Signs of Spring

I have been in a funk the last few weeks. The weather has been bad and cold. So bu the grace of the gods (damn Battlestar), the temps have been in the 50s-60s and the flowers are starting to bloom. I found this little guy in my back yard need a tree thing we have. I have no idea where it came from and there is only one. Bloom little flower, BLOOM!!!!

Season 3

Battlestar Galactica Season 3 just came out.. bastards. I want to watch it till my eyes bleed.

frak.

New Site for scribal stuff

Given the SCA nature of some posts and I know that its strange, I will have a Blog for that stuff (links, images.. you know). I'll post the big important stuff here as well but in any event - here it is.

http://scazosia.blogspot.com/
Note that its a work in progress

yet another scroll

Ice Dragon is this weekend and more scrolls need to be done, especially for the tourneys. You see, I'm into Medieval reenacting. I belong to a the Society for Creative Anachronism. I'm a geek through and through. Not only do I knit, crochet and sew, I also scrapbook, do illumination and calligraphy, embroider, cook, bake and do lots and lots of research.

Back to Ice Dragon. Its the big event for the area and I offered my services to do 2 scrolls - 1st and 2nd place Novice. From one Novice to another I say. Well, I again offered my services - how much time does it really take to do a scroll? Lets take one more. Heavy Arms tourney.

So far - 1 hr research
1 hr to pencil sketch
1/2 hr to ink
2 hrs calligraphy (this took me longer since I had a cat bumping my elbow as I wrote)

Left - Color.

Will it be done by Friday? Hell yah! Will it get the 'Ah' factor? I hope so. I have also found my new favorite resource - the Maciejowski Bible. I lost some time researching this bible and its great images. I can see why so many reenactors use this.

I'm done for the night. night all...

"Just like you..."

We're home today on a sick day (yeah soft toilet paper). She's watching TV while I work and 'crafting'. You know, coloring various thing and gluing Stuff.

She asks me for some string and I give it to her. I ask, "What are you doing?". Her reply as honest as could be "Crafting mommy. I want to Craft like you."

That made me smile. She's beading a necklace from some beads. I love my girl.

Done!

Finally, its done. The snood for Ice Dragon is complete. Its the same color as the salmon linen tunic.

I messed it up a bit for for the better. No big deal.

yeh me!

Going to Plan B

So the party didn't happen. Travel Advisory, a foot of snow and ice. hmmmm.. a few friends made it over but we politely told them to go home (but take the cupcakes!)

Its a sad day in the house but what can do you. So Erin and I made a sledding hill instead. Check this out.





Now, she's all mopey and whiny. I'm working on Garb and hubby is watching TV with her. I want a drink.

Please don't snow....

Its 1 day until the Birthday party. This week we have cleaned the house, made 50 cupcakes, decorated those same cupcakes, made party games, filled gift bags and planned a family party for tonight. And to top of it, there is a Winter Storm Warning and Watch in effect until Sunday.

Note the timing. Today is Friday. Party is Saturday at 2. Storm is expected to be at its worst Saturday Afternoon.

Do see a problem with this? Her heart has been set on having the girls come over and now there is a good chance it won't happen. Much less get her Birthday present on Sunday morning. I need a plan B. I don't have a plan B.

PLEASE DON'T SNOW!

I am that Mom

For the 5th birthday, we decided to have a Princess Party. I hand made the envelopes and made the invitations.



Yes, I did the calligraphy. I am that Mom and I am proud.

the blog of the beast

hhehehehe. This made me giggle.

have scissors, will travel

I have been on a craft kick. Like a serious kick. I have the following projects underway

1) a Snood - yes, a snood. I need it for March 15th.
2) 6-7 pillow covers - Charlie is moving (boohooo) and gets to play with a whole new house and stuff (yah!). We've covering some crappy old pillows so she can place them by the fire...
3) Dragon Bean Bag toss - the child's birthday is 2 weeks...
4) Dr. Who scarf - just because I love my Husband, this will be the eternal project. 12 feet of scarf, and I didn't even blink
5) A black shawl - I've been working on this for over a year..
6) Sam's lap blanket - another project I've been working on for a year.
7) Sam's 'present' - thats all i'm gonna say (no, Sam, its not done, it had to be fixed)
8) Wash Clothes - I have some Cotton yarn to make dish/wash clothes.
9) Favor Bags - again - for the the kid in 2 weeks
10) Wrist Warmers

I'm in way over my head but I'm a Gemini. I wouldn't have it any other way. At least the yarn in organized.

Not to mention the gazillion sites I've found recently (THANKS CHARLIE!). I'm torn between surfing the Homemade Craft sites or doing the crafts.

I really should go do the laundry.

Chicken soup and Croup

We were planning on taking a sick day for Erin - she's got that croupy cough going on again. She's had this a few times in the past and its not as bad as you think. The first time is horrific. Now, she just sounds like a seal.

So the sick day was replaced with a snow day. Its 6 degrees with a -15 windchill. Yesterday night is was -1 degrees with a windchill of -23 there abouts.

In our early morning talks (typical of a 4 year old who can't sleep), I ask her if she wanted Chicken soup today. Silly me. Of course she does. The pot is on the stove and I'm just waiting for the chicken to boil before I throw some veggies in.

I love home made chicken soup. Especially on days like today.

"I'm going slightly mad...."

I've been having a panic attack for most of the day. I know exactly what is causing it (multiple things) and I made it worse by having some 2 1/2 cups of coffee. Not to mention the strange fact I had the opportunity to gorge myself on chocolate yesterday and didn't. The need was satisfied with a handful of M&Ms. I have no desire to drink pop (soda, whatever). I'm feeling all kinds of out of sorts.

