Senior Moments

I've been wanting to write about all my senior moments, but I have too many. I just don't know which moment to choose. Just when I think I might have the perfect moment to tell you about, I forget what I was going to say.

Yesterday morning I was getting ready for my Jazzercise class. I got dressed. I got my water bottle. I put the library books in the car - I needed to drop them off before my fine was so high that I was going to need a second mortgage to pay it. I basicallly had my act together and I wasn't late. Hmmm... This was too good to be true.

You all remember that I live far from everything. My Jazzercise class is no exception. It is a 20 min. trip (providing I don't run into any cops while I'm flying down the highway.)

I was about 8 min. away from the house when I thought to myself, "Boy my feet sure are comfortable."
Then I remembered!
O.M.G.!! I still have my slippers on my feet! I am an idiot!!
I can't jump in slippers! I can't even go to the grocery store in slippers!!!
I turned around and went home to change into my tennies...
The tennies I tripped over on my way out the door...
I did go to Jazz. I was late.
Why did I go to Jazz after that fiasco? 3 words: Girl Scout Cookies.

LadyBug

Monday Memories

Monday Memories: Did I ever tell you What Happened When #1 Son Gave a Hair Cut? Ok - The hair/scissor saga continues... #1 Son was not one to sit still when he was little. Taking him to the hairdresser was hell! He didn't do new people well. He knew when people were being "fake nice" to him. He knew he did not trust strange women with scissors and he knew he didn't like the buzzing thing they used either. I took him to many many hair dressers until I found Terri. Terri was perfect for him. He loved her. When she spoke to him, she meant what she said and he respected her. She never tried to con him and he knew it. They chatted about all kinds of things. He liked her so much, he would even ask to go to 'da hay-ya dwessah to see Miss Tewwi and get a hay-ya cut'. #1 Son was about 4 and Little LadyBug was about 2. I was busy in the kitchen making lunch or getting juice or something. The children were supposed to be watching a video. FYI: I kept/keep scissors in the kitchen and to this day I don't know how the scissors (kid scissors) made it into the family room. I walked into the room and I saw some hair on the floor. I thought it was dog hair on the carpet. (Our shedding machine - oops - I mean Labrador, Sophie, was always leaving me gifts to vaccuum.) Little LadyBug had beautiful long natural blonde hair that was full of banana curls. Well, I thought it was dog hair until I scooped it up and discovered, to my utter horror, that it was wasn't dog hair - it was a curl... a long curl... I tried to stay calm... OK... I was trying really really hard.... Remember last week's memory... I was using my mother as a role model... I said through clenched teeth, while trying to put a calm smile in my voice, "What is this?" #1 Son said, "That's Little LadyBug's hair. We're playing hairdresser. I'm Miss Terri. I gave Little LadyBug a hair cut." "Oh. hmmm.... deep breath... Little LadyBug, why did you let him cut your hair?" "I din't... He just cut my hairs off." "Oh... another deep breath... how much hairs?" Little LadyBug turns around and scoops her curls up off the couch... "Dis many." Her eyes fill with tears as she realizes she might be bald. He got all but one curl. (Fortunately, her hair was plentiful and long and you really couldn't tell what he had lopped off.) I cried.... #1 Son all of a sudden looked horrified... he just figured out that cutting hair is permanent... "Oh Little LadyBug, I am so sorry. I won't do that ever again, k?" She nods and hugs him. It was a sweet moment. Unfortunately, I was till hyperventilating and couldn't really enjoy it. I tell him to never ever cut any hair ever - I asked him to tell me the scissor rule and he said, very seriously, "Only cut paper." I scooped up every last little bit of hair and I still have it in her baby book. This story is told over and over here at the Crossing. #1 Son learned a very valuable lesson that day - don't cut anything but paper. If you do, it makes Mommy cry. Her valuable lesson - don't ever let your brother near your hair with a pair of scissors. Neither child has ever cut their own hair... Hmmm.... at least they figured that part out on their own. Well, Little LadyBug still has the one curl he left. The rest of her hair has body, but will never have the banana curls of her babyhood. LadyBug Links to other Monday Memories Kimmy Mar Kdubs Norma Courtney Melanie Veronika Lazy Daisy Katherine

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Saturday Surprises

I arrived home yesterday afternoon to discover that this little lovely had been dropped off in my absence.


