Monday, February 26, 2007

Amazing.

Want to see something really inspiring? Go here.

Saturday, February 24, 2007

Ahhhhhhh.............

I did something today that I haven't done in a loooooooooooooong time.

No, not that. Get your mind out of the gutter, perv.

I actually went to see a movie - a CURRENT movie - a movie that wasn't animated and didn't have any talking animals in it!

Thank God for my sister, who watched the boys for a couple of hours! I took myself out and saw Music and Lyrics, with Drew Barrymore and Hugh Grant, and it was so cute! Of course I love Drew and Hugh (and Lewie...anyone else think of Donald Duck's nephews when they hear that?) so that was a major selling point, but in the beginning they show this cheesy 80's style video of the band Hugh's character was in, in the 80's. It was hysterical! The whole movie was just so damn cute.

But it wasn't just the movie, it was the opportunity to get out of the house without the boys to go somewhere other than work. It was the choice to do something for myself that I've been needing to do for some time and just hadn't. I forget sometimes that I need to do these things for me, in my largely failing quest to be all things to all people. I know for anyone who knows me that's probably hard to believe, but some days, weeks, months, that's how I feel. And it's impossible to be all things to all people, so maybe every now and again I need to focus on just doing something for myself. That $20 I spent today couldn't have gone to a better cause... my own sanity. And the frozen caramel coffee I bought afterwords didn't hurt either! I feel much more relaxed and just human now than I have in a long time. It would be really, really good for me to remember sometimes that I need to take care of me too, and that just because it's Saturday doesn't mean the breakfast dishes can't wait a little while longer.

Of course those dishes are still there and I do need to do a few things around here, but I'll get to it. It just felt like it was high time I did that thing for me that I needed to do, and I need to remember to do it more often. I told my sister I should do this once a month and she said she'd watch the boys if I did. I don't know that it'll actually happen that way, but it's nice to have the option.

Now if only I had a giant bathtub and some great smelling bubblebath, I'd be all set.

Friday, February 23, 2007

Where'd she go?

I know, I was doing so well on the posting thing and then all of a sudden... nothin'. In my defense, things have been busy at work and I haven't been feeling well. Stress-related, I'm sure. And just when I think I've got it all worked out something else hits, but I'm not going to think about that right now.

I've been reading on some other blogs that other people have been feeling a bit down, overwhelmed, in-a-rut and all that stuff too. I'm thinking now that it's the time of year. We're all so over winter and the cold and gray, it's time for sunshine and warm temps and not having to struggle the little guys into layer upon layer before leaving the house. If, in fact, we leave at all. Anyone who knows me knows I'm always cold anyway, so it's no surprise that high summer is my favorite time of year. Give me a 90 degree day and I'm a happy girl!

It's time to think spring! No - better - think SUMMER!

• Swimming
• bike riding
• trips to the park
• Cedar Point!!
• going to the zoo
• hanging out in the backyard
• sitting on the front porch, watching traffic
• driving with windows down, radio up
• finding shapes in white, fluffy clouds
• getting some color on my butt-white legs
• just getting outside in any way at all!

All of that sounds soooo good! If I've missed anything, please comment and let me know!

Saturday, February 17, 2007

Late Valentines and a friend

Okay so Valentines day was a few days ago, but due to the massive amounts of snow we had, I didn't have the boys' gifts. Well, I had Jaben's, but Kyan's was being given to me by my boss's awesome mom. On Monday, she told me she had a teddy bear she needed to get rid of (she works at a hospital and sometimes they have to clear out their gift shop) and wondered if Kyan would like it. I wasn't about to turn down a free teddy! She's given me stuffed toys for the boys before and they're very nice toys - way beyond what I would normally buy for them myself - so I knew it would be nice. She did say it was big... but I guess I didn't understand exactly what she meant by big!

So yesterday at work, my boss went to pick it up when she went to get the mail, and when she came back she was giggling... and holding this enormous 3' tall, very round light brown bear! I had no idea Big Bear was that big - but oh how cute he is! Big Bear spent the day in my spare chair, and every time we looked at him, we laughed. I couldn't help myself from patting him on the head every time I walked past. He's just the cutest, funniest thing!

When I picked the boys up yesterday they got their gifts (finally, although I don't think Jaben was impressed with his vapor-bubble gun), and I'm feeling much better about not having anything really good for them on Valentines Day.