This songs sums it up:
Words and music by Queen

When the outside temperature rises
And the meaning is oh so clear
One thousand and one yellow daffodils
Begin to dance in front of you - oh dear
Are they trying to tell you something
You're missing that one final screw
You're simply not in the pink my dear
To be honest you haven't got a clue

I'm going slightly mad
I'm going slightly mad
It finally happened - happened
It finally happened - ooh oh
It finally happened
I'm slightly mad
Oh dear

I'm one card short of a full deck
I'm not quite the shilling
One wave short of a shipwreck
I'm not my usual top billing
I'm coming down with a fever
I'm really out to sea
This kettle is boiling over
I think I'm a banana tree
Oh dear

I'm going slightly mad
I'm going slightly mad
It finally happened - happened
It finally happened - uh huh
It finally happened
I'm slightly mad
Oh dear

Ooh ooh ah ah
Ooh ooh ah ah
I'm knitting with only one needle
Unravelling fast it's true
I'm driving only three wheels these days
But my dear how about you

I'm going slightly mad
I'm going slightly mad
It finally happened
It finally happened - oh yes
It finally happened
I'm slightly mad
Just very slightly mad

And there you have it

Hi! My name is..

We went to a party last night at Chuck E Cheese for the Daughter's friend. It was a school friend. This means an very uncomfortable setting. Moms don't know each other. We only know each other as so and so's Mom. We all have lost our identities as people.

I did really try but I am so aweful with names. I want to do what Harvey does,.. hand a card out with my name and contact info. All Moms should do this.

These are darling.


I found more only after searching for Mom Business cards!

At Cards for Mom, they have one with a heel graphic.. so cute.



A Touch of Whimsy Design has some darling designs. I really like this one:



Event Bliss has Mom and Dad designs too




I'm getting 10 sample mini cards from MOO. I picked 10 photos from my Flickr account. I wish I had them last night.

4 hours of cleaning one room

What room could possibly take that long to clean? why the Kitchen! No, I didn't get on my hands and knees and scrub the floor with a toothbrush. I never made it that far. All I did was straighten the baker's rack, kitchen table and cleaned the cupboards. 9 cupboards covered in grease. I don't often go to the top shelves. Since the cupboards are open and metal, they retain any grease possible.

It was interesting to take everything off the shelves and find the bowls I was looking for along with some spices I didn't know I had.

I also made a clean spot on top of the fridge. Damn. I hate it when I do that.

I feel better though and there may be a some new additions to plates if all go well. Trade is a wonderful thing.

And no -- I didn't finish. The floor didn't get done and I don't care right now.

TMI

This may be a TMI moment but oh well.

I never really realized how little fiber we consume. Yes darling, you too. This explains a lot. So in an effort to better improve my general health, shopping got expensive. Veggies, fruits, yogurt, wheat bread and metamucil. Yep. And its not that bad. A bit chuncky but it can be drunk.

This, combined with walking about 100 yards (i do park far away) to and from the office and some general chasing of a 4 year old, I may see results.

Vita Water kicks ass too.

25 grams of fiber. Here I come!

Best Compliment

Due to the fact is so freaking cold out, I opted to TRY and make home made chicken soup. I started it early today and it was done about 1 pm. If it was bad, I didn't feel bad for throwing it out.

Brave that I am, I tried it. IT WAS GOOD!! Not bad for a first try. So knowing my daughter, I didn't force it on her. She saw the chicken and the noodles. The next thing I know she's asking for a bowl of soup.

We sit down and take a break from work/play and have a late lunch. She ate it all and said "Mom, that was the best soup ever".

Thanks kid - you made it all worth it today.

Listening

Its about 6 am and I've been up since 5. The wind is howling at a constant 35 mph and gusts up to 60. The temperature started off at 53 degrees and now its 22. The Wind chill is 4 degrees at times. Its called an Arctic Cold Front.

I can hear the garbage cans hitting the houses. There is a plastic container rattling on the fence. With each gust, the house shakes enough to nerve me. I am listening for the tree. A distinct creak that I grew accustomed to in the October storm. I am listening for the silence - power outages have been reported but for some reason, S. Buffalo is usually spared. Especically my street. Almost 20,000 homes without power so far.

The wind stopped for the moment and it was creepy.

I can't go back to sleep.

Erin hasn't woken up yet - she sleeps like Tim.

Super Cheap

My god, its possible to buy a nice shirt for $1.50. Old Navy had a huge sale on clearance. I walked away with 3 shirts for like $7 when full priced would have been like $55! Erin got a new winter coat for $10 - normal price was $58! YAH!!!!!!

New Project - I really must love him

Tim, Erin and I are huge Dr. Who fans. Well, duh... its the Doctor! One thing Tim and I had talked about for a long time is the scarf - the Tom Baker scarf. Yes, you know the one. I found a great site that has the 4 scarfs used patterns.

http://www.doctorwhoscarf.com/index.php
tehee..teehheeee...

Thank you Vanna for having the colors I need to start...

teeheee...tehheeeee..

illness

I battling a sinus thing, goopy eyes and general crappiness. In one word miserable. I don't have a fever but again I just feel blah.

So I napped a bit this morning (yes honey, I napped). Feeling a bit better minus the pain in the cheekbones.

Tissues are my friend and so is the cat.

I think a nice hot shower (mmm... steam) will help and another dose of something.

I have sick days. Why don't I use them? Why infect the office?

Sweet

Thank you US Government. Thank you. I can wait till May. I will gladly take the $1500. I will gladly spend $100 of it for myself, and the hubby and kid will some as well. But know this.

I want a house. I will squirrel away the remainder for a down payment on a house. Your plan to have all that money go back into the economy will happen. Eventually. I promise. A house needs furniture, paint, stuff..... so you see, by saving a little now, you will get more in the end.