They really didn't think about where they put it -- Why they placed it in full view of my front door and next to the driveway is beyond me. I have 10 acres of property. They couldn't find a more suitable place to put this stunning beauty?? They put it right next to a tree - I guess they did that so that if the line is too long, they can lift a leg.
They also placed it next to my fire pit... Smores take on a whole new meaning... It is also across from my garage... I just hope I don't bump into it and knock it down the hill when I back my car out... On the plus side: I will be able to wave to the workmen as they enter and exit the throne room. I will know who takes a poo break and how much of the newspaper they read. Knowledge is power.

This Johnny on the Spot is really that brilliant a blue. Little Tykes should call the potty manufacturer and get the recipe for that color. It is so bright that it is visible from the road - 2/10 of a mile away... It is like a beacon. At least anyone who comes to visit will know - before they arrive - that there is a place to do their business in the event that all 3 of my indoor toilets are occupied.

LadyBug

PS - I just read my email (I've been busy this week!!) and discovered that my guest post for Musikdude was up on Tuesday. If you get a chance, go check it out.
Thanks!!

2 Kinds of People

I realized that there are two kinds of people in the world - Ahaa people and Uh-oh people.

Ahaa people can open the closet and find the perfect outfit every time. Uh-oh people open the closet, try on everything they own, and find nothing to wear. Oh - well, that sort of describes me...

Ahaa people have lightbulb moments - they learn something exciting or discover something amazing. Uh-oh people have oh-oh moments and learn by making mistakes - sometimes big ones! I may have had a lightbulb moment once in my life... well, maybe...

Ahaa people open their wallets and discover money. Uh-oh people open their wallets and find a moth or a stick of gum. Ok - so I never have money...

Ahaa people go to the pantry and find ingredients for 5 of their favorite dishes. Uh-oh people open the pantry and find old popcorn and stale pretzels. I never said I was a chef... I just said I had the munchies...

Ahaa people can make a centerpiece out of two pinecones, a bit of ribbon, and a glue gun. Uh-oh people make a mess and burn their fingers. Well - okay - most of us make a mess and burn our fingers!

Ahaa people sit in math class and actually understand the area under the curve. Uh-oh people sit in the cafeteria and have trouble opening their milk carton. Ok - so I can't open my milk carton - I just need a little more practice!

Ahaa people walk down the halls without any mishaps. Uh-oh people walk into doors, walls and any obstuction available - seen or unseen. Ok - so I'm klutzy!

I like being an Uh-oh person... It makes life a little more interesting for those around me.

LadyBug

Thursday 13

Thirteen Books LadyBug Has Read 1. 50 Acres and a Poodle 2. Speak 3. Blue Dahlia, Black Rose and Red Lily - This is a trilogy, but I'm counting it as 1. 4. Mary Mary 5. Nurse Matilda Stories - AKA Nanny Mc Phee 6. The 17 1/2 Lives of Captain BlueBear 7. S is for Silence 8. Rage 9. Blood Test 10.The Penderwicks 11. Amulet of Samarkand, The Golem's Eye - 2 in a series of 3... I'm working on the last one! 12. Inkheart 13. HTML Black Book - boring and technical, but... Links to other Thursday Thirteens! This week I'll post all the TT's I read this week - I'm out straight until Saturday Night. I'll get to all of you, I promise. Cozy Reader Lazy Daisy Uisce Veronika Daddy Detective Melissa Straddling the Line Girl Next Door Melanie Mental Excrements Chickadeer Mama B Killired Virenda Kimmy and Jacob Mar Crazed Mom

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The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

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Wordless Wednesday

I woke up to this...

Tag!

I've been tagged by Killired!

Four jobs I’ve had - in no particular order
Financial Analyst
Software Specialist
Executive Administrative Assistant
Handbell Teacher
But, my most favorite job is Mommy.

