MOMMY VENTURES

A Baby's Angel

noreply@blogger.com (starlightmommy) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 20:43:00 +0000

On March 19, 2006 my mom gave me a page that she had created on her word processing program. She said that it was a poem that I had one gave to her so I have NO Idea where it came from or who I should credit.

At nearly 6 years ago this poem meant something to me but not anything like it means to me now. While I deal with the loss of Page oh so much better now. There are days like today that when I am cleaning my bedroom and I run across those baby onesies that I want to give to a mommy who has a baby girl and now this poem that bring tears to my face.

What is important is God is with us "right next to us" the whole time and while there may be days and moments that we tend to forget it, it is our faith in God that brings us right back walking right next to God. I haven't strayed in my faith. I still believe that there is a purpose for each and every breath.

Enjoy the poem.
To whomever wrote this first, I may not know who you are, but I thank you for your gentle words.

A Baby's Angel

Once upon a time, there was a child, ready to be born.

One day he asked "God: they tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow, but how am I going to live there, being so small?"

Among the many angels, I chose one for you. She will be waiting for you and will take care of you.

"But tell me, here in Heaven, I don't do anything else but sing and smile, that's enough for me to be happy. And how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me, if I don't know the language men talk?"

Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel will teach you how to speak.

"And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?"

Your Angele will place your hands together, and teach you how to pray.

"I've heard that on earth there are bad men. Who will protect me?"

Your angel will defend you, even it it means risking its own life.

"But, I will always be sad because I will not see your anymore.

Your angel will always talk to you about me, and teach you the way for you to come back to me, even though I will always be next to you.

At that moment, there was much peace in Heaven, but voices from the earth could already be heard, and the child in a hurry, asked softly: "Oh God, if I am about to leave now, please tell me my angel's name."

Your angel's name is of no importance,

you will simply call her MOMMY.

~Unknown

Mouthy

noreply@blogger.com (starlightmommy) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 17:14:00 +0000

I bit my lip on Monday. I was mad and trying to eat all at the same time. This resulted in me biting my lip, pretty hard in fact. By Thursday it was a miserable canker sore. On Friday a 2nd canker sore popped up where the fattness of the first canker sore caused my teeth to rub on the upper part of my lip.

I have been plain miserable. I have problems falling to sleep because I keep trying to figure out what to do with my mouth. I end up sounding like I need suction or something. It really is painful and really does hurt.

Doing everyday tasks really does make you think twice about your mouth. I can't so much eat a hamburger because trying to keep the tomato or burger juices off that tender part is really trying. I ate one last night and I used a knife and fork until I could get it small enough.

Talking, Sleeping, and Eating......I am ready for this mouthy canker sore to begin to heal and go away!

Open and Honest

noreply@blogger.com (starlightmommy) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 16:04:00 +0000

Everywhere I look I see a pregnant mommy, a picture of a pregnant mommy, a mommy carrying a newborn child. I can't go anywhere in my routine of life without seeing it.

My across the street neighbor is pregnant due any day (well she's 38 weeks). My sister in law is pregnant also due "any day" as she is nearing 38 weeks as well. A lady in my home group turned 38 weeks yesterday/today. Where was I 38 weeks ago? Really, it must have been the "right time" for all these people.

I struggle to go to baby showers (mind you that isn't why I almost missed my sister in laws baby shower last night). I think about my loss of life. I think about my Page.

I don't know for sure how many weeks we would have been. I stopped counting. However, I have a cousin-in-law due about the same time I would have been and she recently posted a 27 week picture. I guess that is where I may have been too.

I trust God. I trust that in his perfect timing we will know. Though I openly, honestly, admit some days I feel it more then others.

Low Cal Dinner

noreply@blogger.com (starlightmommy) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 01:35:00 +0000

We're still on our quest to loosing weight. It doesn't come easy as it does require a lifestyle change. Weight didn't creap in overnight. The bad choices didn't shove themselves down my throat. I am a big part to blame.
I am a stay at home mom. I hate to see food wasted. Yep, I eat some to keep from tossing it.
I am the head chef here. I do taste the food as it cooks, most usually, but I always use a clean spoon each and every time.
Tonight.....I was simple. Tonight I had dinner prepared in 15 minutes (or actually less) from start to finish.