Thank you US Government. Thank you. You have lessened my fear a bit about will I ever be able to get a house.

300, the cat version

Thanks to Charlie - Sam, this one is for you

my workout buddy

Erin has decided to be my workout buddy. She worked out with me for 10 minutes and is keeping me honest about water. She got her sneakers on and started stepping right along with me

15 min cardio
10 min warm/cool
5 extra stuff

I'm pooped but pumped at the same time. I stink too. That good stink meaning I did something.

One thing I need is a good workout mix. Damn Brittney for having 2 songs I can work out to... I hate her.

Me me me, all me

I splurged on myself and bought some stuff from Old Navy. I couldn't pass up a $10 dress so I picked it up. Well, I had it sent to me.

IT FITS! I DON'T HAVE TO SEND IT BACK!!! EVERYTHING FITS!!! I think I look smokin' in it.


Thank you Old Navy. Thank you.

dinner

The kid is strange. Last weekend, Tim took us out to lunch. When we got to Friendly's, Erin pipes up saying she wanted to go to the place with the Waterfall where you get your own food.

I love this kid. She wanted to go to the Chinese buffet.

What 4 year old wants to go the Chinese buffet? I don't know of any.

So all week, the deal was that if she was Green (aka no problems) all week, we'd go on Friday for dinner. So far so good. I SO WANT CHINESE!!!

Is it 5 pm yet? Crab legs, here I come! I'll be good, I just need a couple....

day 2

We are still home. She has a slight temp (don't know if it was being under the covers) but she slept fro 5:30 pm to 6 am. Yeah, I'd say something was up.

So, clingy child and I are home. I know how she feels and it sucks. All she wants to do snuggle and I have to work. blah.

Laundry is still under way. YEH VOMIT!

delirium

After only a few hrs of sleep and a full day of work at home, not to mention a few loads of laundry, I think I have hit delirium.

I brought out the step and weights. 30 minutes later, I'm sweating. Doing some basic cardio to Access Hollywood or one of those other celeb shows makes you work harder. I want to look like that. I want to fit in the fabulous 1950's dresses. I don't want to be embarrassed in my swimsuit. I want to shop in Womens. Not the Womens Plus or whatever they call it. I'm done with it.

The cookies are going - yes, the yummy chocolate chips I made for Christmas are going. I will get used to Low Fat stuff. For years I only drank 2% and 1% Milk. Now, I can't go near the stuff. I only drink Skim. I can get used to low fat cheese. I will, I have to.

I do refuse to use the fake sugars. They make me sick. So, half a teaspoon in the coffee. Got it.

Soda Pop --- I need some help here. Honey, we can eat out, thats fine. Please help me NOT order a Coke. NO MORE POP. I just need to get more of the REAL LEMON powder stuff and i'll be good.

Enough of that, I'm going to watch some TV while the kid is asleep.

Seven loads of Laundry

I don't know if its a stomach bug or food poisoning, but Erin got hit hard with something. It started at 11 pm and its still going. Out of both ends (gross) and remarkably, she's in a good mood.

The poor thing keeps apologizing. I'm not mad just tired. I think I got only 3 hrs of sleep last night and I can't see straight.

So working from home it is and 7 loads of laundry (3 comforters, 2 blankets, a sheet, pillowcase and some clothes). yah! the fun doesn't stop.

don't ring

my heart is racing now. the only time my cell rings during the day is if its school. And that generally means something is wrong. The number that came up was not one I know so here I am thinking its another line at school or a teacher's cell.

Wrong number.

DAMN YOU!!!!!

I'm paranoid enough. The morning didn't go so well (all Tommy had to do was wait and he went charging into school leaving Erin behind). I'm waiting... feeling sick.

Global Warming

Its January 8, 6pm and 66 degrees.

Global freaking warming. I'm going to go stand outside and bask in the warmth for a bit.

Back to reality

I went back to work after being off for nearly 2 weeks. Meh... its work. But, after much debating, I got off the butt today and plugged in Dance Dance Revolution for Wii. IT IS TOTALLY COOL!!! There is a Work out mode to track Calorie burn and yah know, it really does give you a work out (especially if you accidentally switch it to Basic from beginner) .

Ok - so there is motivation behind this. I really want to fit into a specific dress I saw at Banana Republic (damn you Charlie) and its a 12. I used to be a 12. Like 10 years ago. I can do it.

1) get off my ass
2) chase the kid more
3) walk the mall (but leave the CCs at home - window shop only),
4) NO MORE SODA POP!
5) Black coffee no sugar (I can do it... I can do it)
6) Water water water
7) No eating after 7pm

I can do this. I have to. I want to go shopping.

Week in review

I had a few moments this evening to not be tackled by the 4 year old so I dumped the pictures on the camera... Finally!

Lets back track to Christmas eve. I made 20+ placzeks (a coffee cake). Yah Saran Wrap.


The day before Christmas eve it was 40 degrees and raining.


Me and Mom - We have Christmas Eve at her house every other year. She hates her picture being taken. Dinner is meatless (fish, pierogi, mac and cheese)



Tim got himself Guitar Heros 3 for the PC. I have lost him to the game (GHW - Guitar Hero Widow). Erin decided to be his groupie and took photos of him "rocking out"

And finally - while the girls were playing Webkinz tonight, I ate dinner and recycled the Christmas cards. I hate buying tags since they are always the same. The cards we had are so pretty, I hate throwing them out. I cut some and glued colored paper to the back and WHAM! Home made Christmas Gift tags.