Four movies I can watch over and over
Any Wallace and Grommit movie
Any Harry Potter movie
The old Pink Panther movies
Austin Powers movies

Four places I’ve lived
Spain
Saudi Arabia
Pennsylvania - for college
Massachusetts

Four TV shows I love
CSI
Unwrapped
Cash in the Attic on BBC
What not to wear - us version

Four places I’ve vacationed
Disney World
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Austria for Christmas
Portugal

Four of my favorite dishes
Mr. Bug's Pasta with Garlic, Shrimp and Broccoli
Mr. Bug's Roast Chicken with St. Hubert Sauce
Sushi
Shrimp boiled in beer with a bay leaf

Four Blogs I visit daily - I visit so many it was hard to pick just 4 so I pulled them out of a hat.
Petroville
LazyDaisy
This Mom Blogs
Cozy Reader

Four places I’d rather be right now
Curled up on the couch with Mr. Bug and the children
Having a cup of tea with my friends who live close
Disneyworld
Shopping with my mom

Four people I tag
Cozy Reader
Palmtree Princess
Snickerdoodles
Not So Ordinary Mom

Monday Memories

Monday Memories: Did I ever tell you About The Day Auntie Cut Her Hair? Auntie was little - maybe 3 years old. She had beautiful poker straight blond hair, a spectacular smile, and big blue eyes. She was as feisty then as she is now. She was ready for her big girl room. My parents made her the best little girl room ever - complete with antique bedside table, canopy bed, and an antique desk/curio piece. My mother made sure it would be perfect for the youngest of our clan. The bedspread was pink lace and it matched the canopy. The desk was stocked with all the things a budding lefty artist might need - crayons, paper, tape, and a small pair of lefty scissors. My sister was thrilled! She was so proud of her big girl status. My mother obviously had not thought the scissor thing through completely when she put those in there. The were the cutest little lefty scissors - they even had blue handles... Auntie was still supposedly taking naps. I think my mother just needed a break in the middle of the day. I was sent to play next door and Auntie and Mom would join us when Auntie woke up. I don't think I had been next door very long when I heard my mother's voice. She didn't sound quite herself... more like a very controlled but very angry woman... My mother doesn't fluster. My mother doesn't panic. My mother got angry, but never this angry... We all ran to see what was happening. We flew around the corner and stopped dead... There was Auntie, being held by the wrist. Her toes were touching the ground, but just barely. She looked afraid... She looked different... "What happened to her hair?" we all thought... My mother said something like, "Look at her!" through clenched teeth. Ruthie, the next door mom, gasped. Auntie was missing big chunks of hair. The bangs my mother worked so hard to grow out were now really really short... My mother said, "Get her away from me before I..." We grabbed her and ran. I could hear Ruthie in the kitchen getting my mother some coffee... I have always wondered if she spiked that cup of coffee for my mom... We surrounded Auntie. "What happened? What did you do?" "Umm I wasn't sleepy. I don't wanna take a nap so, I umm play beauty parlor." "Where's your hair?" "Umm... on da bed and da floor." "You are in big trouble" "Mommy said I hafta sit in the chair at the beauty parlor when they fix my hair. She said I can't move one bit. If I move, then I'm in big trouble." Auntie sitting still for more than 5 seconds... wow, that's a tough one. I think that punishment was probably the worst she could throw at my sister... My poor mother was more angry with herself than she was with my sister. She knew that she had been the one to put the scissors in Auntie's room... To this day, she always reminds me to keep all scissors in the kitchen... No scissors in bedrooms... Next week I'll tell you about the time that #1 Son got hold of the scissors... LadyBug Links to other Monday Memories (If you participate, leave your link in the comments and I'll post it below)

KDubs Uisce Kimmy and Jacob Running2Ks

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Sunday Somethings

Yesterday afternoon, we finally purchased a new TV. Our old one finally irritated Mr. Bug enough for him to suggest a new one. The on/off button hasn't worked correctly in years. We could only turn it on and off with the remote. (As long as you don't lose the remote, life is good!) On Friday, Mr. Bug sat down to watch Olympic hockey. He clicked the TV on. It clicked itself off. This went on for about 10 minutes. It was really pretty funny! I futzed with the button and finally got it to stay on, but by that time, it was too late. We replaced our old 19 inch TV with a 27 incher... Wow - that thing is huge! It didn't look that big in the store... We got a flat screen, but not a plasma... (Remember, we are frugal - very frugal) The picture is gorgeous and the sound is terrific... #1 Son is in his glory! He has been begging us for a new TV for at least 5 years. He thinks he's died and gone to heaven... Simple things... :-)


We had our first Game Night at Ladybug Crossing last night. We got together with 3 other couples to play Trivial Pursuit. Everyone brought yummy appetizers - the Bugs cheated and purchased sushi. (We just didn't have the time, energy, the ingredients, or a recipe to make them from scratch.)

