Um, hi?

I sort of abandoned you, Internet. I swear it wasn't intentional. Did I tell you I got a part time retail job? I can't remember. Anyway, this little crappy paying part time retail job is kicking my ass. Seriously. It's about 30 hours a week and I forgot how hard it is to stand on your feet all day. I have tried pretty much every black shoe in my closet and can still barely walk at the end of the day. Today I went out and bought mostly-black New Balance tennies. (I didn't pay that much for them.) Hopefully they work because Holy Mother do my feet hurt.

Let's see what else? I blew the NaBloPoMo thing. I thought I could do it and feel like a putz for not taking the time because I was really enjoying it.

OH! R and I went to see Spamalot!!! Oh my GAWD it was so fantastic. I don't even know where to start. Guess I should start with a SPOILER ALERT! I'm going to divulge some jokes and plot and whatnot, so be warned.

I knew Spamalot spoofed Monty Python and the Holy Grail, but I wasn't expecting the spoofing of various musicals. They bottle dance from Fiddler, the lake and exploding chandelier from Phantom, so many others but those were my favorite spoofs from musicals. So many songs were so great! I loved "He's Not Dead Yet", "You Won't Succeed On Broadway", "His Name Is Lancelot," and "I'm All Alone." I loved them all, actually. There wasn't a bad song during the whole thing and the jokes were so damn funny. When the big light up Star of David came from the sky, I though R and I were going to die from laughter.

I could go on and on and on.....but I seem to have lost my writing voice, my rhythm. I hate that I'm so scattered right now. I can't seem to put thoughts together. I'm struggling with getting back into the work scene. It's just retail and I'm actually really good at it. I sure wish it paid more, though, you know? The hours are actually decent - I'm on the day shift and usually don't work past 5. A few days til 7 since it's the holidays, but only once a week or so. Usually my shift is anywhere from 9-3 to 10-5. It's perfect for getting Booger off to school and getting home before dinner. I just didn't realize how much of an adjustment it would be, both physically and mentally. I'm coming around, though. I hope you didn't give up on me during my little siesta from the Internet :-)

Love,
Snob

Whoops

Had my first day of work yesterday and got home and rested too late to post. Man, I'm tired.

Today is Thanksgiving, but it is also my niece K's birthday. She's 15 now and so beautiful. We've always been close and I am so proud of the young woman she has become. Happy Birthday, sweetie. I am so lucky to have you in my life.

Happy Thanksgiving, friends. Make sure to take some time today to tell someone you are thankful for them.

Thankful

I received my last unemployment check today. (Well, direct deposit. Whatever.) 6 months ago I lost my job and sincerely was at a loss. At 34 years old, I already had 12 years of tenure at Big Large Company. I lost my job because of an office consolidation and 2 positions were combined into one and the other person had more tenure. It's the fair way to do it and I was okay with that. I wasn't okay with not having a job for the first time since I turned 16. After my last day, I just really didn't know what I was going to do. As most of you know, it was less than 3 weeks after that day we were told R would need open heart surgery to replace his crappy aortic valve. Isn't it funny how the universe takes care of you? I was able to be next to him for his entire recovery. I never had to worry about working, trying to balance work and home, nothing. I could focus 100% of my energy on him and Booger. I never would have been able to manage everything had I been working.

Thanksgiving was always about gathering and eating before. This year, I am starting a tradition of thankfulness. I have so much to be thankful for. I am going to write a short note or card or something to those I will see on Thanksgiving (and perhaps send some out in the mail or over the Internet for those I will not see.) I will tell them that I am thankful for them and tell them why. I am truly thankful for so many things.

I'm going to use this week's Ten Things Tuesday to list some things that I am thankful for.

1. R. These last few months have been the best and worst of our lives. And still, there's no one I would rather have gone through it with. Our life, Version 2.0 is better than ever and I love you more every single day.

2. Booger. She's hilariously funny, smart, and kind. Pretty good for an almost-6 year old.

3. Dr. M. He literally held R's heart in his hands. His knowledge and training gave R a new life, but it was the respectful and caring way he treated us that made him so special. He was a pillar of strength when I truly needed it. He never made me feel insignificant, often taking extra time to make sure I was okay after seeing R.

