Memories and Mischief

I've Moved!

2012-11-14T07:36:00.002-08:00

I'm not sure if anyone actually still reads here or not, but I thought I'd throw this out there. I've moved to Wordpress, which is more friendly and less friendly all at the same time. I'd love to have you over there with me!

Hope to see you there!

Random Tuesday Thoughts: Tuesdays are my Mondays

2010-05-25T00:13:00.000-07:00

I work Tuesday through Saturday, so every week I go into work on Tuesday, and everyone has already gotten through there Monday. Well for me, I experience that back to work blah feeling on Tuesday and not Monday. It really sucks to be the only one working who doesn't want to be there...oh wait. Nevermind. It just really sucks working and I'll leave it at that. Sounds like someone has a case of the Mondays.

Speaking of working, guess how many actual working days I have left. Go on, I'll wait. If your guess was 33, you're wrong. However, if instead you thought it was 11 then you win a prize for being right! Hopefully the knowledge that you are incredibly insightful will be enough, it's all I've got.

My replacement has been hired, whoopie! He starts shadowing me in a few days, won't that be a lot of fun! I'm not really a people person, and I don't like other people in my space. But soon I will have my very own sidekick. I wonder if I should make us matching T-shirts?

My Father in law is flying into town later this morning, and I am fortunate enough to say that I'm really looking forward to it. He's a great guy, and we get along pretty well. Which works out great, since you know, I'm moving down there so that we can be neighbors an all. He's an amazing person, Justin shares a lot of the same great qualities. I am so happy that Tysen is going to grow up with such a wonderful grandpa. His grandma is pretty darn great too, but she isn't coming into town, so she isn't part of this random paragraph. Well, now she is I suppose.

It's late, I haven't had much sleep in the last few days, so forgive me for this being totally lame.

I think I must have been the last person to know about the IsParade app for Twitter. Oh my god! I can't stop watching it. Seriously, what is wrong with me that I am this easily entertained?

Thank you for your kind words on yesterdays post. I hadn't had a chance to read the comments until just a few minutes ago. I appreciate the support especially when I question myself.

And with that bit of sentimentality this edition of Random Tuesday Thoughts brought to you by the letter L for Lame, is done. Please head on over to Keely's place for even better random.

Who is that crazy lady in the mirror?

2010-05-24T00:41:00.000-07:00

I'm not really proud of myself lately. It takes a lot to admit, but I've become that mom I always swore I wouldn't be. It seems these days that I just don't have any patience when it comes to Tysen and his misbehaving. A dear, kind friend told me that it was likely due to the stress of moving. She's probably right; but I still feel like a crappy parent.

Yesterday I found myself yelling, actually full of anger directed at my dear sweet boy. The behavior wasn't any different than one he might have had a month or so ago. But twice Sunday I was ashamed to realize that I had lost it and had stopped being the rational, controlled mom I used to be.

It's not just Tysen that seems to push me from calm to crazy in a matter of seconds, but I notice it most when it's directed at a two year old. He still loves me, still gives me hugs and kisses. But I feel like a horrible parent when I look into his beautiful blue eyes that hold only love and affection.

I have to find a balance between crazy stressed out psycho and the happy zen I long to be. It's obvious I won't be returning to the land of unicorns and cotton candy for a while. Hopefully I can survive this place for now, without doing too much damage to Tysen. I hate that I'm so freaked out all the time and I can't just let it go. I want to let it go, but obviously it's not happening.

I need to take some deep breaths and go meditate or something.

Mocha Friday

2010-05-21T08:47:00.000-07:00

There are a lot of things I don't like about my job. A LOT. I could go on for hours and I am pretty sure most of my friends could recite the list backwards and forwards. All of these make for a very long work week. But at the end of the week, it's Friday. Not just any Friday, but Mocha Friday. This has been a long standing tradition I have joyfully shared with two of the greatest friends I'll ever have.

We've walked this path countless times, sharing our joys and our sorrows. It's the time I have to share my burdens with someone who gladly takes it on and for me to return the favor. I don't know how I would have made it through a lot of the challenges I've faced the last few years without this quiet walk with my friends. We've shared some pretty funny stories along this path, some stories that maybe we didn't share with anyone else.

