in since my body will be carb deprived and lethargic. The exercise may be enough to push me over the edge.
Should kick start my weight loss and will be 10 lbs lighter after next week. Good thing cause otherwise there would be no point. Healthy smealthy.
Hope to update some good news on the outcome soon. In the meantime, NO I don't' want to go for happy hour and NO I don't want to try the best new Italian restaurant.

Body Parts

Dylan has been learning about body parts at school this week. They have done outline drawings of their feet and life size outline of his body. He seems to be pretty interested in the topic and my mommy hopes are this means he will be a doctor! But I won't push that just yet.
Yesterday while we were driving home and discussing his day, he told me that they were naming parts of the body and his teacher was writing them down. So I asked him "What body parts did you name?"
PENIS, BOOTY, BELLY and TENTACLES.

I could probably end this blog now and everyone would understand, but it gets better.

(Oh, if you didn't figure it out tentacles are testicles and he just gets a little confused about the name sometimes. He also likes to check to make sure there are still two on at least a weekly basis. I get the report after a poop session, "Mommy, I still have two tentacles." "Awesome Dylan, I was really worried about it.")
Anyway, I asked him what his teacher said about the parts he named. He told me when he shouted out "Penis!" that her reply was, "I don't think I'm gonna write that down." Prude.
I thought they were good ones and that he was obviously trying to sound smart and come up with a more original answer than arm or leg or elbow.
Already obsessed with the package and only 5. I need a drink.

Duh

Perspective, one year later. Gotta love it when you misspell the title!

Percpective, one year later

Sorry, Heather I had to steal your latest blog title, it was too fitting.

If you have time to go back and read my very first blog, do that before finishing this one to understand why I am so ecstatic about the phenomenal change in my football obsessed husband. Over the years we have had our battles that started with something football related and exploded into a blow out argument where every issue surfaces. You know the ones, usually associated with excess alcohol consumption. No fun.
I expected to start hearing the usual shit talk about Texas, National Championship hopes and learn the names and stats of all the OU starters beginning in late July or early August. Nothing.
I expected holes punched in walls, sulking and resentment after the BYU loss. Nothing.
I started to think maybe my husband had been abducted by aliens and what I lived with now was a tame version of his former self. Okay so I may miss some of his good qualities, but you gotta compromise, right?
Today I get an email asking if we can plan a weekend at Wurstfest. Either late October or early November. Um, hello? I gotta watch my Horns! Oh wait, I can miss a game and OMG so can he!
Totally thrilled. Elated. Filled with hope that my future is going to consist of weekend trips and family outings and then home to watch games on DVR. What can I say. I have done so well training him to be the man of my dreams. Well, okay still working on some things. But I'll go ahead and say it..............Damn I'm good.

................and Babe, so are you!!!!!!!!!! xoxo

He's 5, no Jive

Can you believe that tomorrow is Dylan's 5th birthday? It seriously feels like a few months ago that we were cuddling on the couch with a toddler. He has taken after his mom and decided that your birthday should be celebrated for at least a week. So, we have already done lots and there is more to come.
Went to Ft. Worth on Saturday so Jason could go to the OU-BYU game. (Okay I am sure there are comments that you expect to read here, but I am going to keep it to myself for my own sake.) Dylan and I hung with Grandma all day and didn't do much. Went to the ghetto Irving Walmart and almost ran over a McDonald's employee. Actually he seemed to want me to run him over. Can you blame him?
On Sunday we had a bowling party for Dylan and his grandma, grandpa and both uncles were there. He liked that. And he got a WII!!! We have already had lots of fun with the bowling game. I am the current champ at our house, but I am sure that will change soon. And thank goodness I am decent at Wii bowling because I sucked at the real thing!
Tomorrow night on his real bday, we are going to eat at the restaurant of his choice. Outback. He loves steak. I am hoping to have them sing to him with a free dessert. I am also going to leave work early and go pick up some cookies (what? you think I bake!) to take to his school for their afternoon snack. Think he'll enjoy me being there so I am taking full advantage since I will be all too embarrassing any day now.
After dinner GiGi and Audrey are coming by to deliver their gifts and wish him birthday cheer. Then, Jason took the day off on Friday so they can sleep late, make breakfast, wrestle, play Wii games, etc. Talk about a good birthday! But 5 is a super important one so since we didn't have a big party here this year we wanted to make sure he was sufficiently spoiled!!
Check back tomorrow as I am sure I will be an emotional blogger babbling about my baby being all growed up.