4. My home. It's not the Taj Mahal, but is a safe and loving environment.

5. My sense of humor. I don't think I would have made it through the last 4 months without it. Had I not been able to laugh, I would certainly still be crying.

6. My friends. Many of whom I see less than I'd like. Some of whom I've never even met in person. They continue to allow me to cry on their shoulder if I need to. To curse at them like a sailor, though they've done nothing wrong. To yell and scream about how unfair life is. They take it all in and know if I'm just venting or need help finding a solution.

7. Those friends and family who stayed with me at the hospital, especially on Surgery Day. There simply are not words. I learned how to lean on others that day. Both figuratively and literally. Thank you.

8. My family and in-law family. Our family tree does not look like most others, but we make it work better than most families I know.

9. My nieces and pseudo nieces. You make me feel young and cool, even though I am neither!

10. Ally the Wonderdog. She calms me simply by lying at my feet.

Is it just me?

Is this wonky weather affecting anyone else? I woke up at 2:00 A.M. with a headache of epic proportions. I could barely make it to the bathroom for some Ibuprofen. It's warmer today and though I have no evidence to prove it, I'm sure the barometric pressure has a direct link to my headaches. At least sometimes.

The Cold Stone ice cream we had for dessert tonight certainly helped, I'm feeling much better!

Training

Had my orientation meeting for my new part time/seasonal retail position that pays .87/hour. I think the employee discount is the silver lining, though I'm afraid I'll buy more than I should and end up losing money in this deal! Ha! I think I at least deserve a new pair of shoes, don't you?

How was your weekend?

Time flies

A year ago today, we lost a great family friend to cancer. He was one of the best men that I've ever met and am honored to be his son's God Mother. He never failed to make me smile and he always had a joke to tell. He was naturally funny and warm and kind and I still miss him like crazy.

It is tradition for us to gather on the anniversary of a loved one's death. We pray for them, for ourselves, and we sit around telling stories of our loved ones. It's a wonderful tradition and I am really looking forward to it. While I miss Uncle Manny so much, he loved any sort of gathering. If there was food, drink, music and laughs - he was always in the center of it. And, man, he could play the piano like no one I know....and I know some kick ass pianists. He would play for hours, singing, making up his own lyrics, telling jokes through the songs. Oh man it was great.

I miss you Uncle Manny. I will continue to do my best to support your son (and your daughters). Please continue to look down on us and offer any help that you see fit. Rest easy, though, for you will never be forgotten.

TGIF

So glad it's Friday. I have nothing witty to write today, other than I really enjoyed Kizz's post about her toy drawer (it's the post with Julie Andrews in the title. Which makes me laugh out loud.) I haven't decided if I'm going to expand on my version of the toy drawer. I'll let you know if I do.

Go give Kizz some love. She's rehearsing today and could use the good energy.

Papa's gonna go to rehab.....

R goes to cardiac rehab every Thursday to keep up on his recovery. Booger keeps telling people "My papa's in rehab." Of course, I now have a complex that her classmates are going home saying things like "My friend Booger's daddy is in rehab." I keep thinking when we see anyone from her school, they're trying to figure out what he's addicted to.

New Music Wednesday

Thank you so much for all the music recommendations. I'm still working my way up to the country ones, it's going to take some time.

I already had many of the ones listed, so that cements how much we all have in common! R and I have all the Michael Jackson. (On a side note, R has every Janet Jackson album ever made including many imports....he has a bit of a crush.) I also had the Barry Manilow (I've even seen him in concert.) Paralyzer by Finger Eleven has been on my play list for about 6 weeks now - I'm so ahead of the curve! I did have to get The Reflex and Brass Monkey. I had Paul Revere, Girls, and Sabotage, but not Brass Monkey. Already have the Bee Gee's and Santana. Not sure I can handle Johnny Cash. I think he's too much for me.

Trying a few others, Jose Gonzales and Chiara Civello that were also recommended.