It was healthy too.
Combine that with the 3 hours at the childrens museum (walking)
And my husband says we need to eat our "Sunday" donuts tonight.
He also says we can eat 2 1/2 cups of blue bell ice cream.
I say...... "don't tempt me"

Talipia
Couscous
Asparagus

Swimmingly

noreply@blogger.com (starlightmommy) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:39:00 +0000

Today, my son had his swim assessment. The whole way to the YMCA my son was nervous and he even said so. He got changed into his swim suit and then he almost didn't want to go beyond the gate to the pool. He was afraid of doing bad. When we got to the front desk I overheard a lady "I am supposed to give a swim test I guess today but I am not sure what the details are......" That is when I introduced her to the swim test aka my son.

I said to him. There is nothing to be nervous about. You love to swim so just show the lady what she wants to know with your swimming. That he was excited about....."just swimming."

We were doing this test because when we signed up the first lady said "well if he has never had lessons then he should be beginner" and that is what she signed him up for. I said but he can swim so maybe he would be advanced and she pulled her cheat sheet out and read off what a beginner would need to do. I said he can do all that plus more with the exception of I am not sure he can swim in 3 different strokes. She said we could go schedule a swim test but she still thought beginner.

I went to the pool and talked to the lady there about scheduling a swim test. She asked me some questions and then she said "I bet he is advanced, because he can swim..... but we will schedule him a test"

Today was test day. As I said my son was VERY very nervous. Once he got into the water he turned into my little fish. He did swimmingly on his test (haha, swimmingly) and he is considered advanced. The instructor gave me a few ideas for him and did tell me that even the advanced class may not be a challenge for him. She said he is very good and that she'd think he'd be a good candidate for a level above.

We will see where swimming takes this boy. Whether it be only this lesson or future lessons. I love him all the same. Hard to believe this boy is nearly 6 years old!

Swim Lessons

noreply@blogger.com (starlightmommy) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 22:23:00 +0000

In August 2011 I decided I wanted my kids to take swim lessons. I only wanted this because my kids love to swim, be in the pool, but most importantly it is a life skill. My son loves the pool a wee bit more then my daughter but she too could stay in the pool for quite a long time if she was given the opportunity.

I thought it would be something great for us to let the kids do and also at the time I was pregnant and I was expecting to be in the 3rd trimester by this time. I thought it would be something that I could do easily for them. While the pregnancy was not meant to be .........swimming lessons were. Today I went to the YMCA where we have a program membership (which will expire in March) to see about swim lessons and get signed up, if possible. I made no promises to the kids but we were in luck.

Monday's and Wednesday's at 5pm my kids will have 8 days to learn to be more like a fish!

However, my son swims oh so much better. He took off swimming in August 2010 by leaps and bounds he was great at it. While it took just a little remembering for him when the pool opened in 2011 he never looked back.

My daughter still prefers to wear her puddle jumper life jacket, but recently we went on vacation over the holidays and they had an indoor pool--we didn't bring the puddle jumper. It was the last night of vacation and I stayed back to pack our stuff up but my husband took the kids to swim. He said she did awesome without a floaty and was swimming a bit more.

I am looking forward to 30 minutes of watching my kids grow up each day!

E Bates

noreply@blogger.com (starlightmommy) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 16:33:00 +0000

Do you shop online?
I try to price compare before actually buying online.
I don't want to help put the brick & mortar stores out of business but frankly there are some things that it just makes more sense to purchase online.
Online exclusive deals just really help me justify my purchase or coupon codes for online only.

The goal is......I won't buy anything that is not a need or for something specific.

I won't buy it only because it is a good deal.
I bought a laminator. I bought it because it was a good deal BUT also because I have a plan for it. I am a homeschool mom. I could not have went and purchased that laminator from any other retailer for a better price. It has a purpose in my home.

I am also a fan of getting my hands on things and looking at it before I buy. However, if the price is right I can go look at it in a store and then not feel guilty buying online.