Is this room spinning?

I have been feeling slightly crappy for the past two weeks. Lots of headaches, lightheadedness, nausea, back aches, etc. Had a few other symptoms that even made me think I may be preggo. Took a test last night and it was negative. Mostly a relief because it was not our intention, but Dylan was such a surprise blessing that I was a little disappointed not to see the + sign. All for the best I am sure.
Anyway, this morning driving Dylan into school I, again, got super nauseated and almost pulled the car over to vomit. It is really starting to bother me and I am ready to feel well again. Maybe I am allergic to work. Or just the idea of coming in can make me ill. Who knows? I am sure it'll pass soon, but in the meantime, I am super frustrated.
I am going to stop stressing about it and just be good to myself for the next few days. Hopefully by Monday I'll be back to my old self. Since I usually feel pretty well after noon, I am going to try to sleep in!

Dylan is a GIANT

In a recent blog I informed everyone about Dylan missing this year's kindergarten start by 10 days. Today was the first day of a new year of preschool. He and four other kids (who will all turn 5 in either Sept or Oct) are returning to the same class and are joined by about 15 other kids from the younger rooms (or as Dylan would call them "Baby Class").

When I dropped Dylan off this morning I suddenly realized...................He is a GIANT!! I am so amazed that he will be 5 in just a few weeks. These years have been the best of my life and it is so rewarding to be a mother. It doesn't hurt that he is smart, funny, and my best friend. I know the future has many more surprises in store for us all. I can't wait.

I am hoping that he uses this year to master his writing and reading skills and becomes more of a leader. We have had a couple years of some "not-so-good-influences" and I would be happy for him to set his own path in the coming months. I know I will cherish every minute of the next few years. All too soon he will be too old for Mommy fun and snuggle time. For all the mothers with younger kiddos out there hold tight to each hug, answer each why? with gusto, and let each day present itself as a new and wonderful memory. It is true............they grow up fast.

The circus was amazing

OR so I hear from my brother. We had bought great seats to Sunday's 1:30 show of the Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey annual circus tour. Neither Jason or myself can remember ever going as a kid, so we were as excited as Dylan.

Well, about 11:45 Saturday night, D woke up and told me he wasn't feeling well. Then almost made it to the toilet with a handful of vomit! We were up til 7 AM Sunday puking every hour or less. Big red mixing bowl doubling as vomit catcher. He slept for a few hours and then when awake, I went and told J it was time for his shift. I slept til about 10:30 and woke up to the news that Dylan was not able to hold his breakfast down.

BUMMER, we have to cancel on the circus trip. Luckily my brother, sister-in-law and nephew didn't have plans, so they were able to use our tickets. Better that than flush $85 down the toilet.

They bought D a DVD of the show. That was nice and now at least he will get to see what he missed. Please come back next year Circus so we can see you at the Big Red Tent (and bypass the big red bowl)!!

Time to brag.......... (or 867-5309)