I think I'll recommend some of my own. Since I missed 10 Things Tuesday, I'll make a 10 Things Wednesday. In no particular order. The list is quite eclectic, let me tell you. Also, these may not be the original artist, but the version I prefer. Keep in mind this is VERY short list. My i-pod has 3,000 songs on it and we still have about 200 CD's to upload. Yeah. We're music whores.

1. Andrea Bocelli - Besame Mucho
2. Christina Aguilera - For You
3. Carl Douglas - Kung Fu Fighting (Yes, I disagree, too - it's one of R's faves)
4. Baby I'm A Star - Prince
5. Lebo M - One By One (Lion King Rhythm of the Pridelands)
6. Hallelujah - Jeff Buckley
7. I Can't Make You Love Me - George Michael
8. Beat It - Michael Jackson Because I still remember the dance from the video!
9. Linus & Lucy - George Winston
10. Seek and Destroy - Metallica

Eclectic, right?!

edited to add: I've re-read this post and it is poorly written and reads choppy as hell. I'm too lazy to fix it. My apologies.

i-love

I cleaned out my purse yesterday and found a Best Buy gift card. (Along with assorted gum wrappers, receipts, long lost grocery lists and about 17 pennies, but I digress.) I thought for sure the card had a zero balance, but called the 800 number just in case. Lucky thing as there was a $24.13 balance on the thing! I don't really need anything at Best Buy right now, so I went and purchased a $25.00 i-tunes gift card. I've got a hankerin' for some new music. That's where you come in. Please tell me a song or 2 or 12 that you think I should get. I'll let you know if I have it already, and if not, will download it. I love to listen to music and my taste is very eclectic. Everything from Broadway to Heavy Metal. I am not a fan of twangy country or Manheim Steamroller, but just about everything else is cool with me. BRING ON THE NEW MUSIC!

In time for Thanksgiving

This will make you feel good and smart.
Check out this site, Free Rice. For each definition you get right, they will donate 10 grains of rice through the United Nations to help end world hunger.

SO ADDICTIVE.

Job update: they offered me a part time position. I'm going to take it while continuing to search for something more substantial. I did call today as a follow up...then they called me back, so it might have helped. Thanks for your kind words, you have no idea how much I needed them.

This blows

I had an interview Thursday and they were all excited and going to hire me, but there wasn't someone there who could make an offer, so they said they'd call Friday. It's Monday and I haven't heard anything. I just called and left a message as a follow up. This is the second time I've been told someone will call then they don't. I'm feeling like a loser and it sucks.

School stuff

Hello there. It's raining and gloomy here. Instead of curling up with a book, which is my preferred mode of entertainment on days such as these, I'm cleaning. Can you please tell me how you deal with the mountains of crap that arrives home from school? My DNA has generations of pack rats and hoarders and can't throw anything awayers. I'm breaking that cycle but I still struggle with school stuff. How much artwork do you keep? Do you keep any homework or tests? Booger is just in Kindergarten and brings home at least 3 art things a week and homework/tests/worksheets in the dozens. HELP! Thanks for your ideas!

Friday, Booger asked to have a haircut. The salon squeezed us in and she instructed the stylist to cut her hair "just to my shoulders." At least 3 inches came off and she smiled the whole time. I stole a picture today while she was working on homework and watching High School Musical 2 for the 43,971st time. Do you like her desk? Me too. She has one, sitting about 8 feet behind her. Just for the record.

Calgon take me away

I spent all morning at Booger's school helping set up for tonight's Monte Carlo Night/Silent Auction. I really want to be able to attend the thing tonight, but we have that plus 2 birthday parties. I hate how we can go weeks with nothing to do, then suddenly - everything is on the same night.

Tagged twice

I used to love to get tagged in school. That meant somebody wanted to be friends with me. No, it didn't mean I was slow and just easier to reach. I swear. It meant I was popular. Sad....such a sad dorky childhood.

Anyway, I was tagged by O'Mama for this fun game of telephone. I was also tagged by a new e-friend, Professor J. She found me through NaBloPoMo, I think. She's witty (and she picked ME!) so go check her out.

Here's the first tag - it's an Internet spin off of the telephone game.