I wanted to get a record of just how big Big Bear is, so I got pictures this morning. Everyone, I would like to introduce our newest addition... Big Bear!

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This is Jaben with Big Bear... this one gives some idea of just how large Big Bear is.

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Kyan with Big Bear... notice how Big Bear is bigger than Kyan! But we love him!

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Sometimes I am absolutely blown away by the cool things people do for us. And even tho Big Bear was something that had to be given away anyway, I love that she thought of us! As you can see, both boys just love our new friend, Big Bear!

Wednesday, February 14, 2007

We had a little snow here...

We had a little bit of snow here, yesterday and last night. And this morning. I believe it's stopped now, but earlier while it was still coming down, I went out with Jaben to get a few pictures I thought I'd share.

Our swing set... notice how the baby swing is pretty much gone under the snow! It's knee-high on Jaben here...

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The top of my shed, as seen thru the window. I know the roof is under there somewhere...

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My neighbors' barn... that's a trash can there, showing a little perspective on the height of that particular drift...

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The front of my mom's car.... that one cracks me up! That's gonna be fun to uncover...

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The snow behind our cars. Check out the next picture to see just how deep that actually is...

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I had Jaben get in there so you could see how deep it is. He's about 4'7" and it's thigh high on him. We're going to be digging for a while!

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So... that's my tour of the snowfall here in northcentral Ohio! You've got to love the weather here. A little over a month ago it was 65 out, and now there's so much snow we can't even get out of the driveway! Fortunately, it's supposed to be better the rest of the week so we should all be back to work/school tomorrow. Wish us luck digging out!

Thursday, February 08, 2007

More energy for Uma

I posted before about Erik's friend Uma and what she's going thru. I just wanted to take a moment to ask you to check back in at Erik's blog, read the updates and maybe send some energy of your own out to Uma. Looks like she's fighting the good fight but could still use all the positive she can get.

We should all have a friend as loving as Erik. I'm just sayin'.

Wednesday, February 07, 2007

No court for you!

Or rather, ME. They settled it in pre-trial! I'm so glad I don't have to go to court tomorrow!!! That bothered me way more than the police banging on the door looking for me. The prosecutor called me back about 4 or so yesterday afternoon to let me know and I was a very happy girl! Told him it was the best news I'd heard all day.

As for the frigid temps around here, looks like we're havin a heat wave. Or not. It is back up to double digits - barely – but at least the kids had school today. There was a 2 hr delay, but after driving to work (sliding to work?) I completely understand that. It was sliiiiiiick out there! I’ve really got to get those back tires replaced. And get Jaben in to the dentist.

** sigh **

So much for having some money in the account.

Oh and speaking of accounts? CapitalOne sucks. I paid the damn card off and it still showed a balance due. So I called them and “oh gee we don’t know, please hold.”

**Cue 20 mins of awful hold music**

Apparently they didn’t get it in the system for this month, what’s left will go on the account next month and they’re considering it an overpayment and I won’t owe a payment next month. Uh-huh, sure. And when I don’t make a payment next month are you going to charge me the ridiculous $35 late fee? Credit cards are the devil, I don’t know why I bother having one.

Only for emergencies, right? It just burns my ass that they can make a mistake like that with MY account, my money, and I can’t charge them a $35 “you screwed up” fee. Seems like that’d be reasonable, doesn’t it?

I’m really only irritated because I just got off the phone with them and I’m sure it’ll pass. It’s just that this seems like a bit of a pain in the butt for a 19% interest rate. Anyone know where I can find a better rate?

Ah well, live and learn. I’ll probably keep taking it because sometimes a credit card is a necessary evil. I don’t have to like it and guess what? I don’t really have to use it! Only for emergencies, right?

Right.

Tuesday, February 06, 2007

You've been served!

SO…. Last night after dinner, my mother and I were talking at the table when there was a pounding at the door. I run to open it (both boys at my heels) and there’s a police officer standing there. He says, “Rebecca ****?”

“Um… yes?”

He hands me a paper and says, “You’ve been served.”