We leave for our new home on a Friday. It will be one of many Fridays without my friends and our tradition. We've missed many Mocha Fridays throughout the years due to days off or unexpected work changes. But there won't be a next week or a week after that and Fridays will never be the same.

I love you guys.

I'd like to take a moment to apologize...

2010-05-20T11:57:00.000-07:00

But that's really not in my nature, so I'll just offer up excuses instead. Not sure if you noticed my absence during the last two weeks or so. Maybe you did and wondered where I was, or didn't care, or didn't notice at all. Hell, there's a lot on the internets these days, so it's not like without me you were left with no options.

Excuse #1: I've been sick the last two weeks, first with a stomach virus and now with a horrible head cold. It's hard to breath when your sick, nevermind type and think. Right now I've got an enormous headache that makes opening my eyeballs very difficult.

Excuse #2: I've been stressing over moving, leaving work and everything that comes with those two events.

Excuse #3: I'm working on a big move for my blog, and that's kind of consumed a lot of brain waves. The redesign isn't coming along as I had envisioned and it's got me a little down.

Excuse #4: I'm just plain busy, and it's only going to get worse. I barely have time to look at my reader to know how far behind I'm getting. I haven't read other blogs in forever, and I'm so far behind. Must catch up.

Yah, that's about it. A good friend, Julie Maloney, is a finalist in the ny Style X10 Blogger Contest, so go visit and give her some love!

Wordless Wednesday: 17 Days Left!!

2010-05-19T10:19:00.000-07:00

Monkey Monday Minute

2010-05-10T14:10:00.000-07:00

This week's Monday Minute has been renamed, and for a very important reason. Please click the button and head on over to Michelle's site read more.

1 - How old do you act? I don't know how old I ACT, but I certainly look like I'm about 15.

2 - As far back as you can remember, what did you want to be when you grew up? I always wanted to be a lawyer, but now that I've actually been to college and gotten a look at how the real world works, I'd rather be a lady of leisure.

3 - If you were to write a book based on your life, what would the title be? This one stumped me, I can't imagine every wanting to write a book about my life, unless of course something super exciting happens during the rest of my life.

4 - What's something that you do that's considered "childish" by most? I really love cheesy Disney Channel and Fox Family movies. Just can't get enough of those!

5 - The last question isn't a question. Write a story of a time of when you or someone you know overcame great adversity. I have this amazing, wonderful friend who lost both of his parents when he was a teenager and was diagnosed with brain cancer in his early twenties. He could have taken those experiences and become a very negative and angry person. But he survived the cancer (which has come back and he's kicking it's ass AGAIN!) and is the kindest, funniest person. I am awed by his wonderful outlook on life. I count myself very lucky to call this man a friend.

Spam for me and Spam for YOU!

2010-05-07T09:04:00.000-07:00

Today I am at a loss for words, really, I'm just down right speechless. I think I'm going through an isolationism phase in my life; it won't last long I'm sure. Anyhow...I was doing some spring cleaning of my email inbox, and discovered so many great gems in my spam folder that I couldn't keep them for myself, I have to share.

My favorite is the email that claims "no matter WHAT I'm selling they can send visitors to my sight." Is that not just total awesomeness? I don't even have to do anything! Just download their software and BAM, increased hits practically instantly. I think I might try it out.

For all my medical needs, is the email that simply states:

VICODIN####VIAGRA#####PERCOCET!!!

How can I pass that up? I do often have a craving for some viagra, but worry that my doctor will think I'm a little strange, so I haven't said anything about it. Maybe I should click on the link...hmmm. I'll consider it.

Last but not least, the answer to my prayers. Michael claims that I can "Quit Your Day Job Within 30 Days"

See, I'm already going to be quiting my job in a little OVER 30 days, so if this can speed up the process AND give me a guaranteed income, why not?

And that my friends is my spam folder. It's not much, but just KNOWING that I can get rich quick AND have access to all my favorite drugs...well, what's NOT to like?

My life in song, or at least lyrics…I don’t sing. Well, I do, but not when other people are in the car.