I made like 25 of them and some are so stinking cute.
So now its 8:40 pm and I have had 3 bottles of Woodchuck, chips, dip and some cookies. A random movie is going in and I'm texting Lil. If I sit and do nothing, I will pass out. I am not a fan of New Year's eve unless I'm at a party with the Hubby (oh, the fond memories of Chez Jim). He's heading out and I'm pulling the kid watch. What other craft can I do before the new year??

living through the holidays

I'm a slacker. I've had time to write but refused. It feels too much like work so a break was in order. Its now New Years Eve (see a trend, I don't write on the actual holiday). Due to some circumstances, I will be spending New Years at home with the girls (Er and Bernie). Ah well. I will be letting them goof off on the Wii and Webkinz while I work on some stuff. The line up...

• scrolls for Ice Dragon
• 2 fleece hats

Oh dear god, the fleece hats. I made one for Erin and that spawned to 8 more requests. They are so easy and cheap if you use the remnant fleece that I got for like $2 a yard if that. All it is a rectangle sewn up the sides and a blanket stitch for the brim. I'll post later on that as soon as I get off my lazy butt.

Now, if I can just convince hubby to get me crab legs for tonight (wink wink)

Christmas saga begins

Thus starts the hell known as Christmas.... Lets begin.

1) Yesterday, it was close to 45 degrees and rain. Yeah, that puts you in the Christmas mood (pic to come)

2) Last minute shopping all around... next year, we start in July. I'm not kidding.

3) The washing machine is broke. It won't spin. Shit.

4) I have a cold.

5) I get woken up at 5 am "mom, i had a bad dream". No wonder, its windy as hell out there and would freak me out too. Consolation - Dr. Who dream... (sorry honey)

6) I wake up again at 8 am to a blizzard lite. Wind, snow.. bleh. At least we get a white Christmas (thats is a plus... I hate green Christmases)

On the upside - the food is all made for today, the presents are wrapped and I only have to finish 4 gifts (all to be given after Christmas - yes Sam, that means you). On the downside, I have to get the washing machine fixed.. bye bye $200.... damn.

Its only 9 am on Christmas eve and well, I give up. Breakfast, shower, head out and be at mom's house by 3 pm or so. Where is my coffee????

Me in Garb Finally and a final scroll

I bit the bullet. Here's me, in garb. I hate my picture being taken but I was really proud of the garb. YAY late 14th Century middle class tunics!! YAY Salmon linen.



It was for Investiture where my Scroll was being given. Here it is all done (no, I didn't do the Calligraphy).

Getting a Tree

last weekend we got the tree - and as always, it was an adventure. She ran through the trees playing hide and seek.

The tree was tied to the roof of the car. The very tip was in view through the back window and Erin kept an eye on it so that if the tree fell off, we'd know. It didn't fall.

4 years old and knows the commandments

It may be a snow day but that doesn't stop my kid from learning. Or at least practicing her lessons. She goes to a Catholic school and part of the Curriculum is religion.

About 5 minutes ago, she burst into song for no apparent reason:
"Number one we've just begun, God should be first in your life
Number two's the idle rule, those graven images aren't right
Number three God's name should be never taken in jest
Number four we've Sabbath for our worship and our rest
Number five we all should strive to honor our father and mother
Number six don't get your kicks from killing one another
Number seven life is heaven when you're true to your mate
Number eight don't steal or break this rule for goodness sake
Number nine don't be the kind who goes around telling lies
Number ten don't covet when you see your neighbors house or wife

That's the list that God insists we stay away from these sins,
and that is why we memorize commandments one through ten
the perfect ten the perfect ten lets say them once again (repeat whole list)"

Granted - not all the words she says comes out right. There are lots of replacement works and las but she actually has most of the words down. #2 has moon in it.

Snow Day

The Buffalo Catholic schools ( and public too) canceled school today. Why? The Storm that hit us yesterday is over, and the road crews have most of the roads cleared. When I was a kid, we only had snow days if it was a blizzard and that rarely happened.

I'm going back to sleep for a bit. She has cartoons and the couch, she' already acting like a teenager ;)

Thank you Martha

I made several dish towel aprons compliments of Martha Stewart. I really wanted to give gifts I made this year. Everyone needs aprons (THANK YOU APRONISTAS!!) I am going to make a modified one for Erin so it fits and one for Tim so its BBQ ready. I found several nice ones at KMart and the rest at the Dollar Store of all places. Not bad for like 30 min worth of work.

Making Garb

I received 8 yards of Salmon Linen from Lily. Linen. I couldn't cut it, I was terrified. Anything with Linen scares me. So I gave min and I did it. I cut the damn thing. I wanted new garb for investiture and Erin decided she needed to help me. She sat on the table and helped me pin and cut the fabric. She also thought it needed something and started adding scraps.

this makes me giggle

I work with guys like this. This makes me giggle.

How many days??

So here is the plan for the next week and a half (deep breath)....
Tonite - give in to the fact I do not have the time to make Truffles for Investiture . Sad as it sounds, I just don't have the time. So, I will plan out the baking for Sunday tonite.

Thursday - Pick up plants from school, work and then watch the kids (I love the kids.. I hope Lex makes me Soup!)

Friday - Get stuff together for Saturday and stop feeling like shit (stupid cold). Ship Val's gift and get Mom's present

Saturday - Relax at Investiture (ha!). Maybe I can sneak out and get his stocking stuff after Dinner (please be done by 6:30!!)

Sunday - while Hubby is out Shopping, Erin and I will get Baking stuff and start making some Placzek and cookies.

Monday - Work lots and finish the X-mas presents

Tuesday - all day meeting and food is provided (remember to bring said Placzek).

Wednesday - Work lots more

Thursday - 1pm and 6 pm - SCHOOL PLAY... BRING VIDEO CAMERA!!

Friday - Bake 24 mini Placzeks and a few more big ones..