Everyone that reads this blog already knows Dylan is phenomenally smart, right? Well in case there is any doubt please continue reading.
Today is the last day of preschool for most of his compadres and he wanted to make them "Good Luck in Kindergarten" cards as they move on to a new phase in life. (Okay, so there was some pressure from me to do so, but he did think it was a great idea!)
So, last night we sat down and made homemade cards out of construction paper and crayons for his three best friends: Clayton, Easton and Michael. They will all be leaving Dylan behind for the big bad world of kindergarten as he suffers through one more year of preschool due to the Nazi rules about birth date and school start. Boo!! I feel really bad for my two close friends with girls that have early September bdays. That is even worse.
Anyway, I wrote on the front of the cards, "Good Luck in Kindergarten, (Insert Name)" and "I Will Miss You" on the inside. Then Dylan wrote his name and their names inside. I asked him if he thought we should include our phone number so they could call and keep in touch. He thought that, too, was a great idea!
We have not yet taught him his phone number. He is good with the address and knows both mine and Jason's real names. So, here we go with Card #1. I say the digits one at a time as he writes and tell him where to put the dash. Looks good except for some VERY large 8s. But legible.
Card #2, same sequence of steps.
Card #3, after writing his name, Dylan moves straight over to the other side of the card and writes the full phone number without one single prompt from me, EVEN THE DASH!!
So, I make a huge deal about it. The most amazing part was that a couple times he had to stop and think, you could see him pause and look up and then BAM he would remember the number.
This was Michael's card and when he got to writing in his friend's name we got a backwards "c". Oops! Some of those letters can be really tricky. He was upset and frustrated and wanted to do a new card.
I agreed to make a new one while he went and showered and then he could do his writing afterward. Off he went to the shower. When he returned he found a new card waiting for him and even though it had been about 20 minutes, still remembered the full phone number without any help from me.
Maybe this doesn't seem awesome to you, but I was so proud. And sad that he is really that grown up. Time flies.

Why is it so bloody hot?

Okay, I am officially tired of the summer heat. We have had so many days of triple-digit weather that it has become almost unbearable. I am ready to wear a different wardrobe to work and be able to take a walk around the building on smoke breaks.

I am flabbergasted at our utility bills this year, over $300 for the past two months!!! That isn't helping the budget in the least. I am also very tasty to the mosquitoes, so all outside activities (even if just for 10 minutes) require bug spray and then sunscreen if I'll be out for more than half an hour!!

Maybe I am ready to move somewhere where it is cooler for more of the year. I don't like snow or ice though, so Hawaii is sounding pretty damn good.

It could be worse, at least I get to work in the A/C all day. Whenever I see guys roofing, or paving the streets or some other torture, I am thankful for my desk job!!

To Wii or not to Wii

That is the question of the day. Dylan's 5th birthday is fast approaching and we are trying to decide what to buy him.

He has had the opportunity to play a Wii (newer Nintendo wireless gaming system for anyone who doesn't know) over the past few months. He is HOOKED. It is very active compared to the old "joystick" type games. So, you do get some activity.

No couch potato kid for me, please.

Jason wants to get him a bike. I agree, but I just want to get him both!!

Really I want the Wii just as much as Dylan does. It would be great family fun.

I am asking those that read my blog to make a comment and vote on what you think. Worst case scenario we'll have to wait til Christmas (prices will probably go up). Too bad my birthday isn't soon or I would just ask for it for myself!

Visiting the new edition

I get to go on a long awaited little trip next week. I was blessed with a new nephew recently and have been anticipating a quick visit. Jason and Dylan think they can make it to Thanksgiving if need be, but not me. Amazing how men rarely appreciate babies unless they are their own. By the time Helton is 6 mos. old he will be a totally different baby and I want to see him now!! I have heard he is a big snuggler and I can admit I am ready for some cuddle time. I am sure Jason is hoping it will get me in the baby making frame of mind. (And by that I mean actually making a baby, not just practicing, since of course he always hopes I am in the mood for some practice.)
So, I will be snuggling and enjoying my Helton time no matter if we are at the lake house or in Tulsa. OH, and I am excited to see you too, Kennedy!!!
I'll be gone from July 1st through the 5th. Hope everyone enjoys their 4th of July. I know I will.

Mental Health Day

I am taking the day off tomorrow. I am a basket case. I need to relax and rejuvenate. Massage at 10 AM, a little light shopping and some swimming and sun. If that doesn't snap me out of it nothing will. If anyone else is playing tomorrow, give me a shout!!

SHE'S BACK!!!!

Thank you so much to the person who found our Sadie running loose on Friday around Metric and Kramer and drove her straight to the Town Lake Animal Shelter. We are soooooooo happy to have her home!!! Thanks also to the folks at the shelter for taking good care of her until we came to the rescue.
Sadie now has a microchip so she can never be lost for that long again. I had no idea how much I would miss her and I am so thankful to have her home safe and sound.
I know a lot of our friends and family have been praying for us and wishing her a safe return. It worked and we appreciate all the effort.
Going home from work and taking her on a long walk, with all her tags on, to take down all the Missing posters. We are super happy and relieved.