My friend, B, who first came up with the game night idea, brought me the best surprise. She found two beautiful white dish towels with a ladybug embroidered on each one for me. I love them!! They are just adorable. I jumped up and down when she gave them to me - I was just so excited! It doesn't take much to thrill me. :-) Needless to say, they are hung up where they will be seen and not used...

We played the Genus IV edition of Trivial Pursuit. Those questions are hard!!! Mr. Bug and I worked quite well as a team. I knew exactly 3 answers and he knew the rest. The ones I knew, were for pieces of pie! Yippee for me! The best answer I had was "Candlestick Park". I don't know why I knew it, but I did! Of course I only knew that answer after a couple adult beverages... Mr. Bug promptly ran and got me another one. I guess I get smarter when my brain is well lubricated.

I hope this game night thing becomes a tradition...

LadyBug

Friday Feast - One Day Late -- Again!!

I think I would do better with a Saturday Snack instead of a Friday Feast... I just can't seem to get it together on Fridays...

Friday, February 17, 2006
Feast Eighty-One
Appetizer
If you were a color, which color would you be, and why?
Blue. I love blue sky, blue ocean, blue eyes...

Soup
When was the last time you went to the doctor, and what was your reason for going?
October - regular checkup. Had a yearly mammogram on Thursday... Does that count?

Salad
What do you collect?
I collect memories first and foremost... I don't want to forget anything, so I take a millioin pictures and put them in scrapbooks. I also collect Precious Moments figurines and Lladro figurines. Little LadyBug collects snowmen and teacups. #1 Son collects Boyd's Bears. We are a collecting family.

Main Course
What were you like in high school? Name one thing you miss and one thing you don't miss about those days. (If you're still there, imagine how you'll remember it in the future.)
I was one of those kids who knew everyone. I had friends in every group. I was not popular by any means, but I think I was well liked. I had a few good friends and many acquaintances. I was in the band. I loved marching. band camp, and the camaraderie that came with being in the band. I miss the music and the fun. I don't miss the popular kids whispering among themselves and glancing our way.

Dessert
Pretend you're standing in front of your home, with your back towards your home. Describe the view - what can you see? Trees? Cars? A zoo? Wal-Mart?
I see a beautiful lawn that slopes gently down to the trees and beyond them our stream. We just yanked out some ugly bushes that spoiled our lovely view. The standard issue phone thingy is sticking out of the lawn, but I'm going to cover that with a cute cedar wishing well.

History Repeats Itself...

Let me give you a little background.

My sister is 8 years younger and I remember a whole lot more about her childhood than most siblings who are closer in age. My sister and I look very much alike - except she's a little shorter and our noses are different. She's a lefty. I'm a righty. She's extremely smart, good at everything, extremely talented, and has a wicked sense of humor. (You'd love to hate her, but you just can't!) Our personalities are different. I'm the more quiet one. I sit back and watch. I don't do conflict well. She jumps right in. She'll tell you what she thinks...

She followed me through school. It wasn't easy following me, I'm sure. The teachers expected her to be quiet, reserved, and smart. She was smart, but quiet and reserved don't exactly describe my sister. Needless to say, at every parent teacher conference, my mother heard, "She's not at all like LadyBug." My mother's thought after hearing that for the millionth time was probably along the lines of "No Sh*t".

Little Ladybug is a combination of the two of us. She looks exactly like I did at her age. (She got my nose.) Little LadyBug is very bright, good at everything (yup, you'd love hate her, too - but she's so sweet, you can't!), she is funny, and she'll tell you what she thinks - if she's mad enough.

A couple of days ago Little LadyBug came home in tears because her music teacher had called her "Music Genius". I got a flashback - about 20+ years ago - Auntie's 3rd grade teacher had called her "Old Shoe". Both were meant as terms of endearment. Both terms were taken the wrong way by the recipients...

I spoke with Little LadyBug's teacher to try to get the whole story. Wow, it was a doozy...

When Auntie gets angry, it shows up first in her eyes. They get bluer - if that's possible - and they actually flash angry. After that - her feelings are written all over her face. She has this face she makes when she's really really angry - we call it "the face". Little LadyBug's baby blues were flashin' angry and she got "the face". The teacher told me she had never seen that side of my Little one. Hmmm... Little LadyBug must have been furious!!