Saturday - freak out and get/make food for Xmas Eve

Sunday - get stuff together for Xmas Eve

Monday - Freak out more and have a drink FINALLY

Tuesday - Watch my Kid scream with delight at what Santa brought

Wednesday - Dentist appt for the kid then DO NOTHING BUT PLAY TILL JAN 2nd!!


is it over yet?

Work in progress

Sorry for the rapid changes and the sort of strange header image. I'm working on a new design (thanks Charlie) and its in progress.

blood on the gifts

without fail, I have cut myself when working on a sewing project.

1) Erin's Hat and scarf - no blood - safe
2) 5 covers for the guild... still safe
3) Rabbit hat ..... yet safe still
4) present for Sam.... after working on it for an hour and when I decided to stop THATS when I get a nice slice on my finger.

Damn.....

Still.. not bad for an afternoon. I still have to finish Erin's hat and scarf (bright green like the Grinch at her request). And I need to get going on some other smaller presents....

December 1st and I'm already stressing about timelines.

NOTE TO SELF : START CHRISTMAS PRESENTS IN JUNE

Holidays and a 4 year old

Its like 5 days before Thanksgiving and of course, the streets have the Christmas banners, stores are decorated and some TV shopping shows are totally decorated for Christmas. I stopped on one this morning to see what they were pitching.

"Mom, its not even Thanksgiving! They can't do that! They have to wait until AFTER Thanksgiving." says the 4 year old bright eyed and bushy tailed at 7:30 AM.

"can't do what?" says I half asleep on the chair next to her.

"They decorated for Christmas! Its too early. They HAVE to wait for AFTER Thanksgiving" she says will all the power of an attorney.

Wow I thought. The 4 year old who declares "I want that for Christmas" with every toy ad on TV has observed the simple fact that its just too damn early for Christmas marketing. She's so smart.

Now I have to admit something. Friday I WANTED to hear Holiday music. Like Bing or Julie Andrews.. the stuff I grew up on thanks to my Mom and Dad. Well, mostly Dad who listened to WJYE on the way home from Grandma's house every Saturday or Sunday. They played the ''classics" from the 50's all the time and at Christmas played tons of Holiday music. It was cold and snowed a bit (not sticking but flakes were visible). I wanted to hear Christmas music. With some luck, I found a Best Of Bing CD in the car and it had 3 songs on it. I cried for some reason.

Blogging for Dollars

You may have seen the PayPerPost banner on the side. Yes, I joined the ranks and I actually like it. You heard me. I want to get paid for the time I spend reading the web :)

I found PayPerPost through one of the guys I work with who mentioned different types of WebAdvertising and I was curious. Get paid to blog about stuff? You have got to be kidding!!!So you mean I could actually make money from visiting other sites and if I like it and give a good review, I’d get paid? NO WAY!

It’s all true. I don't have to blog about everything and anything (I'm particular). I can pick and choose from what I want to review and if I don't see one I like, I wait a few days. I find some pretty interesting links and what is the best way to spread the word about new products? Word of Mouth.And I represent a pretty important consumer base – A thirthsomething female with a full time job who happens to be a wife, daughter, friend and a Mom of a pre-schooler .If I can help other Mom’s in my place find a good place to save money or get help, I plan on telling everyone I know .Thank you PayPerPost!

Adventures with Teddy

One of the rewards in class is being able to take home Teddy fir the weekend. We have to journal what we did with Teddy and his adventures are shared with the class. So far, Teddy has

1) Went through a car wash

2) Went to Subway for Lunch

3) took a nap in the car

Now, Erin and Teddy are getting ready for a sleepover at Tommy's. More adventures to come!

Let the Shopping Begin!!

Now that Halloween is over, Christmas has taken over my mind this year. Forget Thanksgiving. I want to get my shopping done now. Granted, we are about 50% done (thanks Honey!!) but I still have several people to buy for.

The ultimate questions looms over my head "You have Friday Nov. 23 off..... do I want to go shopping??"

Maybe. Yes, I said maybe. The last few years I got screwed out of some really good deals because I waited to go shopping. I could have saved a lot but I hate Black Friday. I used to work in the mall and I know the pain. BUT, I never had a plan. Just before we had the kid, we actually braved the crowds and my god!!! We got a really good sale at BestBuy on a PC Monitor. The problem was my plan was made that morning. I don't have that kind of spontaneity. I need a battle plan for the thanksgiving ads that disappear with 4 year old in the house. And do I really want to brave the stores? SHOP ONLINE!!!! Yes.... make them bring it to me. It may be snowing and I hate shopping wearing the winter gear.

Now all I need to do make sure I know WHAT I'm getting before the sales start.. hmmmm..... where is the Big Toy Book

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

Happy Halloween from Us to you!

Survival of the fittest

This weekend was nuts. Two birthday parties for Erin in 2 days. Saturday being her classmates and Sunday being Lexi's. Now, granted, Sunday was a family one as Lexi is my niece. Saturday on the other hand -- we have now entered into the next phase of parties. Drop off and come back later.

I've done this only with family. This was a first and I admit was a bit nervous. 15 little girls running around puts me on edge. Erin was remarkable well behaved and when I went to get her, she only debated the amount of time she could stay once and when I called her, she apologized for not hearing me. Overall, she did really well and had a good time. Me on the otherhand, was a nervous wreck and was beat by the time Sunday came around. Thanks to MiMi for a wonderful dinner.

16 straight days of a good kid (minus the occasional whine, but hey, she got over it herself). It feels like the calm before the storm and I'm waiting it. I could be wrong. I hope I am. I'm tired of feeling sick to my stomach until 2:30pm every day waiting for a phone call. Just be GREEN bear, GREEN.

Zombie Bazooka Patrol - Zombie Shake

Guilty Mommy moment. Found this band and with it being Halloween and all (and having a best friend who has thing for Zombies), I needed to post this.