My kids car seats for example. I don't go to the nearest big box store and buy the cheapest thing my money can buy. Don't get me wrong there is absolutely nothing wrong with that and I would rather kids be in a car seat and be safe then none at all. However, for me and my family we choose to upgrade our car seats for what we believe is a better design overall. That upgrade though does come at a price.

I don't bat an eye when it comes to car seat safety and what I believe is the very best purchase for my kids and our family. But when I can literally save $50 or more by buying it online. I will and I will have no regrets.

That said........I encourage price shopping and comparison.
But I would also like to plug Ebates. I don't normally plug things like this but this is money back in my pocket. This is where I will admit I did not plug this site before Christmas because I don't think that would justify what I believe in. So I waited until after the holidays when the majority of people are shopping with a purpose and not just to buy a gift for their 3rd cousin and all the family in between.

Ebates is a cash back site. You have to log into ebates. Find the website you are looking for. Click on it and they open the webpage for you. It is the exact same webpage but you are shopping through ebates for tracking purposes for your cash back later.

This is also where I admit I've been a member since 2008. I made my first ebates purchase in December 2010 and no I made NO purchases last year through ebates. I simply forgot.

But if there is something you're looking for and you plan on buying online. Why not give ebates a try? If you try, why not let me be your referral? Here is my referal link http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=hcCXZty4tOA96N7eQjuOtA%3D%3D

****This blog post was not solicited by Ebates. All the words are my own. I am just a mom talking about something that can potentially save my friends and readers some money. The referral link could potentially be a gain for me, but others would actually have to click the link and sign up before any bonus is awarded to me******

Back to the Groove

noreply@blogger.com (starlightmommy) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 03:42:00 +0000

Or grindstone
or whatever you want to call it

I was under on my calories today to begin with
Now I am even more under because I went to the gym and worked out

Wow, I'm hungry. It's late. I'm tired.

Waiting until breakfast.

My Trip

noreply@blogger.com (starlightmommy) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 02:11:00 +0000

December 21....we left home and drove 2 1/2 hours or maybe 3 hours.
December 22....we arrived at my parents house
December 26....we went to visit my brother in Kansas
December 27.....we headed back to my parents house
..........found out during an oil change that we had an oil leak
..........made a service appointment for our vehicle to be checked out/fixed
December 28......took the van in for checking and then brought it back since parts needed to be ordered
December 29......back to town for what was told was a 7 hour job on repairs
..........picked up the loaner vehicle at 4pm
December 30.......waited on our vehicle to be finished since it was to be done the day before
..........but I didn't mention THEY BROKE A BOLT trying to fix it.
..........so they had to order more parts
..........then drill out the broken bolt and replace
..........we had breakfast in town with my parents
...........my husband and I took the loaner car on a voyage to ourselves for a few hours
..........the kids went the park and to tour the lake with grammy and grandpa
.........we picked up the van and dropped off the loaner car not 20 minutes before closing
December 31.......we packed up and left my parents house and headed to family vacation
.........went to the smallest walmart grocery section ever in a non supercenter store to buy food
.........husband and I stayed up and drank sparkling grape juice to ring in the new year
.........the neighbors upstairs in the condo very likely were playing donkey basketball in their unit
January 1........we laid around lazily and ventured to shop
January 2........went to Arkansas to visit some good friends for the day
January 3.........we sat around lazy again.
...........went swimming
January 4.........my daughter turned 4 years old!
...........grammy and grandpa drove over for a day visit
...........we opened presents, shopped, ate dinner, and cake
January 5.......we did some more shopping
...........said goodbye to grammy and grandpa as they headed home
...........went swimming
January 6.......we shopped the last mall
...........played 18 holes of mini golf
...........took a wine tour
...........dad took the kids swimming and I packed up the kids bedroom
January 7.........packed up and went towards home
.........we made a stop in the middle of nowhere to eat at a restaurant
.........we know the owner/head chef/waitress
..........we spent 3 hours there
..........we decided to drive til we got home even if it meant 16+ hours from start to finish
January 8........we got home at 1am
..........we ate lunch as a family
..........found a great deal at Lowes on a blind to complete our blind renewal in the main living area
..........we hung 4 blinds but removed 5 blinds from our home. (3 more and we will be completely done)
..........raked the front yard
..........had dinner with the extended family to visit and celebrate again our daughters 4th birthday

Reality set in
Vacation is over, until next time

A Failed Attempt

noreply@blogger.com (starlightmommy) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 01:50:00 +0000

I started my weight loss journey in September after I learned I was going to loose my unborn child. I forged ahead and logged calories but I made sure my caloric intake was high enough not to cause any cause of concern for my impending miscarriage.