It seems that Little LadyBug is more like Auntie Bug than I realized. Little LadyBug was upset with the teacher for something else that had happened in the class. She proceeded to turn her back to the teacher and seethe. When the teacher called her on it, Little LadyBug said, "I know this stuff." My sister has been known to do and say the same thing.

I called my mother and told her the story. My mother was laughing hysterically... oooohhh you have an Auntie Bug on your hands... She's coming out little by little...

Great. Thanks. History repeats itself...

LadyBug

Thursday 13

I'm posting a little early because I have a million things to do beginning at 9am. I probably won't have time to read any blogs until night time, but I'm thinking about all of you.

Thirteen Things LadyBug Plans To Do This Weekend 1. Pick up my new eye glasses. 2. Watch #1Son play in his basketball game. 3. Take Little LadyBug to a birthday party. 4. Take Little LadyBug to her dance rehearsal. 5. Spend a little quality time with the Mr. 6. Have some friends over for a game night. What's your favorite game? 7. Find new lights for the front of the house. Our old ones blew apart in the last wind storm. 8. Do a little laundry. 9. Read a book. 10. Hug my kids. 11. Clean the guinea pig's crate. 12. Catch up on my blog reading. 13. Get the tax stuff ready for the taxman. Links to other Thursday Thirteens! This week I'll post all the TT's I read. Cozy Reader Lazy Daisy Uisce Snickerdoodles Kdubs Amy Melissa Queen of a Disney Castle Jade Ardice Diary of the Nello All About Fun and Life D Uisce Killired Crazed Mom

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The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

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A Weak Moment...

You know, sometimes I just wonder what I was thinking when I said "okay"...

My life is so busy -- we are building an addition for the grandbugs, I volunteer at both schools, I do Jazzercise, the offspring have their various activities and what did I do? I said "yes" one time too many...

I am a country mouse. Those of you who know me, know that I hate the city - any city.

The ballet school is going to New York City for a few days during April vacation week. Little LadyBug wanted to go and in a weak moment I said, "okay".

I can feel the money being sucked out of my wallet and it is only February.

They were originally going to take the train. I believe that time is money. I would rather spend a few more dollars to spend an hour in the air instead of 3 on a train. So, Little LadyBug and I will be flying to NYC. I don't know what the others are going to do, but the plane leaves at 10. I hope they make a reservation.

We are going to see Phantom - Little LadyBug can't even wait to see it! We are going to see Stomp, too. Oh, and maybe Lion King... How often do you get to see shows on Broadway (or anywhere for that matter)? Maybe Auntie and Grammy will give Little LadyBug money for tickets for her birthday. This trip is her birthday present for the next 10 years!

The dance classes that the kids are taking will be terrific! They are taking ballet, modern, jazz, and this thing called Limon... I wonder if you need pucker power to take that class... hmmm.

Did I tell you how much I don't like cities?
I think I'll pack some A*vil and some tums...

LadyBug

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentines' Day everyone!

We don't do much for VDay.
We are getting a wishing well to hide the ugly phone thingy in the front yard.
Mr. Bug is taking his two favorite girls to dinner at our favorite burger joint - Foster's.
Life is good here at the Crossing!!

Yesterday, MommaK wanted us to post pictures of our streets...
Here's ours - the snow was melted, so it isn't very picturesque. I'll have to post one when the trees are green and lush...


LadyBug

Monday Memories

Monday Memories: Did I ever tell you About Tooting? We were living in Saudi Arabia. I was in 8th grade. I was on the swim team. I swam every day and I loved it. I was selected to go to Bahrain to swim against other kids in an international meet. I was thrilled! I was not thrilled about the morning practices. We had to be at the pool at 6am. Now, my mother is an excellent cook. When we lived in Saudi, she had to make everything from scratch. She made all of our favorites - Eggplant parmesan, veal cutlets, lamb chops, chicken in the pan... Yummy!! Everything she made was made with olive oil and garlic. We are Italian and we like all that stuff. But, at 6am... during calisthenics... after wonderful dinners the evening before... you have tooting jumping jacks... You have tooting sit ups... You have tooting windmills... I am surprised that I wasn't tortured by the other kids... Maybe my toots covered up their toots... Oh how I dreaded those morning calisthenics... LadyBug Links to other Monday Memories (If you participate, leave your link in the comments and I'll post it below)

KDubs Uisce Kimmy and Jacob Running2Ks

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Snow!

