Celebrate!

I love a good party!
Kimberly - of Petroville fame - decided to throw a party for all of us who have late September or early October birthdays. We got together on Friday evening at a local thai place and had a great time! See:
These girls are the best!
We are all extremely busy so this was just what we needed. We laughed. We chatted. We caught up.
This is the absolute best way to turn 29 again!
Thanks, Kimberly!

Eau de Toilet

I don't like toilets that don't flush well.
I don't like toilets that talk to me - they never have anything good to say.
Most of all, I don't like toilets that puke all over my bathroom floor with effuse from an upstairs bathroom.
My downstairs toilet did all of those things to me yesterday.
We obviously have a blockage somewhere!
I have to disinfect that bathroom from top to bottom. Thus, I have a date with the bleach bottle today.

I saw the plumber at church yesterday.
I'm calling him this morning.
He already knows he will be paying a visit here today.
I just hope it's sooner rather than later.

Thursday 13

Thirteen Things Ladybug is Thinking About Today 1. The school year has started off with a bang - both children are doing well. 2. #1 is on a block schedule and is getting his first report card on Monday. 3. I am working on a handbell festival. 4. I had to get 8 teachers. 5. Sounds simple, right? Unfortunately, the festival is the same weekend as the music educators conference. This happens every year... 6. I'm taking my school choir to this festival. I can only hope they will be able to play some of the music by the time we get there. 7. Why is it that children decide - at 9:15pm - that they need a poster (to advertise Friday's dance) made for tomorrow morning? 8. Angel caught a rodent. It is on the back deck. I'm so proud of her! Mr. holds the house record for rodent chucking. 10. #1 has his first band competition this weekend. I hope they are ready. 11. The worst they can do is 3rd place. 12. I spent the yesterday morning putting band uniforms together. We had just gotten them back from the cleaners. 13. Now, it seems that I can't be counted as a chaperone because LLB is coming with us on Saturday. So - I guess I get another year off. Gee... that's too bad, huh? Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

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It's Story Time...

I got this story in an email from a dear friend. I thought I would share it with all of you.

A woman came out of her house and saw 3 old men with long white beards sitting in her front yard. She did not recognize them. She said "I don't think I know you, but you must be hungry. Please come in and have something to eat."

"Is the man of the house home?", they asked.

"No", she replied. "He's out."

"Then we cannot come in", they replied.

In the evening when her husband came home, she told him what had happened.

"Go tell them I am home and invite them in!"

The woman went out and invited the men in"

"We do not go into a House together," they replied.

"Why is that?" she asked.

One of the old men explained: "His name is Wealth," he said pointing to one of his friends, and said pointing to another one, "He is Success, and I am Love." Then he added, "Now go in and discuss with your husband which one of us you want in your home."

The woman went in and told her husband what was said. Her husband was overjoyed. "How nice!!", he said. "Since that is the case, let us invite Wealth. Let him come and fill our home with wealth!"

His wife disagreed. "My dear, why don't we invite Success?"

Their daughter-in-law was listening from the other corner of the house. She jumped in with her own suggestion: "Would it not be better to invite Love? Our home will then be filled with love!"

"Let us heed our daughter-in-law's advice," said the husband to his wife.
"Go out and invite Love to be our guest."

The woman went out and asked the 3 old men, "Which one of you is Love? Please come in and be our guest."

Love got up and started walking toward the house. The other 2 also got up and followed him. Surprised, the lady asked Wealth and Success: "I only invited Love, Why are you coming in?"

The old men replied together: "If you had invited Wealth or Success, the other two of us would've stayed out, but since you invited Love, wherever He goes, we go with him. Wherever there is Love, there is also Wealth and Success!!!!!!"

Food For Thought...

Do you know the Preamble for your state?

Alabama 1901, Preamble We the people of the State of Alabama , Invoking the favor and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish the following Constitution.

Alaska 1956, Preamble We, the people of Alaska , Grateful to God and to those who founded our nation and pioneered this great land.

Arizona 1911, Preamble We, the people of the State of Arizona , Grateful to Almighty God for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution...

Arkansas 1874, Preamble We, the people of the State of Arkansas , Grateful to Almighty God for the privilege of choosing our own form of government...

California 1879, Preamble We, the People of the State of California , Grateful to Almighty God for our freedom...

Colorado 1876, Preamble We, the people of Colorado , With profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of Universe...

Connecticut 1818, Preamble. The People of Connecticut, acknowledging with gratitude the good Providence of God in permitting them to enjoy.

Delaware 1897, Preamble Through Divine Goodness all men have, by nature, the rights of worshipping and serving their Creator according to the dictates of their consciences.