*choke *

So yeah, I was served a subpoena last night to be in court THIS THURSDAY at 8:30am, I think a good hour from home, to be a witness for the prosecution against a guy I have no idea who he is. I FINALLY got ahold of the prosecutor and he said it was in reference to the “skirmish” at Jaben’s football game back in October. He said he wasn’t surprised I didn’t know who the guy was or what it was about, BUT he’d seen my name on the police report and knew I’d talked to the police, so he called me in.

This is incredibly inconvenient, especially for something that really isn’t any of my concern. Once the coach involved apologized to my child, I let it go. It’s not worth a day off work to me, and it’s not worth the inconvenience or messing up my schedule. There is a chance, according to the prosecutor, that it will be resolved at the pretrial this afternoon (let’s hope!) and he’ll call me and let me know. I gave him both numbers and I guess I just hope for the best. I seriously doubt I can be of any help anyway.

Besides that, if I have to go I’ll have to leave too early to get Jaben off to school and Kyan to the babysitters, so my mom had offered to take the morning off work and get them going for me. Which is amazing of her. Except school got called off again today due to the cold and my aunt, who was going to take Jaben for the day again called to say she has the virus that’s going around and couldn’t take him so mom took 1/2 day off work today to stay with Jaben. (Geez, run-on sentence much?) This is after taking 1/2 a day this past Friday to stay home with a sick Kyan.

My poor mom. I don’t know what we’d do without her. She’s going to be a candidate for sainthood after this, I swear.

But anyway, I guess we’ll see at some point later today if I’m going to court on Thursday. I will admit (grudgingly) that it was kind of cool being served. It was just like on tv… and c’mon, that IS kinda cool!

Monday, February 05, 2007

Brrrrrr!

Oh it’s cold!! It’s so very, very cold! School for today was called off last night because of crappy temps. It was –20something when I left for work this morning. That’s COLD. Tomorrow isn’t going to be much better. High of 7 today, maybe 10 tomorrow?

Today
8° F
Precip: 20%
Sunshine and clouds mixed. Very cold. Wind chills may approach -20F. High 8F. Winds W at 15 to 25 mph.

Tomorrow
11° F
Precip: 20%
Partly to mostly cloudy. Very cold. Wind chills approaching -15F. High 11F. Winds WSW at 15 to 25 mph.

Yeah, that’s ridiculous. Someone from somewhere warm please send some heat our way. I am so ready for spring – and oh yeah, bring on SUMMER!!!

Quick update on Kyan… he’s doing tons better now! He did have some diarrhea Saturday, but he was eating and drinking okay. Yesterday (Sunday) he finally had a solid one! I know, gross, but it was a big deal, trust me. So I think he’s okay now. It was touchy for a while since he’s so little and they get dehydrated so easily when they’re that sick. But thank God, he’s doing okay now.

For me, I need book suggestions!!! I’ve been reading humorous, light “chick lit” lately and I need more ideas! I just haven’t been in the mood to read anything heavy or depressing, or anything I have to think about. I need ideas for good, light, funny books. I’ve read all the Shopaholic books as well as the Devil Wears Prada, but that’s the type of book I’m looking for. Any suggestions for books along those lines would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

Have a great week!

Thursday, February 01, 2007

Love chain

Anyone have any prayers, good karma, or healing vibes to spare? They are in great demand today, if you do. My little guy is still sick. Today was day 7 of this virus he can't seem to kick and I'm getting pretty worried. He hasn't kept any food in him, really, in a week. He's seen the doctor, I called again today and I get the same answer... keep him hydrated with water and gatorade but it's a virus and it'll pass. But see, it's not passing. It's been 24-48 hrs with most everyone else and Kyan is heading into day 8. He's already gone seven days so far with basically no nutrition. He's lost 2 lbs that I know of. Doesn't sound like much except he's only just turned 2 and he was underweight to begin with. Nothing stays down, or in and I'm out of ideas. He thew up jello, rice, chicken broth, toast... you name it, we've tried it. He's crying for milk - his little body is craving it. I just don't know what to do for him anymore. If you've got ideas, please comment, we could use all the ideas we could get.

The other, more serious, can be read about here: my year of new things: Urp. Erik, I hope you don't mind, but I figured if I could put more prayers and more good thoughts out into the universe then I should do that. Just please, add Uma to your prayers and thoughts so that she is able to make her recovery and get back to her life and those she loves.

Thanks guys.