2010-05-06T11:56:00.001-07:00

Sometimes when I’m stressed and freaked out, it is hard to keep everything in perspective. I mean, it MUST be a big deal, because it’s my life, and I’m pretty damn awesome AND important. I’m not sure why the rest of the world doesn’t simply stop when I’m hovering on the verge of a mental breakdown. But, it doesn’t.

I was feeling that way this morning when I heard Pearl Jam’s Just Breath, a song that always makes me feel like all is right in my world. And so, I will share it with you, because perhaps you need to know that it’s not as scary as it seems.

Yes I understand
That every life must end
As we sit alone
I know someday we must go

Oh I'm a lucky man
To count on both hands
The ones I love
Some folks just have one
Yeah others they got none

Stay with me
Let's just breathe

Practiced on our sins
Never gonna let me win
Under everything
Just another human being

I don't want to hurt
There's so much in this world
to make me believe

Stay with me
All I see

Did I say that I need you?
Did I say that I want you?
What if I did and I'm a fool you see
No one knows this more than me
'cause I come clean

I wonder everyday
As I look upon your face
Everything you gave
And nothing you would take
Nothing you would take
Everything you gave

Did I say that I need you?
Did I say that I want you?
What if I did and I'm a fool you see
No one knows this more than me
I come clean

Nothing you would take
Everything you gave
Hold me till I die
Meet you on the other side

Wordless Wednesday-Shameless exploitation of my child due to lack of creativity. How you doin'?

2010-05-05T08:33:00.000-07:00

Random Tuesday Thoughts, It's just crap, and I'm sorry, but it's what you get today.

2010-05-03T22:16:00.000-07:00

It's Tuesday, so it's supposed to be random thoughts. Our cables been jacked all day, so this is all I have time for right now. Enjoy!

Six Word Saturday

2010-05-01T10:53:00.000-07:00

It's Saturday again, which means we made it through yet another week. Hooray! I don't know about you, but this week sure seemed to drag on, and the weekend is already flying by. How does this happen every week? And because it's Saturday, that means it's time for Six Word Saturday, brought to you by Cate at Show My Face. We dedicate each Saturday to describing life (or hell, someone elses) or whatever might be happening at that particular moment.

I am NOT a morning person.

In fact, I pretty much HATE mornings. I wasn't always this way. Don't get me wrong, I wasn't an early bird kind of gal, ever. But once I was up and going the mornings were too horrible. That was before Tysen. Now, he's awake at 6:00am whether he goes to bed at 6:00pm or midnight. He's amazing like that. His little internal clock insists that something must be happening at such an ungodly hour and he has to partake. Now early mornings are a way of life, and I miss rolling around in bed until noon. Ahhh, the good ol' days.

Wordless Wednesday: This is just the beginning

2010-04-28T08:40:00.001-07:00

Random Tuesday Thoughts. I like you, I really do, but why are you making so much work for me?

2010-04-26T22:45:00.000-07:00

It’s Tuesday, which means it’s time to get your random on!

There’s nothing I love more than stumbling upon a new blog, either on my own or with a friend of a friend of a friend’s recommendation. I love sitting and reading through months worth of old posts. Getting to know the back stories and little details that make a blog great. And of course, once I decide that YES indeed, I do want to read more in the future, I am damn sure going to subscribe to the RSS feed. But wait, where is it? Please, for the love of all that is bloggy, stop hiding the subscribe button! There is no way I can be counted on to remember to come back and read without adding you to my reader, I’m just not that with it. So, that’s all on that.

I keep a notepad in my purse to jot down ideas I think would make great blog posts, for an impromptu grocery trip, things I need to do when I get home. You get the idea. This usually works really well, I have it within reach at all times, and rarely do thoughts fall out of my brain to simply be lost. The problem with this method is that it requires having a pen handy. Something I actually don’t tend to have. Somehow I’ve got to make the pen stay near the notepad, but so far, I have failed at that.

I absolutely CANNOT stand the phrase “it is what it is.” I mean, OBVIOUSLY that’s the case. The phrase is so over used by just about everyone I know, and I just want to smack the words out of them. I don’t, because I’m nonviolent and all. But seriously people, it’s annoying. Do me a favor, come up with something else, something that in six months is going to be just as overused.