Florida 1885, Preamble We, the people of the State of Florida , grateful to Almighty God for our constitutional liberty, establish this Constitution...

Georgia 1777, Preamble We, the people of Georgia , Relying upon protection and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish this Constitution...

Hawaii 1959, Preamble We, the people of Hawaii , Grateful for Divine Guidance ... Establish this Constitution.

Idaho 1889, Preamble We, the people of the State of Idaho , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings.

Illinois 1870, Preamble We, the people of the state of Illinois, grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors.

Indiana 1851, Preamble We, the People of the State of Indiana , grateful to Almighty God for the free exercise of the right to choose our form of government.

Iowa 1857, Preamble We, the People of the State of Iowa , Grateful to the Supreme Being for the blessings hitherto enjoyed, and feeling our dependence on Him for a continuation of these blessings, establish this Constitution.

Kansas 1859, Preamble We, the people of Kansas , Grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious privileges establish this Constitution.

Kentucky 1891, Preamble. We, the people of the Commonwealth are grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties...

Louisiana 1921, Preamble We, the people of the State of Louisiana , grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties we enjoy.

Maine 1820, Preamble We the People of Maine acknowledging with grateful hearts the goodness of the Sovereign Ruler of the Universe in affording us an opportunity. And imploring His aid and direction.

Maryland 1776, Preamble We, the people of the state of Maryland , grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberty...

Massachusetts 1780, Preamble We...the people of Massachusetts, acknowledging with grateful hearts, the goodness of the Great Legislator of the Universe In the course of His Providence, an opportunity and devoutly imploring His direction.

Michigan 1908, Preamble Le. We, the people of the State of Michigan , Grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of freedom establish this Constitution.

Minnesota, 1857, Preamble We, the people of the State of Minnesota , Grateful to God for our civil and religious liberty, and desiring to perpetuate its blessings:

Mississippi 1890, Preamble We, the people of Mississippi In convention assembled, grateful to Al mighty God, and invoking His blessing on our work.

Missouri 1845, Preamble We, the people of Missouri , With profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, and grateful for His goodness. Establish this Constitution...

Montana 1889, Preamble. We, the people of Montana , grateful to Almighty God for the Blessings of liberty establish this Constitution.

Nebraska 1875, Preamble We, the people, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom. Establish this Constitution.

Nevada 1864, Preamble We the people of the State of Nevada , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, establish this Constitution...

New Hampshire 1792, Part I. Art. I. Sec. V Every individual has a natural and unalienable right to worship God according to the dictates of his own conscience.

New Jersey 1844, Preamble We, the people of the state of New Jersey, grateful to Almighty God for civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors.

New Mexico 1911, Preamble We, the People of New Mexico, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty.

New York 1846, Preamble We, the people of the State of New York , Grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, in order to secure its blessings.

North Carolina 1868, Preamble We the people of the state of North Carolina, grateful to Almighty God, the Sovereign Ruler of Nations, for our civil, political, and religious liberties, and acknowledging our dependence upon Him for the continuance of those...

North Dakota 1889, Preamble We, the people of North Dakota , Grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, do ordain...

Ohio 1852, Preamble We the people of the state of Ohio , Grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings and to promote our common...

Oklahoma 1907, Preamble Invoking the guidance of Almighty God, in order to secure and perpetuate the blessings of liberty, establish this

Oregon 1857, Bill of Rights, Article I Section 2. All men shall be secure in the Natural right, to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their consciences

Pennsylvania 1776, Preamble We, the people of Pennsylvania , grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, and humbly invoking His guidance...

Rhode Island 1842, Preamble. We the People of the state of Rhode Island grateful to Almighty God for the civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing...

South Carolina, 1778, Preamble We, the people of he State of South Carolina grateful to God for our liberties, do ordain and establish this Constitution.

South Dakota 1889, Preamble We, the people of South Dakota , Grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberties.

Tennessee 1796, Art. XI.III. That all men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their conscience...

Texas 1845, Preamble We the People of the Republic of Texas , acknowledging, with gratitude, the grace and beneficence of God.

Utah 1896, Preamble Grateful to Almighty God for life and liberty, we establish this Constitution.

Vermont 1777, Preamble Whereas all government ought to enable the individuals who compose it to enjoy their natural rights, and other blessings which the Author of Existence has bestowed on man.

Virginia 1776, Bill of Rights, XVI Religion, or the Duty which we owe our Creator can be directed only by Reason and that it is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian Forbearance, Love and Charity towards each other

Washington 1889, Preamble We the People of the State of Washington , grateful to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution

West Virginia 1872, Preamble Since through Divine Providence we enjoy the blessings of civil, political and religious liberty, we, the people of West Virginia Reaffirm our faith in and constant reliance upon God ...