(start copy)
Remember when we were kids and at every opportunity, some adult would have us play that silly Telephone game? You know… the one where the lead person comes up with a sentence or statement, whispers it into the ear of the next person in line, and the sentence is passed from person to person until it reaches the end of the line. The last person then repeats the sentence out loud, the first person announces what it actually was, and everyone gets to laugh about how goofy it got by being passed from ear to ear and being altered because of mispronunciations and hearing ability.Of course I realize that the game was simply a means for adults to keep us in line while we were waiting for something or killing time. Haven’t we even now as adults, tried to use it on our own kids?

Being the silly kind of fracas that I am, I’ve decided to create an internet version of the game, and use it as an opportunity for link-getting. Everyone wants links, and yet lots of people I know, prefer to get their links in a non-obvious kind of way. We’ve all done the “copy this list and create a post and you’ll get links” type of tag… at least once, but most of us don’t want to fill our blogs with those posts. It may get links, but eventually will chase readers away.
This is a fun way to give your readers something entertaining to read and get a few links too.
Instructions:

If you’ve been tagged, check the last entry on the list. Copy this entire post, add your name and link to the end of the list, copy the sentence in the previous person’s entry and change ONE word in it to try and change the meaning of the sentence for your entry. Name and link only ONE person to tag and then post the whole thing as a new entry in your own blog. Please make sure to transfer all the links to your post otherwise you aren’t providing fair linkage to the people before you. Although this will take longer to get around, by tagging only one person you will avoid making mass enemies by having to tag many people, and it will also guarantee only one true version of the game is circulating out there.

Fracas, the creator, will attempt to keep tabs on the game and periodically report on it.

Please try not to tag someone you see is already on the list. If you’re on the list, have been tagged again by someone who didn’t pay attention to the instructions and you don’t want to do another turn, please leave a comment at this post over at Fracas, and Fracas will take your turn for you in order to keep the list going.

1. Fracas - http://fracas.wordpress.com/ - Never continue dating anyone who is rude to the waiter.

2. Mark @ Blogitude - http://www.blogitude.com/ - Never continue dating anyone who is nude to the waiter.

3. Wiggy @ http://damewigginsoflee.wordpress.com/ - Forever continue dating anyone who is nude to the waiter.

4. Froggy @ The Road Less Traveled - http://froglette79.wordpress.com/ - Forever continue dating anyone who is nude under the waiter.

5. InTheFastLane@ That’s Life - http://thatslifev2.blogspot.com/ - Forever continue dating anyone who is nude under the water.

6. Treadmillista @ Just Treadmilling Around - http://treadmillinginplace.blogspot.com/ - Forever continue dating everyone who is nude under the water.

7. Christine @ Watch Me! No, Watch Me! - http://watchmenowatchme.blogspot.com/ - Forever continue watching everyone who is nude under the water.

8. Candace @ not that i don’t love my kids - http://notthatidontlovemykids.blogspot.com/ - Forever continue scratching everyone who is nude under the water.

9. Fracas - http://fracas.wordpress.com/ - Forever avoid scratching everyone who is nude under the water.

10. Bluepaintred - http://www.bluepaintred.com/ - Never avoid scratching everyone who is nude under the water.

11. Shelli - http://shellis-sentiments.com/ - Never avoid kissing everyone who is nude under the water.

12. Judy- Sugar Queen’s Dream.Never avoid kissing everyone who is nude under the blankets.

13. Trish @ Not Your Typical Granny-Never avoid spanking everyone who is nude under the blankets.

14. Amy @ Amy’s Musings - Never try spanking everyone who is nude under the blankets.

15. Tense @ A Tense Teacher - Never try shagging everyone who is nude under the blankets.

16. Chili @ The Blue Door - Certainly try shagging everyone who is nude under the blankets.

17. O’Mama @ Life and Times of Organic Mama - Certainly try shagging everyone who is nude under the bleachers.

18. Grammar Snob @ Grammar Snob - Certainly try judging everyone who is nude under the bleachers.

Professor J, you're it!

Professor J's tag indicates I'm to share 7 random things about myself.