I tend to listen to the radio when I’m driving to and fro. I have a horrible habit of listening to 3/4 of a song thinking, “I can’t stand this song.” Yes, it takes me that long to actually change the station. And it’s not even that hard, the controls are on my steering wheel. I guess it just takes that long for my brain to process the fact that I actually have the option of changing the station. I’m awesome like that.

Now head on over to The Un Mom for more random! GO!

Winner of the pamper yourself giveaway!

2010-04-26T14:35:00.000-07:00

I'm pretty sure I said I was going to do this on Friday, but I sort of forgot. And then I sort of got busy with weekend stuff and well, now it's Monday and here I am finally announcing the winner of the pamper yourself giveaway from Erin at Homemade Love

B from Life in the Bat Cave is our winner!

Paranoid Mommy, Over Using Google. Not Good.

2010-04-22T21:09:00.000-07:00

I haven’t talked too much lately about the T-man. He’s doing fabulously, happy most days, eager to learn and explore new things. He’s in a truly great stage right now. We can share his experiences and he still sees his parents as his heroes. Most days are great, with a few not so great moments sprinkled in to keep life interesting.

But, then there are the days that just bring on stress and anxiety. As a parent, these are the hardest, because there’s so much unknown, and often too much information to actually find a solution. The other day, someone mentioned a specific issue, or problem, that she noticed Tysen was having. It caused me a lot of stress, and lead to questioning where I had gone wrong as a mom, what I could have done better or differently.

And then, of course, I hit Google up for some answers. Just so you know, Google sucks and can lead to hysteria. While you may innocently enter a few key words of a phrase, you get all kinds of results that may not be related, but they will sure scare the hell out of you. I know the person who I was talking to didn’t intend for me to Google, and was probably not as bothered by our conversation as I was. But I did. So now not only am I stressed and laden with mommy guilt, I’ve also added freaked out and scared to the mix.

Thanks a lot Google.

Boxes, and Packing Tape, and Moving Trucks. OH MY!

2010-04-21T21:05:00.000-07:00

I’m not sure if you know this, but I’m moving. I know, shocking, right? I don’t mention it often, since it’s rarely in the forefront of my mind. As if that could ever happen! I think about it constantly! There are empty boxes everywhere, just waiting to be taped and packed and taped again. There are half full boxes waiting for more things to be thrown in there. There are full boxes waiting to be taken to the donation drop off which is only open on weekends. Who thought that one up, by the way? I am BUSY PACKING on the weekends, I don’t have time to drop shit off until the following day. Maybe I’m the only one with this problem though, who knows.

I’ve been scouring the internets for hints and tips and plans and everything moving related. The husband likes to say that a little information is dangerous, and a lot of information in my hands is even worse. He’s a real joker that one. But I need that, I need to know. If I don’t have a plan, I feel lost and confused. And I think we all know I’ve got enough of those feelings to last long enough without adding to the mix.

My poor child is actually looking forward to moving to Texas, I’m not sure what’s going on in his crazy mind. He is only two, that might have something to do with it. All he knows is that he gets to fly on an airplane and he’ll be seeing Nana and Papa a LOT more often. What’s not to like? Every day he asks me if it’s time to go to Texas. He is ready to pack up his toys and get on with the move. I wish I could be a little more like him, but I’m not, I’m me. And this me is slightly terrified.

We have to figure out how to get all of our stuff down there along with our super earth friendly Ford Explorer. We had been planning to rent a GIANT truck (duh!) and a trailer and hook one up to the other and off the husband goes for his three day drive. He won’t be alone, he’ll be getting in some father-son bonding time with my father-in-law, and they will share the driving duties. Unfortunately after some online research it appears that our gas guzzler might be too heavy to tow behind a moving truck. So now we’re trying to figure that one out. Oh, and the Explorer? The AC isn’t working. Awesome, right?

Anywhat, we are trying to figure all these little details out that add up to one GIANT move. I know people have moved across the country before, even to different continents. I’m not the first, I’m not original. But it’s the first time for me. Maybe some of those brave souls who have had to trek thousands of miles with a few decades worth of ~~crap~~ cherished possessions can offer some times, maybe a little advice to keep me from going off into crazy land. Please, tell this novice what to DO!!