Wisconsin 1848, Preamble We, the people of Wisconsin , Grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, domestic tranquility...

Wyoming 1890, Preamble We, the people of the State of Wyoming , Grateful to God for our civil, political, and religious liberties, establish this Constitution.

After reviewing acknowledgments of God from all 50 state constitutions, one is faced with the prospect that maybe the ACLU and the out-of-control federal courts are wrong!

(Please note that at no time is anyone told that they MUST worship God.)

'Those people who will not be governed by God will be ruled by tyrants.' - William Penn

GOD BLESS AMERICA

Out Damned Spot!

You all know how I love free stuff? Well, I got a free bottle of Spot Shot to review from Mom Central.

My carpet upstairs is the color of dirt. I did not choose it. I hate it. It is original to the house and it is totally disgusting. But, it's what I have at the moment.

At the top of the stairs in front of the kids' bathroom door is a big old nasty spot. It has been there for at least 3 years. I can't remember if it is from a child or a dog, but it is a large oval spot. It is NOT attractive. I see it every time I climb the stairs. It's annoying and irritating. I have tried everything to get that spot out - including using the line from Shakespeare "Out damned spot!"

Nothing worked.
Until now.
The minute I opened the box containing my new bottle of Spot Shot, I literally grabbed, it and flew up the stairs.
I sprayed the Spot Shot on the spot.
I blotted.
And, after it dried, some of the spot was gone!
I'm in the process of repeating the spraying, blotting, and letting it dry.

Let me just say that NOTHING else ever took ANY of the spot out. This Spot Shot - it works!

Oh and I have this black rug in my craft room. And, well, on Saturday morning Zeb (we think it might have been Zeb) puked up a rabbit on that rug. Yes, people, he ate carrion. He must think he is a vulture. Needless to say, it wasn't a pretty sight.

I was out at my bell conference when this little lovely was discovered. (Thank GOD!) Mr. called and wanted to know where I had put the new carpet cleaner. He wasn't taking any chances with this mess.

He sprayed, he blotted, he let it dry. Guess what? There is no evidence that anything had ever puked on the rug. The Spot Shot works! - It really works.

You got a nasty spot? Get Spot Shot to get rid of your spot.

Ding...

Dong...
I'm off to a Handbell Directors' Seminar today.
I get to ring and ring and ring.
And then I get to shop for music 'til I drop.

In other news, my PTO chairmanship is off to a pretty decent start - considering I wasn't going to even contemplate being the chair. Our first meeting had double the attendance of any meeting last year. We have some new volunteers (thank the Lord above!) who are enthusiastic and willing to jump right in with both feet. I spent part of the day yesterday sending emails, ordering a pencil vending machine, and looking for bulk pencils. Call me cheap, but I want round pencils in bulk that don't cost more than 10 cents a piece. Is that too much to ask??

We had our first church bell rehearsal last night. I want you all to know that I'm just not a 4 in hand ringer. As much as I try, I'm just not. I prefer lower notes - you know.. ones you can actually hear and don't cause every dog in the neighborhood to howl. I'm just sayin'.

So, I best get my rear in gear.
I need to be out of here shortly.
Don't miss me too much!

Thursday 13

Thirteen Things Ladybug is Thinking About Today 1. Our first PTO meeting was last night. It looks like we'll have lots of help this year. I sent out a volunteer plea and I've already gotten 2 of the items checked off the list. I'm so relieved I could cry. I just can't do it all this year... 2. I went to Substitute Training yesterday and I learned how to be a substitute teacher. I knew you'd be thrilled. It was an overly exciting experience... not. 3. #1 had a not so pleasant experience at the last football game. One of his band mates threatened to punch him for cheering for our team. Isn't that what you are supposed to do at a football game? 4. He reported the incident to the band director via email over the weekend. 5. I thought that would be the end of it, but it seems that it didn't stop there. 6. #1 got called to the office to tell his side of the story to one of the principals. 7. The other kid is now off the marching band - as he should have been over aweek ago. He swore at another saxophone student - one of #1's dear friends. Let's just say that threatening my boy (a black belt in karate) was the icing on the proverbial cake. 8. The dynamic on the field is far different - much more unified and calm. 9. The kids are happy. Their nemesis is gone. 10. Band is supposed to be a family - a happy healthy family, not an abusive one. And now it is a happy family. 11. I've got a million things to do today including laundry, dishes, and marking music. Anyone wanna help mark music? 12. I'm taking a well deserved break this afternoon to have lunch with my dearest friend. That "carrot" is going to keep my arse in gear all morning. 13. We have church bells tonight. I'm psyched! Our bells are back from the spa and I am hoping to move into the bass line - my favorite place to play. Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

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! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Vindicated!