Gained one and lost one

Had a very eventful weekend. Some good news and some sad.
Our new nephew was born on Saturday morning. Helton Lewis, 8 lbs. 9 0z. Very healthy and mom and baby are home and doing well.
The sad news is that our beloved black Labrador, Sadie got out of the yard on Friday morning. She had no collar on and has been missing since. We have posted many signs around our neighborhood and are still hopeful someone has her and we will get her back healthy and quickly.
Checking the animal shelter today just in case, but nothing on their website is giving us much hope.
I didn't realize how much I loved her until now. If we don't get her back, I am trying to believe someone found her and is going to give her a good home.
Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers and I will definitely update the blog if there is any news.

Only 34 years, 8 months and 5 days......

Until RETIREMENT!!! I am having on of those I-Don't-Want-To-Be-At-Work-At-All days and started to think about retirement. How depressing?? 35 years remaining?! I don't think I can do it.
I am going to start playing the lottery every week. That will probably just disappoint me even more and waste money, but if there is a chance, I'll take it.
Does everyone else out there in the working world have these horrible thoughts?
Count down to Friday night begins now. Hang in there!!

Wonderful Wedlock

I just wanted to take a minute to thank my husband for everything he has done over the past few weeks. I have been very swamped with work and needing to come in early and stay late. He has taken the reigns like a champ and been Dylan's chauffeur, grocery shopped, cooked, cleaned and treated me like a queen on Mother's Day.
I am very blessed to have such a wonderful, supportive, loving husband. I tend to point out his faults more than his assets and for that I owe him a million apologies. It is so comforting to know he is always there for me, especially when I need him most.
xoxoxoxoxo

I'm Alive!!

I have not fallen off the face of the earth, but have not had time for blogging. I am slowly catching up on some of yours and notice I am not the only one who has been busy lately. Good! Things are going okay in my world. I got a Mommy and Wife break last week while my boys went to OK for fun and family time. I, of course, had to work. BOO!!
My job is really sucking lately and I am really growing tired of complaining about it. So, just know that I am trying my best to keep my sanity and starting to keep my ears and eyes open for new prospects. Keep me in mind if you know of anything.
There are a lot of other things going on, but most of them are crappy, so I won't subject you to the depression. All-in-all, everyone is healthy and that is the most important thing. I should have my head above water again sometime in mid to late May and will start blogging more interesting (and hopefully happy) things then.
I hope everyone in the blog world is having a good Spring. Later........................

But I don't want to go to school........

Dylan, unfortunately, takes after me with his morning attitude. It only takes me about 5-10 minutes to get straightened out, but I have been known to throw punches upon first awakening. Although he likes his school and teacher and friends, there are some days (and especially Mondays) that he is not interested in getting up, getting dressed, getting in the car. Today was one of those days.
He didn't have a great night's sleep and neither did I. There was a late night spilling of milk on pajamas which lead to waking Mommy for help and then crawling into bed with us. I was stuck in the middle and between J's snoring and D's stuffy nose, it felt like being trapped between hibernating bears!!
I eventually had to sneak off to work and managed to make it here just under an hour late. J and D were way behind me. I transport Dylan too and from school about 98% of the time and usually it is an enjoyable time for us to spend together, but sometimes it is a pain to have the added responsibility first thing in the AM and first thing after escaping work. Jason offers to take him when possible, but it isn't often. I don't think they got out the door until after 10!
We are going to work on adjusting our body clocks over the next few weeks. We have got to wake up earlier and not be so rushed.
It was hard to explain to him this morning why we "have" to go to work and school. I want him to understand it is not punishment and that we would all like to spend more time together, but there are real and good reasons why work and school are important.
Any suggestions out there from more experienced mothers will be greatly appreciated!!