It snowed at Ladybug Crossing!





We were all out in it first thing this morning. We are snow people - especially Little LadyBug. She had her jammies on under her snow clothes.


Here is Mr. Bug snowblowing the driveway, all 1/4 mile of it. Fortunately, our neighbor came by on his 4-wheeler and plowed us out. Our neighbors are the best! Mr. Bug was so grateful!! He only had to clean up the sides and scoop out the mailbox.








Little LadyBug tried to sled down our hill, but the snow wasn't good for it. She kept sinking... The snow is good for snow angels and snowballs. We are definitely hoping for no school tomorrow... We want to get some good toboggan runs in before it all melts!







This guy dropped by for a cup of cocoa - he plunked himself in front of our fire pit to rest. He's quite a charmer!!

Friday Feast - One Day Late

Appetizer
What was a class or course you took while in school that you realize now was a total waste of time?
Hmmm.... Calculus. I still don't care about the area under a curve. If I need to know, I'll ask someone who cares about the area under a curve...

Soup
Who is the tallest person you know?
My friend from college... his name is Jon. He was at least 6'5" tall... Oh, and then there was Warren - he was probably a little bit taller...

Salad
What's your favorite midnight snack?
I used to love a bowl of cereal, but now I can't have dairy... I guess I'd say a glass of good old fashioned water might do...

Main Course
Have you ever found money somewhere? If so, where did you find it, and how much was it?
I find pennies everywhere. I think they come from my grandpa in heaven. He leaves them for me. If I haven't found any for a while, I'll just think about my grandpa and then Boom - there's a penny!! He's watchin' out for me.

Dessert
Where would you like to retire?
Right where I am now. I love my house and my yard. I have a few things I want to do to my house to make it better, but improvements take time and $$... I can be patient.

Random Thoughts...

I have a bunch of things swirling around in my head and I thought I'd share. I try to be positive, but I need to vent for just a second...

1. Why are some people so darned needy? I have a "friend" who is always down and depressed. I can't stand it!!! I just want to scream at her to look at the good things in life... Sure your marriage is in the toilet, but is this new? NO! It has been in the toilet for the last 10 years... Fish or cut bait! Make a decision and do something, don't sit there and whine! UGH! She wants me to go to breakfast with her next week... sigh...

1a. Her kids are a pain. Her oldest picks at #1 Son. I don't allow #1 Son to have much contact with the kid because he has too many issues that #1 Son doesn't need to deal with. Her youngest is 2 years younger than Little LadyBug, but they are in the same Sunday School class. Little LadyBug says she either acts like a baby or tries to be the queen bee. UGH! Is there no escape?

Ok... thanks for letting me get that off my chest... I feel so much better!




2. I found this neat site www.flylady.com through a really neat friend of mine. The Fly Lady is an organizational and house cleaning genius. I am going to implement some of her nifty ideas. I think they will work. My friend says that it really works - she should know - her house is gorgeous...




3. I caught up with the laundry again!

4. Mr. Bug is working from home today. I like having him around - even if he's working on his computer with his headphones on. He's taking me to lunch and --yup, you guessed it -- to the dump. We really live large around here... What can I say, it's a date!


5. It is supposed to snow this weekend... What's your guess? Will we get snow? Will we get buried? Will it all change to rain?



LadyBug

Thirteen Things LadyBug Would Do If She Had The Cash 1. Pay off the mortgage - I don't do debt well and I hate this stupid monthly bill! 2. Rip up the ugly 20 year old carpet that is upstairs and put down hardwood floors. 3. Refinish all the floors in the house. 4. Purchase the Hitchcock china cabinet that goes with my dining room table. 5. Hire a designer to help me figure out what to do with #1Son's room, Little LadyBug's room, and our room. 6. Replace the little bridge that goes over our stream with a wider concrete version. 7. Hire a landscape designer to help me figure out what to do about the landscaping... I have weird/ugly plants all over the front yard that get in the way of the lawn mower. They have no purpose that I can see... I'm going to hack them down sometime in the next few weeks before the bugs come out. Heck, maybe I don't need to hire anybody! 8. Purchase the gimungous generator that powers the whole house if you lose power. 9. Purchase the new shed that will house our lawn tractor. 10. Purchase a larger, more powerful lawn tractor with all the goodies for Mr. Bug. He's been drooling over a red one at the tractor place... 11. Hire someone to paint the stairwell - It's too high for me to reach. 12. Pave the driveway - gravel is fine, but... 13. Get a LadyBug Crossing sign made for the house... You all did know that LadyBug Crossing is the name of my house :-) Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Wordless Wednesday

:-)
LadyBug

Going... Going.... Gone!