You all remember that back in March I had a run in with Mrs. Doyle? My sweet CRV was crunched and Mrs. Doyle said that the whole thing was my fault.

In case you have forgotten, Mrs. Doyle pulled out of her driveway and made a left in front of me. That alone makes the accident her fault. (Not to mention that she did the same thing to another neighbor less than two weeks after she did it to me. Fortunately, the neighbor was able to stop.)

I had to pay my deductible - which didn't please me, but when you need your wheels you do what you gotta do. I told Liberty that they should not have to pay a cent. If Mrs. Doyle hadn't pulled out in front of me, I wouldn't have hit her - plain and simple. They took my claim, my statement, and my pictures to arbitration. I got a call from Liberty Mutual yesterday, "Ladybug, I'm pleased to inform you that Liberty Mutual won 100% in arbitration. You will receive your check sometime this week."

HA! Take that, Mrs. Doyle!

And to Liberty Mutual - You're the best!

Sometimes

I just forget stuff...
Like this morning...

Grandpa came over at 6:28 - #1 and I were just about ready to hit the road to go to the bus stop.
Grandpa said, "6:30?"
"Oh yeah.... I forgot! #1, Grandpa is going to take you to school today."
"Really? He's driving me in the car?"
"Yes, he has a test at the hospital, so he's going to drop you at school."
He looks at Grandpa and says, "Wow! This is great! Thanks!"

It's the little things...

Emoticons

Mr got this in an email from a very good friend of the family. He forwarded it to me and I just had to share...

We all know those cute little computer symbols called 'emoticons,' where:

:) means a smile and

:( is a frown.

Sometimes these are represented by

:-)

:-(

Well, how about some 'BUTT ICONS?'
Here goes:

(_!_) a regular arse

(__!__) a fat arse

(!) a tight arse

(_*_) a sore arse

{_!_} a swishy arse

(_o_) an arse that's been around

Community Band

I went to Community Band this past week with LLB.
A friend of mine begged me to join and after a year of listening to her whine and plead, I succumbed to the peer pressure.

I arrived at Community Band practice. I sat down in the flute section - I took the last chair because I am new and because I stink - I haven't really played in over a year. As I put my instrument together, I looked down the line at the other 4 flutes. My friend, J, had my old Bundy that I let her borrow last year. The other 3 had silver open holed Gemeinhardts with gold lip plates. I thought to myself, "OMG! What have I done? These people are professionals! I'm totally out of my league". I mentioned that little tidbit to J. She smiled and said, "Nah... just wait."

The director told us to get the music out. I glanced down at the music that J put in front of me. I saw a sea of black notes and accidentals. I should have grabbed my instrument and run and hid in the bathroom. I gulped. I tried not to hyperventilate. I don't particularly like Sousa marches. As a matter of fact, I hate Sousa marches - they freak me out. I can't play Sousa marches without a LOT of practice or a couple of (or 3) alcoholic beverages.

LLB on the other hand, decided she would just play the first and last notes in every measure and if she could get a couple notes in the middle of the measure, that would be good, too. She's smart. I'm not. She sat with a high school boy we know. She played the first trumpet parts. That's not easy stuff. She loved it... of course she did.

I managed pretty well. Basically if I just relax and let my brain take over, my fingers will do what they were trained to do all those years ago. Sometimes, the brain is a little behind, but hey... I'm old and it's rusty.

On the way out, the directors stopped LLB. They were mighty impressed with her tone, sound, and playing ability. I'm sure their first impression was that the sweet little blond kid couldn't play squat. They were wrong. She kicked butt.

The high schooler she sat with went home that night and told his parents, "That LLB, wow.. she's good. She can't wait to be up at the high school to be in the band. But, she doesn't just want to be in the band... she wants 1st chair!" (That would be his first chair, thankyouverymuch.)

Yup... that's my girl!
As for me... If you need me during next week's community band rehearsal, I'll be in the handicapped stall.

Where DOES the time go?

It is Friday... already.
I'm not ready for it to be Friday already...

I've been ordering music, getting the PTO up and running, helping with homework, going to meetings, taking pictures, and getting the ballet studio financials in order along with all of the other housewifey stuff I do on a daily basis.

Well, I had a bunch of funny things to write about, but now I can't remember a single one.

Maybe tomorrow...