Baby Time

Scared you didn't I???? No, I am not preggers, but I do get the wonderful opportunity to go visit my good friends Jen and Kevin and see their 6-week-old bundle of joy this evening. Andrew was born on my bday, Jan. 23rd and I visited the hospital, but have not seen him since. I am thrilled to get to cuddle tonight. It is perfect rainy weather for some good baby snuggles!!
Jen got stuff for us to make our own personal pizzas, of which I am sure Dylan will enjoy every minute. The weekend has arrived and it is another one filled with fun and relaxation. BBQ at the Deem's on Sunday and other than that just a bunch of cooking, cleaning, reading and movie watching. I love weekends...........................

Joke for the day

I just got an email from my mother-in-law with 20 silly jokes. One of them really tickled me so I thought I would share here rather than FWD the entire email. Here goes:

Mahatma Gandhi, as you know, walked barefoot most of the time, which produced an impressive set of calluses on his feet. He also ate very little, which made him rather frail. And with his odd diet, he suffered from bad breath.
So, this made him a Super Calloused Fragile Mystic Hexed By Halitosis.

How do people come up with these things?!

Be careful what you teach your kiddos

On Friday night Audrey came over for a visit and a happy hour. We were sitting outside watching Dylan chase Sadie (yes, not the other way around) and jump on his trampoline. He got down and said he needed to go pee. I told him okay go in and we'd be there when he got back. But, why? We are outside the whole world is a toilet. Boys!!!
So, he runs over to the fence (behind this big blanket that is hanging up that Sadie uses when it is cold) and drops his pants and pees right on the fence. The wind was blowing really hard and the blanket blew right into his pee stream! It splashed on him and he didn't even care. Audrey was laughing so hard and immediately told me I had to blog about it. (Since Dylan is my favorite blog subject.)
Anyway, I guess boys will be boys. Oh and for those who know Dylan's outdoor peeing style, yes, he still puts his pants down around his ankles for the full moon experience. The next morning our 7 year-old girl neighbor came over for a trampoline play date and I made sure to tell him that he couldn't pee outside while we had company. I have to draw the line somewhere.
Saturday night we were at Kenneth and Mandy's for dinner and a we-had-too-many-drinks-to-drive-home-sleepover and guess who else decided peeing outside was necessary.............hmm, wonder where Dylan learns it!

Absolutely nothing to do

The weekend has arrived and in just a few short hours I will get to break away from the ball and chain of my desk. I am looking so forward to this weekend because I have no obligations. Besides a little working from home and chores on my to do list, I am free to vegetate and assume as little responsibility as possible. We plan to get outside some tomorrow with gardening and maybe a baseball game or some kite flying. It is supposed to rain on Sunday, so that will be an even better excuse to hide out and do nada. These weekends are few and far between with our busy schedule of travel, guests, and parties. (I know we are such socialites!!) I am going to soak it up and take complete advantage. It will feel so good to start out the week with a clean house and fresh laundry and not an ounce of hangover!! I truly hope everyone who reads this has whatever kind of weekend makes them feel this happy too.

The Geico Gecko

Well I finally took the plunge and changed carriers for our auto insurance. I had been with my old company for my entire driving life and didn't have many complaints, until my monthly premium increased by $20 a few months back. No tickets, wrecks, arrests..............apparently the Texas liability coverage minimums increased and it affects everyone.
Well, I logged on to the Geico website and in about 20 minutes had the exact same coverage for almost 50% less cost. Wow!! If I had done this 5 years ago I could have saved myself about $3K. That is a significant amount of dough.
Now I am trying to look into other ways to save that kind of money. Cancel some movie channels (Boo!!), start buying more generics, etc.
We'll have $$ saved up for a house in no time!!! If anyone is searching for a new insurance provider I highly recommend Geico. The website was really user friendly and they have a good reputation.

Sponge Bob Pop Culture

Just another funny Dylan story. Who ever coined the term "Kids say the darnedest things" was 100% right.

Dylan has been at his new (#9 as he calls it) school for about a month now. He seems to really enjoy it, although he doesn't talk much about friends. He had quite a few at his old school even if they weren't the best influences.
It was making me sad to think he was having a hard time bonding with the other kids in his class. The class is about 16 boys and 5 girls and most of the boys are already 5 (a big deal to little ones) and bigger than him. That has never been an issue because he has great hand-eye coordination and is tough.
Anyway, last week he was excited to tell me all about his new friend, PLANKTON. Yeah, you read correctly. Who would be so cruel to their kid? I mean Sponge Bob is cool, but really?? I kept asking him to repeat himself and every time it was the same PLANKTON.
Finally it dawned on me that I had written all his classmates a Valentine card and like a light bulb the name CLAYTON came to mind. I explained to Dylan that his friend's name was actually Clayton. He says it right about half the time now.
I think he decided Plankton is way cooler anyway. And so the nicknames begin. You know what I mean, Cheeto?