No worries for 6 months!

Just got back from the dentist. I had a phobia for so long about dentists. Every time I went, I had some work that needed to be done. The idea of mouth pain makes me sick.

NOT TODAY!!!! Had my cleaning and for the 2nd time in a row......wait for it... NO CAVITIES!! Just need to watch an old filling that may need to be replaced.

I have a new tooth brush and I am a happy girl. Its pink. Mine.. all mine.

Knight beat up by 4 year olds

Knight beat up by 4 year olds


Originally uploaded by melblackrose Sir Otto was beat by 3 four year olds. He had no chance of getting away. Poor guy.

More Scroll Work

Here are attempts 2 and 3 of some practice scrolls.

#2 - Based on 15th Cent. French- this is my fav



#3 - Not sure and I'm not fond of the colors but hubby liked this one better.

First Scroll Attempt - not so good

Here is my first Illumination attempt
Vining sucks
its too big
and I can't color in the lines....

Kid vs Candy

kid verses candy

Note - 90+ degree weather and chocolate. Bad mix

Multimedia message

YEAH! IT WORKED! I can blog from my phone. Wait. that could be bad.

Story behind the picture. Park. Water. Bread. Ducks. Massive amounts of Ducks coming on land to eat said bread from hands of 4 year olds. Oh the glee..

First Day of School Part 1

Its 7:40 and we will leave in about 20 min to go to school. Real school. Not day care. School. Damn, I'm gonna cry.

Today is only a half day - 11:30 dismissal. Not terrible, but strange. I remember having to go to school all day on the first day. Boy, times have changed.

I woke Erin up and she immediately got dressed. New dress and shoes. She's currently laying upside down on the couch waiting. She wants to be alone.

Home

Working from home is interesting. I accomplish the same at home as do in the office and I even get my laundry done. Only 2 more remote days for the summer and then school starts.

Erin is crafting and I'm working on Custom stuff for work. I want to craft. Glue, markers, mess.... I don't mind. She's making stick people. Eyes glued on each side of the sticks and doing a puppet show for me from behind my laptop. No lack of imagination here.

I really should go take a shower......

Fly by night....

One of my favorite things to do is fly home at night. The lights of the towns and cities throw such an interesting pattern. There was a thunderstorm east of us as well. It was so pretty.

I was fortunate enough to fly over the Erie county fair - it was about the coolest sight to see. Then in contrast, flying over the lake.... total blackness. There are the lights of the road that runs along the lake then nothing. I was waiting for something to come up and grab the plane.

Realization

I'm traveling this week. Its 90+ degrees here and humid which makes it worse. And I am alone. This means eating dinner either in my room and paying 3 times as much for dinner as I would if I went to the hotel restaurant. Or, I could go for a walk and eat by my self. Its a hard thing to do but I do it.

I'm not a fan of being in public for long periods of time. So imagine walking into a Japanese Hibachi restaurant and having to sit with total strangers. I love Hibachi. I hate eating there alone. I can't make small talk and I don't care about your grandkids. I just want my food.

So tonight, I went to an Italian place. I've been there before so I know the place (an advantage). The host looked at me strange when I said table for 1. Like its an inconvenience. Damn, I'm hungry! The server on the other hand read my signals that i wanted my food and that was it. It was a good meal, just lonely.

Now, I'm just working overtime to keep up and eating M&Ms. Sorry honey - I may watch a movie you wanted to see - Day watch, Grindhouse, The Host, Paprika & the Namesake. Its one of those nights. I can't even get on to my work programs so I give up.

can I come home?

Erin's foot

Erin's foot
Originally uploaded by melblackrose

Whenever Erin gets a hold of my camera, she takes some good yet strange pictures. This one happens to be of her foot. The sandals have seen better days.

Here are some other Images of Erin's world. I don't ask her what she was thinking when she took them, only that if she was careful with my camera.

She's actually pretty good when she is using my camera. Her camera has a really really low pixel so the pictures are super grainny. But she's proud of the pictures she takes.

Erin's Eye View of the Dining Room Table

Her Face - yes, she took this herself

Another Foot

Harley

Mom and Erin making Giant bubbles

Mom and Erin making Giant bubbles
Originally uploaded by melblackrose

We went to the 2007 Bubblefest at the Buffalo Museum of Science. It was fun, but a little crazy for me. Too many kids.

They had pools of bubble solution (yes, kiddie pools). Hula hoops, ropes. straws. what ever... bubbles bubbles everywhere.

The best part was the black light bubbles. They had a room set up with black lights, Rave/techno music and special bubbles. Erin was so digging it. Her first rave and Mom, Dad and Grandma were there to share... HA!

No answer for you.

I hate it when horoscopes strike a cord with me:

"Slow down so you can reflect on the recent flurry of activity and process your feelings about what has happened. You might not be quite as bubbly and interactive as normal, but you can still have fun with others. Remember, you are not responsible for coming up with all the answers to everyone else's questions"

I think I want the last line engraved on my tombstone.

I need a vacation from my vacation

After 5 days off, I need another 3 to sleep. Lets review -

Tuesday night - official start of Vacation: I cleaned the house.

Wednesday - the 4th of July - It rained. A lot... like Call Noah, we need an Ark. So I cleaned some more. Sam came over before the RUSH concert. There was an exchange of silly gifts (pictures coming). Best gift ever - GOLDEN SPLAT PIG (we miss you .. rest in peace). This silly pig lasted a few hours but was so fun! You throw it at a flat surface and it SLATS then reshapes. Hours of Fun. We had it on the ceiling... buhahhaha. The kid accidentally broke it. So much for hours of fun. The rain finally let up so we ended up going to the Cheektowaga Town park for the annual carnival and fireworks. Good show but because it rained all damn day, the show was delayed due to a late setup.