The Phone Call

I'm at the ballet studio working.
The phone rings.
Hello, ballet studio. How may I help you?
You did it to me again!
Mr.? What are you talking about?
There is no TP in the bathroom! You left me high and dry.
Sorry, can't help you. I didn't use that bathroom today.
Whoever left me with no TP is going to get my butt wiped on their pillow!
Is #1 there? Have him get you some from the garage (There is an entire case of TP in the garage.)
He is on the phone. (So you are using your cell phone in the bathroom... Interesting...)
So... get him off the phone.
No.
Okay, well, what do you want me to do?
Nothing!
Okay... I'll be home in a little while.
Bye.

Whooeee was he mad!
Guess who used the last of the TP?
Yup... he did.

I'm Smart...

Your result for The Commonly Confused Words Test...

English Genius

You did so extremely well, even I can't find a word to describe your excellence! You have the uncommon intelligence necessary to understand things that most people don't. You have an extensive vocabulary, and you're not afraid to use it properly! Way to go!

Thank you so much for taking my test. I hope you enjoyed it!

For the complete Answer Key, visit my blog: http://shortredhead78.blogspot.com/.

Take The Commonly Confused Words Test at HelloQuizzy

The Weekend...

We got some rain, we got some wind, and we didn't lose power for more than 30 seconds. We needed the rain, Hanna was a good meteorological event. The winds weren't too bad, and we didn't lose any trees. We've had more issues from thunderstorms than we did from Hanna.

#1 Spent the day doing his AP World History 2 Building Block assignment. He's going to type it up this morning and be done with it. Don't worry, I'm sure he'll have another hellish Building Block assignment due next week. The boy is learning a ton from the assignment - at least it's not "busy work".

I spent the day watching House on TV. I'm bad!

Today we are off to see field polo. I love field polo. The game is totally different from arena polo - which is true hockey on a horse. Field polo is so much fun to watch - the horses really get going and the ball really flies! I even enjoy putting the divets back at half time!

See y'all later!

Waiting...

Tropical storm Hanna is on the way.
I'm hoping for a quiet and uneventful rain. A rain that pitter patters but doesn't take my power lines down.
I'm not asking for too much, am I?

I'm a visionary??

Your result for The Perception Personality Image Test...

HBPC - The Visionary

Humanity, Background, Big Picture, and Color

You perceive the world with particular attention to humanity. You focus on the hidden treasures of life (the background) and how that fits into the larger picture. You are also particularly drawn towards the colors around you. Because of the value you place on humanity, you tend to seek out other people and get energized by being around others. You like to ponder ideas and imagine the many possibilities of your life without worrying about the details or specifics. You are in tune with all that is around you and understand your life as part of a larger whole. You are a down-to-earth person who enjoys going with the flow.

The Perception Personality Types:

Take The Perception Personality Image Test at HelloQuizzy

Just say it!

I'm not a political blogger.
I have some thoughts, though...

Wanna know what I think?
Oddybobo says it better than I ever could...

Thanks to Pamibe for linking to Oddy's rant in the first place!

The Circus

The circus is one of those childhood rites of passage. Barnum and Bailey keeps that tradition alive!

Years ago I signed my LLB up for the Barnum and Bailey program called Baby's First Circus. Your baby - aged 12 months or under - gets a ticket to the circus for free. It can be redeemed at any time. This program is terrific! You get your ticket, save it, and when the child is old enough to really enjoy the circus, you redeem the coupon and make some memories!

If you have a baby - sign up now! If you are going to have a baby, file this until you get home from the hospital, then sign up.

Don't have a baby? Want to go to the circus anyway? Thanks to Mom Central, you can see the circus for 20% off with the code MCC. Feel free to share this code with your family and your friends. Heck, let's all go to the circus together!! The circus will be in town on these dates:

Indianapolis, IN - Sept. 4-7, 2008
Kansas City, MO - Sept. 10-14, 2008
Grand Rapids, MI - Sept. 18-21, 2008
Denver, CO - Oct. 2-13, 2008
Boston, MA - Oct. 8-13, 2008
Cleveland, OH - Oct. 24 - Nov. 2 2008
Chicago, IL - Nov. 6 - 30, 2008
St. Louis, MO - Nov. 6-9, 2008
Auburn Hills, MI - Nov. 12 - 16, 2008http://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif
Highland Heights, KY - Feb 27 - Mar. 1, 2009
Cincinnati, OH - Mar. 4 - 8, 2008

Believe me, if I didn't have plans for my birthday weekend already, I'd hop on a plane to Denver to see with my sister...

Overheard...

LLB I really like your dress.
Thanks!
Maybe you can pass it to me when you are done with it.
I could do that, but you'll have to get some b**bies first. You can't wear this dress without 'em.