1. I am terrified of icicles.

2. I wear 5 earrings - 3 in the left and 2 in the right.

3. I can read and understand very basic French.

4. I play the clarinet. Er, played the clarinet. I was quite good, actually.

5. I have great penmanship and am shallow, often judging others by theirs.

6. I have a passport, but it has never been used.

7. I am tremendously ticklish.

I'm supposed to tag others....but am feeling friendly - so I'll just say I'd love to hear your answers if you want to play along.

Look at me

All ahead of schedule and stuff. I don't think I've ever mentioned it here before, but I'm a stamper. Stamper/scrapbooker/card maker. Whatever. I always wanted to be an artist and suck at drawing, but with stamps and stuff, I can be creative and it looks pretty cool. Recently I signed up to be a demonstrator for a company called Stampin' Up. I've had a couple workshops and am putting together a stamp club. This year I'm also selling sets of Christmas cards. I spent some time today finalizing my first order. They're more masculine (though there is some glitter) as they are for a business.

Oh, and I've been tagged by my friend O'Mama. I'll have that for you tomorrow. Also we'll have a run down of tonight's parent teacher conferences. The one in which the teacher tells me there's no accelerated reading program. Should be a fun time!

Whew

I'm all registered for college and my transfer credits have posted! There aren't many of them, but I'll take what I can get. I'm trying to decide which classes to start with. It would help if I could just get a darn job already so I know what time I can be in class. I'd prefer to be there full time, but just don't think we can afford for me not to work for 2 years. I just hope they don't call me Granny on the first day since I'll be twice as old as anyone in the class, I'm sure.

Election Day

I love election day. It makes me feel so valuable. On election day we decide who will govern our city and country. Who will pay for the librarians, the buses, the leaf collection. And today in my fine city, we are voting on strippers. Yes. For real. We will decide if strippers...er, exotic entertainment....can conduct business after midnight. Not prostitutes, just dancers. I don't know why but it pisses me off. Now, I'm not a stripper and I didn't even stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night, but who the hell am I to tell them their pole will turn into a pumpkin at midnight? It's their job. Let them do it. Clearly there is a market for it, otherwise we wouldn't be deciding if they can do it. Now there are many people out there...decency police if you will...who will tell me it's an abomination to allow exotic dancers to do their thing. But guess what? If I don't want to see them I don't have to enter their club. It's that easy. Just as if I don't want my daughter listening to gangster rap, I can change the channel. And seriously? Stripping at 11:00 is so much more moral than stripping at midnight? Whatever.

The Journey - update

I don't think I told you that we had a follow up appointment with the cardiologist on the 22nd. We are 3 months post op now. The great news is that R was given a "full release." It truly is great news. And while I am so happy I can't see straight, I'm also scared out of my mind. I simply don't understand how in 3 months you go from needing help to sit up to a full release with no restrictions. It's hard for me to let go. I know that I can't keep him in a bubble forever, but it's so scary.

Before we found out his surgery was imminent, he was training for a marathon. I was so proud of him for doing it and was encouraging him every step of the way. But now, I am having such a hard time being encouraging. He wants to start training again. I want him to live. I mean, I know it's not that drastic, I do. But damn it, it's hard. I know I can walk outside and get hit by a truck. But running a marathon for a cardiac patient is so......fuck. It's so wonderful and I am such a schmuck for not wanting him to do it. I'm getting better and promise to try to keep my freakness to myself.

I think I've figured out a way to work through this. I think the only way I'm going to be okay with him running a marathon is to actually run with him. Holy shit. I guess it's time to get my butt back into exercise and work up to running, then, hopefully, by spring, be in a position to start training. Wow. Now that I've said that out loud (you know what I mean) I can't take it back. Wish me luck, I'm gonna need it.

Happy Birthday

One of my pseud0 nieces turns 18 today. 18 is such a happy birthday. She's struggling with having a great birthday, though, as her mom has cancer and just got out of the hospital after having surgery to remove it. For the past 3 months, my niece has had to watch her mom go through chemo & radiation, help her younger sister with her school work, and manage the household responsibilities so her dad could help her mom. She has really taken her family and the responsibilities of it and carried them around with her, all while maintaining a 3.9 GPA. A bunch of us are going to bring over dinner and try to make her smile today. I hope she knows how proud we all are of her. She is a wonderful person and thinks of everyone else before herself. If anyone deserves a great birthday, it's her.