It was something to do. To pass time. To look forward to. Yep, counting calories. It took my mind off the little things and the bigger thing that was bringing me down. It kept me in check. Kept me from just gorging from stress or boredom.

Then I lost the baby. That sucked. I weighed myself the day I knew it was all gone. I shouldn't have done that it was a misleading calculation (in my opinion.....my blog my opinion). I never weighed that low again. Not even the very next day. The difference was just under 2 pound (1.5 and above---not sure of the exact).

I still felt like poo poo. I still counted calories. Still something to do. Though at that time I was only maintaining or slightly fluctuating.

Before my birthday (in November) I found out that my HCG levels had dropped and my miscarriage was considered complete. However, I still felt like the postpartum blimp with all the glory that comes with it, or not.

Gosh. Darn It. I wanted nothing more then to FEEL normal. I don't need a blood test to tell me I SHOULD BE normal.

Normal came the week I went to New Orleans for a get away with my husband. I had energy. I had spunk. I had an appetite.

I let myself go. Then came birthday's, travel for 18 days which included Christmas, New Years, and yet another birthday. I fell off the calorie counting bandwagon.

I fell hard.

Reality is I stepped on the scale this morning. I need to get back to it.

Oddly enough I was once down "21 pounds" (again that number is skewed as it was the immediate reaction to knowing that all had passed from the miscarriage).

Today I am only down 14 pounds.

Home.

noreply@blogger.com (starlightmommy) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 20:03:00 +0000

We were gone for 18 days.

We had a good visit with family and friends.
Though I must admit it is so good to be back at home.

Even though I had to go restock everything in my fridge......since I used many things up before leaving.

Good news is....we can eat dinner at home!

Tired......

noreply@blogger.com (starlightmommy) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 01:59:00 +0000

I am tired.
Beyond tired to be exact.

It's the vacation life.
Nothing pressing
Nothing that has to be just so

Just relaxing, but it comes at a price

I was at my parents house for 9 days except one where we went to visit my older brother for 1 day.

I slept on the floor for 3 nights due to a bed issue
We had car problems for 3 days
Then we went on family vacation.

Then to visit friends
Then back to the condo

My daughter had a birthday
And my parents drove over to celebrate with us

We've shopped, walked, and swam

But most of all I have stayed up past midnight, got up at least once in the night and I haven't slept past 7. I'm averaging 1/2 my normal sleep that I get at home.

Thank you h-g-t-v I'm addicted to you and I want to stay up watching

I'm tired and on vacation.

Day in history

noreply@blogger.com (starlightmommy) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 01:51:00 +0000

On this day a few years ago......... It was a Thursday I worked out at the gym I went to a doctors appointment Had lunch with the girls at apple----bees My son was 21 months old My sister in law and her husband watched the 21 month old for date night I ate out with my husband We talked baby names Went to W-al-MA-r-t to look up baby name meanings Picked up my son for the night My husband finally got him to sleep just after 10:30pm At 10:57pm contractions began They were 2 minutes apart We decided to call my inlaws at 12:30am The weather was the coldest it had been......thanks to a strong cold northern wind We met them 1/2 way to transfer a car seat and our sleeping child got to the hospital and checked in by 2:20am I was a 3 At 2:45am I got the epidural We fell asleep in the room......I was so relaxed Woke up at 3:30am to the doctor filling out paperwork in the room and the scale being rolled in and the warming infant bed being turned on. Checked progress.......at 3:45am and I was ready to push a 10 Crap the camera is in the car........ Baby girl born at 3:53am Husband called grandparents in the 4am hour and text messages Can my baby girl really be hours away from 4 years old?