It is Friday, Bitches!!!!!!!!!!!

Woo Hoo! I am so excited for the weekend. This week has been long and boring. Jason is going camping/fishing tonight and tomorrow. Dylan and I will get some good quality time together before we leave for Grannie's in the morning. Fun filled weekend of eating and family gossip. I really enjoy my time with her and hope she lives to be 150!! Hope everyone really enjoys the weekend.

Just a little bitch session!!

There are times when the differences between people are so obvious it is like a slap in the face. Yesterday I had an encounter with this phenomenon. I don't want to go into detail and call anyone out, but need to get some frustration off my chest. Here is the vague synopsis.
Why do women concern (or as men would call it worry) themselves about things? HMMMMM, maybe because there are things in this world that require attention!! Just like worrying is not going to fix anything, sitting around and ignoring it isn't either. There is no magic fairy or guru out there to rid your life of stress or tell you what to do. At least when you worry you think and talk about it and possibly come up with some viable solutions.
I will be the first to admit I can be a major control freak. Although I can stay more calm than a lot of other control freaks out there........inside my head it is a madhouse. When it comes to finances, Dylan, our safety and stability, I tend to (over)analyze and stress. So, I can empathize with others in their time of need.
Here are a few mottos I live by (whether they are beneficial or not):
"Money does not grow on trees, you have to suck it up and make it for yourself."
"Problems don't solve themselves by silencing them, they fester and become ticking time bombs waiting to explode."
"No one can take care of you like you can take care of yourself, so throwing up your hands is not an option. Voice your opinion and take action, or don't bitch when things don't go your way." - This theory works for voting too!
"Love first and always, ask questions of everyone, be honest even if it gets you in trouble, and have faith in yourself and your abilities (and not the magic fairy)."
I wish I had the courage to stand up and voice my opinions about certain things going on right now in my life (not in my house, so don't worry Babe!), but I have been put in that situation many times in the past and it always back fires and ends up only hurting me in the end with no resolution to the problem. I am not a trained mediator and I have emotion involved too even if I am able to suppress it better than some.
I hope someday in the near future the people I care about can be secure and content. For now I just have to take care of me and mine and be supportive where and how I can.
Life is hard and scary and it is falling apart all around us all the time. So, be true to yourself, hold tight to your convictions and LOVE FIRST.

Over-the-Shoulder-Boulder-Holder

WARNING!!--If you are of the belief that it is bad for kids to ever see their parents naked, stop reading now.


If not and you enjoy funny Dylan stories, proceed.
In the mornings (and a lot of other times as it seems he is a true Burr male and doesn't move quickly for anything but football), we play a game with Dylan to get him motivated to get dressed for school. The challenge is to see who can get dressed the fastest. Since Jason and I aren't actually participating he usually wins. If I happen to beat him it is by default because he can't find his shoes or something. That either ends in tears or just lights a fire for him to try harder the next morning.
Anyway, this morning I was way ahead of the boys and decided that I would have Jason take Dylan to school, so Dylan made up a game for just me. He watched the clock and told me every minute that passed. He decided that I needed to be ready by "ten", which was the clock saying 8:10, so he kept hounding me with every passing minute. "Mommy another minute, you better hurry!!", etc.
So the zipper on my pants was not working well and I was walking around trying to find a safety pin for a temporary fix. I walk from the bedroom to the bathroom with only my underwear and pants on at this point and Dylan says, "Mommy?! You still have to WRAP UP YOUR BOOBIES, and put your shirt and shoes on!!"
OMG, Jason and I thought it was too funny.