Wordless Wednesday: Irony and The Dewey Decimal System

2010-04-20T23:59:00.000-07:00

I survived Monday, only to find I had to write a post Tuesday. This is all I’ve got.

2010-04-20T09:35:00.001-07:00

It’s Tuesday, which means we managed to survive another Monday. It also means it’s time for some random, so read this, and then head on over to The Un Mom for some more random. You can’t have enough random in your life. I wonder how many times I can say random in one paragraph.

I often find myself very annoying, so I can only imagine what others must think of me. Maybe I should clarify. I often find myself in situations that annoy me, only I somehow manage to perpetuate the situation so that it happens over and over again. And then I become annoyed with myself once I noticed my actions. I know I need to stop, but somehow I can’t. I should probably explain, but I like being all cryptic with you this morning.

The husband and I are often fighting over who is taking up more space in our bed. He seems to think that somehow he is entitled to more room just because he’s taller and bigger. I don’t think so. We’re married, so that means I get at LEAST half, if not more. That’s how God intended it. Granted, we have a king size bed, you’d think there would be more than enough room for both of us. Somehow there never is though.

I’ve mentioned before that I do my best thinking around 1:00am. The problem with this is that I think all that great wisdom and creativity somehow seeps into my pillow around 5:00am, because I always wake up just as dull and boring as the day before. I need to somehow end this vicious and draining cycle.

I went to the dentist yesterday, it was not a barrel of laughs. I had a headache when I got there, so things didn’t go so well. I love my dentist, he’s Canadian, and talks like he is. I think the reason my dentist loves me is that I have FANTASTIC dental coverage. We’re in a recession here people, dental insurance is becoming a thing of the past, and here I am, double covered. I’m probably one of the few patients who can still pay my bill. So of course he wants to see me again in a few weeks, I’m just that awesome.

I have ten weeks left of work. TEN. WEEKS. People, that’s hardly anything! It will be over in the blink of an eye. After that, no more early Saturday mornings, no more bossing people around (except the husband of course). Then it will be all cardboard boxes and moving trucks. Oh, the joy. I can hardly contain myself.

Nothing to see here, nothing at all

2010-04-19T14:30:00.000-07:00

I don't have anything exciting or fun to say today. I had to go to the dentist, and they sucked all the wit right out of me. My face is numb, I think I just bit my tongue and I will probably have to drink my dinner. So, on that exciting note, have a happy Monday, I will see you back again on Tuesday

Six Word Saturday.

2010-04-17T07:20:00.000-07:00

Describe your life, of something happening in it, or whatever you feel like at the moment. Give details, or not. It's up to you!

ALL I EVER DO IS WAIT

I’m Excited! A Treat Yourself Giveaway!

2010-04-14T21:01:00.000-07:00

I’m excited today because I’m doing a giveaway, and who doesn’t like winning? I like winning, but unfortunately I can’t win this one, I’m pretty sure that would be a conflict of interest.
So, you may be asking yourself, “what could possibly be so wonderful?” And I will answer, after I introduce you to the person responsible for this prize. Everyone, meet Erin owner and operator of Homemade Love, which can be found at Sugar and Spice. Erin has always loved creating things that are natural, beautiful and comforting. Her line of homemade, all natural items fit into this perfectly.

The fabric on the eye mask will be of a different fabric

Erin packages her bath salts in poly bags, rather than a larger decorative container, to reduce waist and shipping costs.
The giveaway ends Thursday April 22nd at 11:59, PST. I will draw a winner from all the comments using Random.org on Friday April 23rd and the winner will be notified here and through email.
Now that you know what you’re playing for, here are the various ways that you can enter to win, you can do one or all of these, please leave a comment indicating you’ve done so:

Leave a comment because comments are blogger crack
Tweet about this giveaway, and leave the link to your tweet (if you know how) in a comment.
Blog about this giveaway and leave the link in your comment
Follow me on Twitter
Subscribe the the Memories and Mischief RSS feed
Add Memories and Mischief to your blog roll

And that’s it ~~I hope~~. Good luck!