It is GONE!
The eyesore is gone!
The guy came yesterday morning and knocked it down. It was really cool to watch it come down. Unfortunately, you are going to have to wait for those pictures since I took them with my film camera and not my digital. But, at least I have these pictures for you to see.

The new addition is going to go pretty much where the bulldozer is and it will connect to my house by those two rear windows on the left. Those windows will become a french door. I think it will be great!!


LadyBug

Monday Memories: Did I ever tell you About The Best Junior High Day Ever? We were living in Saudi Arabia. Yup, you heard me correctly, Saudi Arabia. We were on the coast of the Red Sea. It was always sunny and always warm. Our school was built around a court yard. We walked outside between classes. We ate outside - there was no cafeteria. All the kids were in the same boat - we'd been scooped up out of our normal lives in our normal neighborhoods and plunked down in the middle of nowhere with no friends, no TV, and no phones. School was our salvation. Every family was transient. One day, you were based here, next week it could be Germany, Italy, or someplace else. Kids came from everywhere. We were a truly multicultural school. One day, the clouds rolled in. We didn't get clouds that often. The sky grew dark. It started to rain. You would have thought that we'd never seen rain in our lifetimes by the way were were acting, but it just didn't rain in Saudi Arabia. It rained all day and by noon, the school had started to leak and flood. Fortunately for us, we all wore shorts and sandals to school every day. No wet socks, no wet jeans... The teachers moved us all into the gym where the water was ankle deep. We wondered what they intended to do. We were all sloshing around. They turned on the stereo and we had a dance! It was so much fun!! Every one danced -- Every last person! Heck, I think that some of the teachers even danced. We boogied, we hustled (It was the 70's you know!), and we may have danced a slow dance or two! I was a bit bummed out when the busses finally arrived to take us home. I knew we'd never have another day like that again. It just doesn't rain in Saudi Arabia!! LadyBug Links to other Monday Memories (If you participate, leave your link in the comments and I'll post it below)

KDubs Uisce Kimmy and Jacob Running2Ks Ocean Lady Shelli

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The Beginning...

I found this as I turned into my driveway on Wednesday afternoon.






Today they are going to start by knocking down this disgusting outbuilding! This thing is the biggest eye sore! I can't wait to see it gone!





Some of these trees are coming down to make way for our new septic system. It is amazing to me that your septic system is not based on the number of bathrooms you have. It is based of the number of bedrooms. We are adding one bedroom for two little Bugs who probably poop far less than anyone else in my family... You do what you gotta do.



Behind this pile is a humungus hole. They push all the debris into the hole and burn it. When it is done burning down to nothing, they fill the hole back in. It saves on disposal costs... I do love living in the country! I think we be havin' a bon fire tonight!!

So, my friends, thus begins my journey into house construction... Wish me luck!

LadyBug

Thirteen Things That LadyBug Accomplished In The Last Week 1. I got all my pictures into the scrapbook. I still have to journal and decorate, but the pictures are in!! 2. I found the bottom of my laundry basket. I got all the laundry done. That doesn't mean it hasn't piled up again... 3. I got Little LadyBug to pick up her room. It was a fiasco, but now it looks pretty darned good! 4. I did all the bills. 5. I cleared off my desk. 6. I printed the tickets for the ballet performance in March - all 250 of them... 7. I finished the ballet billing for February 1. 8. I renewed #1 Son's favorite magazine subscriptions - Shonen Jump and PSII Magazine. 9. I saw Nanny McPhee with the family - It was terrific!! 10. I cleaned out most of the garage. 11. I put all of my laundry away. I love to have my things organized, I just don't normally find the time to do it. 12. I made eye appointments for Little LadyBug and myself. We both need new glasses. I think the rimless ones will be perfect, don't you? 13. I told my husband and kids I loved them many times every day. Links to other Thursday Thirteens! (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!) The Median Sib Suzy Mar Mrs. Aginoth Wendy Wings Nancy Lucinda Killired D Chickadee Melanie Karen Courtney Jennifer Cozy Reader Norma Ocean Lady Melissa Jade Uisce MommaK Kdubs Jona

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Getting to Know the LadyBug

My dear friend, Christi, sent this to me and I thought it would be neat to post it here.
I was supposed to fill it out and send it to my friends in hopes that they would fill it out and so on... I'd rather do it this way.