Confessions of a Smoke-a-holic

Okay, so most of you know this already, but............I started smoking again. It all started with too many weekends of partying in a row around mid January. From Thanksgiving until then, I had been doing really well. I was only partaking in a few puffs after a few drinks and then a few late night cigs on the really wild nights.
Then I smoked every weekend for three weekends in a row and it was over. I am still not smoking near as much as before and have kicked the habit successfully during work hours. For the most part, I do not have my first cig until I get home from work.
My plan is to try to get back on the wagon soon. If not cold turkey, at least cut way back again. I will say this...........when I decide to get pregnant and quit, I will never start back up again. Seriously people, if I go out for a girls night when my baby is 4 months old and think it is a good idea to have a cigarette, SLAP ME UPSIDE THE HEAD!!
I am too addicted to handle it.
I am "outing" myself to my out of town friends and family because I can't bear the shame of confessing over the phone. I hope you will all still love me.

Kung Fu Kids

Here is my "on a lighter note" blog of the day.

Dylan is starting Kung Fu class at his new school tomorrow. He got to test it out last week and really enjoyed himself. I think it will be a good way for him to release some of his overflowing energy and learn some discipline and respect at the same time. There are about 10 boys in his class that participate and they get to wear a cute little gi with a dragon on the back!
I am hoping to go see a class soon. I'll report back later!!
First thing he learned in class last week was how to yell "YES SIR!!" Jason gets a big kick out of that.

Attitude Problems

Let me start by saying I am guilty of the following act myself, so I am in no way trying to pass judgement.
Doesn't it seem impossible not to take your bad mood out on others? I have been observing at my office, with my family and friends, and in public watching strangers...........People can be down right rude for no apparent reason.
I know I react to people very harshly when I am upset about something that has nothing to do with them. It is hard to separate one from the other. But really, the poor waitress at Olive Garden is not to blame for your pitiful life, so don't take it out on her.
Your wife is not at fault for your arrogant boss or the problems you are having at work, so don't take it out on her.
Your kids have no control over your battles with self confidence or procrastination induced pressures.
I will be the first to admit I am way too sensitive when it comes to other people's reacations. I am constantly wondering what I did to make so-and-so "mad at me". I hate that term. It makes me feel like a child, but I use it almost everyday.
As far as I know I have done nothing to piss anyone off out there and if I am wrong, please correct me. But if not, don't take your own shit out on me! I'll be glad to share a bottle of wine with you and plan the destruction of the person who did!

Two Years and Counting!!

It is mine and Jason's second wedding anniversary. I am thankful everyday for my wonderful husband. I am very lucky and hope he knows I feel that way even if I don't always show it. I can't wait to spend some good quality time together later this week and weekend while we have a break from our hectic jobs.
I can't wait to celebrate many, many, many more happy years together. It seems like yesterday we were frantically getting ready for our big day. We had the most fun and beautiful wedding. We are blessed to have been able to share that time with very special family and friends. We have some wonderful relationships to watch and learn from around us. It is because of all of you our relationship is successful!
Here is to my handsome, supportive, intelligent, level-headed, loving husband!! All my love, always and forever.......................

Feel off the deep end

Long time, no blog. Hope everyone is well out in blogger land. My busy time of year is finally behind me and I am looking forward to some much needed time off. Jason and I are taking a long 4-day weekend to hang out together and get some things done. Time for spring cleaning, gardening and all the fun warmer weather festivities.
Besides working a lot I haven't been doing much the past month. We had a fabulous Valentine's day/Mandy's birthday this past weekend. Like always, I had one (or a few) too many beverages and was completely worthless on Sunday! One of these days I will really learn that lesson, but until then I am just going to enjoy the night before as much as I can before the next morning slaps me in the face!
Tomorrow is our 2nd Anniversary!!! (Of course it seems like we have been married many more years.) I am excited to have a quiet night at home with Jason and Dylan. We will most likely cook some dinner and either watch the History Channel or Planet Earth. Riveting, I know, but it is actually the most relaxing and enjoyable thing I could dream of doing.
I got a new camera for Christmas and will hopefully be posting some pics on the blog soon. May be something to add to my list of "to dos" for this weekend. I am hoping to blog at least once a week, so check in with me. I am about to catch up on all of yours!!