Done

noreply@blogger.com (starlightmommy) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 01:46:00 +0000

Our van had an oil leak, but we didn't know it until......we got an oil change The rear main was leaking. Not a good thing. My husband took the van in on Wednesday and confirmed it was indeed the rear main, they had to order parts. We had to take it back in Thursday for a 7 hour job and $700! Thankfully we bought that extended warrenty. The repair department got the work approved and we only had to pay the deductible for the warrenty. The job was not done in 7 hours and it wasn't even done on Thursday. I picked up a loaner. A dirty, stinky (smelled of cigarette smoke) loaner. It was a car though so we could "go and do" if we wished. Today, Friday, it took them about 8 more hours to finish the job. I wasn't happy. I'm leaving tomorrow. I wanted my van. They got it done. In the nick of time. While I m thankful that it was done and that if we needed repairs we were here anyway and not stranded. I am thankful that we bought that warrenty......we only paid $100 for the deductible. On the road again tomorrow........family vacation!

Vacation

noreply@blogger.com (starlightmommy) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 13:43:00 +0000

It wouldn't be vacation, if, we didn't have something go wrong. Last year we rolled into Louisana and the check engine light came on. I spent 3 hours at the local mall with my kids while my husband took the car to the shop. This year it wasn't time for an oil change (6,000) miles wise but was 3 month wise..........but we were only short miles wise by about 800 and over days wise by about 5 days. Yesterday. Oil low. Oil change needed. Found out at the quick oil change.......we have an oil leak. Yay. Or not. We paid for the oil change and then we made a service appointment. So I'm at my parents house and my husband took his book and headed into town for the car repairs.

Really important

noreply@blogger.com (starlightmommy) — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 02:23:00 +0000

I recently found this list of things hanging on my parents fridge. Really Important Stuff Kids Have Taught Me 1) it is more fun to color outside the lines 2) if you're gonna draw on the wall do it behind the couch 3) ask why until you understand 4) hang on tight 5) even if you have been fishing for 3 hours and haven't gotten nothing except poison ivy and a sunburn, you're still better off than the worm 6) make up the rules as you go along 7) it doesn't matter who started 8) ask for sprinkles 9) if the horse you are drawing looks more like a dog, make it a dog 10) save a place in the line for your friends 11) sometimes you have to take the test before you have finished studying 12) if you want a kitten start asking for a pony 13) just keep banging until someone opens the door 14) making your bed is a waste of time 15) there is no good reason why clothes have to match 16) even Popeyes didnt eat his spinach until he absolutely had to 17) you can't ask to start over just because you're loosing the game 18) you work so hard peddling up the hill that you hate to brake on the way down How true. Sometimes take the advice from kids.....I know that I need to Moore often.

Merry Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (starlightmommy) — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 03:39:00 +0000

The most anticipated day all month. All to celebrate our saviors birth. Merry Christmas, Y'all

An opinion; a thought

noreply@blogger.com (starlightmommy) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 20:07:00 +0000

Yesterday, I was sitting in the home of a family member. While it was a short visit it was a visit that kind of made me mad in a slight way. While I won't go into ALL of the details here is what I have to say. 1) if you are not there, do not tell what you think, based on what you believe. 2) don't tell people something then become defensive when you are called out wrong still trying to make yourself right 3) you were wrong to begin with so please don't try to back pedal and make yourself right. 4) again you were not there, you have no clue, don't tell blaten lies. This all stems from one conversation but I am sick and tired of being told otherwise. I am sick of basically being told that I am clueless. When I was the one there. I'm tired of the conversation being told wrong each and every time.

Merry.....happy holidays

noreply@blogger.com (starlightmommy) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 16:02:00 +0000

I'd like to wish each and everyone of you a happy holiday season. I'm gonna be sporadic in my posting in the coming days.

Too Tired

noreply@blogger.com (starlightmommy) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 22:44:00 +0000

Seems these days I am almost too tired to blog post. Things have gone awry in our household. We've got a serious case of "I am the oldest, I am going to do this no matter what, I won't be told no" and a case of "monkey see monkey do."