Happy Birthday, Jho Marie.

Lazy Saturday

Swiped this from O'Mama, who swiped it from Tense Teacher. Feeling a bit tongue tied today, so this is great timing.

What’s your name spelled backwards?
bons rammarg - Sounds a bit like bad porn, don't you think?!

What did you do last night?
Visited my friend who came home from the hospital. It was so good to see her back home. She's getting some of her spunk back which is sure to help as there's still more chemo to come.

The last thing you downloaded onto your computer?
Firefox update.

Have you ever licked a 9 volt battery?
Um, no. Ewww.

Last time you swam in a pool?
I dangled my feet in one this summer, does that count?

What are you wearing?
Black yoga pants (even though I don't yoga) and a long sleeve white tee shirt.

How many cars have you owned?
2 myself, drove 3 my parents bought me. My first car was FANTASTIC. '77 Chevy Caprice Classic with a Camaro 350 engine and a bad muffler. I loved that car. Then a Mazda 626 that ran like a dream until I blew the head gasket. Moved on to a Nissan Sentra with a stick shift and no power steering or brakes. Driving was an adventure! My first ever new car was a Honda Civic that I sold after Booger was born because I wanted a 4 door car for convenience. Bought a '98 Dodge Stratus from my cousin and have been driving it since. It's 10 years old now (they bought it in '97) and still runs well. Might be looking for something new once I can find a job!

Type of music you dislike most?
Twangy country.

Are you registered to vote?
Sure am.

Do you have cable?
Oh, yeah.

What kind of computer do you use?
My HP Laptop. Bought it a few monts ago and I love it. LOVE.

Ever made a prank phone call
My friends and I still do this....though it's much harder with caller ID...usually we know it's each other, but it's a contest to see how long you can keep going without laughing.

You like anyone right now?
Booger's sitting next to me drawing. I like her very much like this. Sitting nearby just being together.

Would you go bungee jumping or sky diving?
Not a chance.

Furthest place you ever traveled?
Vancouver, BC. 2004. One of the best vacations ever.

What’s your favorite comic strip?
Calvin and Hobbes

Do you know all the words to the national anthem?
Yes, but sadly, without the music, I think I would get it out of order.

Shower, morning or night?
I prefer them in the morning - my hair is awful if I go to bed with it wet.

Best movie you’ve seen in the past month?
Booger and I went to the theater to see The Game Plan. Not a great movie, but she loved it and having a girl day was the best!

Favorite pizza toppings?
Pepperoni and mushroom or chicken, bacon & pineapple.

Chips or popcorn?
Popcorn. Made on the stove.

Which cell phone provider do you have?
Sprint.

Have you ever smoked peanut shells?
Uh.....no? Should I?

Have you ever been in a beauty pageant?
I ran for Ottawa County Fair Queen once. Hot, right? No, I didn't win.

Orange Juice or apple juice?
Orange - fresh and sweet.

Who were the last people you sat at lunch with?
J and J. We went yesterday and it was fun. I ate too much, though.

Favorite chocolate bar?
Organic Mama introduced me to Green & Black's and I'm hooked.

Who is your longest friend and how long?
Kel and I have been friends since 4th grade.

Last time you ate a homegrown tomato?
Last month - grown at my in-laws.

Have you ever won a trophy?
Awards, yes. Trophies, no.

Favorite arcade game?
Galaga.

Ever ordered from an infomercial?
Yep.

Sprite or 7-UP?
Sprite, but only drink it if I have a tummy ache.

Have you ever had to wear a uniform to school/work?
Yep - used to wear referee stripes at FootLocker when I was in HS.

Last thing you bought at Walgreens?
A few magazines to read in the hospital.

Ever thrown up in public?
Yes, and it was awful.

Would you prefer being a millionaire or finding true love?
I am lucky to have true love....so BRING ON THE CASH!