Wordless Wednesday: Too Much Junk = 7 Bags For Donation

2010-04-13T21:11:00.001-07:00

Really Blogger? REALLY?? Oh, And It’s Possible I Have an Unhealthy Obsession With Socks.

2010-04-12T21:10:00.001-07:00

Let’s just get this random started, I have a lot of pent up energy.

First off, Blogger hates me. I know it’s personal, and I will not put up with it anymore! First Blogger ate my comments, so I added a widget. Then Blogger ate my widget, so I deleted it and went back to the standard craptastic blogger comment form. But NOOO! Blogger couldn’t be satisfied with that. Again my comments were being eaten, so I had to reconfigure it and now I get a few comments now and then. But I KNOW blogger is still eating them. The latest move against me is that blogger will randomly change my font, so don’t be surprised if there are three or four different fonts as you’re reading. I’ve got my eye on you, Blogger. Your time here is short, don’t mess with me!

It’s spring here, in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, so of course that means rain for days. I’m tired of the rain, tired of the drizzle and the showers. I’m tired of the wind and feeling as though my car will be blown off the road at any minute. There is very little about the rain that I will miss. I will miss listening to the rain as I fall asleep, I’ll miss sharing that with Tysen. We were at a new year’s eve party and he was sleepy so we sat and listened to the rain. He still asks if we can snuggle and listen to the rain. That I will miss.

I recently discovered the joy of knee socks. I advise everyone to go out and buy several dozen pairs, because they are freaking amazing! Now, I'm not talking trouser socks, or anything dignified. Stripes, plaid, stars, hearts, argyles or anything dorky will do. I don’t know how to describe the level of comfort, so you will just have to trust me. Go to Target, buy them, wear them, love them. Go!

You know what I don’t understand? Well, a lot of things, but this in particular. Why do people put those little family decals on their car, with the name of each child underneath the little stick figures? Seriously, could you be any more obvious that you want your child to be abducted? Maybe I’m just incredibly paranoid, maybe I’m giving it more thought than it requires. Or maybe some parents aren’t giving it enough.

Phew, I feel better now. I’m done being random, but there is more to be found if you head on over to The Un Mom. So go visit, get your random on then go to Target and buy some knee socks!

Road Rage Is Alive and Well My Friends

2010-04-12T09:53:00.000-07:00

I love driving in my car, the wind in my hair and singing at the top of my lungs to the greatest songs of the 80s. Or I used to love these things. That was before I started commuting to work. When I first started this job the highway I had to take was under construction. For almost two years. The backup was horrific and what should have been a thirty minute drive could easily take 90 minutes. Over the course of those two years, I learned a lot about myself as a driver (I’m exceptional!) and quite a bit more about my fellow commuters. I’d like to share some of those lessons with you. I’m sure you have you’re own, feel free to add them.

If you drive in Washington, there is a rule that MUST be obeyed! Any deviation from this rule will result in very hostile drivers around you. Simply put, if you want the person in front of you to speed up, try passing them on the right. I know, I know. It’s crazy logic, I mean normally the LEFT lane is for passing. We have our own rule here though, so if you try to pass someone on the right, 95% of the time they will speed up for a few miles. For some, the left lane is just a nicer place to drive, at whatever speed feels right. Doesn’t much matter if that speed is 20mph under the speed limit. This is also true of drivers from BC. Don’t get me wrong, I love our neighbors to the north, but they are almost worse drivers than those from Washington.

Now should the worst happen, and your car catches fire it won’t do you any good to have a state patrol car drive by. I kid you not, last week a car about 1/4 of a mile in front of me pulled off the road with flames coming out the front. I thought surely the WSP car behind me would pull over to offer some assistance. Nope, he blew right by the flame engulfed car, along with the rest of us.

I live and drive in the Pacific Northwest. That means it rains here, frequently. I would like to assume that most people are aware of how the rain affects the road conditions and are wise enough to alter their driving accordingly. However there seems to be a rain freak out phenomenon that occurs for 9 months of the year, where drivers forget these lessons.

I know there are more fine examples of little truths and lessons I have learned along the way, but I have lost my train of thought and so this is all I have to offer you. Hopefully some of my kind readers will have some to share.