Thursday - more cleaning and waiting for Sam. Its been about 1 year since I saw Sam, longer for Tim and Erin. The evening consisted of: Pizza, booze, wings, booze, and X-BOX.... She's such a cheap date.. i love it. No fancy outing, just food and games. By the way, Wolverine totally is the best.

Friday - Its been a dozen or so years since I stepped foot in Fantasy Island. Its now my new favorite amusement park. Prices were fair and there is a ton to do for the kids. Not to mention a free water park (little but it serves it purpose). Erin and I went on the PIRATE. She loved it.. I have a new ride buddy when she gets taller. Arms were up, screaming her head off. Such a proud moment. We ended the night with a fish fry at Wayside. yummmmmmm

Saturday - a blur... what did we do? Oh yeah.. Erin was shuffled off to Grandmas for a few hours while Tim and I had a 'Date'... well, if you want to call it that. We went to the mall to exchange some shorts, I talked to Julie as Tim hunted for shorts and then off to see TRANSFORMERS. It was remarkably good.

Sunday - More good news.. my Brother is getting married to a wonderful woman. YEAHH!! after that, I blocked out the rest of the day. I know I was dreading Monday morning.


I need like 2 days of not having the Kid around to do what I need and actually sleep. I am so sick of Kid shows, I want to throw the TV out. When does school start?????????

7 days and counting...

to what? V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N! Damn, i need it. 3 weekdays of NOT working. Sam will be in town that means Pizza and Beer (yeah!). There is something to be said about having your oldest and dearest friend in town to visit.

back to grind for another hour then I am out to see Lily and hear of her ass-kicking adventures of Iron Man. Thats my girl!

feels like fall

After the run of hot 90 degree weather, the 68 degree temp and wind makes it feel like fall. It even smells like it. good sleeping weather but bad for swimming.

Good Grief

so I'm a slacker and haven't posted. I've been dealing with some family "stuff" and well, I'm beat. Lets recap:
I'm 32 now. Old per the family standard. I was at the park with the kid and felt like I was still in HS just babysitting. I don't feel old enough. what is it supposed to feel like?

But thanks to all who came to the party - a good time was had by all. We have another shin-dig this weekend and 2 more next weekend. I hate June.

I'm still so in love with Kohls. I got 2 gift card and $56 later, I have a pair of capris and 4 shirts. They really do have some kick ass sales.

Other than that, I'm just waiting for Sam. COME HOME SOON!!!

Bar-goon shopper

I hate shopping with a 4 year old. Impulse buy every time. Since I stopped getting the paper, I don't get coupons or ads anymore. I've resorted to browsing online before we shop. Shoes for example. 4 year old = growth spurt. Somethings you need to try on and others you don't. Payless Shoes is pretty reliable for 'tappy' shoes (black mary-janes) and we've gone through some 8 pairs. Kohls also has been a life saver. They carry black jeans for kids.

Now, if I take said 4 year old shopping for clothes, we end up with a heck lot more than what we need. My hubby turned me on to online shopping coupons and if there is a bar-goon, I'm on it. Coupon Chief lists by store - perfect for me since I have little time to wander through specials of the day. I know where I need to and what I need.

For the frugal mom who hates buying full price anything, especally clothes the kids will grow out of in 3 months, they keep tabs on Old Navy, Kohls and Children's Place. I could have used this years ago.

Happy shopping!
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more booseze and birthdays

ice cream cake at 9;30 at night is not such a good idea but i don't care. its my birthday - well tomorrow is.. i just don't care.

Lily and kids came over tonite for dinner, pool, play and a fun. It was blast. the kids played and Lily and I celebrated my birthday. A bottle of wine and a almost a bottle of vodka. Mike came over to bring me ice cream cake. Yeah, 32 isn't so bad (too bad I've hit hit the back space way too many times and my kid is stilll awake at 10 pm.. )

i can;t feel my toes. heheehehhehhehehe

Happy birthday to me... happy birthday to me,.....

Booze and SkeeBall

after the crap week and day we had, Erin redeemed her 40 tokens to go to Chuck E Cheese. She has been good for the last 2 days.

Did you know they serve booze at Chuck E Cheese? Beer and wine.

Wine and SkeeBall.... you do the math. i can tolerate going there now that she's 4 and can wander around herself.

Thank you Chuck E Cheese for making it tolerable.

"I think an Owl ate the birdie"

Erin and I went outside to check the weather and the pool. There was dead looking bird in pool. I say dead looking because i saw it wasn't moving. Erin stared at it and poked it (such a kid) and yelled "MOM! IT'S NOT DEAD!".

What the hell do I do with a half dead bird. We've lost fish before and flushed them. This is a much bigger animal. And she said it was her friend.

So I found something to move the bird and when it moved its wings, you could see some wounds. Either another bird or a neighborhood cat got to it. It wouldn't let go. Poor thing. We moved it out to the shed and Erin was very calm.
"Mom, we can stay and make sure no cats come back and if they do, we can hide it again. " She felt sorry for the bird. I did too. I took an old bowl and we got some water. It was shivering probably due to shock. The poor thing won't last and Erin sighed. She said God likes birds so its ok.

When we got in the house she said, "I think an Owl ate the birdie". I explained to her that some bigger birds and animals will eat the smaller ones. Like we eat chicken and cows.. wild animals have to eat too. She said "yeah mom, i know. it will be ok. Lets just leave the water and some bread". I hope that bird dies knowing one little girl considered it her friend.

More blow ups

Where do we go from here? More issues, more violence, more tears. After seeing what goes on before lunch (a freaking movie) and at nap time (no option at all about not napping), I have issues with this place.

My mommy sense is tingling.

But the kid? what do I do?