1. What time did you get up this morning?
The first time – 4:30. Then 6:45 for real.
2. Diamonds or pearls?
Diamonds
3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema?
Nanny McPhee
4. What is your favorite TV show?
CSI
5. What did you have for breakfast?
Tuna on toast
6. What is your middle name?
Anne
7. What is your favorite food?
Anything Mr. Bug cooks.
8. What foods do you dislike?
Peas
9. What kind of potato chips do you like?
Hah! I think not! I love them ALL!
10. What is your favorite CD at the moment?
Polar Express
11. What kind of car do you drive?
Honda CRV
12. Favorite sandwich?
Ham and cheese with mayo and pickle on toast.
13. What characteristics do you despise?
Stupidity
14. Favorite item of clothing?
Turtlenecks – all cotton by Lands End
15. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go?
Disney World!
16. What color is your bathroom?
Blue and white – It needs an overhaul!
17. What is your favorite brand of clothing?
I like it all!
18. Where would you want to retire?
Right where I am now.
19. Favorite time of day?
Right after the children have gone to bed and the house is quiet – but not too quiet
20. Where were you born?
Boston, MA
21. Favorite sport to watch?
Ice Skating and Swimming/Diving
22. Favorite board game?
Scrabble
23. Person you expect to send it back first?
I Dunno
24. Did you ever have to wear braces on your teeth? How long?
Yes – 10 years total and in 3 countries
25. Coke or Pepsi?
Coke in a can, but I don’t drink it very often any more… caffeine is bad for you.
26. Are you a morning person or night owl?
Morning person
27. What size shoe do you wear?
8.5
28. Do you have any pets?
2 cats and 1 guinea pig.
29. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share with everyone?
nope
30. What did you want to be when you were little?
A doctor
31. What was your favorite after school activity?
Ice skating lessons
32. What is your best childhood memory?
The day my sister was born.
33. What are the different jobs you have had in your life?
Life guard, Dental office secretary, Financial Analyst, Executive Secretary, Computer Teacher, Retail Clerk, Elementary School Substitute, Handbell Choir Director (unpaid), Handbell Teacher
35. Nicknames?
M
36. Piercing?
Ears only
37. Eye color?
Blue
38. Ever been to Africa?
Almost…
39. Ever been toilet papering?
Ummm…. no
40. Love someone so much it made you cry?
YES!
41. Been in a car accident?
Was a passenger when we were hit from behind by a drunk driver at a red light.
42. Croutons or bacon bits?
Croutons
43. Favorite day of the week?
Saturday
44. Favorite flower?
Crocus
45. Favorite ice cream?
Vanilla
46. Disney or Warner Brothers?
Disney
47. Favorite fast food restaurant?
Can’t eat fast food…
48. What color is your bedroom carpet?
20 year old beige – It will be gone, but not soon enough
49. Failed your drivers test?
No!
50. Before this one, from whom did you get your last e-mail from?
Stephanie
51. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card?
None – I don’t max out credit cards – I don’t do debt well.
52. What do you most often do when you are bored?
Scrapbook, read, crochet, watch TV
53. Bedtime?
10 pm!!
54. Who are you most curious about their responses to this questionnaire?
I'm curious about everyone's!
55. Last person you went to dinner with?
Mr. Bug and the kids – Costco for pizza and a pretzel. We live large!!
56. Ford or Chevy?
Eeewww!
57. What are you listening to right now?
The news
58. What is your favorite color?
Blue
59. Lake, Ocean or river?
Ocean
60. How many tattoos do you have?
Not!!
61. Which came first, the chicken or the egg?
Don't even go there!
62. How many people are you sending this Email to?
You!
63. Time you finished this e-mail?
8:10 AM