The other night my son pulled the towel rack out of the wall in their bathroom. Why? He used it as a monkey bar. But little sister had to tell us that it was broken because he went and hid.

The other day my kids broke my sweeping broom. It wasn't the idea that it was now broken but it was irritating to find it myself hidden in my daughters closet with clothes on top of it. They paid for a new one out of their piggy banks.

It's just been busy here.

So check back. I will try to post more.

Donating

noreply@blogger.com (starlightmommy) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 16:23:00 +0000

Stuff surrounds me. However, this isn't a post about the clutter that surrounds my desk. I did once have a teacher though (she taught Art) that had a sign on her desk "a clean desk is a sign of a sick mind." While I'd rather not adhere to the "clean desk" I would certainly settle for a cleaner more organized desk. But again, I'm not talking my desk.

I am talking about things that are not used any more, things that have been replaced, and clothing that I don't care to ever fit in again. Over the course of the last 18 hours I have packed away a back seat of stuff and driven it to a donation location. And today I have another box.

Today's box is brought to you by something in my house that got upgraded.....my pots and pans. While they have served me well over the last 8 years. I desired an upgrade. I desired something more lasting and of better quality. My old ones......I'm selfish. They still have use in them. They still have the ability to be loved. And for that person who needs something but can't afford better.....this is the set for them. Still donating quality.

Making a List, Checking it Twice

noreply@blogger.com (starlightmommy) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 15:46:00 +0000

Or Not......

The other day we were driving over to pick my sister in law up and her two kids. They had dropped their car off for repairs and didn't want to sit all day or rely on the shuttle to get the home. I don't blame them. In turn, I had a great great great great time with her and kids. We spent all day together which never happens. It was good.

Anyway, back to the story, my kids and I were talking about Christmas Lists. I said well, we can add it to your Christmas list or a Birthday list. That is when my son said "Mom, you know I don't care what I get, I like anything." Seriously the only thing he has asked for on end was a Belt. Santa will have a belt for him on Christmas.

At 5 years old this kid is wise. He understands that gifts are gifts. They are not obligations. He is fully ok with getting "whatever" because he truly does like anything. He has a huge imagination and he can figure out what to do with most anything.

My son also understands working and gift giving comes at a price.

Somedays, I wish I were as wise as my son. I love that kid.

Company Christmas + Kids

noreply@blogger.com (starlightmommy) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 01:37:00 +0000

I was really nervous about taking my kids to the Christmas party with my husbands company. Though, there was very little other choice. It boiled down to either not go, part of us not go, or go and take the kids. We chose the latter and I could not be more pleased.

My kids did amazing. We had a little rowdy bout. I sat us at the very end of the line near the outside. Sure we had to walk through ALL the people to get anywhere, but it was worth it. No one was forced to sit next to us or our kids.

Coworkers got to meet the whole family. It was so very nice. While I don't think it was the ideal solution it was the perfect solution for our family.

Work Ethic

noreply@blogger.com (starlightmommy) — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 20:02:00 +0000

My son is 5 1/2 years old. One day we drove down to daddy's office to pick him up from work. While his sister fell asleep, he devised a plan. He wanted to work. He wanted to ask his memaw if he could do some jobs for her and make money.

What.....a work ethic. Do something for your own good and get rewarded with pay? Wow, what a thought err novel idea?

The next day we talked to memaw about this great plan. She was in. We set a date and on that afternoon he went to work. He did things that memaw surely could have done on her own, but appreciated the help of a little boy. An eager little boy. A boy who came up with this idea all on his own.

I asked him "Son what do you need money for?" He simply replied "I need to buy a present for my sister."

Wow, my son not only came up with this plan ALL ON HIS OWN but he wanted to be totally unselfish with his hard earned money.

I pat myself on the back.
I must be doing something right.

A teeny bit irked

noreply@blogger.com (starlightmommy) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 15:47:00 +0000

Well, I had a whole blog worked up in my head about how I was irked. I was upset because I felt as though someone simply did not give a flying monkey about others.

However before I could even write the 5th line of my blog post God intervened. I got a message. I didn't get exactly the answer I wanted but I didn't get a NO either which for me is a big plus.

So today I am NOT a teeny bit irked.