Bird's nest

I'm sitting here trying to work today - home... again because the Kid had another melt down. There is a bird making its nest on top of my light by the front door.

I'm watching it fly past the window getting more sticks, leaves and grass. Back and forth.

Birds lead a simple life. Eat, avoid cats and bigger birds, mate, eat more, poop on my car and stay out of the rain.

My life is not simple and I wish it were. There is a sort of desperation in a mother's eyes when her child can not behave due to the need for instant gratification. This is something I deal with on a daily basis and its wearing me down.

She's a good kid when she's with older people. Kids her age don't do it for her most of the time. She also just wants to play. I don't blame her. But how do you get a 4 year old to understand that there is a time and place for everything. Work, school, play.... I yelled (mistake #1). I ignored the bad behavior (mistake # 2). I talked calmly (sort of working) but I still feel like a bad parent. Like I've damaged her. Did I do this? I should have known when she slapped me in the face at birth.

All I want is for a good day. Go to school, no fighting, a good report, when I say "no" there is no plea bargaining, no bed time fights, just lights out. How do I do that?

Summer Fun Already

Its June 2 and 90 degrees. 90 FREAKING DEGREES! Um.. what the hell? I remember it being cold on my birthday. With all the trials these last 2 weeks, we made it though 3 days without MAJOR explosions.

Yesterday was Erin's last day at her current daycare. She had a great day and we needed to celebrate. Did you ever celebrate by buying a pool?

This lovely frog pool (note: not my kids) cost $14.95 at Target. I looked at Amazon and it listed at $50! I seriously lucked out.

Pool got set up yesterday and Erin blessed it with squeals of joy.

Today, after a wonderful picnic in the park and visit to Gramma's in 90 degree heat to get the Air Conditioner, Erin again dove in and squealed like a little girl (yes, she is a little girl so how can make her stop?). Her goal was to get me wet as well.

To her surprise, I came out of the house in my suit and JUMPED in the pool. Damn, that was cold but felt fantastic in the heat.

I love that pool. All I needed was a Mommy frosty cold drink and I'd be set. Bring it on Summer. Bring it on.

Erin's reaction to me yelling at the Sabres

All in a days work

Its Saturday so that means housework and the Honey-Do list. On the list today:

Cut the Lawn - Completed by the 2 of us.
Clean the new Tank and get George some new stuff - DONE! In a girlie Pirate motif. He's much happier now. The tank is nearly double the size and there is a real filter.


In the picture below - he looks pissed.




The last order of the day is to fix the sink. Its leaked since God know when. Hubby got a new faucet last weekend. We've tried to replace the washers and well that didn't work so well.

We have just a pin hole leak in one of the connections but that will be done another day.

I think its time to go out.

Giving up or giving in

Yet another fun filled day of me trying to get my kid to stay in the classroom. We have this thing... I set my phone to go off in 4 minutes. Erin takes the phone, says "Countdown complete", hands me the phone, we kiss goodbye and I'm supposed to leave. Its all very cute when it works.

9 times out of 10 that doesn't happen. She runs to the door and tries to escape. I was Ryan Miller this morning playing goalie in front of the door. She clings to me and won't let me leave. Hitting and kicking..... You get the picture? She's 4 and hates it when I leave. Its not like daycare is a new thing. She's been going since she was 2 months old. And, she kicks me out when I take her to the Grandparent's house. Some days at daycare are fine. Most are not.

It's driving me crazy because I'm late every day. I'm at my wits end. This morning we agreed that I could leave. She went back on her word. Yesterday I was able to leave early only because another parent was there and she knew I was upset with her. I don't want to fall into that pattern of guilt-tripping her (silly Catholicism). I read that the age of reason is 7. I can not wait 3 more years. I need her to understand the outcome of being late. Wait till the fall little girl. Mom isn't allowed in the school in the morning.

I need a cup of coffee.

New header attempt while watching TV

yeah, I know. I don't work in the creative department. I'm support. But I got tired of the text header and Blogger added in an image upload (yea Blogger!).

It's the first attempt and I won't give up the pink yet. I have a pink iPod Nano, a pink and black brief case... you get the picture. Pink is cool in moderation.

Ok - back to House.

Mother's Day - Part 2

To start - cleaning the house at 9 am sucks. But Tim did bring me Donuts. I love that man.

Dinner went well. Pork and Roast beef. Not bad at all. But I cooked. Yep. Mother's day and I cooked. It's only fair. I am the rookie Mom. Mom was impressed with dinner which is always good.

Jim and Shari came over as well. mmmmm.. Bacon Bacon dip.... mmmm. Sorry. Thats some good stuff.

Oh a high note, Erin and I planted. I have a little garden in back and we planted some flowers around the mail box. She isn't afraid of bugs outside which is a help. Inside the house is another story. I'll take some pictures as soon as I dump the camera.

Mother's Day - Part 1

This is going to be a 2 parter -

Part 1 - Friday. Daycare.
I love Erin's teachers. They had breakfast for us. Muffins, Donuts, OJ... mmmm.. Donuts. And they had a craft for us to do with the kids. Mom and Kid handprints. I get my gift later - they were not dry yet. To top it -- they gave us carnations.

I love her class...

Part 2 is Sunday... Dinner for Mom, Jim, Shari, Alexis, Tim and Erin. My house. Yeah.

"He has is father's eyes.."

I was reading one of my many Mom blogs this morning and came across this. Its a Red Castle Carry cot and it hooks into a stroller for a Pram like thing.

It for infants up to about 6 months (my kids, 4-5 months).

The first thing I thought of was Rosemary's Baby. Is that sick?

I absolutely love this carrier. And yes, it does come in just just Black with a gray interior.

Now if I can just figure out how to attach some hanging dice and a plush Cthulhu