Do you believe in love at first sight?
Lust at first sight. Love at first conversation, though.

Spongebob or Jimmy Neutron?
Neither. We don't watch them.

Did you have long hair as a young kid?
No because my hair was such a disaster my mom couldn't keep to groomed. She would tell me that she could brush it and I could sit perfectly still - 10 minutes later it looked like a bird's nest.

What message is on your voicemail machine?
A friendly little request for you to leave a message.

Where would you like to go right now?
The mall. Without a budget. I could really go for some retail therapy!

Whats the name of your pet?
Ally the Wonderdog

What kind of backpack do you have, and what’s in it?
I bought this (in a nice shade of shimmery army green) before R's surgery and have been carrying it since. At any given moment it has tissues, small pieces of chocolate, chapstick, phone charger, Nintendo DS and games. It also is the home for a tiny little silver angel pin - a gift that gives off great energy.

What do you think about most?
Right now, it's getting a job.

Edited to add a missed apostrophe. I will not tell you where. :-)

Halloween Drama

I used to love Halloween. As a child, I could, for one blissful evening, be anyone I desired. I always had such grand expectations for the night. Invariably, though, I end up with some stupid inflatable martian hat on my head and no good candy. (Holy crap, I just had a flashback of the stupid inflatable martian hat on my head....I think it was 5th grade - must be more bitter about that than I thought.)

I pray that this year is not that year for Booger. You see, she wanted to be Violet from the Incredibles. Violet has been an integral part of Booger's wardrobe - sparking her insistance for the daily headband. Booger looks like Violet - big brown eyes, long dark hair with bangs. I bought her the Violet costume. Had to order it online as it was not available in store. I ordered it 6 weeks ahead of time and we are all very excited.

Until the time came to actually wear the costume. Oh, my holy great green beans the drama. Just so you know, Violet is a super hero little girl. She can turn invisible and she can create force fields. You and I know that costumes do no come with super powers. It appears that my 5 year old, sadly, did not realize this. She put on the costume and looked down at her body. When she could still see it, she looked at me like I cut her finger off with a spork. Then, THEN....when no force field shot out of her hands....oh my goodness.

She hated the fact that she was not invisible and couldn't throw force fields. And the stupid boot covers. Oh, and the itchy embroidery. And the gloves kept shifting. And WHY AM I NOT INVISIBLE? And possibly the phase of the moon.

I am so glad Halloween is over. And next year, no super hero costumes. Somebody remind me of that, okay?

Happy November

NaBloPoMo - Day 1. For those of you who may not know, it's National Blog Posting Month. You sign up by committing to post every day in November. Every single day. I tend to want to write everyday, then let other things distract me and don't. So, maybe this will keep me motivated.

As I sit here watching shows to clear the DVR it dawns on me that I watch way too much TV. There was a time, not too long ago that I watched one TV show. The West Wing was my one true TV love. I think TV sucked back then. West Wing was, for me, the only show worth watching. Now, I like a little brainless entertainment from time to time, but have a hard time sitting through television shows that don't somehow strike a chord inside me. They need to be smart or funny and preferable both. Or at least have some eye candy! Anyway, I watch far too many shows now. I can't decide if TV's better or if I'm less picky. Luckily we have a DVR so I don't have to watch watch the shows when they actually air. Why spend an hour when you can spend 40 minutes, right? I'm so lazy.

I thought I'd list the shows I watch. I am such a sucker for lists!

Monday
Chuck - funnier than I thought it would be.
How I Met Your Mother - holy hilarious.
Heroes - I'm late to the Heroes phenomenon, but am sucked in now.

Tuesday
House - I have such a crush on House.
Cane - Jimmy Smits. Isn't that enough?

Wednesday
Private Practice - this is way better than I expected.
Dirty Sexy Money - started watching for Peter Krause (from Sports Night) - this show is a guilty pleasure. It's so fun!

Thursday
Grey's Anatomy - who doesn't love this show?
Big Shots - this show is so funny. You should watch it.

Not sure what days:
Mythbusters
Dirty Jobs
Good Eats